My Soldier - Missing Home

Family BBQ

A/N ~~ Ready for a little drama..?


~~Saturday Afternoon, L.A.~~

Lizzie POV

I can't help but just rest my head back in my seat and watch as Harley drives effortlessly through L.A. She looks incredible in her light grey shirt and white jeans. My arm is resting on her shoulder, my fingers scratching lightly at the back of her neck. Her hand is on my thigh, her other hand on top of the steering wheel as her eyes are fixed on the road ahead of us. The music playing into the car softly as we have fallen into a small, comfortable silence. My eyes just taking in everything about Harley. She really is flawless. Every scar, just adding to the things I love about her. "You alright baby?" Harley's soft voice brings me from my daze, my eyes looking up to catch hers glancing my way. "Couldn't be better Soldier." I whisper into the small space between us, causing her smile to grow as she concentrates on the road. "Good. So do you know who is coming today?" She asks, referring to the small BBQ my Mom has planned since I didn't want to do anything big for my Birthday. She kept asking since it is my 30th, but there is nothing I hate more than a lot of attention being on me so doing a huge party or anything like that would be horrible. So we agreed on a small BBQ at her house, some family and close friends coming to celebrate with me. "Um.. obviously my Mom and Sisters, Trent. Scarlett, Colin and Rose are coming since they are in L.A for work. Aubrey is going to try and pop by, as well as Tom. Oh, and Clay." I ramble, trying to remember who is coming since it was short notice for some who I would normally ask. "Clay as in your best friend and hair stylist Clay who I haven't met yet?" Harley asks a little panicked, making me giggle at how adorable she is. "That's the one." I say light-heartedly, not wanting her to worry. "Great, not nervous at all now." She jokes, making me laugh as I reach for her hand on my thigh with my free hand, instantly my fingers find the rings she is wearing. "You have nothing to be nervous about Harley. He will love you, I know it." I reassure her. "He's one of your closest friends Lizzie, what if he doesn't?" She questions out loud, her body tensing slightly as her hand grips the steering wheel. "Baby. Calm down. I know he will love you. I have no doubt about it, I promise you." I say a little more sternly, hoping she listens to my words.

"Please don't let yourself stress out about this Harley. I promise, today will be fine." I add as we stop at a red light. Harley looks over at me with a slightly softer gaze. "Your right. I love you." She quickly replies, making me smile as I lean over and steal a quick kiss before she begins to drive again. I lace our fingers together on my lap, watching her drive for the rest of the way as she sings along to the music playing into the car. I cant help this almost overwhelming feeling of how lucky I am to have Harley by my side today. She always makes my days brighter, and full of so much love and laughter. I can't wait to show her off as mine. It doesn't take much longer before we arrive outside my Mom's house. Instantly I feel overly happy and excited to see everyone. "Shall we?" Harley offers after turning off the engine. I nod my head excitedly, making her laugh as she leans over for another kiss before we start getting out the car. I go into the back seat, grabbing my bag and new leather jacket. It's a warm day, but I wanted to show it off so I decided on wearing it for a little while until it gets too warm outside. Harley grabs the bags out the back since I never come empty handed, even if my Mom will kill us both. We opted to bring some extra food for the BBQ, as well as some drinks and snacks for everyone. Once I have my jacket on again, I grab one of the bags from Harley so she can get the flowers she brought for my Mom, being the amazingly adorable person she is she wanted to bring her one of the biggest and most colourful bouquets she could find. I love the relationship they have already, and it will only get better the more time they spend together. "Is that everything?" I check before shutting the trunk and Harley locks up the car before we head towards the house. I hold onto Harley's arm since her hands are full as we walk up to the front door, but neither of us have any chance to knock before the door swings open revealing a very excited Ashley with a beaming smile on her face. "MY FAVOURITE COUPLE!" She yells as she pulls us into her arms. We both laugh as she is pretty much bouncing on the spot before she lets go and turns to me. "Happy Birthday Sis!" She cheers before pulling us inside. Today is deffinently going to be a good day.

"There you both are, finally!" MK greets us as we make our way towards the kitchen, Ashley helping us with the bags so my hands are now free. "Happy Birthday Liz." MK pulls me into a hug as I thank her before she turns to greet Harley. I follow Ashley into the kitchen, spotting my Mom preparing the food. She quickly turns and rushes to pull me into her arms. "Hello sweetie. Happy Birthday." She says sweetly as I hug her back tightly. She squeezes the life out of me before she pulls away and kisses my cheek. "Thanks Mom." I smile back as she pinches my cheek before she seems to spot Harley over my shoulder as I hear her coming into the kitchen with MK and Ashley close by. "There's my favourite Soldier." Mom greets Harley with open arms, my heart ready to burst at how she rushes to pull Harley into her arms. "Hey Jarnie!" Harley greets back as she is squashed in my Mom's arms, making us all laugh as I help MK and Ashley with the bags they took off both me and Harley. "Is Trent here yet?" I ask my Sisters as I leave my Mom and Harley to catch up. "He's setting up the BBQ outside." MK tells me. I look out the window and spot him setting up, making me smile. "Oh Harley, you shouldn't have!" I turn my head, seeing my Mom gushing over the flowers as Harley gives her them. Mom pinches her cheeks, making us all laugh at them before Mom comes to place her flowers in a vase as Harley comes to my side to help empty the rest of the bags. "Your both so cute." I whisper leaning into Harley, making her chuckle and kiss my cheek before Mom cuts us out of our little staring contest. "There are some drinks coolers outside with Trent already, he's busy setting up the BBQ." Mom tells us both and Harley quickly grabs some of the drinks we brought and turns to face me. "I'll go help Trent outside." She tells me before kissing my temple and then excusing herself to go outside. My eyes follow her leave before I fall into easy conversation, catching up with my Mom and Sisters as we help get the food ready. I didn't think today could get any better, but being here right now, is near enough perfect.

After telling my Mom and Sisters about the presents I already opened this morning, obviously showing off my jacket that Harley bought me, we finish getting all the food ready just as Trent comes back inside with Harley. "Hey Sis! Happy Birthday." Trent comes over, hugging me tightly before he goes to start taking some food outside to put into the coolers for later. I catch Harley's beaming smile as she gives me a subtle wink and then heads over to wash her hands. I catch my Mom give Harley a weird look as she walks past before she follows behind her and turns her around to face her. As soon as I see her searching her forehead, I realise what she has noticed. "What happened?" My Mom asks Harley softly, taking a closer look at her bruise. "I fell over at the barracks when I was a little intoxicated. Hit my head of the door." Harley explains a little sheepishly, I try not to laugh as I see MK and Ashley doing the same across the room. "You need to be more careful Harley. Does it hurt?" Mom checks but Harley quickly shakes her head in reply. "I hope my little Lizard is taking care of you properly." Mom says playfully, pinching Harley's cheeks again before letting her finish what she was doing. But Harley looks between me and my Mom with a small grin on her face. "Lizard?" She questions, and instantly I cringe a little at the nickname. "Mom's name for me since I was little.." I admit shyly, making her chuckle softly as she catches my tinted cheeks. "Aw. That's too cute." Harley teases, making me shake my head laughing as she finishes washing her hands before coming to me and kissing my cheek again. I love how affectionate she is being today. "Stop teasing you.." I warn her playfully in a whisper, making her laugh as she winks before we all hear someone knock at the front door. "I'll get it." MK announces as she rushes off to answer the door. We hear some voices as Harley helps to take things outside again with Trent and Ashley before I see Aubrey walking into the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. "Hey Birthday Girl!" She greets and rushes to hug me. We quickly catch up before another knock on the door catches everyone's attention. "I'll go." Mom tells us as we all start to head outside to get some drinks.

"Clay!" I yell as I see one of my best friends walking out the kitchen door. I rush over and we share a hug. "Happy Birthday Liz, you look incredible by the way." He greets easily, making me smile as I give him a twirl. "Thank you." I see him looking around before remembering I need to introduce him to Harley before anything else. "Come on, there's someone you need to meet." I grab his hand and tug him over to where Harley is helping Ashley set up one of the tables for the food near the BBQ. As soon as Harley sees us coming, she quickly excuses herself from Ashley and moves to meet us half way with a huge smile on her face. "Hey baby." Harley greets me as I greet her with a kiss on the cheek before turning to face between the two of them. "Clay I'd like you to finally meet my girlfriend Harley, Harley, this is one of my best friends Clay." I introduce the two and Harley seems to hesitate before Clay makes the first move. "I'm a hugger, come here." Harley relaxes instantly and accepts the hug easily before they pull away soon after. "It's so nice to finally meet the girl who is making this one so happy." Clay rambles, making me giggle shyly as Harley beams between the two of us. "It's a pleasure to meet you too Clay, I've heard a lot about you." Harley returns easily, and Clay's eyes widen at her words. "That accent is amazing." He gushes, making us all laugh. I lean into Harley's side as her arm wraps around me, letting them talk between the two of them before Mom calls over for Harley's help in the kitchen. "Looks like I am needed inside, we will continue this later Clay." Harley politely excuses herself, kissing my forehead before going to help Mom. I see Clay's smile grow as we head off to get a drink and join Aubrey and MK. "She is incredible Lizzie. I'm so happy for you." Clay tells me instantly as we are walking towards the coolers. "Thanks Clay, she was really nervous to meet you knowing how close we are." I tell him and he just laughs and waves me off. "Nothing to worry about here, I already approve." I beam back at his words, loving how easily Harley is fitting into my life and with everyone I hold close.

It didn't take long for Scarlett, Colin and Rose to arrive after Clay got to meet Harley. Instantly Rose finds Harley as Scarlett and Colin come over to join the growing group at the seating area in Mom's yard. Harley and Trent are taking care of the BBQ so Mom is playing the amazing Hostess as always, making sure everyone has a drink in hand at all times before she finds Rose and instantly she is completely distracted. Colin soon got bored of the girl talk in our group so he made his way over to join Harley and Trent at he BBQ, making us laugh as Clay stayed with us. We get lost in conversation before the sound of the doorbell catches my attention. "I'll go get that." I say to the group around me now consisting of MK, Ashley, Clay, Aubrey and Scarlett. I rush through the house, quickly making it to the door and opening it to reveal Tom and Zendaya. Tom quickly pulls me into his arms excitedly, making me laugh as we nearly fall over. "Happy Birthday Lizzie!" He cheers, making me hug him tighter before he lets me greet Zendaya. "It's so good to see you both." I greet easily as I share a hug with Zendaya before ushering them inside. "Thank you for having us. This one hasn't shut up about seeing you and Harley for the past week." Zendaya jokes, making me laugh as Tom blushes a little. "Well, she is outside with everyone taking care of the BBQ. Your actually the last to arrive." I tease them both as we make our way outside. As soon as Tom spots Harley, he takes off across the garden, hurtling straight towards where she is standing at the BBQ leaving me and Zendaya behind. "HARLEY!" Tom yells, making everyone look over as he jumps into her arms. Luckily, Harley manages to catch him before he wipes her out completely. Everyone bursts into laughter seeing Tom wrap his legs around Harley as she holds him in one arm, my eyes widening at her strength. Tom isn't the smallest of people, but still, she is holding him up like he weighs nothing. They carry on making everyone laugh as they greet each other before I turn and offer Zendaya a drink. "I'd love one." She is always so sweet, I hope Tom does take a chance with her. One day.

We leave Tom with Harley and the guys at the BBQ as I get another drink and bring Zendaya over to where I was with the girls and Clay before. As soon as we walk close enough, I see everyone watching me closely, instantly my nerves rising a little under everyone's gaze before Scarlett is the first to speak up when we reach the group. "Looks like someone has been spoilt already this morning.." Scarlett calls me out in a teasing tone. "Yeah your right Scarlett, are your legs feeling okay Liz?" Aubrey adds, my cheeks instantly heating up as they try not to laugh between themselves. "Stop it!" I defend shyly. "Should we ask Harley instead..?" Scarlett suggests and I quickly shake my head. "Will you both behave!" I try and act stern, but my blushing cheeks give me away. "Oh come on Lizzie, no need to be shy." Clay joins in, making me want to run away and hide. "Your all just jealous.." I mumble, but they all hear me clearly. "There it is! Come on, spill, what have you both been up too this morning?" Aubrey quickly calls out, she is worse than Scarlett. "I'm not telling you!" I quickly reply, seeing them glancing over towards Harley. "Was it that good?" Ashley adds in, now I'm in trouble. "Must have been by how wobbly she is walking.." Scarlett mumbles behind her drink, my cheeks now on fire, but at this point, there is no point fighting it. At least now, I have someone I can brag about in all aspects of a relationship, so why not join them for a change. "I may have woke up to a nice surprise." I finally admit, and instantly they all look to me in slight shock. "Harley Lane, you sneaky Soldier." Scarlett quickly jokes, making me laugh. "So, she woke you up to a birthday treat hm? How many did she give you?" Aubrey asks unapologetically as always. "Honestly, I lost count.." I pretty much whisper, making them all gasp in surprise. "Elizabeth Olsen! You lucky, lucky girl!" Clay practically squeals. "I need a Harley!" Aubrey whines along with the teasing noises from Scarlett, Zendaya and my Sisters.

"Okay now stop, all of you!" I finally say after some relentless teasing. "No wonder your always smiling so much.. I can't lie, I'm feeling very single right now." Ashley adds finally, followed by Aubrey adding. "Me too!" As much as I love everyone here, I can't take much more teasing but thankfully, Rose and Mom join the group so we have no choice but to keep it PG for now. Rose entertains us all as we get comfortable at the seating area, leaving Harley and the guys to take care of the BBQ. I keep glancing over, seeing Harley in her element laughing and joking around with Tom, Colin and Trent. I couldn't ask for a better day to spend for my Birthday. Nothing could wipe the smile from my face. I have the love of my life, most of my loved ones and close friends here in one place getting along perfectly. What could possibly go wrong.. The sound of the doorbell seems to surprise most of us as we look around and wonder who it could be. Mom gives me a look before I catch Trent looking over as he shifts to answer the door. "Who else is coming?" MK asks to no one in particular. I have no idea.. "Your Dad.." Mom answers softly and instantly I cringe. How could I forget my Dad was coming. I catch my Sisters and Scarlett looking my way, knowing exactly what I am thinking. I catch Scarlett then looking over to where Harley is stood watching over the BBQ, a small sympathetic smile on her face. This could ruin everything. We all slowly begin to get up as we hear Trent's voice getting louder, followed by some familiar voices behind him. I look over to Harley as I follow behind my Mom and Sisters, mothing 'I love you' before she seems to realise what is happening. When I turn back around, I see my Dad, Courtney and Jake walking behind Trent before he heads back to where he was helping with the BBQ. Dad is the first to reach me, pulling me into his arms. "Hello Birthday girl." He greets and I hug him back tightly. I then greet Jake and Courtney as Dad takes the bags back inside. "Do you both want to meet Harley?" I ask, and they quickly agree and we head over in that direction.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Harley quickly greets my half Brother and Sister, and they do the same. I can feel how tense Harley is, and I know it is because my Dad has arrived. I just hope my Dad is at least civil today, unlike at Christmas. "Lizzie! Do you want to come inside and open some presents before we have some food?" Mom yells, waving me inside. "Coming!" I yell back in reply. "We'll meet you inside." Jake and Courtney head back inside, leaving me with Harley alone. I quickly turn into her body, my hand resting against her stomach. "You doing okay Soldier?" I check in with her, feeling her relax against my touch. "A little on edge but, I'm alright." She admits honestly, making me smile that she is getting better at not hiding her emotions with me anymore. "I know it's not ideal him being here but-" I begin to ramble but Harley quickly takes my free hand, squeezing it slightly to stop me. "I will not ruin your day baby. I will be civil, and just keep my distance. We both know how he feels about me so we can avoid any awkward situations." Harley comforts me, and it does make me feel better knowing Harley can be so mature about this, I just hope my Dad does the same thing in return. "Have I ever told you how much I love you Soldier?" I tease, leaning up to peck her lips. "There's no harm in telling me again." She teases back, nipping my waist playfully. "Go open your presents, I'll keep an eye on things out here." She decides. She is too good for this World. I nod my head softly in reply, pecking her lips again before turning to head inside. As I walk into the living room, I see everyone apart from Harley, Tom, Zendaya, Scarlett, Colin and Rose. I can't help the beaming smile growing as I see everyone waiting for me with gifts on the table. "Come on sweetie." Mom calls me inside to sit next to her so I can start opening my cards first. I make my way through everyone's things, thanking each person one by one. I hate accepting presents, but I love how much effort everyone has gone too just for me today. "What did Harley get you?" Ashley asks and I quickly rush to grab my jacket, showing it off to everyone as I explain why she bought me this specific one.

As I am gushing about my leather jacket, showing MK the finer details as she holds it out to look at, I catch my Mom giving someone a stern look across the room. I follow her gaze and see my Dad pretty much seething standing next to Jake. "Dad? What's wrong?" I ask him without thinking, instantly the room falls silent. "So Harley drives you around London on a Bike?" He questions through gritted teeth, and instantly I cringe at his tone of voice. All I manage to do is nod my head in reply before he storms to the doorway of the room, facing everyone as a horrible tension takes over the once happy atmosphere. "David, don't.." Mom begins to warn him but it's too late for that. "So, not only has she turned my daughter into a faggot! She also puts her life in danger on the back of a Motorcycle!" Dad snaps as he raises his voice. "DAD!" Trent shouts back in a stern tone. "David! That's enough!" Mom adds in a dangerously calm voice. "No! I've had enough of this! She is corrupting my daughter!" Dad continues to raise his voice as everyone else in the room stays silent, not knowing what to say. As much as I know saying anything right now is not going to help, I can't sit back and let my Dad say these things about Harley. And when I hear him shout about her again, something inside me snaps. "She is not corrupting me Dad! Harley protects me and keeps me safer than anyone else ever has!" I stand up and yell back at him, surprising everyone in the room and myself. But the look that flashes past my Dad's eyes scares me for the first time with him. "I'm going to sort this out!" He spits and turns to storm out of the room and back towards the garden. Instantly I get a horrible feeling at what is coming next. "Dad!" I yell after him, rushing to follow behind as Mom, Ashley and Trent take off before anyone else has the chance too. As soon as I reach the back door with MK close to my side, I look up and see Dad approaching where Harley is laughing with Rose and Tom. He's not slowing down, his fists are clenched and my body seems to freeze as a fear washes over me again. I want to run but my body won't let me move.


~~Saturday, L.A.~~

Normal POV

I can't deny that David being here now is sending my nerves on edge. I know he is not my biggest fan, and he made that perfectly clear on Boxing Day. I don't want anything to ruin Lizzie's day, but something is telling me today is not going to go the way we want it too. "HARLEY Your it!" Rose yells as she pats the side of my leg, snapping me out of my daze. I look down and see her beaming smile as she looks up to meet my eyes. "You got me!" I yell back in reply, making her giggle adorably. I take off pretending to chase her around the garden before she yells and points at where Tom is. I take off in a sprint, aiming straight for Tom as he runs away. Rose is laughing so loudly as I chase him around before finally catching up to him and tagging his back. He dramatically falls on the ground to make Rose laugh even more before I help him up and Scarlett, Colin and Zendaya come to join us as Rose jumps up into my arms a little out of breath. "How was your two weeks in Pirbright?" Tom asks as Scarlett hands a drink over for Rose in my arms. "Alright yeah, the group was easy to teach and I'm pretty confident they have all passed." I explain as the small group all listen. "Oh, and Natalia got offered a permanent place in 7 Section, even when Jake returns." I add and I catch Scarlett grinning. "Have you told Liz yet?" She jokes, and I can't help but laugh a little at her teasing tone. "I have. We had a spat, but got over it." I tell her softly, making her smile knowingly at how her best friend can be. "Good. You both seem really happy, don't let little things ruin it." She quickly adds and I nod and smile in agreement. "We're working on it, together." I add and she rubs my back and smiles as Rose finishes her drink and lays her head on my shoulder. We fall into easy conversation, catching up since it's been a little while since I seen Tom and this is my first time meeting Colin so we are getting to know each other as well. He seems great, and the way he looks at Scarlett is incredible. As soon as Rose lets her drink settle, she is back on the floor running wild around us. We all laugh as she takes Tom down to the floor pretending to be a Mini Black Widow like her Mam. But we are all shocked by the sound of loud voices before I turn and see David storming across the garden. Shit.. This is not good.

"Hey, faggot!" Is all I hear before I turn and see Rose still beside Tom as he jumps to his feet. "Tom, take Rose away!" I tell him sternly. He quickly nods his head and scoops Rose into his arms before he moves her away with Zendaya rushing to his side. I catch Scarlett and Colin go to move to be close to my side but I just shake my head and hold my hand out to stop them, knowing it's me he has the problem with, no one else. I catch the flash of worry behind Scarlett's eyes before I turn to see how close he is now. I look him up and down, evaluating everything about him. From his quick feet to his clenched fists, his clenched jaw and burning eyes. Something has been said inside, something he doesn't like. He had the same look in his eyes when I said something he didn't like on Boxing Day. "So, you think it's appropriate to have my daughter on the back of a Motorcycle, do you faggot!?" He yells across the smaller distance, his voice laced with hate and venom. That explains what has pissed him off. Lizzie must have been showing him her new jacket. I decide right now, it's going to be better not to respond before I look behind him and see everyone who was once inside now running out the back door behind David. I see Trent, Ashley and Jarnie first, worry and fear etched into their faces as they run after him. But before I can search for Lizzie, David yells out something again as he is now only a few feet away from where I am standing, alone. "HEY! I'm talking to you!" He shouts looking right into my eyes. I move my hands behind my back before gritting my teeth but my tongue slips before I can stop it. "Oh I heard you.." I call back, seeing it only anger him more as soon as I open my mouth. I glance back over his shoulder, now seeing MK standing with her arm around Lizzie. As soon as I see her, I catch her glossy eyes as Aubrey and Clay are close behind her. They are all making their way across the garden, but I see Trent and Jarnie keep their distance, knowing if they get involved now it will make things a lot worse.

I stand my ground as David finally reaches where I am standing, instantly he gets right in my face, not hesitating to shove me backwards against my chest. I wasn't expecting him to raise his hands so soon as I stumble back a little before quickly regaining my footing. He follows my every step, breathing heavily close to my face. "Is it not enough that you turned her into one of your kind.. Now all this shit with a Motorcycle? Are you trying to ruin her!?" He shouts right in my face, but I quickly decide not to give him any kind of answer. Nothing I say is calming anything down, so it's best to not say anything. But right now, even that is not good enough for him as he lifts his hands to shove me back again. His hands thumping against my chest but this time, my feet are planted so I barely move back any. "DAD! Leave her alone!" I hear a very familiar voice yell from behind David, instantly my eyes glance over his shoulder where I see Lizzie standing between her Sisters, Mom and Trent not too far away. Tears streaming down her face as she watches this all unfold. "Shut your mouth Lizzie!" David shouts back, not looking away from me and instantly I feel something snap in me. Fuck why did he have to do that. "Don't you dare talk to her like that!" I grit at him, trying not to raise my voice at him but hearing him shout at Lizzie that way is never going to be acceptable by anyone. "Or else what? Fag!" He shouts back in my face, and it is taking everything in me not to react and match his temper. "That is such an outdated slur. Really showing your age there David." I opt for the sarcastic response, not wanting to lose my temper right now. Instantly I catch him clenching his fist and bringing it back behind him. "Oh yeah, I can still kick your ass!" He yells again, spitting at my face as he does. "I'm sure you could. Because there is no way in hell I'd raise my hands to my Girlfriend's father." I say sternly, making sure he hears every word. But the fire in his eyes tells me this is only ending in one way. "Well, let's find out shall we?"

He pulls his right fist back, ready to swing it at my face, but I stay perfectly still. There's no way I am reacting to him. If he wants to hit me, then so be it. I've taken a lot worse from a lot bigger. His hand launches it's way towards my face and I take a sharp breath ready for the impact but before he reaches my face, Trent stumbles his way to catch his arm from behind, quickly followed by Jake who grabs his other arm. "Time for you to leave Dad!" Trent shouts as they begin to drag him back away from where I am still standing. I let out the breath I was holding onto as I see him being lead back towards the house, letting my very stiff body relax slightly now the threat has gone. I blink away the defensiveness before quickly searching across the garden for Lizzie. I find her standing with Scarlett, Ashley and MK just off to one side before I hear shouting again. I snap back and spot Jarnie yelling at David as she follows behind him being lead back towards the house. I hold back my laughter seeing Jarnie like that, loving how she is going full Mom-mode on his before another voice pulls me from my trance. "Harley, Are you alright?" Tom rushes to make sure I am okay, checking my body quickly before looking up at my face. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." I assure him, seeing his worried expression. "You sure?" Colin asks from my other side as I feel his hand on my shoulder. "Yeah, I'm good.." I tell him, seeing a small smile on his face as he nods his head in reply. They let me breathe for a minute as they stay close to my side until we all jump hearing someone calling my name. I quickly search for the source, seeing Scarlett waving me over to where there is a huddle of people. I rush past Tom and Colin, making my way to Scarlett as I see a slightly panicked look behind her eyes. As soon as I get close enough, I spot a small figure kneeling on the floor. Instantly my heart stops knowing it is Lizzie. I look up and see MK and Ashley look my way as I approach them all, both of them giving me a quick nod to let me know I can take over as they slowly back off a little to give us some room.

I slowly kneel down infront of where Lizzie is kneeling on the floor holding her face in her hands. Quiet sobs coming from her as she is scrunched up in a ball. Once I am down at her level, I gently reach out for her arms, wrapping my hands around her forearms as carefully as I can. I then gently begin to try and ease her hands away from her face, she fights me at first, trying to pull away from my grasp. But I manage to keep a tight but gentle hold on her arms and decide to try and talk her down first. "Baby, it's me, it's Harley.." I whisper into the small space between us, instantly her body tenses up at the sound of my voice before she looks up over her hands and sees it is me. My heart breaks seeing how red and puffy her eyes are, full of tears with red cheeks and a pained expression. "It's me baby.. Come here." I encourage her, letting go of her arms hoping she will come to me now. She takes a second to search my eyes before she crawls into my lap, burying her head into my chest as I wrap my arms around her tightly. Her hands grip at my shirt as a new wave of tears break out from her sobs. I rub my hand up and down her back as she cries softly into my chest. I hate hearing her so upset. She doesn't take too long to start to calm down in my arms before she gently pulls away to look up at me slightly. Her eyes all red and sore from crying as I lift my hand to help wipe away her tear stains. "Are y- you okay?" She stutters past her slightly erratic breathing. She sounds so hurt, I hate this. "I'm more than okay." I quickly assure her, wiping away her tears as they fall. "Promise me?" She asks more confidently this time as her eyes flicker between my own. "I promise you baby, I'm alright." I comfort her as best I can, letting her know I am in fact okay. "He- he was so horrible to you Harley." She begins to let herself get upset again at her own words, struggling to breathe as she looks up into my eyes. "Lizzie, baby, you need to breathe." I quickly shift a little to hold her as best I can, her head falling to my chest again as she tugs at my shirt.

"Don't leave me Harley.. Please." She whispers after managing to calm down again, her soft voice breaking my heart all over again. "I will never leave you Elizabeth Chase." I tell her with so much meaning, hoping it helps her to calm down further. "Never?" She repeats, looking up to my eyes. "Never ever, I promise you." I tell her looking deep into her bright green eyes, made even brighter by her crying. "I love you Harley." She whispers into the small space left between us, making me smile softly in reply. "I love you too baby.." I whisper back before pecking her lips gently. She kisses me back before I carefully lift us both from the floor. No one is around so we make our way back into the house so Lizzie can get cleaned up from crying. MK, Aubrey and Clay quickly rush to make sure she is okay as soon as we walk into the kitchen so I let them take her up to the bathroom as I go to get myself a much needed drink from the fridge. I'm soon joined by Scarlett, Ashley and Jarnie as they rush to make sure I am okay. I tell them I am fine, but they check my face and body anyways before I spot Tom, Zendaya and Colin keeping Rose entertained back outside now. "Well I did not expect that to happen today." Ashley exhales, making us all laugh and agree as Scarlett leans her head on my shoulder, her small gesture to check in with me as we wait for Lizzie to come back. "Don't let him come between you both Harley." Scarlett whispers beside me, making me smile as I gently look to where her head is still laying on my shoulder. "I won't. Nothing will ever come between us." I assure her in a hushed tone. I can feel her smiling as she looks up slightly at me. "Proud of you Captain." She teases, but with a lot of meaning behind her words. "Thanks Scarjo." I tease back, making her punch my arm playfully before we both see Lizzie come walking back into the room. Our eyes meet as soon as she walks in, and she quickly makes her way over to where I am stood and melts into my arms. I wrap my arms around her as she rests her forehead against my chest as her hands hold onto the front of my shirt. "You alright baby?" I whisper down at her as everyone around us watches with adoring smiles. She nods her head in reply so I just hug her tighter until she is ready to pick up where the day left off before the unfortunate incident occurred.

Hopefully the day can still be salvaged and we can spend the rest of today making the Birthday Girl smile again..