My Soldier - Missing Home

Long Flights

A/N ~~ Sorry for the slightly longer wait, been a really rough week but I'm back with a longer Chapter to make up for it! Also wanted to say a huge Thank You for all the well wishes I have had, it means so much to see all your kind words and they really do keep me going so thank you <3


~~Christmas Eve, London~~

Normal POV

As soon as my eyes begin to flicker open, my body jolts up ready for another day at the Medical Centre, but when I look around, my eyes take in my surroundings and I slowly realise I am in my room at home in London. It takes a minute for my mind to register that I don't need to go to work before my body deflates and I start to relax again. I sit back against my headboard, knowing I am not going back to sleep anytime soon so I let myself wake up slowly as I reach for my phone to check the time and for any messages I might have. It's late morning so I know I've managed to get a decent nights sleep, my eyes start to look through the messages on my screen before I start to open them to reply. I see one from Ashley letting me know she is already finding it hard not saying anything about our surprise which makes me laugh before I warn her I will hunt her down if she gives me away before tomorrow. I see a message from Tom which makes me smile as I see a picture of him at home with his Brothers. I send him a quick reply before reading some messages Lizzie has sent whilst I have been asleep. I hate seeing that she is missing me as she packs her bags to go to her Mom's, saying that I should be with her. I want nothing more than to ring her and tell her I'll be there but I want it to be a surprise and I know if she knows I am home, she will want to see me and knowing how she can be, she would consider coming here rather than being with her Family today and that's the last thing I want. I want her to be with her family and this way, I have time with Maisie and Dad before leaving for L.A. So I send her a small reply as if I am still in Nepal, letting her know I am safe and well so she doesn't worry then sit back to start setting up my new phone, thankfully, it's not the first time I have done this so I know how to transfer everything over.

As soon as it is all set up, I make sure everything is there before turning off my old phone and putting it in my draw just in case I ever need it or realise something didn't send over. My body feeling a lot more awake now so I slowly get myself out of bed and head to the bathroom to take a quick shower and get myself ready for the day. After my shower and morning routine I come back out and get out some joggers and a hoodie since it's a little colder than what I have been used too. I make sure my hair isn't a complete mess before slipping on some socks and head downstairs to join Dad and Maisie. I hear her voice coming from the kitchen so I head in that direction and join them at the table. "Good morning Kiddo. Sleep well?" Dad asks as he grabs my mug from the cupboard. "Yeah once I managed to get comfortable." I reply and he smiles and nods his head. "Nice phone Sis." Maisie teases seeing my new phone infront of me on the table and I catch Dad's smile grow. "Thanks Maize. Thankfully it didn't take long to set up." I reply and she smiles before Dad hands me a coffee. "Breakfast?" He offers and I nod my head eagerly making him smile. "Yes please, Thanks Dad." I hug my hands around the hot coffee and fall into conversation with Maisie as Dad makes what smells like some sort of omelette as he hums along to the Christmas songs playing on the radio. After I have some breakfast, we all decide to move into the living room with some hot chocolate to watch a Christmas film together whilst we wait for Emily. Maisie decides she wants to share my blanket and sofa so she snuggles into me once I am comfortable and wraps us both up before taking some selfies of us on my new phone since the camera is incredible. She tries out some of the filters and Dad just laughs at us from his chair before we finish and sit back to watch the film together with the fire crackling away keeping us all warm as The Grinch plays on the TV.

Just as the film finishes, we all hear a knock at the door before it opens so we all slowly get up from our cosy positions to greet Emily in the kitchen. I hang back a little since Dad told me he hadn't told her I am home yet so after I hear Maisie greet her I gently walk into the kitchen just as Maisie is pulling away from their hug and instantly I catch Emily's eyes widen in surprise as she lifts her hands up to her cover her mouth to hide her gasp in shock. I can't help but laugh with Dad and Maisie as they move to the side so I can greet Emily. "Hey stranger." I joke as I get closer and she quickly moves to hit my shoulder playfully before pulling me into a tight hug. "What are you doing home so soon!" She asks in a shocked tone making me chuckle as I hug her back before pulling away to catch her wiping a tear from her cheek. "We came home early, I got here yesterday afternoon." I explain and she quickly glares over at Dad. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asks and he quickly steps away making me laugh. "Thought it would be a nice surprise.." He stutters slightly under her gaze and I hear Maisie giggle behind me. "Hm.. Since it's Christmas your both off the hook, for now!" She warns and we quickly hold our hands up in surrender making her laugh as we all move to the table to sit and catch up. She asks how I am after being away before asking about Lizzie and if she knows I am home yet. We all tell her the plans for tomorrow and she beams hearing that I am going to be meeting her family and surprising her with Ashely's help. She then catches me up what I have missed with her and she tells me about work at the hospital before I quickly remember to thank her for my birthday present. She asks for a look at the camera and we all end up taking some pictures making us all laugh at Dad's photo-bombing skills. The laughter filling the room making my heart warm, just one thing missing in my eyes but not long until she is back by my side..

"How about I give out my presents today since I won't be here tomorrow?" I offer as we all move into the living room again and Maisie is quick to say yes so I head upstairs and grab everyone's presents to bring back down. I hand them out to everyone as another film plays on the TV in the background. Once everyone has them they all dive in and open them up, Dad being the first to scold me for getting him something so expensive, which I was expecting since I bought it. I quickly argue back telling him he got me a phone and he tries to fight back but Emily cuts him off, thanking me for her earrings that match the necklace Maisie has for her tomorrow. She knows I can be as stubborn as my Dad so there is no point in trying to argue with me. I get hugs from Emily and Maisie to say thank you before Dad pulls himself away from the laptop box and pulls me into a tight hug, thanking me before they all decide they are going to give me my presents now they have theirs. I try and argue but they don't let me so I open the one from Dad first, which is the entire Game of Thrones book series. I smile remembering when I was talking about buying them myself to read but he beat me to it like always, as well as getting me some more aftershave and some t-shirts. I thank him before opening Emily's present, which is a pair of REALLY nice Ray-ban sunglasses. I can't help but chuckle in confusion as I look over and see her laughing at my expression. "I know your going to be spending more time over in Sunny L.A with Lizzie so I thought you'd need some to help hide you from the paparazzi." She defends and we all laugh at her explanation. "These must have cost a fortune." I say and she waves her hand. "That doesn't matter Harley, you know that. As long as you like them that's all that matters." I smile and head over to thank her, telling her I love them easily before trying them on to make everyone laugh as I open Maisie's presents.

"Thanks Sis.. I can't believe you remembered!" I say surprised as I look down at the trainers infront of me that I picked out when we were shopping weeks ago now. "I do listen, sometimes." She teases and I chuckle as I head over to say thank you for the trainers and clothes she got me before I clear away the mess I made and pile up my presents next to the sofa so I can finish my tea as we all fall into comfortable conversation. Maisie is cuddled into my side with my blanket to keep warm as I just relax into being at home again with my little family. We end up watching another film together before Dad decides on cooking us something to eat. Emily offers to help before I can so I stay with Maisie on the sofa and we talk between watching the TV and Maisie taking some more pictures on her phone this time. She quickly teases sending a picture of us both to her friend Charlotte, knowing she will freak out with her little crush on me. We both laugh at her reply before Dad calls us into the kitchen for food. We all sit at the table and continue talking as we eat our food as Emily asks more about Lizzie's family and who I will get to meet whilst I am there. They all decide on teasing me about having to impress the parents and as much as I know they are trying to settle my nerves, I can't but think about the chance of them not liking me and what that would do to our relationship. As much as it doesn't feel like it, it is still early days for us and I don't want anything to come between us. Dad seems to pick up on my loud thoughts and quickly comforts me, telling me everything will be okay and I am worrying for no reason. Emily and Maisie join him trying to settle my growing nerves before he reminds me I need to pack my bag for L.A. So after I finish my food, I excuse myself to go pack, not wanting to leave it until the last minute. My nerves switching to excitement as I pack up my clothes, knowing I am so close to seeing My Girl..


~~Christmas Eve, L.A.~~

Lizzie POV

After talking with my Mom and hearing her offer for me to drive to her house earlier than I usually do I decided that it would be so much better not being on my own for too long today. I ended up sleeping in a little this morning since I struggled to sleep at all. My thoughts spiralling about Harley again with her missing the Holidays. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but the Holidays are always so special to me being able to spend time with my Family without being busy with work. So knowing she is not going to be here with me on our first Christmas together is starting to get to me more than I thought it would. I never expected to be with someone for Christmas this year but after meeting Harley in London, I never want to be apart from her. She really is my forever. I hope being at Mom's will help me not miss her so much but I just know all I'm going to be thinking about is her and wanting her there by my side. When I eventually got myself out of bed, I lazily got myself ready before making sure I have everything in bags ready to take with me. Once I knew I had everything, I made myself something for breakfast and a coffee then sat at the table to eat. I didn't have much of an appetite but that won't last long since my Mom's cooking always makes me hungry. She is an amazing cook and I can't wait to have some home comforts to make me feel better. When it passes lunch time I decide to get ready to drive to Mom's so I grab the bags and put them in the car before checking all the windows and doors are locked then do anything I need to since I am not coming home for a couple of days. Once I am confident everything is done, I lock up and head out to the car wrapped in Harley's hoodie since it's a little colder today. As soon as I am all set, I begin the drive to Mom's, stopping by the store on the way to get her some flowers like I always do, getting her favourites knowing she will love them.

I can't help the smile growing on my face as I park my car outside and shut off the engine. I can't get out the car quick enough as I see the front door open and Mom's smile appears as she waits for me to get my bags and carry them from the car. As soon as I get up to the front door, I am engulfed in a warm hug which I struggle to reciprocate since my hands are full making Mom laugh. When we pull away, I hand Mom her flowers and her smile grows as she takes them and quickly smells the fresh flowers. "Thank you Sweetie. Come on, come in." She gets me inside and closes the door as I slip off my shoes and carry my bags into the main room to put them down for a minute to give Mom a better hug. She quickly squeezes me tightly and I feel my worries disappearing in her arms. She kisses my head before I pull away and return her smile. "You look beautiful sweetie, and very warm in that big jumper." She teases and I can feel my slight blush thinking about it. "It's Harley's.. I have a growing collection." I say shyly and she quickly giggles and squeezes my tinted cheek. "That's cute." She coos and I smile as I follow her into the kitchen as she puts her flowers into some water and I see all the food on the kitchen tops ready for dinner tomorrow. "How was the drive Liz?" She asks, snapping my eyes away from the food. "Not too bad. Not a lot of traffic thankfully." I reply and she hums as she cuts the stems of the flowers just like I do after watching her for years. "Your Sisters are due later as usual so why don't you go take your bags upstairs then you can help me with some dinner stuff?" She suggests and I nod my head. "Okay Mom." I agree easily and head back to get my bags and take them up to my room, instantly feeling at home when I open the door and put my bags on the bed. I take a minute to just look around the room, my heart warming at the pictures around the walls before I unpack some of my stuff then head back to the kitchen.

Mom quickly puts me to work chopping vegetables as she checks on what she has already cooking. The smell already filling the kitchen is amazing so I can't wait until tomorrow. It doesn't take her long before we end up talking about Harley. I tell her about our last conversation and then the messages that have followed since. It feels nice talking about her with my Mom, even though they haven't met yet, my Mom thinks so highly of her and never has a bad word to say. I can't wait for them to meet, I just know they are going to get along so well. "So are you going to fly to London once she is home?" Mom asks and I still haven't thought about it yet. We said we would talk about everything once she is home so I don't know what is going to happen yet which I don't like but until she comes home, I just have to wait. "I'm not sure. If I am not working I will but if I am back to work she said she will fly to L.A." I explain my thoughts and she hums to let me know she is listening. "Well, I'll be waiting for my visit as soon as she touches down in L.A misses." Mom teases and I giggle at her tone as she points her fork at me. "I know Mom, don't worry, I'll bring her for dinner as soon as I can." I tell her and she just smiles proudly making me laugh. She then asks me about work so we talk about that for a while as I get through all the chopping jobs before being able to sit down with some tea. Mom joins me soon after and we talk about who is coming and when over the next couple of days before we hear a car pulling up outside. I look up and notice how long I've been here and realise it must be the Twins so we both slowly get up and make our way to the front door to greet the two trouble makers as they are getting their bags from the trunk.

"Hey Liz!" MK greets excitedly as she gets to me, dropping her bags as she pulls me into a hug as Ashely does the same with Mom. I greet her back with a huge smile before they swap and Ashley wiggles as she hugs me making me laugh before I help them with their bags and get them inside. We drop the bags in the main room before walking towards the kitchen and we all sit at the table as Mom makes some drinks for everyone. I can't help but notice their grins as they sit down across the table before they start to giggle to themselves and bring out their phones. They are always up too something and I can't help but feel a little nervous when they are like this. I catch Ashley's grin grow as she checks her phone before looking up at me and trying to hide it. Okay they are deffinently up too something and I don't like it. Mom brings us our drinks and we all fall into conversation with the Twins as they update us on what they have been up too before they ask me and Mom the same. They ask about Harley and if I have heard from her recently so I tell them about her recent messages and they beam hearing she is okay. Once we are all caught up, the Twins go upstairs with their bags as Mom suggests we go to the living room to watch some TV so we take our drinks through and wait for the Twins to get back. It doesn't take them long to come back downstairs and those same little grins are on their faces as MK calls for Mom to help her with something in the kitchen so they go off as Ashley comes to sit with me on the sofa. A few minutes of comfortable silence go by as the TV plays in the background before Ashley giggles at something on her phone and I try to lean in to see what it is but she is quick to hide her screen from me. What is going on with these two..

"Ash, what are you both up too?" I call her out and she quickly scoffs in reply as she puts her phone to one side. "Nothing.. Why would we be up to something?" She defends and I raise my eyebrow and hum in reply. "I just wanted to come in and make sure your okay Liz." She adds and I turn to give her a confused look. "What do you mean?" I ask and she gives me a soft smile before turning to give me her full attention. "Well, considering what happened with Harley not too long ago and spending the holidays apart. It must be hard for both of you, especially since you were so excited for her to meet the Family." She says gently and suddenly my smile starts to fade hearing her words. "I mean, yeah it is.. But there's nothing we can do about it, you know. As much as I want to be able to see her, and for her to meet Mom, this is her career and I have to remember that." I think out loud and Ash just sits and listens intently as I get lost in my worries again. "Will you get to talk with her at all?" Ashley asks bringing me from my thoughts and I shrug my shoulders at her question, not knowing for sure what is going to happen. "I hope so, at some point, but I have no idea. I suppose her work won't just stop for Christmas and anything could happen between now and then so.." I begin to ramble and have to stop myself before I fall into another spiral. "Have you spoken on the phone recently?" She asks and I shake my head as I play with the rings on my fingers. "Not for a few days.. Which is normal. I got a text this morning to let me know she is safe which she does a lot more often now ever since.." I can feel my emotions bubbling in my chest as I choke on my words before I can get them out and Ashley quickly moves closer to comfort me as I feel my eyes filling with tears.

"I'm so sorry Liz. I didn't want to upset you." Ashley soothes as she rubs her hand up and down my back now we are not hugging anymore. "It's okay. It's harder than I thought it would be but it is slowly getting easier as long as I am keeping busy." I explain as I wipe away the last of my tears with Harley's hoodie sleeves, hoping my little layer of make-up doesn't stain it. "It will. You'll get more used to her being away and look forward to her coming home." Ash comforts and I smile at her genuine worry for me. "I hope so. I just wish she was here for the Holidays.." I sigh hating being so emotional sometimes. "We all do. Mom's dying to meet her, I can tell. But it will happen soon." She continues to help me through my thoughts and I am thankful she is here for me. "She is. She told me earlier she wants me to being her for dinner as soon as she is home." I tell her and we both laugh knowing Mom all too well. "Are you nervous for telling Dad?" She asks delicately and I tense a little at the thought. "A little.. I still don't know how he will react." I tell her honestly and she nods softly. "He'll come around to it when he sees how happy she makes you. Harley has such a good personality, he'll have no choice but to like her eventually." She comforts light-heartedly and I can't help but laugh a little. "That's true." We both laugh together before I see her thinking of something else which she carefully asks once she seems to find the right words. "When is she due to come home?" Ash asks and I take a second to think about it. "Another 10 days I think it is.. Maybe less." I reply and she smiles with bright eyes. "That's not long. Is she coming here to L.A.?" I shrug my shoulders again, the same as I did when Mom asked the same question not too long ago. "I'm not sure yet. We are just waiting to see when she gets back first."

Ash gives me a minute, knowing that I hate not having some sort of plan for these types of things. I take some calming breathes so my emotions can calm down before Ashley says anything more. "She'll be on the first flight to see you, there's no doubt about that. Harley adores every second she spends with you Sis." Ash gushes making me blush slightly thinking about her words being true. She's not the first person to say things like that. "I can't wait to see her again." I feel my smile growing and Ash quickly smiles with me before we hear Mom calling for us to help with something in the kitchen so we hug it out then head to see what is going on. MK is stood with a huge grin on her face before Mom gets us helping out with some last minute food preparations, as well as making sure we have the table all ready. After we know everything is done, Mom excuses herself for a relaxing bath before we all watch a movie together so the Twins head off to get into some comfy clothes. I was going to do the same but then as I picked my phone up, an idea came to mind so I slipped on some of Mom's slippers and went out into the back yard to try and ring Harley. I sat down on one of Mom's chairs and looked up at the Moon, remembering the conversation I had with Harley when she was able to comfort me so easily with just her words. She is so sweet, god I miss her. Before I could talk myself out of it, I looked for her number and pressed the call button. My hands were shaking a little, a mixture of nerves and worry washing over me as I listen to the phone ringing over and over again before it goes to her voicemail. I quickly try and again but only get the same result. Instantly I can feel the tears coming as I look down defeatedly at my phone in my hand before I slowly make my way back inside, feeling the chill in the air as the evening creeps in.

I went to my room to change into some comfy clothes after doing a quick nightly routine in the bathroom, my eyes stinging as tears still threaten to fall but I try and keep them at bay as much as I can. I don't want to bring the mood down but I can't seem to shake the emotions that are slowly taking over the more I think about her not being here. Once I am ready I come out my room, hoping no one notices my teary eyes but as soon as I shut my door, I hear someone call my name. I look up and see MK standing outside her room, a worried look growing across her face as she looks back at me. "Liz what is it?" She asks and I just shake my head as I try not to cry anymore but my tears betray me as I feel them roll down my cheeks. MK quickly rushes to me and pulls me into a hug and rubs her hands up and down my back as I cry a little on her shoulder before pulling away to wipe my cheeks. She gives me a minute to compose myself before asking anything. "What's wrong Liz?" She asks softly and I take a deep breathe and look to her worried gaze. "I uh, I can't reach Harley. I tried to ring her and the phone went to her voicemail." I explain and she quickly nods her head as she rubs her hand up and down my arm for comfort. "I'm sure she's just busy Lizzie. Try not to worry too much, she'd hate knowing your so upset. I know she'd want you to enjoy your time here and not be upset like this." MK comforts me and I nod my head at her words. "I know she would.." I reply as I wipe the last of my tears away. "Come on, let's go watch a cheesy Christmas Movie with a glass of wine hm?" She offers and I smile at her suggestion. "Yeah okay." I agree easily and we make our way downstairs to join Ashley who is already sitting waiting for us on the huge couch, so we grab some blankets and all cuddle in together just as Mom comes down and chooses our Movie before she gets us all some wine. As much as I wish Harley was here.. I can't compare anything too time with my family like this.


~~Christmas Morning, London~~

Normal POV

**BEEP BEEP** **BEEP BEEP**

I finally found the source of the most annoying alarm in the World, turning it off before it wakes up everyone else in the house. My eyes are still closed as my body is slowly waking up unfortunately. I slump back in my bed, not wanting to get up yet but I know I don't have long to get myself ready. Then my body suddenly jumps up at the thought of why I am awake so early. As soon as my eyes open properly, I reach for my phone and check the time, squinting at the bright screen. 01:08am. I stretch out my aching muscles in bed before forcing myself to get up slowly so I can get myself ready for the VERY long day ahead of me. I walk around to the bathroom, starting off my shower and getting in, hoping it will wake me up enough so I can function properly. Even after coming to bed early, I didn't get to sleep until late. I spent all day yesterday with my little family and it was amazing. It was like our own early little Christmas day, minus the dinner. We spent most of the evening eating junk food and watching cheesy Christmas films with hot chocolate and fluffy blankets. Dad was beaming having us all there and even got a little emotional when I was heading off to bed early. I hate how hard it hits everyone when I am away with work, as much as I try not to think about it, I can see it with everyone as soon as I am home. I ended up with an even bigger smile when I managed to get in touch with Tom before we had some dinner. He was relieved to see me home and I quickly made him promise not to tell anyone until I get to surprise Lizzie tomorrow and he was beaming at the idea of my plan. We managed to catch up on anything we had missed before he told me to get going for my dinner. I promised him we'd catch up soon and he agreed easily, his huge smile making me laugh as I came off the phone and joined everyone in the kitchen for dinner.

After my shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and styled my hair infront of the mirror before drying off and heading back into my room to get dressed. It feels weird not wearing my Uniform but with Maisie's help I decided on wearing my new navy suit pants with a matching waist coat, white dress shirt and even opted for a tie since it's the Holidays and I want to impress today. I sluggishly got myself dressed before slipping on my shoes, coincidently the shoes Lizzie bought me a while ago now, then head off to check my bags one final time to make sure I have everything I need. Once my bag is all set, I make sure I have all the presents in the other I have and when I'm happy I have them all, the last thing to check is my passport and tickets. I make sure I have my headphones, wallet, phone and anything else I might need on my bed. I check the time and decide to book my taxi so I'm not rushing around when I get to the Airport so I book it and then get myself ready to leave. I slip on my leather jacket and put everything into my pockets then grab my bags and head downstairs as quietly as I can so I don't wake anyone. As soon as I get to the kitchen, I get myself a bottle of water and an apple just as I hear a car pull up outside. I write out a quick note and stick it on the fridge for Dad to see when he wakes up before grabbing my bags and keys and head out the door. I lock up quietly and then climb into the taxi waiting for me outside. It's just after 02:00am when I check my phone in the taxi so I'm making good time and it doesn't take too long to get to the Airport. I pay the driver when we arrive and make my way inside, getting my bags checked in before heading off to find my Gate, hoping I have enough time to get a coffee and something quick to eat.

Thankfully I manage to get myself a coffee and food before heading to sit at my Gate since it's getting close to boarding. I checked to make sure there were no delays before checking my phone to see if I had any messages. It was nearing 05:30am now so I sent a message to Ashley, seeing if she was free to talk without anyone hearing me. It didn't take long until she sent me one back letting me know she was going to head outside and to ring her in 5 minutes so I waited to ring her, hoping not to get caught out so close to getting there. I gave her an extra couple of minutes before ringing her and she quickly answered with a cheery voice making me laugh at how excited she sounds as I sit back in my chair, my back already aching and I am not even on the plane yet.

Ashley - "Hi Harley!"

Harley - "Hey Ash."

Ashley - "Did you make it to the Airport okay? I know it's mega early over there right now."

Harley - "I did. I'm here now, is everything still good on your end?"

Ashley - "Yep. MK is going to distract Liz whilst I come and pick you up in the morning."

Harley - "What's your cover story?"

Ashley - "I have some last minute presents to pick up."

Harley - "Very sneaky Olsen, I like it."

Ashley - "I literally cannot wait to see Lizzie's face when she sees you!"

I instantly smile at the thought of seeing Lizzie again. I really have missed her. "I hope she doesn't kill me for not telling her sooner.." I joke and Ashley quickly laughs down the phone. "No way! This is the best surprise ever.. She'll be far too happy to see you to even think about it." She encourages and I join in her laughter. "I hope so." I say once my laughter calms down and Ashley is quick to agree with me. "I know so. Now, what time are you due to land in L.A.?" She quickly changes the subject, obviously sensing my slight nerves about it all somehow going wrong. "Around 10:00am. There's no delays so far but I will let you know if anything changes." I say as I look up at the board across the room. "Amazing. I'll let you go and get a coffee before your flight. I'll wait in the car park to pick you up okay?" I smile and look over, thinking about getting myself another coffee to keep me going on this flight. "Good idea. I'll ring you and find out where you are when I land." I decide and I hear a small excited giggle come down the phone making me chuckle. "Great! I shall see you soon Captain!" She says excitedly and I smile and nod my head to myself as I make my way over to order another coffee. "Can't wait. Thanks for this Ash." I say sincerely, knowing I wouldn't be able to do this without her help. "No need to thank me. I'd do anything for you and Liz. Now, I need to get back inside before Liz comes to find me. I will see you when you land!" She reminds me and I chuckle as I grab my cold coffee. "Good idea, enjoy your night." I say before coming off the phone just as I hear my flight number being called out. I quickly make sure I have everything to hand as I juggle my coffee and head towards the gate to get seated for the next 11 hours. As much as I hate long flights, it's completely worth it when I get too L.A.

The wheels touch down in L.A and I have never been happier to see tarmac. The flight was long and uncomfortable but I did manage to sleep for a few hours so I feel a lot more awake now than I did at the Airport. Luckily there is not much of a wait and before I know it, I'm grabbing my bags and making my way out the Airport to go find Ashley. It's not too busy inside and when I check my phone I see it is nearing 10:30am so hopefully she is already here. I make my way outside towards the Car park and take a quick glance around to try and spot her but there is no sign of anyone so I decide to ring her just in case she isn't here yet. The phone doesn't ring for long before she answers and now it's my turn to be the excited one. "Hey I'm here!" I cheer down the phone, quickly making her laugh at my sudden change of tone from our last conversation. "Hey Harley! I'm in the far side of the Car Park. Head that way and I'll try and spot you." She tells me easily so I head that way, keeping my phone to my ear as I carry my bags in my other hand. I can hear her shuffling around on the phone as I keep a look out for her before she beats me too it. "Are you wearing a leather jacket?" She questions out of the blue and instantly I chuckle and look around for her. "I am Creeper." I tease and she giggles as I keep looking for her. "Very funny! I see you. Hold on, I'll come get you." She says between giggling and I slow down my pace and wait to spot her between the cars. As soon as I put my phone back in my pocket, I spot her walking out between some cars with a huge smile on her face.

As soon as she gets out from the cars, she rushes to me and instantly greets me with a tight hug. I return it one handily, keeping a hold of my bags with the other. "It's so good to see you Harley! Merry Christmas." She mumbles into my shoulder and I can't help but smile at her words. "It's good to see you too Ash. Merry Christmas." I reply and she smiles as she pulls away, quickly dabbing under her eyes before reaching for one of my bags for me. "Why is it so warm out here all the time." I quickly complain as we walk to the car, slipping off my jacket once we reach it making Ashley just laugh. "It's not that warm, this is cold for L.A." She teases as she opens the boot of her car so I can put my bags in there. I close the boot and we get in the car, sitting beside Ash as we buckle up and she starts the engine. We make our way out the car park and onto the City streets that are quieter than ever. "So, are you nervous yet?" Ashley breaks the silence first, making me smile as I lean back in my seat and turn slightly to face her as she drives. "I am actually, big deal meeting the Parents." I joke and she giggles as she concentrates on the road. "You'll be fine. Mom is very excited to meet you." She assures me and I chuckle with a hint of nerves. "Does she know I am coming?" I question, forgetting to even suggest telling her since it's her house we are going too. "Yeah I had to warn her she'd have another guest for dinner." Ashley says matter-of-factly and I laugh and kick myself for not thinking about it sooner. "I'm glad you thought of that because I swear my brain is still in Nepal." I defend and she smiles softly and giggles as she glances my way at a set of traffic lights. "I'll let you off this time Soldier." She teases and I laugh at her teasing tone before the tone changes slightly with my sudden thoughts. "Does your Dad know anything yet?"

I catch her tense a little and shake her head as she seems to hold something back with me. "Not yet but he's not coming until tomorrow anyways.." She plays off but I don't push anything and just let it go for now, hoping nothing has happened since I last spoke with Lizzie. "Guessing he's a little old school about stuff like this?" I ask, hoping that's all it is and he hasn't upset anyone. "He'll be fine. Especially when he sees how happy Liz will be with you there." She assures me and I nod my head but my heart is suddenly beating a little faster with nerves. "I hope so." I reply and she must notice my change in demenour. "Stop worrying so much will you, it's Christmas!" She jokes and I quickly let a smile slip as she slaps my arm playfully between driving. "Okay, okay I'll relax. Promise." I defend and she smiles across at me. "Did you bring your Christmas jumper?" She asks out of the blue and I chuckle and nod my head. "I did. Figured I could have a quick shower and change before dinner after that long flight.." She quickly smiles even brighter as she nods her head confidently. "Yeah of course, after Mom has asked you a million questions first that is.." She adds and I laugh at the thought. "That's fine by me." I defend easily and she smiles as we let a small silence fill the car as the radio plays quietly. I watch the streets pass by before I feel the car slowing down all of a sudden. My nerves instantly spiking as I look out of Ashley's window and see a beautiful house that we are parking beside. Then I spot Lizzie's car parked not too far away and my heart starts to race knowing she is so close. She is actually here. Part of me wants to just run to her but I know it's not long now until I can see her. I find myself looking to the door of the house as the car engine shuts off and I feel Ashley's eyes on me. I slowly look towards her and her smile gives her away. She is as excited as I am for this. I smile in return as she unbuckles her seatbelt and reaches for her door handle.

"You ready Harley?"



A/N ~~ Are we ready for an emotional reunion?