Ditched (a Harry Styles love story)

Chapter 37

***Elizabeth's P.O.V.***

We arrived at my hometown of Accord, New York on December 18. We'd only be there until the 23 when we would have to go back so we'd be ready for Christmas and Louis' birthday. I wish I would've been able to stay with my parents for Christmas but, with the funeral, no one was really in the jolly mood. It was okay, though, Louis had promised that his family would love to have me over for Christmas and to meet me. Harry had offered the same thing, but Louis insisted I go to see Jay and his sisters for this year.

The plane ride would, admittedly, have been boring without Harry's presence. He was cracking constant jokes that were really stupid but made me laugh anyways. It was nice to have the distraction from current events. He promised that he'd try to stay awake the entire flight with me, but near the last thirty minutes he had passed out in his seat. I wasn't complaining, though, at least he didn't snore in his sleep like my brother. That would've been a bit embarrassing.

When we finally got to the states we had to go through the customs and all that jazz before picking up our bags. Then came the dreaded part where my dad would pick us up from the airport. My dad is a generally calm guy, but if there is one thing he doesn't like it's when I get close to guys. The only guy I dated that he and my mom ever liked was Darren, the pastor's son. Harry seemed a bit nervous too because he was fidgeting a lot and asking if I thought my dad would like him. He kept repeating what he figured he'd say to my father, saying the words 'and I'm Harold' under his breath every so often with an approving nod following it.

The familiar grey of his Toyota Tacoma soon pulled up in front of us and I sighed in disappointment when I realized that he hadn't listened to me about taking the Rav4 instead. The truck didn't have very comfortable back seats so I would have to make a sacrifice in order to make Harry comfortable. My father came out of the car in his usual attire, old blue jeans with a tucked in plaid shirt. He never really did dress with the decade, and I guess in a way I got my modesty from him when it came to clothes. His brown eyes were worn from years and he had laugh lines etched into his stubbly face. The black hair that used to be so dark when I was a kid was starting to get more gray each time I saw him.  

''My little girl's back,'' he smiled before pulling me into a hug that threated to suffocate me. His stubble brushed against my cheek and made me smile at the familiar feeling. I didn't mind the 'little girl' thing; I would always be that to him no matter what. He pulled away to turn a suspicious glance at Harry and let out a little hum. ''I take it you're the guy who's been letting her stay with you?'' he inferred and Harry smiled nervously.

''Yes, sir, I'm Harold,'' he told my father who shook his hand as he cleared his throat and added, ''Harry if you'd prefer that.''

''Well, Harold,'' my father started with a small (very small) smile, ''thank you for letting my daughter stay with you.''

Yes, my dad and my mum were blissfully unaware of what Harry had done before. It was better that way; dad would've rung his neck just then if he had known. Harry glanced at me for a moment, probably wondering why I hadn't told him. ''It's no problem, sir.''

''Please, call me Mr. Shakel,'' my father supplied before beckoning us towards the truck, ''we best get going; you're mother gave herself a good panic today. Wanted to make sure everything was picture perfect for your arrival, and if we don't get there in the next few hours she might think that you died in a plane crash.'' I couldn't help but chuckle at my mom's typical behavior. Harry took my suitcase, much to my protest, and set it in the bed of the truck where my dad told him to put it.

When he went to get into the back with me I stopped him and he looked at me in confusion. ''Nuh-uh, you're taller, you get to sit in the front,'' I told him.