One Direction Pregnancy Series **Completed**

29 ~ Stress/Fear

Harry ~ "I can't wait for that baby to get here!" You heard Gemma exclaimed from across the room. You were all at Anne and Robins house for Christmas Eve, currently just enjoying each others company and the soft Christmas music. You looked to Harry, who was beside his stepfather on the couch. He had a big smile on his face. The chatter continued as some of Harry's extended family chirped in about your pregnancy. You sat beside Anne, wearing your new bracelet from Harry and necklace from Gemma.

"Excuse me," you said softly as you stood and walked into the kitchen everyone had started talking about their experiences with birth and horror stories they've heard. As you neared the due date, you began to get nervous about giving birth. You and Harry had decided to stay at home, and that you would have no medicine to numb the pain. All natural.

"Love?" Anne said as she walked into the room moments after you. You took a breath before turning to face her, her motherly eyes meeting yours. She quickly noticed your tear stained cheeks and sighed before pulling you into her warm embrace. "What's wrong? Huh? Crying on Christmas isn't allowed."

She unwrapped her arms from around you and took a step away from you, keeping her hands on your shoulders. You shook your head, not trusting your voice. She tilted her head sympathetically before reaching over the counter to get a napkin. You wiped your eyes with it, mouthing the words 'thank you'.

"Can you tell me why you're sad?" 

"I-" you croaked out, but your voice wasn't strong enough. In a few seconds, you started again. "I'm scarred to give birth." 

"Oh, darling, it is scary, isn't it? I remember being petrified with Gemma. I know it's scary not knowing what to expect with your first, but I'm still here after two, so...I didn't think a baby could have such a big head!" She laughed, and you stifled a giggle while still wiping your eyes. "You're not going to be alone at any time, unless you want to be, okay? Your mother, me, Harry, and Gemma if you want her to be- we're here for you."

"How bad does it hurt?"

"On a scale of 1 - 10? One hundred. But you're one of the strongest young women I know, so you'll be fine."

"Would a strong woman be crying in the kitchen on Christmas Eve?"

"Honey, that doesn't matter. Alright? You and that baby are going to be perfectly fine." She smiled warmly, giving you another quick hug. "Want me to go find Harry?"

"Yeah, if you could?" She took two steps from you and yelled for him, making you laugh. It would have been just as easy for her to take two more steps to the doorway and then call for him, but she wasn't like that. She was much more...a lot of things, and you loved it.

"Why you screaming, mum? Burst my eardrums," he complained, standing in front of his mother. He then saw you, and pushed past her to reach you. Anne smiled and winked before going back to join the party. "Why are your eyes red, babe? You've been crying?"

"Yeah, but it's fine now, I talked with mum. I just wanted a hug," you said, wrapping your arms around him. You melted into his warmth, enjoying his touch. He rubbed his hand up and down your back, making you feel a million times better.

"Whatever it is, you can talk to me?"

"I know, but it's not a problem right now. I'm fine for now."

"Well, then, Merry Christmas, darling." He said, looking you in the eyes.

"Merry Christmas, Harry." You replied before kissing him.

Niall ~ "You're sure you'll be alright?" He asked, standing in the front hall with you in his arms. He was leaving today, to do some promo for the new album in the US, and wouldn't be home again for three weeks.