The Christmas Journals | Harry Styles ✓

Chapter 3 - one

Noel and Harry are 16.

"Noe, aren't you going to get ready? We're leaving for Harry's flat soon," her mother told her as she was putting in earrings while she was remaining in the same position at her desk, working on assignments.

She merely shrugged and kept writing her paper. "I'm not sure if I want to go this year, mum," she mumbled, hoping that she would be the only one who heard what she said.

Her mom sat on her bed, taking a bobby pin and putting it in her messy bun. "Why not? You're always so excited for this time of year, even though you and Harry practically see each other every single day."

"Used to see each other every single day," Noel corrected. "We haven't talked for like six months. And what if he, I don't know, acts weird around me?"

Her mom rolled her eyes and got up to resume her process of getting ready. "Just join us and see what happens. I'm sure he'll be the same odd curl-ball-Harry whether or not if he was on the X-Factor. I'm sure nothing changed between you guys."

_____

"Noel!" Anne and Gemma screamed simultaneously as they both engulfed her into a hug.

"Haven't seen you around as much. What's been going on these past few months?" Anne asked, pulling her a chair as all three women drank warm tea, waiting for Noel's mother to join them.

"Basically college all day and sometimes even into the night. It's bad," she laughed, taking a sip from the hot liquid. But aside from that, how are you guys? And Harry?" Noel asked, actually full of curiosity about Harry's current whereabouts due to him and her not being able to keep in contact as much as the past because of how busy that they've become.

Anne smiled, knowing that the thought of Harry being alright made Noel even happier than usual. "He's been good. I can tell that the X-Factor made him more tired than usual, with such a crowded schedule and all, but you can see that he loves it."

Noel slightly smiled, knowing that he was okay and enjoying himself. She partially wished that she got the information from Harry himself, but took what she could get.

Her heart longed for them to be reunited again after such a long time with little to even no contact, but she knew that there was a reason why it couldn't end up that way, which she hated. She respected it nonetheless, as there was nothing that she can do to change it. She just wanted him to be happy, even if she wasn't used to the sudden change herself.

"He misses you a lot."

Noel broke from her thoughts, trying to think if she heard Gemma correctly. He missed her? But he had the whole world in the palms of his hands. She just couldn't wrap her thoughts around the idea because she seemed so inferior to the things that Harry's been experiencing the last six months.

"H-he misses me a lot?" Noel felt the adrenaline running, but she wasn't sure if it was due to nervousness or happiness.

Gemma nodded. A glimmer of hope formed in the pit of her stomach as she bit her bottom lip to prevent her from smiling too wide.

Anne playfully hit her arm as Gemma giggled. "What are you talking about? Of course he does! Didn't I ever tell you about those hours of phone calls that I've had with him where he says that he misses you, wants to see you, wants to talk to you, and what not?"

She shook her head, laughing at all that she was being told right now. She couldn't believe it. She really couldn't believe it.

Gemma elbowed Anne, confusing the both of them. "Mum, he said not to mention those," she said in a loud whisper.

But before the three of them can continue, they heard a key click in the lock. "Jane! Finally you came! I need your help-" Anne walked towards the door to take Noel's mother'Jane's coat.

"Hi mum! Merry Christmas Eve!" Harry said with a bright smile, pulling his warm mother into his winter kissed arms. "Where's the best older sister ever?" Immediately, Gemma ran up to him to join the hug. "Is Noel here yet? I-"

Noel quickly walked up to him and gave him a big hug. She playfully slapped his arm with a slight pout. "You should've kept in touch while you were going on adventures!"

He rumpled up her hair, laughing, and pulled her back into another tight, warm hug. "Ah, I've missed you lots."

In those few moments of hugs and teasing, the flower of their friendship started to flourish back once again.

• • •

Author's Note - December 8, 2016

May the odds be ever in my favor during my finals week :)

Miri ♡