The Beast (Harry Styles)

Chapter Twenty-Five: New Beginnings

Oh! How excited Harry's family is to be,

When they show up and can see

The happiness that falls in Harry's heart,

Something there that they knew had fallen apart. . . .

~.~

"Oh, it has been too long, since you've seen your Mum!" Harry's mother, Anne, reached across the table and grabbed his face in her hands and gave it a little shake, kissing all over before attempting to embrace him.

We sat in the dining hall, making small talk as we awaited Gemma and dinner. Coggs had shown her to her room, but neither returned, and all that was heard was light banter coming from the hall they disappeared down.

Harry had decided not to sit at the head of the table; instead, he sat across from Anne and I across from the place for Gemma.

"Mum, mum, that's enough," Harry shyly protested, a blush creeping on his cheeks, but Anne just smiled at him.

"Why, you!" she laughed and sat back down. "No, I get it, I get it: you are 'too cool' for kisses from your mum in front of your lady friend." Harry's cheeks turned to a deep red, and Anne continued on with quiet laughter.

The door behind Harry and me opened, and Gemma walked in. Before she could make it to where her plate was set, her mother called her.

"Gemma! Gemma! Don't sit yet!" Anne turned to Harry. "It's been a while, Harry, dear, and I think you know what it is time for."

He looked at her puzzled before responding, "Um, supper?"

At realization of what her mother had insinuated, Gemma's face grew a mischievous look, and she batted her eyes at Harry.

"Harry, isn't it so lovely to see you after all this time, and on account of a lady nonetheless," Gemma giggled before bouncing in with grace, slowly and mockingly walking over to her brother. Harry stiffened.

"Gemma, I swear if you--"

"But, I must say, you have changed quite a bit, and I'm not sure if you deserve this," she pondered aloud.

Harry sighed in relief. "Thank God--" he started, but was cut off by his sister tackling him and pinning him to the ground, wrestling with him until she sat on his back and his leg was slung over her shoulder.

"GEMMA! MY BODY DOES NOT NATURALLY TURN THIS WAY!" Harry yelled, but Gemma ignored his frantic attempts for help.

It was a sight to see, just a gorgeous young woman with her dress up to her knees as she sat on a man's back, beating him in wrestling: I was disturbed yet amused in an odd way.

"But isn't it so nice to have something familiar in this new world?" she practically purred trying to charm her way out of the situation. When Harry continued to yell, Gemma sighed and got off of him, giving her hand to Harry to get up.

"Why do you let that happen every time," Harry grumbled accepting the hand of his sister.

"Well, it was cute when you two were younger," his mother replied, "besides, it's very boring back home, and both of us needed some entertainment. We're on a holiday, Harry. We want fun, and though I know that is not in your vocabulary, I would appreciate the effort."

"But it's dinner time! Does it look like this is a wrestling ring?" Harry whined sitting back in his chair.

"With some imagination--another world your vocabulary lacks, I'm afraid--yes, yes it could be," Gemma responded with a proud smile.