Simply Love [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

 

Harry

 

November 7, 2013

 

Today’s the day I’m telling my family about Lou and I. I’ve decided on it, after a few nights home and overthinking it to the point of next to no sleep, and I’m not letting myself not do it. I’m not going to be talked out of it, and I’m not going to change my mind. I love Louis, and I’ve forgiven but haven’t forgotten, and he’s been a friend for so long that nothing, I’m sure, will change between me and my family.

Granted, I’m sure nothing would change anyway, because they know I’m gay, accept that and are happy with that, so as long as the guy I end up with isn’t an absolute douchebag, they’ll be happy. Louis isn’t a douchebag, so everything will be okay.

I tell myself this all morning up until breakfast, which mum insists on cooking up for a full 9o’clock meal, so by the time breakfast rolls around, I’m ready. The entire family is sitting around the table, Robin, mum, myself and Gemma, who’s taking a break from studying for her exam that’s this afternoon to have a nice breakfast of pancakes and bacon and eggs.

“Haz, how’d you sleep?” Robin asks.

“Not too badly, thanks. Yourself?” I reply, and Robin shrugs his shoulders and indicates ‘so-so’ with his free hand.

“H,” Gem pulls my attention to her. She’s looking at me with a confused expression on her face. “You look stressed or, like, worried.”

“Yeah,” mum agrees. “You feeling off? Something on your mind?” I have everyone’s attention on me now, so I guess now is the time.

“The latter, yeah.” I wipe my mouth with the napkin beside my plate. I put it back down neatly, putting my fork and knife together. I then tug on the collar of my shirt and adjust the few necklaces I’m wearing. Everyone’s still staring at me, but I’m nervous, so fiddling seems appropriate.

“Harry?” Gem presses gently.

“Sorry. Um, yeah. So, you know Louis? Sorry, stupid question. Of course you do, he’s like one of my best mates and he’s in my band and he’s world famous, like me, and he’s been here before and whatever, and, right. Sorry, yeah. Well, you know I’m gay – obviously – and, yeah, so is Louis. And we’re kind of, like, friends? You know? Like, he’s a guy – I’m a guy, we’re friends.” I’m really failing at getting this message across. Confused stares bore relentlessly at me, and I shake my head. “We’re a couple.” Silence ensues, and I ruffle my own hair. “God, we’re dating, boyfriends, a th-” Gemma cuts me off.

“Har, we get it. We’re just a little shocked, is all. We didn’t know Louis was gay. I can’t necessarily speak for the others, but I’m happy for you. Elated. You’ve loved him for ages, as a friend I know, and now… Wow, this is great!”

“Congratulations,” Robin smiles, nodding his head approvingly. Maybe I don’t value his opinion as much as I would if it were instead my birth father sitting next to my mother, but he’s as good as I’ve got to a father in this house and he’s a great guy, so it’s reassuring to know he’s happy and approving of it. I turn to my mother now, who’s smiling wide.

“Harry, I’m so happy for you!” She’s excited and absolutely delighted, which really makes me thrilled. Left behind is my worry and nervousness, now replaced by joy and euphoria.