My Soldier - Missing Home

Last Minute.. Everything

A/N ~~ Not feeling great today, Mental Health sucks rn! But I hope you enjoy some Harley and Maisie time and emotional an Olsen.. Hope you all have an amazing day!

~~Sunday Morning, L.A.~~

Lizzie POV

The last few days have been a struggle not being at work and mostly on my own since everyone is travelling home for the Holidays. I've had a lot of time to myself and that is never good for my anxiety. Having work was the best distraction to keep my mind away from worrying about Harley but now I am not working and I have nothing to do for work since I got it done in one day this week, I am stuck trying to keep myself busy but no matter what I try and do, I always end up sitting and worrying about Harley. It's been a few days since I last heard from her and it's starting to worry me.. I haven't even had a text and I hate it. I rang Scarlett yesterday to try and get her help with my spiralling thoughts and she quickly helped comfort me before she put Rose on the phone to cheer me up for the next 3 hours as she talked to me about anything she could think of. It was adorable and deffinently helped my mood for the rest of the day as I manage to finish my Christmas shopping online so everything would be delivered today so I know I have everything. I was so thankful earlier in the week when I managed to catch Stuart on the phone to ask him about which camera I should buy for Harley. He gave me the best advice and basically told me to pick between two different ones. We then spent some time catching up and soon enough, Maisie joined in and we all spent an hour or two catching up properly which was really nice. We talked about Harley a little and it seemed to get to all of us that she hasn't been in touch the past couple of days but before we could get upset, Stuart started talking about Christmas and I can't wait to see them when Harley comes home since Maisie gave me no choice but to come visit before I go back to work which made me just smile and laugh at her.

So with Stuart's help I picked a camera and ordered it for Harley, getting the huge green light from Stuart with the idea too, as well as Maisie so I am glad I thought of it. I got her something else too which I hope she likes, as well as another Hoodie to add to the collection Maisie told me she got for her Birthday as a joke since I steal them all from her Big Sister which made me laugh so much that they all notice it but just let me anyways. I have everyone else's presents ready to wrap, besides a couple of Maisie's and Stuart's which I ordered yesterday but everything should arrive today so I am not too worried. I let myself lie in today before knowing I had a lot of wrapping and cards to write out so I eventually got out of bed and did a lazy morning routine then got myself wrapped in some of Harley's clothes since I am sad and missing her. I made some coffee and breakfast for myself and sat at the table with my phone to check my messages as I ate and listened to the radio quietly in the background. As much as I love Christmas and everything about it, something about this year already feels different. Knowing I have someone so special in Harley spending Christmas in another Country working so hard feels wrong. I hate the fact she won't be here or even in London. I wish I could just go and get her to bring her home with me.. I was hoping for a typical cheesy Christmas with her, cuddled up watching Christmas Movies with a fluffy blanket and hot chocolate. I've never had that with someone but with Harley she is so sweet and will do anything just to see me smile. Even if it means we are in cute matching pyjamas with our names on. She'd do it in a heartbeat..

When I eventually felt ready and like I had some energy, I pulled out all the Christmas presents I already have and got started on wrapping and labelling them so I don't get any mixed up. I decided to make myself some hot chocolate and turned on a Movie in the background as I ended up sitting on the living room floor surrounded by presents and wrapping paper but slowly I started to feel a little more excited. I love giving presents to my loved ones and seeing them open them. It's one of my favourite parts of Christmas Day. As I got started wrapping, the doorbell rang here and there with presents getting delivered which I am so thankful for. I hate not being prepared and waiting until the last minute so once I have them all, I feel a lot more relaxed. I can't help but take a look at Harley's camera as soon as it arrives and I am in awe already. It's beautiful and I can't wait to be able to give it to her. But seeing the camera only reminds me that she's not going to be here to open it for at least another week and my heart starts to ache again. Only this time I just let myself feel everything as I wrap the extra long sleeves of her hoodie around my body. My eyes watering instantly as I start to feel all my emotions and worries at once. So many negative thoughts rushing to the front of my mind about her but I just let it happen. I know sometimes I just need to let it out so I do. Wishing she was here to hold me and tell me everything is going to be okay but she's not. She's so far away.. I hate this feeling but I know it will get easier the more I face it head on. I know she will always come home to me. She promised. But just as I start to spiral again, my phone begins to ring so I wipe away my tears and answer it as soon as I see who it is ringing..

Lizzie - "Hi Mom.."

Jarnie - "Oh that's not a happy voice.. What's wrong Liz?"

Lizzie - "I'm just, in my feelings wrapping Harley's Christmas presents.."

Jarnie - "Oh baby I know it's hard but she will be home so soon to see you again."

Lizzie - "I know I just, I wish she was going to be here.. I miss her so much."

Jarnie - "I know you do Liz. She'll be missing you just as much if not more."

Lizzie - "I wish I could go get her and bring her home.."

Jarnie - "We all do sweetie. I can't wait to meet her! But until then, we will be together and thinking of her."

Lizzie - "Yeah your right.. Thanks Mom."

"It's what I am here for Sweetie. Now, have you packed a bag for tomorrow yet?" I smile and wipe away my tears at her quick change in tone. "Not yet but it's next on the list after I finish wrapping presents." I assure her and she laughs lightly on the phone. "Good. Are you still bringing some fresh fruit for my crumble?" I can't help but laugh, she always knows how to cheer me up without having to try I swear. "Yes they are already in a container in the fridge ready to pick up before I leave tomorrow." I tell her confidently and I can hear her beaming smile through the phone. "Great now go get those presents wrapped up and try not to let those feelings of yours keep getting the better of you sweetie. And if you want to come here early tomorrow so your not on your own, I don't mind at all. Whatever you need, your family is here." I smile and feel my eyes welling up again at my Mom's sweet words. "Thanks Mom. I might just do that but I will text you to let you know." She hums in agreement before we say goodbye and come off the phone so I can get back to wrapping these presents. I manage to get them all done and finished before packing what I need to take with me tomorrow in a bag and then leaving the rest in a seperate bag in the living room with Harley's, Stuart's and Maisie's presents ready for when she is home. Once I make sure all the presents are where they need to be, I tidy away the living room before moving to get my small suitcase to pack up for my stay at Mom's. I love staying with my Mom and Sisters every year for Christmas but as I am packing my bag up I can't help but think about some day being able to host Christmas with Harley in our own home. Maybe it's too soon to be thinking like this but something in me knows that Harley is it for me. She is my forever.. And I can't wait to spend my life with her.


~~Sunday Afternoon, London~~

Normal POV

I finally manage to come off the phone with Ashley. My smile never faltering when I do as I slowly get up from my bed and make my way downstairs to talk to Dad and Maisie. I slowly make my way downstairs, feeling every muscle in my body already aching but I carry on and walk into the kitchen where they are both sitting drinking hot chocolate. I sit down at the table and Dad quickly offers me something to drink but I decline, knowing we need to talk. "Hey can I talk to you both about something?" I ask the room and they both turn to look at me with the same slightly worried expression on their faces which makes me laugh a little. "It's nothing serious don't worry." I assure them as they both sit down and get comfortable to give me their full attention. "What's up Kiddo?" Dad asks and I take a quick breathe, suddenly feeling a little nervous. "How would you both feel if I spend Christmas Day with Lizzie in L.A.?" I ask carefully and watch to see both their faces change from serious to beaming smiles. "What?" I question seeing them share a look between themselves. "We were hoping you would Harley! It's your first Christmas together, you should be together!" Maisie quickly explains and I let out a sigh in relief. "Really?" I check and they both laugh lightly. "Of course Kiddo. Plus, we know how much Lizzie wanted you to meet her family and they all get together for Christmas so it's the perfect opportunity for you." Dad comforts me and I am so thankful for these two being in my life. "Thanks.. I was expecting you both to be upset." I explain my slight nerves and they both laugh at me again. "We support you through anything Harley. No matter what. That's what we all do for each other, always." Dad offers and I can't help my smile growing even more at his words. I am so lucky to have the family I do..

"So, what's the plan?" Maisie asks as she leans forward, completely invested making me chuckle as Dad does the same. "Well, I just spoke to Ashley and she told me what her plans were and we made a plan once I told her I am home and want to surprise her." I begin and they both smile and listen intently as I continue. "Plan is that I will fly in on Christmas morning and Ash will pick my up from the Airport and drive me to her Mom's place before getting Lizzie outside somehow and I'll be there waiting for her." I explain our rough plan and they both seem as excited as I am. "Sounds good, so your not going to tell her your home at all?" Maisie asks and I shake my head. "She is going to kill you after she hugs you." Maisie teases and I try not to laugh but she's completely right. "I know but it will be worth it for the surprise." I shoot back and they both nod in agreement. "So what do you need to do before then?" Dad asks, being the more practical one out of us all. "I need to wash my Kit, pack a bag, oh and I need presents! Shit!" I quickly realise there is no way I am turning up Christmas morning with no presents. Okay now I am stressed! "Calm down Harley.. You have time. Why don't you book your ticket now then I can run you into Town so you can get some presents? I doubt you'll want to be shopping tomorrow it will be crazy busy.." Dad suggests and I nod my head slowly. "Yeah good point, okay I can do that. Maisie? Shopping buddy?" I ask and she quickly jumps up and down excitedly on her seat. "Say no more. I'll go get ready! We can do this Sis!" She yells as she rushes off to get changed and I burst out laughing with Dad at her. What have I created in her..

Dad makes me another coffee to keep me awake since my jet lag is creeping in as I open my laptop up to book my plane ticket. Thankfully, I manage to get one that arrives in L.A for around 10:00am Christmas morning which is perfect so I book a seat and send the paperwork to Dad so he can print it off for me whilst I am shopping. "Alright ticket booked, I'm going to get changed. You sure about driving us into Town Dad?" I check and he quickly nods his head. "Of course it'll be quicker for you both." I smile and rush off upstairs to get changed into some jeans and a hoodie, remembering the weather change before slipping on some trainers and heading downstairs where Maisie and Dad are sitting ready for me. "Ready to go?" I ask and Maisie hops off her seat eager to go as she grabs her coat and opens the door. "Let's go." Dad cheers as he grabs his coat and passes me my leather jacket on the way out before I lock up behind us and we all head to the car. I let Maisie in the front like always and climb in the back seat. It doesn't take us long to get into Town and Dad drops us off, telling us to be careful before we wave him off and Maisie quickly attaches herself to my side seeing how busy it actually is as we start walking towards our first stop. Barbershop! As soon as we arrive Maisie laughs and comes in with me, thankfully it's not too busy so I'm straight in the chair. It's not my usual barbers but I've come here a few times so I don't mind coming here and as soon as the other barber comes out he recognises me and comes over to catch up. I tell him I'm just home from being in Nepal and they both quickly ask about the Earthquake, hearing about it on the news so we fall into conversation as Maisie keeps herself busy on her phone as always.

I feel so much better after a hair cut and Maisie is quick to compliment my non-homeless look before we make our way to start shopping properly, Maisie cuddled into my side as we make our way through the crowds. "Okay who do you have to buy for Sis?" Maisie asks as we take a turn and decide we need some festive coffees to help us think. I take a second to think as Maisie gets out her phone to make a note of who we need to buy for. "Okay so you and Dad, Lizzie, Emily and then there is Lizzie's family." I go through in my head as Maisie types a list into her phone the little smartarse. "So Lizzie's family consists of?" She checks and I think as I look over the menu for some drinks. "Mom, Dad, MK, Ash, and her Brother Trent is all I know of right now.. Oh she has half siblings but I have no idea about them and I don't think they visit at Christmas anyways. Maybe." I ramble making Maisie laugh as she looks through the list. "Okay we can do this. Dad mentioned needing a new laptop for work so we can get one for him from us. Dad is buying Emily a new MacBook so we could buy her something different, maybe some nice jewellery or something? And I would love some new clothes." Maisie rambles and I can't help but laugh at her random brainstorming but I will take it since my head is not with me right now. "Okay so Laptop for Dad, jewellery for Emily and you can choose your own since your here. Now, Lizzie and her family?" I offer and she quickly types in our ideas before I get to the counter to order our drinks. I pay for them and move us to the end to wait for them to be made as Maisie finishes typing on her phone so we can come up with some ideas.

"Okay let's start with the girls. You can't go wrong with some of those pamper sets so what about for the Twins get them some nice fancy pamper sets with some chocolates and candles. They work constantly with The Row and stuff so it'll be nice getting them something they can use to relax." Maisie brainstorms and I am so thankful she can think on her feet like this. "Great idea. Write it down we'll go with that. What about her Mom? I need to impress her more than anyone.." I say worriedly and Maisie giggles beside me before she looks up and sees that I am serious. "Okay sorry, so.. Call me cheesy but what about a fluffy dressing gown and maybe something for the kitchen if she is the cook of the family?" I chuckle at her scrunched up concentration face as she thinks as I grab our coffees and hand her one. "Sounds good to me. Apparently she loves to cook so we can look for something as we go." I agree and she smiles as she types one handed, sipping her cold coffee as I wrap my free arm around her and hold her close as we go back out and I look to see what shops are where before we head to get Dad's laptop first whilst we carry on brainstorming. "Okay so Dad and Trent. Anything you know about them?" She asks as I start looking at the laptops on display. "Not much really.." I offer and she hums as I start reading into the laptop infront of me. "What about something simple? Aftershave sets? Maybe a bottle of something?" She suggests and I nod my head as I try and flag someone down, managing to find a laptop perfect for what Dad needs it for. "Sounds good sis. Lock it in." I tease making her laugh as she hands me her coffee to hold as she finishes her list. "We make a good team Sis." She jokes back as she takes her coffee back and we make our first purchse for Dad.

After a few more shops, we manage to get some pamper and aftershave sets, as well as a cute chopping board with "Made With Love" engraved into it. I also picked up some perfumes for her Mom, MK and Ash, as well as spotting the perfume Lizzie uses so I got her a bottle too. Maisie also got a bottle since she found one she likes before we managed to get a dressing gown and some clothes for Maisie next door, as well as two Christmas sweaters for myself since Ashley made sure to tell me it's a tradition for everyone to wear Christmas jumpers at her Mom's house so I got two since I couldn't decide which one to get. We then got to a really nice jewellery store so we got some earrings and necklace for Emily before I spotted some stunning Emerald Green Earrings that would match with the necklace I bought Lizzie so I bought them without hesitation. Maisie approved as soon as I showed her so I knew she'd like them. We then passed the tailors I use and I decided to have a look inside to see if I could find something new to wear for Christmas morning and luckily I managed to get something Maisie approved of so I was happy with that as we checked our list. "We are bossing this list Sis. Dad, done. Emily, done. Me, done. Lizzie's fam, done. Just Lizzie to go. What else do you need for her?" Maisie asks and I stop to think and realise I already bought her something weeks ago that should be at home. "Nothing I have everything for her." I say even surprising myself and Maisie looks at me waiting for me to explain. "I ordered her something weeks ago which Dad should have signed for when it got here. Plus her perfume and Earrings.." I ramble and Maisie smiles and nods her head. "So we're done?" I nod my head and smile. "We smashed it Maize!" I tease as we start walking towards the car park as Maisie rings Dad to come get us.

We finally make it home and I dump the bags from my arms in the kitchen before slumping into a chair, my body hates me but I still have so much to do. I look up at the clock and see it's nearing 7pm so I know I need to get moving and not sit for long or I will never get any sleep. "Successful shopping trip?" Dad asks as he gets started on some tea to warm us up. "Yeah we smashed it. Got everything we needed too and Harley even got a new outfit." Maisie beams making me smile as Dad chuckles at her. "Good to hear. My girls make a good team. Now Harley, I printed your tickets off and they are on my desk for when you get your bag ready. What else do you have to do?" Dad tells me and I smile at him keeping me on track with his impeccable organisational skills. "I have to wash my Kit, or at least get it in to soak overnight, wrap all those presents and then pack my bags for L.A." I list off in my overly tired voice making him laugh lightly as he slides me a cup of tea across the table. "Okay so soak your Kit in the bathroom upstairs overnight, then we can wash it tomorrow. Wrap the presents tonight so you remember what is what and you know what you need to take with you and leave here, then you can pack your clothes and stuff for L.A. tomorrow when you've had some sleep." He suggests and it sounds good to me. "Yep okay, I'll do that." I agree and Maisie just giggles beside me. "Hopefully you won't fall asleep between doing all that Sis." She teases and I just flip her off, not having the energy to do anything else. "You also need something to eat. Why don't I order us something so by the time you have done everything, you can have something to eat then head to bed?" Dad offers and I nod my head. "Sounds like a plan." He nods and I slowly make my way upstairs, my tea in one hand and shopping bags in the other. Hoping I don't trip and fall down the stairs on my way.

TWO HOURS LATER!

Two Hours Later and I finally have everything wrapped, labelled and put into the right pile in my bedroom. I hate wrapping presents, even more so when I am barely awake. I officially hate tape and I hate wrapping paper even more. I should have bought bags.. But it's done and now I really need some food and sleep. And as if on cue I hear Maisie shouting up the stairs to let me know the food has arrived. I call back and let her know I will be down in a minute since I still have to put my Kit in the bath to soak so once I lift myself up off my bedroom floor, I move to my bags and empty everything out that needs washed and take it to the other bathroom so I can leave it all to soak overnight. As soon as I make sure all the Kit is covered in detergent and hot water, I wash up and head downstairs to the kitchen where Dad and Maisie are waiting for me with the food already out on the table. The smell of greasy pizza and garlic sauce is all I can smell as I join them and get comfortable before we all dig in. "Have you managed to get everything wrapped Kiddo?" Dad asks and I nod my head, still amused at how much I struggled. "What happened?" Maisie quickly catches onto my mood and I huff and put my slice of pizza down. "Well, I nearly lost at least four fingers with the scissors, forgot to even label the first 3 presents I wrapped so I had open them to check what they were and then I had to re-wrap them. Oh and don't get me started on the tape wars I had I swear it's worse than trying to use clingfilm!" I ramble making both Maisie and Dad laugh before I stuff my face with more pizza. "You need a decent nights sleep Kiddo before you combust." Dad jokes a little sympathetically and I just nod my head in agreement. Dad tells us the plans for tomorrow since Emily is coming to stay overnight ready for Christmas as we finish our food and I make short work of the bottle Dad opened for me. It's good to be home..

"Right, I'm going to bed. I'll see you both in the morning." I announce after helping clear away the kitchen after dinner. "Alright Kiddo, make sure you get plenty of sleep. Emily isn't coming until lunch time so have yourself a good lie in yeah?" Dad says as he comes to wrap his arms around me. I accept the much needed hug easily and nod against his shoulder. "Will do. Thanks for dinner." I mumble before I pull away and see his small smile. "Anytime. Now go before you collapse and I have to carry you to bed." He jokes and I just laugh as I turn around and get myself a bottle of water from the fridge before Maisie comes for her cuddle. I rest my head on top of hers and she buried her head into my chest. "It's good to have you home again Sis." She mumbles and I smile and kiss her head. "Thanks Maize, it's good to be home again. Thank you for helping me shop." I reply and I feel her smile before she hugs me even tighter. I squeeze her back before she finally pulls away. "Go to bed!" She orders and I salute jokingly before she begins to push me out the kitchen. I laugh as she struggles when I lean back slightly before I get to the bottom of the stairs and she walks away laughing. I make my way back up to my room, not even looking at the mess on my floor as I step over it and get some clothes to get changed into. Once I am ready for bed I grab my new phone box and climb under the blanket, turning on a film on the TV before I start setting up my new phone. There's no way I am transferring everything over tonight so I get it set up and on charge ready to do in the morning then settle back against my extremely soft pillows. I hate how different my bed feels after being away but I am too tired to worry about it.

I send a message to Ashley, letting her know my ticket is booked and what time I should get there for so she can plan everything on her end before sending a message to Lizzie. Hating not being able to tell her I am home but I know it will be worth it when I see her Christmas morning. After going through most of my messages, I can feel my eyes getting heavy as the jetlag is getting the best of my body. I put my phone to the side to charge overnight and try my best to get comfortable on the soft mattress but it's proving difficult so I give up and turn my attention to Ironman 2 playing on the TV, hoping if I just stay still long enough my body will give in and let me sleep. My mind begins to wander as I'm lying back in bed, flashbacks from the last 11 weeks slowly creeping to the front of my mind. Both good and bad. I know it's going to be struggle for the next few days to try and switch off enough to sleep, but I know as soon as I am with Lizzie, I will feel so much better. She has this way of being able to calm my thoughts with just one touch. As soon as she is in my arms, I sleep better than I ever have before I met her. I know I need to talk to her about some of the things I have been through whilst being away, I haven't told her everything, not wanting her to worry too much but now I am home, I can talk to her properly. She is my safe place and I know she will be understanding like she always is. This is my first time being home with her being a huge part of my life and I just hope she doesn't get scared off when I start to have my nightmares or end up sleeping on the floor every night until my body adjusts. I can't wait to meet her Mom and the rest of her family in the next couple of days, she always talks so highly of her Mom and I want her to like me. I'm slightly worried about her Dad, some of the things she has said and avoided tells me he isn't a fan of the same-sex relationship thing so I hope it goes okay when we do meet.

She's my future and I never want to think about losing her.. I can't wait to build a life together.