Inescapable Love

Chapter 33

The first thing I do when I wake up is to call my mom.

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart!" my parents say in chorus.

"Merry Christmas, mom, dad!" I say excitedly, "I miss you two so much."

"We miss you too, babydoll. We'll see you this evening in your play."

"I'll be waiting. Bye!" I turn around and see Harry looking up at me with a huge grin on his face and head half buried in the pillow. I ignore him and move into the washroom. I take a hot shower and wrap a towel around me. Harry is standing there, his back facing me, talking to someone on his phone.

"Of course, I'll be there..." He trails off as he turns around and faces me. He stands there gaping at me, his eyes traveling through my body. I gulp and rush into the closet holding my breath. I let out a sharp breath as I let go of the towel. What's happening between us? Why is there so much tension in air around us?

I change into a dress and move downstairs where everybody is sitting. I sit at my regular seat beside Gemma and wish everyone a merry Christmas.

"It's time for gifts!" Gemma rubs her hands together and reaches for the one Harry brought for her. She shakes it to hear no noise. She opens the box and squeals, "it's a tiara!"she jumps and hugs Harry tightly.

"I love you too." He laughs and pats her back. She puts on her tiara happily, "April! Your turn." I pick up the gift that Harry brought me. It looks like a book. The gift is flat and rectangular. I open it to reveal an iPad.

"Oh my god!" I gasp, "this is awfully expensive I can't accept this."

"It's a Christmas gift I don't think you have much of a choice. Plus I bought it so that you can read your novels." He says, his eyes meeting mine. My eyes instinctively move away.

"But..."

"Honey, do you not like it?" Anne asks me,

"I love it! It's the best gift I can receive but it's too expensive."

"Don't worry about the cost." Robin says, "Alright my turn." He picks up the his present from Harry. It's two tickets to Miami.

"It's high time you take a vacation, dad!" He says, his bright green eyes moving back and forth between his parents. He loves them so much. Next up was Anne, Harry gifted her a photo of Robin and her together on a yatch. My heart melts seeing this new thoughtful side of Harry. Next number was my gifts. Gemma loved my gift of concert tickets to her favourite band, coldplay.

"Right, I'm next." Harry says and picks up my gift to him. He plain expressions turn into a complete shocked ones when opens the present.

"Those are the lyrics of the first song I wrote with the boys. You got them framed." He looks at me, his expressions very hard to read.

"I called them to ask." I say. Did I dig too much into him? Is he angry? He nods. As usual not a great response. The boys told me that he has a passion for singing. They always jam in Louis' basement. They have written multiple songs and Harry plays soccer many music instruments as well.

"It's very thoughtful, dear!" Anne rubs my back and opens her gift. I bought her a pair of sun glasses, which now make much more sense as they'll be going on vacation to Miami. I bought Robin cufflinks. An hour after opening the gifts we eat our breakfast and move to our rooms. I text Ethan to confirm the timings. Being a host I should reach an hour early. Harry is busy texting everyone wishes.

"Any particular reason why you have been ignoring me all morning?" He stands in my way as I reach the doorknob.

"Get out of my way, " I say, already losing my patience.