Respite - HS

Don't Make Me Reach.

Harry Styles

"Penguins can fly."

"No baby they cannot."

"Daddy. Penguins are birds. They can fly."

I sigh with a chuckle, scratching at the scruff dusted across my jaw. The last two weeks have been a lot. Felix has been staying with me more often as Serena and Alex have started nesting for the new baby while her mom moves in.

Currently Felix and I are sitting at my dining room table discussing a very pressing matter. Penguins.

Felix's new thing is penguins apparently.

"Fif. I can assure you, penguins do not fly. I am truly very sorry that they do not." I say with faux pout and stand from the table to start cleaning up dinner in the kitchen.

Felix's whole face drops and with an over dramatic huff, he crosses his arms and pouts.

It's adorable really.

Shaking my head at his antics, I wipe down the counter. "Hey, Fif can you go grab the ipad? Have to call the mums before we get you ready for bed." I call out towards the table.

Earning nothing but tiny stomps in the direction of the living room as my answer, let's me know he heard me.

As I go to put the leftovers in the fridge, my phone in my pocket buzzes and I do everything in my power not to groan out in annoyance. Work has been a shit show, everything needs to be rushed, because apparently no one can do jack shit when I'm not there to fix all their mistakes.

Felix comes stomping back into the living room plopping himself back at the table, "Just a tick babe, kay?" I kiss the top of his head before walking down the hall for a smidge of privacy.

I roll my eyes and reach for my phone, my thumb pausing on the screen when I read the name at the top. To my absolute surprise, it's not work calling me, it's Audrey.

My heart skips a beat seeing her contact picture. She never calls. Immediately I'm worried, swiping the screen to accept the call.

"Hi baby, everything okay?"

It's quiet for a moment before a sniffle is my answer.

"Aud?"

"Harry. I miss you." Her voice watery.

My shoulders drop, "Oh, baby I miss you so much. What's going on hm?"

We actually haven't spoken in a bit. Nothing bad happened, but the adjustment has definitely been difficult. Work has been crazy, my whole schedule changed, now that I have Felix with me during the week sometimes too, I barely have time to just sit down by myself let alone catch up with Audrey.

"I-, We haven't uh, talked in like a week. Just wanted to hear your voice, s'all." Her words are shy, like she's worried how I'll respond.

And well, fuck. That makes me feel worse.

"I know, I'm sorry Audie. Things have been a little crazy around here, I've barely had anytime this week to myself." I say with a sigh, my tone dripping with remorse.

We send little texts here and there, songs we've been listening to, pictures of Teddy or Felix. But we rarely ever talk on the phone.

"I know, Serena mentioned that. I know you miss me too, m'sorry, don't wanna add more stress to your plate." Audrey says, her voice still subdued.

"Oh? Didn't know you were talking to Serena." I say puzzled.

"Harry-" She sighs. "Of course I'm talking to Serena. I've known the woman my whole life of course I'm going to talk to her." She bites.