It was December 23, and I was at the airport. Harry would be going to Wales to do a special Christmas concert. It was being recorded Christmas Eve, during the day, and would air on Christmas. Eleanor, who had married Louis in November, and Danielle were both going with the boys. I, however, was going to my family's home for Christmas. Harry was supposed to come, but this popped up last minute. I didn't want to bail on my family on christmas eve, especially because you can't do those fun Christmas Eve activities in a hotel in Wales.
Harry coul not get a flight back until Christmas morning, which was odd. I know I should be happy that he'll be home at all, but Christmas Eve has always been a big deal for me. I grew up doing a lot on Christmas Eve. We would go to Church, and bake cookies and have dinner. We always had a big get-together with my family. Christmas Eve was always really important for me, and it killed that Harry wouldn't be able to be there.
I kissed him. "I'll be back before you know it, I promise." Harry said, kissing my forehead.
"Alright. I love you." I said, looking up at him. He engulfed me in a bear hug.
"I'm so sorry, darling. I wish I could be with you, I really do."
"I know, but your job. It's okay. I understand."
"No, it's not. I know how important Christmas eve is for you."
"What?"
"Ali, you've made me do those things every single year. You think I don't see the importance?" I smiled. I went up on my tip toes to kiss him. He hugged me once more. We both looked at each other, silently saying "I love you", and then, he went onto the plane.
"Bye sweetheart." He called as he left.
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I woke up the next morning to my phone buzzing. I got up and picked it up. 103 messages from Harry. I opened it up.
I love you, Ali, and here are a hundred reasons why.
He gave me a hundred reasons why, and it made me smile. I packed my suitcase, and then headed to my parent's house.
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Two hours later, I had on my skinny jeans, cowboy boots and a sweater. I walked through the front door of my parent's house, only to be met by my mom. She gave me a hug.
"Hiello, lovely. Where's Harry?"
"He's coming in tomorrow morning. He couldn't make it."
"Alright, well, go unpack in your room."
I went up to my old room and set my suitcase on the box at the foot of my bed. I peeled off my boots and threw them over by the closet. I changed from my sweater to a tshirt and Jack Wills hoodie; it was much more comfortable. I flung myself onto the bed.
"Were you going to say hello to me?" I heard Caitlin's voice and sat up. She came over and tackled me. I giggled and hugged her back. We both sat up on the bed. "So, where's Haz?"
"He's in Wales. He's coming in tomorrow morning."
"No engagement ring yet?" I sighed and shook my head. My sister and I had been planning my wedding for years.
"How's Oxford?" Caitlin was going to school for law.
"I love it. I've got lots of friends and i love my classes."
"Anyone special?"
"His name is Andrew. He's 19. Nothing serious, we've only been dating for a few weeks, but he's really sweet."
"That's good."
"How's Harry? How's London?"
"Harry's really good. We've been having a lot of fun lately, and London's London."
"How was Lou and El's wedding?"
"It was beautiful. El had on a very elegant, fitted lace dress that had a low back. It was gorgeous."
"Wow, I wish I could have gone."
"Me, too. We should get downstairs. Who's here?"
"Um, grandparents, some of the cousins, Tommy, and Emmaline." Emmaline was Tommy's girlfriends of five years. She was a nice girl. We got up and walked downstairs.
I saw Tommy standing with my dad. I was so excited to see my brother, he really understood me like no on else. i ran up to him and jumped on his back.
"Woah!Ali! Aren't we a bit old to do this?" He laughed.
"No!" I jumped off and gave him a proper hug.
"Where's Harry?"
"Oh my god! Does no one want to see me?"
"Hey, Harry's the brother I never had."
"No, because you have two amazing sisters."
"Amazing, yes. But do you know how hard it is to look out for you two, keeping you away from boys, and makin sure you're not in trouble?"
"Oh, wah, wah, wah." I left to go and hug Emmaline. Once we had all sat down, Tommy brought Emmaline to the front of the room.
"Could I have everyone's attention?" He said, and we all quieted down. "Alright, everyone, thank you. I have been with Emmaline for five years. It's been a roller coaster. We've had our ups andour downs, but I never doubted for a second that our love was failing. Now, that we're all here together, I would like to take this opportunity to tell Emmaline something." He turned to her. "Emmaline, you're amazing. You're beautiful and smart and are so caring. I love you so much, and I can't imagine not spending the rest of my life with you." He got down on one knee and pulled out a black velvet box and opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond.
"Oh my god." Emmaline murmured.
"Emmaline, will you marry me?" She smiled through the tears and said, "Yes." He slipped on the ring and hugged her, while we all clapped.
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Later that night, I had gotten back from church with my family. I had on a red knee length dress with a scoop neckline and cap sleeves over black tights. I was sitting on my bed when my phone rang, the ringtone was One Thinh, which is how I knew it was Harry.
"Hello, babe." I said.
"Hi, darling. How's your family?"
"Really good. Everyone's asking for you."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll be there soon."
"I know. Tommy proposed to Emmaline tonight."
"Really? That's nice. They look really great for each other."
"Yea."
"Listen I've got to go, sweetheart."
"Really?"
"Yea, but I have a surprise for you at the public square. Be there at nine sharp, okay?"
"Fine."
"I love you."
"Love you too." We hung up. What could be the surprise?
