15 Years // harry styles

chapter twenty eight

B
|five days later|

"That's the last of it," Lydia smiles, her eyes glossy. The last box has been loaded into the moving truck outside, which was much too big for the few belongings she was taking. To her knowledge, her new apartment came furnished and stocked, a gift from her boss. Which was true, except for the source of the money. She'd overlooked the HES initials on the packages, but we decided not to mention it.

I lean into Harry, who kisses my hair softly and rubs my arm. It doesn't hurt as bad as I thought it would, seeing her go, but there's still a sting in my chest as she walks towards me.

"You call me, and let me know where you are. Be careful. I mean it," she whispers in my ear, hugging me tightly before the moving truck driver honks.

"I'll see you soon Aunt Lydia," I call after her as she heads back to the truck. Harry and I wave until she's out of site.

Once she's gone, he takes my shoulders and turns me towards him, his brows furrowed.

"You alright?" He asks quietly, assessing my face.

"Yeah actually, I am. I don't have anything to be scared of," I explained.

He lit up at that, my favorite mischievous grin returning to his lips. "You're exactly right, since we have a plane to catch in—" he moved his sleeve back, checking his watch — "5 hours!"

With that, he swings me up in his arms, carrying me back into the building, laughing the entire way.

---

"Are you planning on reading every minute of this tour?" H questions from the reading nook as I slide a few more books into my suitcase.

"If it means I don't have to talk to you, maybe," I tease, picking up a few more and sticking out my tongue at him. He flips me off and I grin, securing the last few before zipping both my big suitcases and my backpack.

"I still can't believe your parents left you this place," Harry says, coming up behind me and wrapping his hands around my waist as I look around. It feels vaguely empty, despite the fact that it's still furnished.

"I don't think they planned for it to be mine so soon," I whisper, tears prickling in my eyes. Harry hugs me closer, kissing my cheek gently.

"They'd be proud of you, you know. For not hiding, for living your life."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

We stand there for a while, and I'm content as I watch the sun set over the skyline, trying to understand that it's the last one I'll see here for a while.

"You ready babe?" Harry breaks the silence, his head heavy on my shoulder.

"Yeah. I'm ready."

He takes my hand and one of my suitcases, I grab the other and my backpack, and we head out the door, leaving home behind.

---

The car ride to the airport was enjoyable, peaceful even, with the tinted windows and soft music playing. It didn't take long to get here, as we pull into the parking garage.