Forever (h.s.)

Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Home

I woke up late and excited on the morning of Harry's return. Mum was still at home, prepared to leave the following day; I could hear her in the kitchen. I rubbed my eyes and checked my phone to find a text from Harry sent earlier that morning:

Hi lovely! On the plane home: I'll be over as soon as I literally can. I can't wait to see you, I love you xxHarry

I shivered with happiness at the idea of seeing him again, and rushed into the kitchen to find mum at the sink. She wiped her hands and accepted my hug.

"Mummy, I'm so so excited," I whimpered, taking a bite from an apple from the counter. She smiled tiredly and nodded.

"I'm leaving tomorrow and I'm going to see you, right?" she asked. I nodded.

"I'll probably spend the night at Harry's," I said in what I hoped was an offhand voice. She nodded like she already knew as much. "I'll have him bring me back tomorrow before you leave, to say goodbye and also to get all my stuff."

"What time are you seeing him today?" Mum asked. I opened my mouth to speak as my phone rang from the counter. I shrugged, set down my apple, and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, love!"

"Louis!" I exclaimed, delighted. "What's up? Where are you guys?"

"Still airborne," he told me quietly. "Harry's just gone to the toilet. I just wanted to give you a heads up: we'll be back at Harry's at about one. I figured you may want to surprise him. He'd absolutely love it, you're all he's been talking about for this entire flight."

My heart skipped a beat. He was all I was thinking about too, I hope he knew it.

"I'll definitely be there," I said, unable to keep the smile off my face. "Thanks, Lou."

"No problem, Sarah," he said cheerfully. "I miss you!"

"You too," I exclaimed. "I'll see you soon, though!"

"Of course," he replied. Then there was a sort of rustling, and the Louis said, "Oh hi Harry." I grinned. I couldn't wait to see him.

"Who's on the phone?" I heard Harry ask. More rustling.

"No one," Louis said. I could hear the smile in his voice. A mumble of Harry's, a thump, then Lou again: "Really, it's no one!" Another rustle. I let out a giggle.

"That sounded like-" Harry was cut off as the line went dead. One o' clock could not come soon enough. I missed my boys. My boys and my angel.

Just as soon as I'd gotten dressed, untangled my hair, and eaten something to hold over my nervous stomach, it was almost one.

"I'd be willing to drive you over to Harry's, you know," she told me three times, but I shook my head.

"It's fine," I said quickly, just wanting to get away. "You have packing to do and besides, I like taxis." I gave her a kiss on the cheek, told her I'd see her the next day, and practically raced out the door.

When we arrived across town, I paid the cab driver, unlocked the door with the extra key hidden under the turtle figurine on the porch, and let myself inside. I could practically smell Harry already, in the couch and in the air and his presence was everywhere. I wandered the house for a bit, realizing that it had been far too long since I'd been there, until I heard a car pull up on the curb outside. I hoisted myself onto the counter and sat, facing the door, literally shaking with anticipation and excitement.

I heard the key turn, (thank goodness I'd remembered to re-lock the door, or he would have been suspicious), and I held my breath as Harry walked inside. I bit my lip and watched with restraint as he took the key from the door, let in the rest of the boys, and put down the several bags he'd been holding. He looked really good. Like tan and strong and-then he noticed me. His eyes lit up and a urgent, ecstatic smile took over his whole face.