Lost in The City // H.S.

Chapter 24

When we pull into my parents driveway I am fidgeting in anticipation of what is to come. Because of everything with my dad plus Harry being here, I can't help my slight anixety. Steph heads right for the front door as Harry and I pull our luggage from the trunk.

"Are you okay?" Harry asks quietly and I turn to find him studying me, his eyes soft.

"Yeah just- I don't know nervous I guess. Seeing my dad and everything." I say honestly.

He reaches out grabbing my hand that rests on one of the bags and giving it a light squeeze. The gesture is simple but sends an instant comfort over me. "Everything will be fine. He is still your dad and he's still here." He says softly and his words bring me a sense of peace.

I know what he seems by "he's still here", but the words seem to hold more for him and I can't help but wonder why.

"You're right," I say taking a deep breath.

"Say that again," he teases and I roll my eyes at his smug grin.

He chuckles to himself then lets go of my hand and I reach for my suitcase. I can still feel his eyes on me as I pull my bag from the trunk. 

"I'll get the bags, you go ahead. I'll give you a minute with your family," he says sincerely and as much as I want to decline his sweet offer, I know I will probably need a moment.

"Thank you Harry," I say and lean up placing a soft kiss to his cheek not realizing what I am doing and his body freezes.

I pull away quickly and a small smile crosses his face as he looks at me. I try not to focus on the light pink that covers his cheeks as well as mine as I turn and walk towards the front door with a small smile on my face.

When I enter the house it is just as I remember it. I have only been gone for about four months, but it feels like a lifetime. But it is just as I left it, the same smell and the familar voices coming from the living room. I walk into the living room to find Steph and my parents standing by the Christmas tree chatting.

As soon as my eyes fall onto my father who looks to have lost some weight and is quite tired, I can't help the tears that gather in my eyes as I finally get to see him. When he looks up to meet my gaze his eyes soften and his arms open waiting for me. Without a word I find myself wrapped in his familiar embrace and he places gentle kisses to the top of my head reassuring me he is okay.

"I'm fine sweets," He says again with a small smile as we separate.

"I know, I know," I laugh as I compose myself and wipe away the few tears that escaped.

"Hi darling," My mother says as I greet her with a hug. "We're so glad you could come home for christmas, you look well," she says with a smile.

"Thank you mom, I'm glad I could come home too," I force a smile for her. Our greeting feels so formal compared to my father and I's, but I guess it has always been that way between my mother and I. 

I pull away and then remember I left Harry outside waiting by the car a few minutes ago and figure it is probably better if I give them a heads up before I go get him.

"So," I say awkwardly and both my parents look at me with confused expressions at my uncomfortable stance. I look over at Steph who tries to hold back a smile because she knows what is coming. "I kind of brought a friend home with me, he was going to spend Christmas alone and so I invited him to come along. I hope that's okay. You'll like him I promise, he is very polite." I add with a nervous smile, my words a little rushed. 

"A boy?" my mother questions.

"Yes mom, he's a boy." I laugh at the stunned look on her face.

"But not a boyfriend?" My father clarifies with a very serious look.