Prejudice (h.s) [UNEDITED]

forty two : "happy birthday."

February 1, 1994 — Harry Styles was born and today, he turns 26.

The fans were quick to trend his name on all social media platforms and news portals did their parts on posting greetings as well.

Harry wanted this birthday to be special; simple yet special. He wanted this day to be as personal as possible, only a small celebration with his inner circle and his family.

Years ago, he spent his birthday being drowned in the loud music of clubs and parties thrown by him or his friends. But as he slowly ages up, he didn't really want to celebrate his day like that, he wanted it to be a lot more meaningful, if that makes any sense, not spending the night shit-faced drunk and not remembering a thing the day after.

He hasn't really peeked at his phone since the day began, he swore to himself that he'll spend the day only with his family and friends. No use of cellphone for the entire day, though of course, there was a part of him, right on the back of his mind, that hoped Serena sent him or posted a birthday greeting.

Just that, it would brighten up his day entirely, but he won't break that pact he did with himself.

His mom was a sweetheart, Anne knew how much Harry loved her breakfast so she made sure to prepare the best breakfast she could make before Harry wakes up, this brought joy to her son, who was feeling quite homesick lately after the loads of work he had to finish.

Gemma also made sure to clear out her schedules for the day to spend it with her family, which Harry appreciated a lot. He knows how busy Gemma could be, and the mere fact that she literally emptied her duties for his birthday made his heart swell.

"I think you might want to drop by the bakery, Harry. The people there missed you." Gemma notes, as the three of them enjoyed the delicious food Anne prepared and served. He nods, maybe he should, it's been years since he last visited the bakery. He worked there when he was 14, he was a small-town boy from Cheshire who earned 6 pounds every hour, and that time, that was all that mattered.

He really had reached so much now.

"Maybe, I should."

And so, to the bakery he went. Right after he finished breakfast and helped with cleaning the dishes and utensils, he puts on his bandana and walked the small streets of Cheshire to the bakery he once adored and loved.

It still felt the same, a rush of nostalgia taking over him as the smell of freshly-baked bread hit his nostrils. He sees some new faces working on the counter but he searched for the man that employed him here at Holmes Chapel.

"Harry, boy! You're back!" His smile widened as he rushed to give the old man a hug. "Simon, it's been a while." He mutters out, his smile never faltering as the two of them pulled away from the embrace. "Happy birthday, son. We saw the trailer for your movie, who would've thought you would turn out to be an actor, huh?" He couldn't help but laugh at his statement, to be frank, he never thought he would be in the position he is in now ten years ago.

"I have something for you." The man scurried to the back of the bakery and took out a box that seemed to have cake inside of it. "Here's our gift for you, it's what you always loved to eat back then." His face still had on that wide smile as he sees the present they prepared for him. He couldn't help but feel a bit emotional upon seeing it.

"Also, another thing. We had something delivered to us by your sister, Gemma. Told us to give it to you when you come here." His brows scrunched as he was given a small, white box with a letter attached below. He opened the box first and saw a necklace, a little anchor as its pendant, it looked dainty and simple, much to his liking.

He then removed the envelope and took out the letter inside it.

He instantly smiled wider upon seeing it.

'An anchor, because you gave me the direction I needed and kept me grounded. Happy birthday! - Serena.'