Only You- A Harry Styles Fanfic

Chapter 37: Family Bonding

"We want the same things, we dream the same dreams, alright."

***************

Chapter 37

 

The hospital was busy that morning. Paparazzi had begun to gather around the entrances to the hospital hoping to catch a glimpse of Harry and get some insight as to what he was doing. It wasn’t much different once I showed up. But after dating Harry for almost ten months now, I was used to it. I understood the ins and outs of paps and the best ways to avoid them. And it appeared that I would need all my new found skills just to survive.

Harry and I were uncharacteristically happy that morning. Everything felt like it could go halfway back to normal again, with a few adjustments made. I felt like my relationship was back to the place it’d been before all of this had hit, and that made me happier than anything could right now. Truthfully, our only problem wasn’t Oliver. All of our issues began, I think, the night of graduation and the night Ella and Nora were born. But thankfully enough, we were past that now. I felt we could move on with our lives together.

Harry clutched his hand tightly in mine as we waited for the elevator. A nurse stood next to us, texting idly on her phone as she waited. I was nervous all of a sudden. I knew somewhere up in the NICU Harry’s family was waiting for us. Waiting to meet Oliver, first of all, but also waiting to meet me.

I tried not to overthink it. I knew what they looked like. I’d seen the film, I read magazines, and I followed all of them on Twitter. But nothing can prepare you to meet your boyfriend’s family no matter what you do. It was a moment just like now that reminded how normal our relationship really was. Sure, Harry was famous; but him being famous didn’t deter from the fact that he was just like any other normal boyfriend, with a mother he wanted to introduce me to and an overprotective big sister. Or so I’d assumed.

When we stepped out of the elevator and into the NICU, I caught my first glimpse in person of the famous Styles clan. When they spotted us, they all stood abruptly, grins breaking out onto their faces. Des was on the end, handsome and Harry-ish. Anne and Gemma were standing together, hands clasped and bouncing on the balls of their feet. Robin stood protectively behind Anne, watching fondly as his step-son approached.

“Harry, baby, come see your mum!” Anne finally called out. Harry released my hand and stepped forward to hug his mum. I watched the entire thing unfold with a happy smile on my face. My sweet Mama’s Boy.

Harry stepped back and folded his sister into his arms next. Gemma clutched him tightly to her, as if reassuring herself that he was truly there. I didn’t quite blame her. I experienced this same sensation with my own sister, and it was honestly sweet. Harry hugged Robin and Des next, briefly, and then came back to wrap an arm around me.

“Guys,” he grinned. “I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Alexis Williams. Lexi, I’d like you to meet my family.”

It was quiet a moment as they all stared at me, really taking me in. Anne’s face looked radiant and happy, and Gemma looked smug. Robin and Des smiled kindly at me. After the semi-awkward silence, Anne and Gemma stepped forward, hugging me consecutively.

“Hello, dear,” Anne smiled. “I’m Harry’s mum. I’ve heard so much about you and I am absolutely delighted to meet you.” I grinned up at her, squeezing her outstretched hand. What a sweet lady! Now I knew where Harry got his charm from.

“The pleasure’s all mine. It’s an honor to meet the woman who raised the man I love so dearly,” I said tenderly. Harry seemed surprised at my words, but I wasn’t embarrassed. There was nothing but truth behind them. Anne grinned, eyes shining.

Gemma stepped forward next.

“I’m Gemma,” she grinned. Her eyes were alight with mischief. “It’s great to finally meet the girl my little brother is head over heels for.” She glared playfully at Harry, and he chuckled, pinching my waist. I smiled at him as I hugged Gemma. Robin and Des’ hugs were, thankfully, brief. But despite the awkwardness, they were both kind.

“Beautiful girl you’ve got here, Harold,” Des chuckled, eyes twinkling at us. Harry blushed, palming the back of his neck.

“Aww, Dad. Thanks. Now, erm, who wants to meet Oliver?”

The excitement in the air was palpable. You’d think that they’d be upset with Harry for knocking a girl up and then not finding out about the baby until he was five weeks old. But that was quite on the contrary. Anne looked excited, and Gemma wouldn’t shut up about meeting her handsome devil of a nephew.

I hung back, struck with the desire to watch the little family. Harry walked between his mother and sister, arms around their shoulders. The family filed into the room and I watched Anne’s eyes light up at the sight of her grandson. Oliver was gently lifted up and into her arms, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Gemma stroked his cheek and clutched his tiny hand, and Robin and Des stood back, looking on proudly. You could see clearly the relief etched across Harry’s face now that he saw that his family approved of baby Oliver.

Tears stung my own eyes for what felt like the hundredth time in forty eight hours. But this time they were ones of joy. Everything was coming together, it appeared. Now that I’d met his family and they’d met Oliver, it all felt normal; like it’d been this way forever. Like it was supposed to be this way.

I joined them after a while, getting my first opportunity to hold Oliver. As he gazed up at me in wonder, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe how easily he fit into my arms, like he belonged there. I was also struck by how easily I fit in with this family. As Harry wrapped his arms around Oliver and I, pride etched on his face, I cried once more. Oliver cooed happily up at us and Anne snapped picture after picture of the ‘happy little family.’

It’s true, I realized. That was the gist of it all. Harry and I had grown and been through so much together, and now with the baby I felt like it was like it was meant to be. And as Oliver drooled on my thumb and Harry kissed my cheek while I grinned at the camera, I was at peace once more. Sure, it’d be hard, but it’d also be worth it. Yeah, I nodded to myself, wiping away tears and kissing Oliver’s nose. Everything’s going to be great.