blossom | harry styles.

a jammy birthday.

Rana calmly smiles as she goes through the pictures in the small-sized box of memories placed before her.

Old photos of her, Louis, and Marvin. A lot with Marvin. She chuckles as she stares at their wedding afterparty and admires how happy she was in the pictures.

That happiness cannot be erased. A lot has changed. Time has changed. Feelings have changed and it's unbelievable.

Her phone vibrates from the birthday messages pouring in and the door of her bedroom opens to let in Paloma. Rana immediately smiles as she looks up at her mother and Paloma sits down next to her.

The news of her engagement to Harry hasn't been shared because they felt the need to enjoy a little bit of secrecy between themselves as a couple and that feels great.

Paloma spots her going down memory lane and she calmly places a hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"Happy birthday my love," she says in Spanish.

"Thank you mami," Rana smiles.

They share a warm hug and Rana lets it linger longer than usual. A year ago she would have protested against such vulnerability but things have changed.

Feelings are very okay and life seems softer than a year ago. They pull away from the hug and Paloma cups her face with a smile.

"You're glowing in ease," she points out.

"I've been taking care of myself," Rana nods in agreement.

"And Harry? Does he take care of you?" Paloma asks.

"Yes, a lot," Rana replies.

"Do you take care of him?" the older woman asks.

"I do my best, mami," Rana smiles at her.

Paloma nods in agreement because she knows that's the truth. The two of them take care of other in ways that other couples find inspiring.

They're the definition of looking out for each other and it's totally admirable. Everyone has also noticed their bond is gotten stronger since valentine's day but nobody is sure why.

Some have speculated, especially Pet and Gemma who have placed bets. Louis desperately wants to act like he's minding his business but he also has questions.

Left to Paloma, they eloped and she's waiting for the right time to start that fight. Today is not the day.

"You're going down memory lane," Paloma notes.

"Marvin's mother sent me a birthday message," Rana smiles.

"Oh my sweet Giselle, how is she?" Paloma asks.

"She says you always check on her and send her weekly flowers, that's consistent mami," Rana admires her mother.

"Hey, it's the little I can do. We're not close but as a mother, I have to do something," Paloma explains.

"She said she saw the picture I posted online of me and H, she was bitter at first," Rana sighs, fighting her emotions.

"Understandable." Paloma nods.

"I get to move on with another man and she can never get her son back," Rana quietly says.

"Was she mean to you?" Paloma stays coldly calm.

"No. She gave me her blessings, apologising for how she acted due to grief and basically urging me to move on with my life," Rana says, allowing tears to roll down her cheeks.

Paloma gently wipes away her daughter's tears and nods in agreement.

"She's right my love. It's not been easy but look at how far you've come," she encourages her.