A Novella - One Journey

Chapter 5:

We immediately left the hospital once I was discharged, with strict orders to drink lots of fluids and have 3 solid meals every day. It was conveniently lunch time, so Harry took us to Nando's, the band's favorite restaraunt. It's a popular Portugese chicken place, but it's quaint and very relaxed. We however had to order the band a plate because we knew they'd never forgive us if we didn't. Generally I get a really spicy chicken dish, but I turned it down this time, thinking that pregnancy and spicy foods only equal heartburn. And I didn't want Harry to have to deal with an inglorious chorus line of burping. Getting back in the car, we both quickly ate, starved after bland hospital food. With a full mouth, Harry asked,

"Have you ever thought about names?" His breath reaked of spicy chicken. It smelled good though, much better than my sweet chicken.

"I just found out I'm pregnant today. Let's take baby steps," I said, not intending to use a pun.

"Ha-I see what you did there," Harry laughed. I tried not to laugh as I chewed the last bite of my sandwich.

We arrived back at the flat twenty minutes later to find all the band mates and girlfriends playing a game at the table. They had split into teams, girls against guys, playing some made up game they had created.

"That'll be all yer carrots you bloody Irishman," I heard Louis scream in a pirate voice.

"I've got it Lou," Niall replied calmly. Eleanor giggled.

"Wait a second, I thought we had spoons in there? And what happened to Zayn's hair mousse?" Perrie asked.

"My mousse!" Zayn cried, clutching the hair product to his chest.

"I think Liam's thrown away the spoons," Danielle said quietly.

"Ay, that's my mum's silverware!" Louis yelled defensively, chasing Liam around. In his hands he had a garbage bad that clinked as he shifted around, obviously full of spoons. We had our bags, looking at them in bafflement.

"Wait Harry," I said, pulling him back before he joined the fun. We're gone for no more than 24 hours and they've already managed to mess the place up. Dirty plates overflowed from the sink, empty boxes of snackfoods were thrown at random places, and something mushy was slowly sliding down the wall. It kind of looked like mashed potatoes. Harry looked at me, waiting for me to say something.

"Let's not tell them. Not now. Please?" I asked quietly. He grabbed my hand and nodded.

"Guys," Harry said, announcing our return. They didn't even hear us come in, let alone Harry's weak announcement.

"Guys!" he said, his voice booming this time. They froze in mid air, in whatever position they were in, and turned to look at us.

"Harry! Annabel!" they cried in unison, running to us. They all came in a group hug.

"How are you guys? Is everything okay--you brought food!" And before we could explain, the Nando's bag was gone and they were already at the table, hungrily eating it all up.

"Hey! Those are my fries!" Niall cried, slapping Louis' mischevious hand that was carefully stealing one of Niall's fries. Louis immediately released, knowing that Niall would fight for that fry, even if it meant biting his finger off.

"C'mon El, you've already eaten most of my fries," Louis complained as she took a bite of his sandwich. It was interesting to watch everyone eat together. Liam and Danielle were sharing a dish, Eleanor delicately gobbled up her chicken salad, Perrie sipped her soda, Zayn made a mess with his ultra-spicy sandwich, and Niall was making his way to his third sandwich. That boy never stops eating.

"Oh yes Annabel, how are you feeling?" Danielle asked, dabbing the corners of her mouth.

"Just fine thank you."

"El, did you hear that? How she said 'thank you'? It had a bit of an accent," Danielle teased. Everyone, including Harry, laughed. I just felt my cheeks get hot.

"You should hear her when she's tired. 'Oh Harold, I just simply cannot make it up to bed. I suppose you'll just have to carry me, along with the fairies and gumdrop kittens.' And she does this googly expression with her eyes bulging and her lips puckered," Harry explained, badly impersonating me when I try and do a British accent whilst tired.

"I do not say that!" I said giggly, slugging Harry in the shoulder.

"Oh yes you do! You just wouldn't know because you're loopy by that time," Harry said. I opened my mouth to retort something back, but I couldn't think of anything, so I just sheepishly closed my mouth. My ears burned with embarrassment.

"Oh it's alright Bell. We all know gumdrop kittens don't exist," Harry said quietly, pecking me on the lips. I smiled. A chorus of swoons echoed through the room.

"Oh yes, and we have a big announcement!" Harry said happily. I felt my heart drop to my stomach. No Harry. Please, I told you not now. I squeezed his hand, trying to stop him from talking. He must've taken as a different sign because he just charged even further. After a dramatic pause he said,

"Annabel and I are moving."