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"Harry, are you ready now?!" Anne called from the front door, where she was about to exit, arms riddled with cakes and slices she had baked. Meanwhile upstairs Harry was hopping around on one foot, trying to shove himself into his ridiculously tight black skinny jeans.
"Just a sec!" he yelled back as he successfully pulled up his jeans and began running for the door, picking up his Chelsea boots before bolting down the stairs, reaching for his coat and continuing to the car where Anne was awaiting him.
Anne backed out the driveway and started her route to the Tomlinson house. You see, after Louis left for University, Anne and Jay continued their weekly visits, which eventually became fortnightly. Though Harry still didn't go with her, the house just didn't have the same feeling to him anymore.
Though Harry's freshmen year, Anne's father died during October and Jay felt so heartbroken for them she insisted they came around to her house for Christmas. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much; they made it a tradition.
Which is why Harry found himself in the passenger seat of his mother's car, lap full of Christmas pudding, gingerbread men and various other desserts. They pulled into the Tomlinson's driveway and Anne turned to look at her son, giving a sigh as she took in the look of displacement on his face.
"Come on Harry. It's your last Christmas at home before Uni. You need to be happy!" She spoke sympathetically. Every year, Anne had to drag Harry to the Tomlinson's and every year Harry grumbled about it.
"Maybe I would be happy if you'd let me go to Niall's house like I wanted to." Harry grunted under his breath, but his mother knew exactly what he said. "Harry. I mean it." She warned, making her son sigh. Even when he was mad, he always caved into his mother; the two have never had a serious fight.
Harry respects his mother too much to strongly disagree with her about anything. He hopped out of the car and Anne piled on a few more trays into his arms and the two walked up to the door. Anne only knocked twice before the door swung open to reveal Phoebe.
"Hi, Aunt Anne!" She smiled brightly. "Hello gorgeous!" Anne lent down to hug the girl tightly. Even though he saw the girls at least once a year, they always looked so much older than the last time he'd seen them. The twins would be eight years old now and they were quite mature for their age, which is probably why Harry constantly thought they were older than they are.
"Mum's in the kitchen." She smiled after Anne finally released her. They all walked towards the kitchen where Jay was leaning over the counter with Lottie and Fizz all working together to prepare a salad. Each year Anne was responsible for the desserts and Jay cooked the rest of the meals.
"Mum, Anne and Harry are here" Phoebe spoke after they had stood there for about ten seconds without being noticed. "Oh! Hello!" Jay screeched as she ran around the island bench with open arms and a smile that looked like it could split her face in half. Harry took that opportunity to put the trays on the bench, expecting to be bombarded in hugs.
"Anne, Darling! How the hell are ya!?" The two laughed as Jay let loose and embraced her best friend. When the two submerged from their embrace, she looked over at Harry her face softened and was replaced with a look of adoration. Harry couldn't help but let himself smile. "Harry." She cooed making the boy chuckle. She really was like a second mother to him.
"So good to see you love" She whispered into his ear as she rubbed circled into his back. "Likewise" Harry smiled into her shoulder and tightened his grip on the woman. "Shove love!" Lottie laughed as she bumped hips with her mother, "Wait your turn!" Jay shot back, "Mum. It's been like five minutes, the turkey is going to catch fire any second." Fizz added as she stepped back from giving Anne a hug.
Jay rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at her daughters. "Hey Haz" Lottie laughed as she flicked her platinum hair extension behind her shoulder and reached out to hug Harry. "Hey Lots" Harry smiled and returned the gesture. The two had grown to be friends after Louis left, which was easy enough considering she was only a year younger and they did still do things together with their families. They went down the line and exchanged greetings, much like every other year.
**
About half an hour later, Jay and the girls began out the final touches for the dinner. Harry was helping carry out the turkey when Jay gave Lottie a nudge and a knowing look, making her jog towards the stairs. Harry was sceptical, but shrugged it off. It was probably 'girl stuff'.
The rest of them were sat down, ready to start eating when Lottie could be heard walking back and she seemed to be laughing, but that wasn't the weirdest bit. What was unusual was that someone was laughing with her. The laugh was familiar too; Harry had definitely heard it before, though there wasn't a face coming to mind.
And before Harry could try to think any harder about whose laugh it was he was recognizing; he didn't have to. His questions were answered as soon as he looked up, seeing that in the dining room entrance stood Lottie with none other than Louis.
Harry froze; never in his life did he feel like he had no control over his body; until now. He took in the short figure that stood a mere few meters away from him; one that took him years to forget. Louis hadn't seemed to have grown at all. He looked so much older though. He had facial hair sharp cheek bones; Louis was a man now.
It seemed as if the older boy hadn't recognized him yet, probably because Anne was rushing over to greet the boy after shouting his name. "Oh my god! Look at you Louis! What a surprise!" She smiled as she basically strangled the guy. "He just flew back from LA this morning; he's been napping all day." Jay added. Just when Harry thought things couldn't get any worse; the two made eye contact.
