Escaping - Larry Stylinson (rewriting)

Chapter Twenty-Three

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Chapter Twenty-Three

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Anne's POV

My breath hitches in my throat and I feel my heart ache. My mouth is open, but my hand moves up to cover it.

I look at the creature in Harry's arm. It's big brown eyes are wide open as he looks at me. I feel tears of joy well up in my eyes, but I don't know what to say. I don't even know if I should. I've never been this silent before. I look up at the boys in disbelieve and surprise.

Louis smiles warmly and nods his head, telling me this is true. The baby is my grandson. Harry lays his hand on my shoulder.

I feel so many emotions right now. I'm so in love with this baby already and I feel so proud! But I'm also sad... Sad because I probably won't be in this baby's life. Harry won't let me. I'm also sad that they weren't able to tell me before. And because I'm horrible at being a parent. I spent half Harry's life not being in it. But Harry can be with his child forever. I envy them.

"H-how?" I ask, trying to find the right words. "Whose is it?"

I see Hart wince at my question. Oh shit...

They both sit down, the baby still in Harry's arms.

"I told you about the woman who gave us a place to stay?" Harry asks and I nod. "Well... She had a baby, but she uhm.. S-she died..." Harry wipes away a tear that escaped. "We decided to take care of her baby. He's a part of her"

"What the woman's name?" I ask carefully, trying not to make them feel more pain. I'm just interested.

"Gloria," Louis smiles. "Amazing woman"

"Yeah," Harry adds. "She was very special. She was like a mom to me"

My stomach turns at his words. Harry saying this woman felt like a mom hurt, but I have no right to get angry about this. I was never there for Harry. I should be thankful this woman as there for him. Still, I also hate her for it.

"She got sick," Harry continues. "She died while giving birth,"

"I'm sorry," is all I say. But I mean it. "She sounds lovely."

Harry only smiles. He knows I'm only trying to be nice.

"But we'll be the best parents! We owe that to Gloria" Louis says. "And to him too" Louis grabs the baby's small hand. There are sparkles in his eyes. I've never noticed that before, but it's beautiful.

"Him?" I repeat happily. "So it's a boy?"

"Yes," Harry laughs. "Noah,"

I smile down at the baby. Harry moves his hand to Louis' leg and he squeezed his knee momentarily. After that, he trails his long fingers down from Noah's forehead to his chin.

"Would you maybe like to hold him?" Louis suddenly asks me. My eyes widen and I can't control the smile that's creeping onto my face.

"You trust me with your baby?" I ask ever so quietly.

"Yes," Harry smiles.

"Don't be silly," Louis adds, laughing. He stands and takes the baby from Harry. He softly places him down in my arms. After that, he sits back down.

I look down. Noah's asleep, peacefully resting in my arms. He's making soft noises and I can feel him breathing. I can't believe this beautiful creature is part of my family now. Noah looks so tiny, cute and perfect. It's like I'm holding heaven in my arms.

I feel so emotional. I think my mother instinct (or at least the bit I have of it) takes over because I can't help but cry while cradling the little thing in my arms. Harry and Louis stand up and kneel down at each side of me. They place their arms around me, two over my shoulders and two in my lap. I'm positive they're holding hands behind my back. I feel like a real family. I can't remember the last time I felt love this strong.