offshore | h.s

28

HARRY STYLES

It's five days before Christmas, and the house is filled with a sense of holiday excitement. Gen has just left to pick up her mum, Josephine, from the airport, leaving me, Avery, and my mum in the kitchen to make some cookies.

Avery is bouncing around in her adorable plaid pyjamas, her golden hair tied up in two messy braids.

"Do you want to give some cookies to Grandma when she gets here?" Anne asks, and Avery shyly nods her head. She's still getting used to Anne's presence, but she's gradually warming up to her.

"We'll make some special cookies just for grandma, won't we?" I say,  guiding her little hands as she cracks the egg, and she giggles delightfully.

We mix the wet and dry ingredients together, creating a delicious cookie dough. Avery's face lights up with joy as she sneaks a taste, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

As the cookies bake in the oven, the kitchen fills with the sweet scent of freshly baked treats. 

"The elf knows I've been a good girl, so Santa will come!" she exclaims, her eyes shining with excitement, as she points to the elf sitting atop the cabinet. Amber has had the best time creating new hiding spots for the cheeky toy every morning, and Avery absolutely loves it. 

I chuckle, finding her enthusiasm infectious. "You've been an excellent girl, Ave," I reply with pride, giving her a warm pat on the head. Watching her adapt to this new life has been incredible. She's been so resilient with everything that's happened in the past few months, and I'm really proud of her.

I hear the front door swing open, and Avery's excitement is contagious as she races toward the entryway to greet her grandma. I stand back, watching the scene unfold, and can't help but smile as I see Josephine's face light up with joy at the sight of her granddaughter.

It's been years since I last saw Josephine, but she looks just as I remember her—elegant with a touch of warmth in her auburn hair, a reflection of the beauty and grace that Gen possesses. 

Avery reaches Josephine and exclaims, "Grandma!" Jo laughs and scoops Avery into her arms, showering her with affection. "Hi, darling," she replies with affectionate warmth.

"I have a new room, Grandma! I want to show you!" Avery, brimming with excitement asks. 

As I walk down the hallway,  I greet Josephine with a warm smile. "Hey, Jo," I say, feeling a mix of happiness and nostalgia flood through me.

Josephine returns the smile and leans in to give me a quick kiss on both cheeks, a gesture that feels so familiar yet so long since I experienced it. "Hello, Harry," she replies, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

"Gen will be inside in a minute, she's just getting my bags," Josephine informs me, and I nod in understanding. 

"Oh, I'll go and help her. Make yourself at home. Gemma and Amber aren't home, but James is upstairs, and Mum's in the kitchen," I say, offering her a glimpse of the household's current state.

Josephine nods, and I direct her to the living room so that I can go and help Gen. 

I step outside, and I'm immediately met with the brisk December chill that sends a shiver down my spine. The air is cold and crisp. 

As I take in the surroundings, my eyes catch sight of Gen pulling a suitcase out of the car.

Without hesitation, I walk over to her and wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close. She's startled at first but then relaxes into my embrace. "I missed you," I whisper softly into her ear, feeling a surge of warmth and love as I hold her.