If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Epilogue Part 6

       

"Chloe, Jack, Annabelle," called Harry.

"Coming, Papa," called out Chloe.

He heard the hasty footsteps coming down the hall. His children had grown into young adults. Jack, tall and muscular, played in a band and was often gone, Chloe, slender and beautiful, was at Berkley and occasionally modeling. His sweet Annabelle went to a local private school and was quite the papa's girl.

"Ready?"

Jack looked down and whispered, "Yes."

Chloe smiled and patted Jack on the arm. "Come on, Jack. Momma wouldn't want you to be so sad."

"Let's go," said Annabelle happily.

"Alright," said Harry.

"Can you manage these, Annabelle?" asked Harry as he handed her a wrapped bouquet of brightly colored flowers.

"Of course," she said with the lilt of a British accent. Harry smiled.

* * * *

"Could I go ahead, Dad?" asked Jack.

"Of course," said Harry patting his shoulder before giving it a squeeze.

Jack had taken Ashley's death harder than Chloe. Ashley had understood his quieter nature, had never encouraged him to be other than himself. Chloe was more outgoing like himself, so Harry had constantly struggled to give Jack what he needed.

"Should I go, Papa?" asked Chloe.

"Sure," said Harry.

Harry waited several minutes before walking to Ashley's grave with Annabelle. He slowed as he saw Chloe embracing Jack. Jack would be turning 21 soon and Harry understood that the milestone caused him to think more about his mother than normal.

"Jack?"

"Yes," he answered swiping at the tears.

Chloe handed him a tissue.

"I'm sorry, son. I love you," said Harry wrapping his arms around Jack.

"You would think 15 years would be enough time," Jack whispered.

"Jack, a lifetime is not enough. Your mother was exceptional. I have my moments as well."

"Is that why you've not remarried?"

"Now is not the time."

"I'm sorry that I've treated you bad in the past."

Harry knew he was referring to the harsh words Jack had spoken to him when he'd dared attempt to date.

"Papa?"

"Yes, Annabelle."

"May I put the flowers on Momma's grave?"

"Absolutely. Do you need a moment?"

"I'm good."

"Alright, I'll be out to the car in a few minutes."

* * * *

"Hi baby. I can't believe it's been 15 years. I still miss you so much. You should see the kids, sweetheart. You would be so proud. Jack's band is enjoying a little success. He's still quiet, grieves for you. I've done my best with him. He gets along really well with Steve. Chloe graduated early and is at Berkley. She's so incredibly beautiful just as you were. Annabelle is my girl as you always said she was. She is lovely. She's sweet, loving, funny. She's quite the homebody though."

"I'd still give anything to have you close for a few minutes, to talk with you, to love on you, to have you tell me again how things will be alright. I suppose they have been. I've done everything you asked," said Harry softly as his hand rested on Ashley's headstone. He gently caressed the smooth granite.

"I have something to tell you, Ashley. I met someone a couple of months ago. She has a son the age of Annabelle. We were first introduced at a school function. She lost her husband about 3 years ago. We went out for coffee to talk and then to dinner. She loves to laugh."

"I'm not sure how to talk to the kids about her. I've only seen her when Annabelle's at a friend's house. Maybe when they are all home for the holidays I'll talk with them."

"I could stand here and talk all day. I just want to hear your voice once more, baby."

"Papa, we need to go!" called Annabelle.

"Be right there, sweetheart."

"See you soon," said Harry as he ran his hand across the coldness of the gravestone once more.

* * * *

Harry grabbed up his cell later that afternoon as he passed through the living room to get a snack.

"Hello."

"Harry," said Margarite.

"How are you? How are the kids?"

"We're all fine. They are here until later this evening."

"Great. Listen, do you mind if Raymond and I stop by for a short visit?" she asked.

"You are always welcome."

"In an hour?"

"Of course. Care to have dinner?" asked Harry.

"That would be wonderful."

"See you shortly."

He sometimes forgot that others still grieved for Ashley. Even after all this time, he received telephone calls on the anniversary of her death.

* * * *

Harry placed the disk Margarite had left with him in his laptop. As it loaded up, he felt his heart constrict. When Ashley's face came into focus, the tears began to fall.

"Harry," said her voice through the speakers.

"If you are watching this recording, it's been fifteen years since I passed away."

"Ashley," he whispered as he touched the face on the screen.

"I hope everyone is doing well. I wish I could have seen them grow into young adults. I know you've done an amazing job. You settled into parenthood long before I got my feet on the ground."

"I don't know about that," said Harry as he ran his index finger down the cheek of the image on the screen.

"Let me assure you that there will be no more videos or letters. I simply wanted to have one last word with you. I know it's selfish."

"You were one of the least selfish people I ever meet, sweetheart," he said.

"Please hug the kids for me. Always remind them that I loved them. I love you, Harry. Be happy for me. Have a life for me. Goodbye."

"Thank you," said Harry in a choked voice.

"Papa, are you alright?" asked Annabelle.

"Yes, sweetness," he said reaching out a hand for her. "How about you?"

"I feel bad because I can't feel sad like you and Jack and Chloe."

"Annabelle, you didn't have the chance for a relationship with your mum. It's okay that you don't feel the same way. Give me a hug. There's a good girl. I love you."

"I love you papa." She said with a beautiful smile so like the one Ashley would give him when she was most happy.

"What's going on in here?" asked Chloe followed by Jack.

"Just talking," said Harry wiping at a tear.

"We want to see the videos, Dad. Yes, Papa. We are old enough and Annabelle should see how much Momma loved her."

"You promised, Papa," said Annabelle.

"You're right. I did. Why don't you and Chloe make tea and get out those cookies your mother loved. Jack and I will set up the player."

* * * *

Harry walked from room to room telling each of his children goodnight and kissing them on the forehead or cheek as their mother had always done. They had all decided to stay for the night after sharing the experience of the wife and mother Ashley had been. He smiled as he walked down the hall to the bedroom he'd shared with Ashley.