baby [h.s.]

thirty seven

            We awoke the next morning to a knocking on our door. I groaned and looked at Harry who was sat up, looking towards the bedroom doorway.

"Who do you think it is?" I said.

"If it's Riddle, I'll kill him. It's like seven."

I fell back into bed and sighed. "You go get it."

"Fucking fine."

He rolled out of the bed. He only wore sweatpants. His feet shuffled against the wood as he walked down the hall, brushing his hair out of his eyes with his hand. After a few moments, I heard the door open.

"Good god, who are you?" The voice belonged to my mother.

"Fuck." I said. I threw the covers from my body.

"Matilda!" she said.

I sped through my bedroom door and down the hall to see my mother, angry, and Harry, shocked. It was nearly funny.

"Mum, what are you doing here?" I said. I looked at Harry and nodded towards my bedroom. He needed to go put on a shirt.

My mother stood, her arms crossed, as she stared me down. Her mouth was tight. Harry hadn't picked up on my signal, so I sent him a pointed look and pulled on my own shirt. He raised his eyebrows and disappeared down the hall.

"Where is he going?" Mum said. "Who is he? Matilda, why did a naked young man answer your door? Are you sleeping around?"

"Christ, mum, I'm not sleeping around." I said. "Why are you even here? I told you not to come back."

"I'm your mother." she said. "It's nearly Christmas, is it so bad that I wanted to check in on my daughter? Who is that boy?"

"I'm Harry, ma'am." Harry said as he returned, wearing a shirt. "Harry Styles."

"Oh, and what are you to my daughter?" she said.

I blushed, "Mum-"

"We're together." Harry said. "I'm her boyfriend."

I pressed my lips together and Harry shrugged at me when she wasn't looking. My cheeks felt hot.

"You didn't tell me you were dating someone." Mum said.

"We don't exactly talk much," I said. "Not your business, mum. Why are you even here right now?"

She sighed. "Your grandfather wants you to be in Italy for Christmas."

I scoffed. "I haven't been to Christmas with the family in two years."

"His request, not mine. He'd really appreciate it if you decided to come. They do miss you, Matilda, despite what you think."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not going, I'll just stay here with Harry. Thanks though. You can leave now."

"Matilda-"

"She'll think about it." Harry said. I turned to look at him.

"Oh really? I will?"

Harry sent me a pointed look. "Yes, you will. Ms. Caine, we'll get back to you. Sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. I hope the next time will be a bit more formal."