I Remember You Laughing [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter 11- The Letter.

Harry and Louis both snapped around to see Anne, black lace-sleeved arms folded, looking over their shoulders at her daughter in the road.

Then the porch light finally came on and a tired Fizzie, still in her funeral dress, emerged and slumped down on the swing. Louis saw Harry's flushed face in the light and was sure Harry saw the same thing on his as well.

"Harry, go get your sister. I need to speak with both of you." Anne said in a serious tone to her son who glanced at Louis before obediently jogging down the steps and out to the road.

With eyes full of pertinence, Anne gestured for Louis to sit and he glanced a flash of white in her hand.

As he sat down on the swing next to his sister, Louis secretly hoped Harry didn't get close enough to the others to inhale their cigarette smoke.

Anne sat down next to Louis and sighed sharply, finally getting a chance to hand him the letter that had caused the earlier confusion and argument. She clamped his hands over the folded paper and held them there.

"Louis, I think it's about time you read this." she said in a engaging tone, maintaining eye contact.  "I trust that after you do you will better understand me and why I'm here."

Louis turned to Fizzie as he opened it and they both read silently.

Monday 9th July,

My Dearest Friend Anne,

I've had it. I swear this is the last straw! The weekend was supposed to be a fun family trip to the hills on the edge of the city, but no! My completely ignorant and stubborn son turned me down and opted to continue practising for his game! He's been practising for weeks! What was one weekend?I had it all planned out but he just laughed in my face and ducked out last minute! And the girls were all for it but when they heard Louis wasn't going they changed their minds as well! My petty attempt at getting them outdoors failed. I ended up spending the weekend doing housework!

 I must admit I may have been a bit unreasonable but I feel just as I did when Fizzie and Lottie moved to Australia, and just needed some time with my eldest before I lose him to the busy college life in the city.I swear If Louis could just take a second to breathe he will realize what's important otherwise he'll never know what it's like to slow down. 

They're already scheduled to go visit their father and sisters for the summer and Dan wants me to go to Wales with him and the twins, so honestly with everyone separated, when am I going to get ample time to say goodbye to my boy? And God knows I could enjoy a quiet day without all the hustle and bustle. You know as I've said before I never got used to the city. I've been missing the fresh country air more than ever now. I still badly want Louis and the girls to experience what it was like when you and I were children. I want the want the girls to run through the endless hills of flowers, and play in the treehouse -Oh my gosh, is that thing still around? I can't wait to see...

Yes you heard me! I've made up my mind! I'm using every ounce of courage I can muster and I'm going back to Champton Valley. It's time I let go of my fear. You were always the brave one, Anne but It's time I borrowed some, for Louis' sake especially.

I'm packing up all their clothes on the last day of school and kidnapping them! Even if it's just for a few days. I don't care who opposes me. I don't want to hear it. I'm fed up wondering  if your dad still has the ranch or if your cousins are still competing in the rodeo. And I'm downright fed up with writing these stupid emails you never answer to anyway. This is the last email I'm sending you! It's high time my children get to know their Godmother!