the last time

part eighteen

December 25th

Harry

"For fucks sake, mum. Stop getting up. Stay seated," I say, helping her back to the couch.

"Harry," she scolds. "I don't like that kind of language. Especially on Christmas."

"Well then stay seated. The doctor said to avoid walking too much until he can see you again tomorrow."

Gemma snickers as she sips her tea, "God, you're such a parent."

"Aren't you supposed to be helping? You know mum isn't supposed to be up."

Gemma rolls her eyes at me. "I was using the toilet. Every time I turn around, she's up."

I sigh, "This is a nightmare. I think I'm just going to stay in London until the shooting for Don't Worry Darling begins."

Mum shakes her head as I place a small blanket over her legs.

"Nonsense. Gemma's transfer finally went through so she'll be working from the London offices beginning next year. She quite literally lives down the street, baby. Plus, you've got to get back to Aurora. I know you're just dying to call her."

I feel my face heat up and I turn away quickly. My mum got in a car accident the day after my album was released. Gemma called me super early in the morning and I flew out on the first plane I could find. She broke her leg and had a few bruises but it shook me. It always made all my worries about her living alone resurface.

Gemma threatened to quit if they didn't transfer her to London as soon as possible. Lucky for her, an opening just came up. I helped her buy a small house down the street because mum insisted Gemma should have her own place instead of moving back in. Plus, Gemma's boyfriend may not have liked the idea of living with mum.

"It's still too early in Chicago, mum," I say as I take a seat on the other couch.

"I miss her," Gemma sighs. "Oh! That reminds me!"

She gets up quickly and leaves her mug on the small table under the t.v.. I hear her feet stomp as she runs up the stairs. She returns a few moments later with a small wrapped gift and extends her hands out to me.

"It's from Aurora," she smirks.

I furrow my eyebrows and eye the box suspiciously.

"Go on, take it," she says.

I reluctantly take it, thinking it's a prank from Gemma. Gemma quickly sits down across from me and watches as I look the box over. Mum has a huge smile plastered on her face and I roll my eyes at them both.

I open the box and inside is a little figurine of Princess Aurora. It's only about two inches tall and it has a small string attached to the back. I smile to myself as I take it out of the box and think it would go perfect in my rearview mirror.

Mum gasps, "It's Aurora."

Gemma smirks and sits back in the couch, relaxing. "How adorable."

I nod, "I asked her the first day we met if her parents liked princesses because of her name."

Gemma scrunches her nose, "You're so lame."

"I think it's sweet," Mum says happily.

I shrug, "I didn't get her anything."

"I don't think she expected anything in return, H. Clearly she was just thinking of you," my mum says.

"She's right," Gemma agrees. "She called me two days after you left and said she stumbled upon something for you."