but the wait will be worth it

chapter fifty seven

My mom greeted us as if we had both just come home from fighting in the war.

"Harry! Come here darling, I've missed you so much!"

I rushed in the door, carrying both mine and Louis's bags. Louis trailed behind, before spotting my sister at the end of the hall.

"Gemma!" He yelled.

"Louis!" My sister rushed to the door before wrapping Louis into a huge hug.

I smiled while watching them and set our bags down at the bottom of the stairs. The house smelled like pumpkin spice, cookies baking, and my mum's lavender candles. Just as I had remembered it to.

A frame sat on a key table by the door, one that hadn't been there before. I was home only two months ago, for the holidays, although I sometimes still failed to notice new things around the house. I strolled over and picked up the picture. It was a photo of me from about first grade, holding a sign that read, 'Happy Mother's Day.'

After catching up with my sister, Louis creeped in from behind me and wrapped his arms around my stomach. He grinned against my neck, admiring the younger photo of me in the frame.

He laughed to himself. "Look at you," he mumbled.

I blushed, looking away from the photo. Louis smiled and took my face in his hand, squishing my cheeks together with his fingers.

"You're still cute though," he mumbled in a baby voice. I rolled my eyes and kissed him lightly, not minding if anyone saw.

Walking into the kitchen, I noticed that my mum had some music playing. 'Feeling the Same Way,' by Norah Jones. Same as in the coffee shop earlier.

I began unloading my bag of gifts, placing each one on the table. A present for my mum, my sister, my stepdad... then a few for my younger cousins, aunts, and uncles. I've made it quite a habit to always bring gifts home when traveling. Sweden gift shops had quite the selection.

While setting them out, I noticed that Louis had thrown some in as well, for members of my family. I pulled out a gift bag with the words: To: Lindsay, Love Louis. I smiled at that, and turned back to Louis who was then speaking with my mum.

I moved over and stood beside him, taking his hand. Louis smiled before going back into conversation with my mum.

"Oh Louis, don't worry. I surely didn't expect everyone to bring an item of food," my mum laughed.

"But still, even a dessert would've been thoughtful. Sorry... I'm just shit at baking."

I elbowed Louis with a surprised face. "Louis... watch your mouth," I mumbled underneath my breath.

My mum laughed once more. "Oh, stop it Harry. He can say what he likes, you're not his mum," she grinned. I rolled my eyes before leaning my head onto Louis' shoulder with a yawn.

"It's true, though," I mumbled, becoming sleepy. "He is a lousy chef."

Louis, seemingly annoyed even as I had only repeated his words, dropped my hand and turned to the kitchen with a sarcastic smile. My mum followed, watching as Louis picked up a present from the table.

He held up the gift. "This is from me for Lindsay. Do you think she'll like a toy doll? I found it in Paris last year, and just thought of her. Harry wouldn't take it home to her on Christmas."

I scoffed as my mum brought a hand to her heart and smiled. "Oh, Louis, you didn't need to. That is so kind of you."

Louis shrugged and I yawned once more. With my eyes becoming tired, I grabbed my suitcase in one hand.