The Beast (Harry Styles)

Part II: Chapter Twenty-Four

A short chapter for the time being,

I apologize for being absent, for leaving;

But now back to the story where time has passed

And Adeline and Harry are completely together at last. . .

~.~

"No," Harry shook his head, but a hint of a smile was playing on his lips.

"Oh come on! It'll be fun," I insisted tugging more on Harry's sleeve as we meandered aimlessly in the garden. 

The harshest of the winter weather was dwindling down as January was slowly escaping into the grasps of lost time in history. The flowers were still asleep under their blanket of heavenly fluff, but it didn't stop Harry and I from admiring the peek-a-boo plants that shyly stuck a limb out ready to play once again. 

"Adeline, you do not want to meet my mother and sister; they're. . .it's hard to explain." Harry sighed and looked to his right.  "It's not that I don't want you to meet them, but they can come off a bit strong."

I stopped, causing Harry to slow down and eventually stop as well. 

"Harry, you realize my brother broke into your castle and my father knew you were the infamous Beast and still called you Harriet? Your family can't be that bad."

"They're smothering," he whined. "It's like they have to know everything and get excited about the smallest things. If they knew about you, I have no idea how they would react." When he realized what he had said, Harry's jaw dropped. "I-I didn't mean it like that--"

"They don't. . .know about me?" My heart sunk at the truth.

For the few months I had been in the castle, I assumed Harry would inform his family of the affairs. The winter had been quite harsh, but Harry managed to communicate with his council and hold meetings; naturally, I thought he would keep in contact with his family. And I thought that I'd be a part of that communication.

"It's protection for you, not them," Harry tried to explain. "It just makes things easier."

"I assumed you thought higher of me than this," I shook my head, "but apparently not."

"Adeline, you know that's not the truth."

My bottom lip stuck out like an annoyed child, and I detached myself from Harry. "It feels like it." The words came out as a whine, and I felt like an annoyed, bratty child who was not getting their own way. 

"Adeline."

"Why can't I meet them?" I moaned, stomping my feet on the still frozen ground.

Harry sighed and stared at my lip sticking out and eyes watering as if I were about to cry.  He folded his arms across his chest and began to sway back a forth a little in thought. 

I knew he was weighing the options, weighing what the outcomes would be and whose happiness he valued more.

"Okay fine, they can come to visit.  I'll send for them in the morning," Harry gave in, and I jumped in victory.

"But," he continued, "you have to promise me something."

It was hard to hide my smile, so I bit my lip and gave Harry a nod.

"Make sure Lum doesn't ask either one whether he is broccoli or a peach or whatever he thinks he is. Because really, he truly is a papaya."

~.~

In two days, Harry's mother and sister arrived.

I was a nervous wreck. Negative thoughts keep company on my mind and forced their stay too long, long enough for me to become accustomed to their existence.