Flora.
I stare out at the frozen countryside, it's going by too fast for me to focus on how pretty and still it is and I'm unable to think of anything other than what I'll be doing within the next 15 minutes. Harry drives at his usual pace, which doesn't help my unsettled stomach.
"You've been quiet the whole way here" He comments. Turning to look at me as much as he can whilst still navigating the small lane like country roads.
"I'm so scared" I finally admit. When we had the conversation a few days ago that I couldn't hide it any longer and people needed to be told I knew Harry's family would be the first. I've spent the last week at Harry's house avoiding people in general whilst trying to find away around telling everyone my secret. Our secret. Which at 13 weeks is obvious to anybody, personally I would be happy at home watching netflix for the next 6 months but apparently that doesn't sit well with Harry.
"Flora, we have to tell your parents, I have to tell your dad that I, your boss, who was in a position of responsibility, got you pregnant, he could sue me if he wanted to" Harry defends himself. I smirk, I'm not sure what my dad will do but he won't do anything crazy like sue Harry, not that I'll tell him that, it seems to be scaring him.
"Harry, to sue you I'd have to press charges, I'm an adult remember" I say in irritation.
"I wouldn't put it past you" He laughs, picking up speed on a straight bit of road. I roll my eyes, now is not the time for this. I stay silent for a few minutes and Harry instead turns up the Pink Floyd CD he seems to always have in his car.
"Harry?" I ask, deciding it's finally time to ask about the elephant in the room. He doesn't acknowledge me but I know he's all ears.
"Is Edward going to be there?" I ask. I note him tense up a little, his jaw line becomes a little straighter.
"Possibly, but I promise you won't be alone with him, my dad won't let you and neither will I" He reassures me, I nod, what else can I say apart from that I'm petrified of him. I wipe my clammy hands on my legs, knowing Harry's dad will probably shake it. Harry hasn't told me what he told his mother or father we were coming for but I'm sure they're going to be surprised when they find out actually why.
We turn into the long driveway where I've only been once before, I sneak a look at Harry who still seems tense. I readjust the material of my soft grey jumper, if you don't know what you're looking for it just about conceals the noticeable bump, other than that not much else does anymore.
He skids to a halt outside the house, Edwards muddy green land rover is just a couple of spaces down, giving me a feeling of dread in my stomach.
"Come on, now or never" He places a hand on my leg, tapping my thigh in encouragement, I grimace at him.
"I'm only here for your mums cooking" I smirk.
"I'll tell her that" He grins, undoing his seat belt and getting out, his boots crunching across the frosty drive to get the bags from the boot, I follow him as we arrive at the large front door, I wrap my coat tighter around me. He turns the brass handle and I welcome the warm flood of heat, first to greet us is the dog, well at least he's not gonna get mad at the news. I squat down to pet Archie who is licking my hand excitedly.
"Hello?" Harry calls. I look up and see his dad coming down the stairs, I stand up quickly.
"Harry" He greets his son formally as ever, shaking his hand and embracing him awkwardly. He's dressed casually, which is kind of weird and at least makes him a little less intimidating.
"Flora, lovely to see you again, I'm so sorry about what happened, I gather you got my flowers" He says, embracing me too with a kiss on each cheek.
"Yeah, I did, thank you they were lovely" I smile, they took some explaining to my mum. She literally thinks I live at Amber's. Harry looks at his father coldly, not sure how quickly he'll forgive him for that one.
"Let me take your jackets" His father offers, I look at Harry who shrugs his off, I do the same, resisting the urge to fiddle with my jumper and draw attention. Harry's father goes to a closet, hanging up our jackets and leading us towards the kitchen, Harry brushes my arm softly. The smell of food cooking is enough to make my stomach rumble. I'm not prepared for what Harry does next, he grabs my hand, holding it tightly, I don't even have time to react before we enter the kitchen.
Harry's mum turns around from where she's working at the counter, breaking into a friendly smile, she puts down her tea towel and comes over to greet Harry, the look in her eyes that of a mother's love.
"It's so nice to see you" She fusses.
I let my eyes wonder over to the corner of the kitchen, where Edward is standing, leaning against the counter nonchalantly, a smug smile across his face. I regret looking instantly and instead find myself embracing Anne in a long hug. Harry's hand is still attached to mine.
"It's lovely to see you again too Flora" She says, looking from my face to Harry's fondly. I'm not sure if she's noticed our linked hands but something tells me she wouldn't be the problem, I look at Harry's dad nervously, he doesn't seem to be letting on at all.
"Edward what's wrong with you today, come and say hello to your brother" Harry's mum scolds, Eddie places his mug on the side and comes forward.
"Nice to see you Haz" He says, hugging Harry without a warning, Harry stiffens up completely.
"And you, Flora" He hugs me next and I have to resist the urge to push him away, his arms lingering around me, nowhere else for my face but his chest. Harry wraps his arm around my waist forcing Eddie to back off.
"You look great, positively glowing" He comments, staring at my stomach. I blush, scanning Harry's parents faces for any sign of recognition, they seem more focused on his hand around my waist.
"We're really excited to hear your news" He continues, as Harry's mum goes back to her cooking. Harry is staring right through Eddie.
"We've got about half an hour before dinner if you want to go upstairs and freshen up, you must be tired" Harry's mum says, saving the awkward situation.
"Yeah, we will if that's okay. Where's Gemma?" Harry says.
"In her bedroom, go and give her a shout she'll be pleased to see you" His dad answers.
"Okay thanks, back in a bit then" Harry says, guiding me from the room, using his other hand to carry the bag. I'm a little too in shock to say anything, relieved to be out of the situation. Harry waits until we're in the refuge of the staircase to speak.
"Are you okay?" Harry asks.
"I hate being around him" I say quietly, struggling not to cry.
"I know, I'm sorry" He stops at the top of the stairs pulling me into a hug and kissing the top of my head.
"It's scary enough as it is" I say.
"It'll be okay, I'll do all the talking at dinner I promise baby" He says, rubbing his hand comfortingly over my hip.
"Scuse me, could I get down the stairs" We both turn and realise his sister is standing there, smirking, she looks from me to Harry and back.
"I guess so" Harry says, humour in his voice as he moves us over a step to the left, letting his sister descend the stairs, she turns around and gives us a big grin as she continues on her way. Harry looks at me, smiling awkwardly.
"Who was the last girl you bought home.." I ask.
"Never have" He admits. I raise my eyebrows.
"You're serious?" I ask, I mean I'm not sure what we are and I know why we're here but that's really sweet.
"Don't sound so surprised" He mumbles, picking up the bag and continuing down the hallway.
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Hey so I'm gonna double update today! Next chapter should be exciting.
- Ro xx
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Yes, Boss
FanfictionThe number one rule to business is ruthlessness, it's always worked for Harry anyway.
