Brother

Fifteen

Louis' POV

The drive to airport seemed to take longer then in actually did. The two hour car ride seemed like an eternity! I could only think of what Ellie's plane ride must feel like.

Harry and I arrived there about forty-five minutes before her plane was scheduled to land. We made our way to her flight gate and set up camp, so to speak.

I was so jittery with excitement just at the thought of her walking through the tunnel ahead. I can't wait to hold my baby sister in my arms again. To hear her voice, and see the young woman she's growing into. I've missed so much, and I can't wait to be back in each others lives.

I look over to my left and notice that Harry is anxious. He's giving away all his tale-tell signs; constantly checking his home, shifting his weight from one leg to the other, standing with one foot atop the other, and twisting the rings on his fingers. I haven't seen him like this sense he had preformed his own songs for the first time.

"Hey mate, you alright?" I ask him, a-bit concerned.

"Yeah. Just getting excited for her to finally be here." He told me while looking at the tunnel.

"Right. Me too! You look real nervous. You worried about making a good impression or something?" I asked, nudging his shoulder with mine.

He finally looked over at me. "Yeah, something like that."

I couldn't help but smile at the idea. I mean, I've noticed how he's been behaving when I talk about her. He always gets a tad bit red. And when his phone dings, and he sees it's her, he always gets the happiest of smiles on his face. I know that he's developed a crush for her. And I feel as though I should tell him to snap out of it. But there's a small piece of me, selfishly, that thinks if something between the two of them sticks, then maybe, just maybe she'll want to stay here. And really, he would treat her like a queen, I just know he would, and what's so wrong with that. From the conversations we've had, she needs that change from a guy.

We had sat down against the poll that held the gate number up. It was thick enough around that we both relaxed up against it. Harry has his legs outstretched in front of him, clicking his toes together, eyes fixed on the tunnel, waiting for its doors to open and a flood of people to walk out. I too, had my eyes on the tunnel. I was sitting criss-cross and my feet were on the brink of going numb. It should be any minute now..

I took a quick glance down at my watch when Harry quickly stood up next to me. "Lou, it just opened!"

I hopped up to my feet as well, intently watching the people step out, watching for her. People found their loved ones, all huddling around. The crowd was starting to get thick and it was hard to see over the heads to keep watch for Ellie.

"I can't see a damn thing! Should we go closer to the tunnel?" Harry asked me.

"No. We told her where'd we be. If we move she won't be able to come find us. We have a plan. She'll come to us. Put the sign up in the air!" I told him.

It was only seconds later that I saw her. She had her hand over her mouth, and tears coming down her face. I guess she saw us first. I pointed to her and without turning to Harry, spoke to him. "There! There's Ellie!" We both took off at a run to meet her. She was running to.

I opened my arms up wide to her, and she came crashing into my chest. Her arms coming around me tightly. I held onto her. My little sister was finally home! I could feel a few tears escaping and falling into her hair as I held her close. I wanted to see her beautiful face to make sure this wasn't all a dream. While still in a hug, I pulled away slightly, and lifted her chin. When her eyes met mine I broke a-little. She's so grown up. The tears on her cheeks reminded me of the last time I saw her, standing in this very airport. Holding her close, just like this. But I pushed that sour memory away, and let this happy one replace it. Smiling down at her, I spoke.

"Hi."

She smiled up me. " Hi brother."

At those words, I pulled her back to me. Holding her close once more. I didn't want to ever let her go again. I finally had my Ellie back!

Harry's POV

Watching them reunite was a sight to behold. The way they held onto each other, as if after all this time, one would disappear again.

I couldn't help but look at Ellie. To take in all her beauty. She was tiny. Much smaller then Louis. In stature, she only came to his chest. She had an elegance to her. God she was something else!

As I continued to watch the two of them, Ellie pulled away from Louis. She was looking right at me, and I felt as though I might be blushing. She stepped towards me. All I wanted to do was hug her. I felt like I've known her a lifetime, what with all the conversations we've had, and Louis taking about her every now and then sense the time we were eight. I wanted to hug her, and hold her close, but I felt that she might be taken back, or thrown off guard by the gesture. So instead, I extended my right hand out to her.

She looked at me quizzically, then shook her head no. Next thing I knew, she was taking the poster from me and placing it on her bag. She then moved in for a hug. I could already feel my heartbeat starting to accelerate just from the small graze of her hand on mine when taking the poster. When we were brought into the hug it was like sparks of electricity were shooting through me. While holding her in my arms it was like everything made sense in the world, and I didn't want to let her go.

She must have heard my quickened heartbeat while her ear was to my chest because she spoke in a relaxed, but slightly concerned voice. "I hope this is okay...I.."

But I cut her off before she could finish her sentence or pull away from our hug. "No no! I love hugs! I just didn't wanna be to straight forward." I reassured her. She giggled in response, and it made my heart sing!

She held onto me a bit longer. And I could feel her body relax into me. I relaxed too, holding her close to me. Our bodies fit together in a way I'd never experienced, sure we were just hugging, but her head was on my chest, just over my heart, and my chin rest just right, atop her head. Her arms were tightly holding me, while I held her. My arms coming around her shoulders to meet again in the middle of her back.

I never wanted this hug to end. Holding her felt safe, and I felt at peace. But while I was savoring ever moment of it, she started to pull away from me. She looked up at me, and smiled the sweetest, little smile I'd ever seen. She had a hint of blush rising on her cheeks. She's so beautiful. I smiled back down at her.

I felt a wave of happiness wash over me as I realized I'd get to see that smile everyday this week. I hoped in that instant that something would change, and she'd want to stay here, because I don't know if I can handle watching her get back on that plane.

Nine days. Surly Louis and I can persuade her to stay in nine days...can't we?