united [h.s.]

nine

  December 2017

"Thanks of letting me stay here," I smiled at Anne, pulling her in for a hug.

"Well of course! You're my baby boy's girl." She grinned, taking my bag from me without letting me argue it. I rolled my eyes at her typical behaviour while she carried it upstairs.

"Zoe!" I heard Gemma squeal from the top of the stairs, her running down them and wrapping her arms around me, spinning us around.

"Jesus, Gem," I laughed, wrapping my own arms around her.

"Sorry! You're my favorite future sister-in-law!" She grinned, pressing a sloppy kiss on my cheek and then letting go of me.

"Harry hasn't even got the nerve to pop the question yet, Gem, so wait until he does to be excited," I laughed, plopping backwards onto the couch. It definitely wasn't the first time I've been here, so it always felt like a home away from home. That's how Anne wanted me to look at it, at least.

She coughed awkwardly in response, running back upstairs. I rolled my eyes, pulling out my phone to text Harry.

Zoe: Haroldddd!! Your sister is being weird and your mom is being oddly quiet, what the hell is going on? And when will you be here? I miss you :(

Anne finally came back downstairs, smiling at me and going straight to the kitchen. She didn't say anything. Something was definitely going on, the Styles family was terrible at keeping secrets.

Harry: I always tell you my family's weird but you don't listen! Anyways, I'm in the cab now, I'll probably be there in about 20 minutes! I miss you too baby! See you soon. x

I smiled, locking my phone and setting it on the table in front of me. I made my way in the kitchen, leaning on the doorway.

"Harry said he'll be here in 20 minutes," I smiled, watching my boyfriends mother frantically prepare dinner.

"Oh, goodness! Do you mind helping, Zoe?" She looked at me desperately.

"Yeah, of course," I laughed, walking over and filling a pot with water for the noodles. We cooked in silence, but naturally I had to break it.

"Can you please tell me what's going on, Anne? Everybody's being not so secretive, and Harry's been barely talking to me. Hell, he made me meet him here, usually he'd pick me up and have us drive together." I frowned, stirring the sauce.

"Oh, Zoe," A frown appeared on her face as well, her awkwardly hugging me with her hands in the air since she had meat on them. She pulled away, nudging me to look at her.

"Harry loves you. Yes, Gem and I know something you don't but I'd rather not tell you, alright? You deserve a nice surprise. Now go sit out there and wait, alright? I'll finish up. Now shoo," She waved me off with a laugh.

I sat back on the couch, left in my own thoughts. I thought about all that Harry and I have accomplished in the past nearly year and a half, a smile growing on my face.

I ended up getting counseling due to the rape, which was Harry's idea. It helped a lot, although I'm still going. I feel fine though, really.

It took me a long time to be intimate with Harry again, which I suppose is the reason he pushed for me to get help.

The band went back on tour, which is where Harry is actually coming from. They had some last minute promo for the new album in Los Angeles, and we decided to meet for Christmas at his mothers house since we couldn't go see my family.

"Honey, I'm home!" I heard his rough voice, a grin on my face as I ran into his arms.

"Harry!" I laughed, him picking me up and twirling me around, then setting me on the ground and pressing a light kiss on my lips.

"My baby!" Anne cheered, pulling Harry into a hug. I could hear Gemma running down stairs, a smile on my face as I watched their group hug happen.

"Zoe!" I heard a small voice yell, turning to see my baby sister Emily walking up the driveway with my mother two steps behind her.

"Mom! Emily!" I couldn't hide my grin, a tear sliding down my cheek as I pulled them into a hug.

"Oh, Zoe, you've grown so much," My mom sniffled, kissing my cheek.

"I've grown? Look at Em, she's so big," I frowned, realizing just how much of my sisters' life I've been missing out on.

Gemma scooped my sister out of my arms and Anne helped my mother carry their bags inside. Harry and I were left standing outside, in our own embrace.

"Thank you for bringing them, Harry. Really. It means the world," I smiled, reaching up and kissing his chin.

"Well you mean the world to me, Zoe, I'll do anything for you. And besides, that's only the first of your gifts," He teased, licking my nose.

"What the hell," I laughed, wiping it off and smearing it on his bicep.

"Dinner's ready!" Anne shouted.

"Let's go," He nudged me, entertwining our hands and leading me to the table where we sat and ate for the first time as a whole family.