Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 26

Aurora

As the days went on I got to spend more and more time with both Harry and Odysseus. They were both well aware of my actions. Of course neither of them objected. I was well aware of my actions as well. I know what I was doing wasn't fair. To either of them. It was wrong, but I didn't want to give either of them up. Not yet. Eventually I would have to chose just one, it was already a tough enough decision, that is mainly why I was holding on. I needed more time to make my decision and as much as I didn't want to make a decision, I had to.

Today Harry and I were having dinner at my place. With Layla of course. I want her to get used to having him around. When the time comes it will be easier to ease into. I cleaned up the kitchen countertops and set he table after preparing spaghetti and meatballs. It was the simplest meal that would be ready in less than an hour.

"Mommy what is your friend's name?"

"His name is Harry." Layla's eyes lit up at the sound of the name, her lips curving into a smile "like daddy's name?"

"Yes baby. Sit here and wait okay, I'll go check the door." As I went to check the front door, the other door connecting to the upstairs home opened. Odyssey came inside carrying a plate.

"I brought down left overs for you and Layla." She went into the kitchen and placed the plate down on the already set table.

"You cooked?"

"Just spaghetti, Harry is coming over for dinner." She pursed her lips and nodded, but refrained from commentary. The doorbell rang once more. Odyssey stayed behind with Layla as I went to answer the door. I smiled at the sight of Harry standing opposite of me. He wore black dress pants and a white button up with a sweater over.

"Hey,"

"Hey. Come in."

When we got to the kitchen Harry was greeted by Layla. She stood in front of him, staring up at him with her hands clasped behind her back and a big smile on her face. "Hi, I'm Layla Alaska Styles. Are you mommy's friend Harry?"

"I am. It's nice to see you again Layla Alaska Styles." Harry lightly pinched her cheek with a smile. After the little greeting we all sat down at the table. Odyssey still stood by the counter. She and Harry made eye contact for a few seconds before parting gazes.

Odyssey pushed herself from against the counter, "I'll be upstairs it you need anything."

I stopped her, "Why don't you stay and join us?" She looked between the three of us before shaking her head no. "I already ate. You guys enjoy your dinner."

"Please." I wanted Odyssey to get along with Harry. I needed her to. I may not know it now, but I can feel Harry is going to be apart of my life again. Having my best friend hating him will only make things worse. I realize I can't change the way she feels about Harry, but I can take the time to show her he's a changed man. We are all adults now.

Odyssey nodded. She grabbed a plate before taking a seat next to me. The four of us ate in silence, a comfortable one, making small talk here and there. Layla was busy interrogating Harry with ridiculous questions, Harry tried answering them to the best of his ability. I was busy watching over Odyssey who was busy watching over Harry. There was a tension with the two; for obvious reasons, but I can feel something else to was the matter.

I understood why Odyssey disliked Harry at the moment, but it seemed her dislikeness was growing more and more each day. It was confusing because she was the one who brought Harry back into our lives. She dealt with personal and legal issues involving him and his ex wife. She agreed to babysit his kids while he went out of town. So what was the issue? I wasn't understanding how her hatred towards him could be so strong. There was more to the story then she was letting on. It was obvious. I just couldn't put my finger on it.

The sound of Layla asking Harry yet another question caught my attention, "Can me and Harper play dollhouse again?"

Harry was fighting back a smile, he pinched her cheek once again, he seemed to love that "of course you can anytime. Just make sure to ask your mommy first."

Layla turned to me, "Mommy can I go to Harpers house so we can play dollhouse?"

"How about if Harper comes here. That way you don't have to carry all the toys around." It was a bad idea for me to let Layla go over to Harry's. Especially now that Priscilla was back. I don't know how she would feel about Layla being over at her house, but I'm sure it won't be welcoming and I refuse to let my daughter go somewhere she wasn't welcomed.

Harry agreed to the arrangement, we were to set a date for when it was best for the two to meet up. Soon after we were done with dinner and decided to cut the night short. Odyssey took Layla to her bedroom while I bid goodnight to Harry.

He stood leaning against the front door, "Thank you for having me over tonight, I really did have a good time. With Alaska as well, she's a talker that one."

"Yes she is." I smiled at the thought. Layla could go hours talking about everything and nothing. It was one of the many things I loved about her; she definitely knew how to keep a conversation going.

"If you give me the chance to get to know her I promise you I'll never hurt her."

"I know you won't."

"I'll be there for her, always."

I reached down for his hand, discreetly lacing his fingers with mine, "Do you promise?"

"I promise."