Once in a lifetime

Chapter 24 Memory

"Harry, luv, are you listening to me?" Anne asked for the second time since they started talking. Harry was distracted, still amazed by the beautiful bouquet of calla lilies sent by his boyfriend. Zayn did not include a drawing this time, but the note on the card was enough to have Harry sighing.

"Yeah, mum. Sorry. Is just...Zayn sent me this gorgeous arrangement of calla lilies and I just...y'know?"

"Mm, I figure something Zayn-ish was happening, luv. Want to send me a picture?"

"That obvious, huh? Yeah, sure I'll send it now." Harry took a picture, making sure all the flowers had a nice exposure. Zayn had sticked to the green and yellow theme but every time he sent flowers it was a different kind. The cards, though, Harry stored them in a special place. "You're caught between a dream and a movie scene. You know what I mean. I'm a fool for you and the things you do. Can't wait to see you again, babe. Miss me. Z" He had a way to take Harry's breath away even when he was not nearby.

"They are stunning, luv. Your Zayn has an impeccable taste."

"He does. Drives me crazy not being able to do something like that for him, y'know? Like, anything I could do never feels enough."

"Luv, I'm sure he doesn't do it for you to do something back, he does it because he wants and because he loves you. You just need to be you, Harry. I'm sure that's all he wants. You." Harry felt his cheeks hot.

"Yeah... I guess you are right. I just...I want to do something for him too, mum."

"You'll figure something out, luv. Don't push yourself."

"Yeah, I'll think about it. I might even have an idea already."

"See? Let it happen organically. Hear, when am I gonna meet him in person? Are you coming anytime?"

"Dunno if we will be able to go, mum. I have tons of work and Z is working on the second show with Taryn. I don't know when we'll have the chance. You can come, though. He wants to meet you too."

"I guess we could work something out. I'll talk to Robin and Gemma and see if we can all go."

"Sounds good. I'll talk to Z and maybe we can try to get his parents to come too."

"Yes, luv. Let me know then what he says and I'll let you know what Rob and Gem say."

"Perfect, mum. I'll get back to work then. Talk to you soon, love you."

"Don't work too much, Harry. Luv you too. Send my love to Zayn."

"Will do. Bye, mum."

He went back the manuscript he was reading before his mother called, but his mind was elsewhere. It travelled back to the moment he got his flowers and read the card. He pulled it out to read it one more time, feeling all the love he had inside flowing out. He had called Zayn to thank him and invite him to dinner. He would cook for a change, as he like it and he did want to do something special for him. Zayn had taken over kitchen duties, cooking every other weekend he would stay at Harry's or even when Harry would stay over. He kissed the card and put it away, making sure it was safely stored with the other ones. He could hardly believe it was two months already since they met. They had had one major fight, because they were both stubborn and stopped listening to the other. When they realised, they were about to say the type of things you cannot take back, they went quiet at the same time.

Zayn started walking to the bedroom still in silence and sat on the bed. When he lifted his head, he saw Harry running to him, so he opened his arms wide open to welcome him. Harry body slammed him on the bed, saying over and over he was sorry. It was awful, fighting like that so Zayn apologized too.