Dignified Minds, Tempted Hearts

9 - unexpected happenings

The last three days had been more calm and well- boring for Harry, but that's not something he is anywhere near disappointed about.

The last few days had been hectic for him. From having a nice dinner, to exchanging hateful words, to having beers with a whole friend group - he was okay with just walking around in nature, reading a book, just relaxing for a bit.

That is what he came here for after all.

Now, he's in his usual chair again, reading a classic he loves - pride and prejudice. With a steaming cup of tea, which is perfect for the stormy weather outside - he has his feet perched on the coffee table in front of him as he dissolves in the world of Elizabeth and Darcy.

He finds it remarkable how two characters, can have so much pride and prejudice all at once - hence the title.

Darcy is too proud to admit that he likes Elizabeth, a commoner, and his prejudice for her family and his pride in himself won't let him admit to his mistakes.

Elizabeth has pride in herself and her ideas and thinks that she's better than a rich snob like Darcy. Her prejudice won't let her look beyond that.

But well - what can he say. He loves a old classic with enemies to lovers involved.

Darcy and Elizabeth were just dancing when he hears a knock on the window. The first thought that flashes through his head is that that was the exact same greeting he got from Louis 3 days ago when he forgot his phone.

So, it's not exactly a surprise when he finds Louis behind the window, he didn't, however, expect a stressed looking Louis.

Harry recognizes the desperation, fear and worry in Louis's eyes, so he immediately gets up and rushes to the door.

He's greeted by a panting Louis who gasps out the words. "My mom, I need to take her to the hospital." He swallows before continuing, probably to get his dry throat a little bit more hydrated. "She asked me if you could take care of the kids for a bit - just until I have driven her there and I know that she's okay."

"I-" Harry shakes his head, a little bit overwhelmed by the news and the fact that Louis - or well, his mom he supposes - asks him to take care of her four kids, after knowing him so shortly.

As if Louis reads his mind, he adds, "She used to ask this older lady that lives in the village, but she has passed away half a year ago. Please Harry." Louis' tone is almost begging. "I know we don't get along well and I would ask Zayn or Liam or Niall to do it, but they're an hour away and-"

"No of course I will do it." Harry interrupts him, nodding his head solemnly. "Your mom and sisters have been nothing but kind to me, and I don't exactly have anything important to do anyway. I'll take care of them as long as you need me to."

Relief seems to flood through Louis' body as his shoulders sag and his mouth lets out a big sigh. "Thank you, Harry." He starts rummaging through his pockets and seconds later a keychain is dangling in his fingers. "Take me mom's keys, she won't need them for a while. The front door, garage key, anything you need is on there."

Harry nods in understanding, accepting the keys and he starts guiding Louis toward the car, as the older man is still talking.

"And remind Lottie to take her pill - she has very bad periods. Daisy is lactose intolerant, so don't give her any dairy if you can avoid it, their bedtime is at-"

"Louis." Harry interrupts the stressed out man, grabbing him by both his shoulders and making eye contact with him. "We will be fine for a few hours. Get your mom to the hospital and just send me a text with the most important things. In the meantime I'll ask Lottie and Fizzy to fill me in on things. The most important thing for now is that Jay is okay, so go. Drive carefully, okay?"