Our Perfect Future (FINAL BOOK in The Perfect Parents Series)

Chapter One - Catching Up

Harry’s POV
“Are you sure she said 10 am?” Louis questioned as we waited at the airport for Juliet. She was arriving back from the US today and had asked us to pick her up at the airport.
“Yes Lou. She said it right here in her text. “Dad can you pick me up tomorrow please? 10 am, I should be landing.”” I read out.
“Ok, but it’s almost half past and we haven’t seen her plane yet. I wonder if something’s wrong?” He said seriously, starting to panic.
“Babe chill. I’m sure they just got delayed a bit. Don’t stress over nothing ok?” I said rubbing circles on his back.
“Yeah, you’re right. She’s fine. Just got delayed. The plane hasn’t crashed into the ocean and our baby is lost forever.” He rambled.
“Louis.” I sighed.
“I’m sorry. I’m just worried. We haven’t seen her in so long and I just want to know she’s ok and we can have her back.”
“I know. But I’m sure she’s fine.” I nodded. After she finished high school Julie decided she wanted to “take some time off and get away”, as she called it. So instead of just going to London and hang out with her friends for a bit, she went to America for 3 whole weeks! We’ve only Skyped with her twice the whole time she’s been away and we miss her like crazy.
“There!” Louis yelled suddenly. “There’s the plane.”
“See. She’s fine. Just a bit delayed.” I smiled. “She’s here.” We would finally get to see her again. We waited for what seemed like forever until we spotted her wheeling her bag across the cold floor towards us. She looked beautiful, well even more than she did.
“Julie!” Louis yelled loudly.
“Hi Dad.” She chuckled. As soon as she reached us we both pulled her in for a huge hug.
“We missed you baby.” I said quietly.
“I know Dad. I missed you guys too. I’m so glad to be home though. Even though it was always sunny in LA.” She laughed. Suddenly some random came up and took her hand.
“Uh, can we help you?” I asked.
“Oh right. Guys this is Jesse, Jesse these are my Dads.” She smiled.
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you. Jules has told me loads about you both.” He smiled extending his hand out for us to shake.
“Jules?” Louis questioned. Juliet glared at us both and we quickly shook his hand.
“You too Jesse.” I smiled back. “So what brings you to England?” I questioned as Louis grabbed Julie’s suitcase and we started walking back to the car.
“Well, I’m actually studying at the same school as Juliet.” He answered.
“Oh joy!” Louis muttered.
“Really? Well that’s interesting. What are you studying?” I asked, trying not to make things awkward.
“Music. And I just want to say that your music was amazing! I was a huge One Direction fan.” Jesse answered.
“Suck up.” Louis snapped quickly.
“Well that means a lot Jesse, thanks.” I smiled. “And music is a great topic to study.”
“He wants to be a music producer, don’t you babe?” Julie asked.
“Babe? Ok what’s going on here? Juliet?” Louis asked seriously, stopping in the middle of the car park.
“Dad.” She said embarrassed.
“Did you sleep with my daughter?” He asked Jesse.
“Louis! Can we not do this right now?” I said sternly.
“Whoa Mr Tomlinson-Styles, Juliet and I haven’t done anything like that I swear. We’re just taking things slow.” Jesse answered.
“See. Taking things slow.” I glared at Louis.
“Oh please! No one takes things slow. I swear to God I’ll hit you in the balls so hard you won’t ever have kids!” He threatened.
“Dad! Stop it!” Juliet said seriously.
“Alright, I think we all need to calm down. How about we stop for a coffee before we go home?” I spoke up trying not to make this situation any worse.
“Sure.” She smiled and mouthed a thank you at me. I smiled back and shook my head.
“Do you have a home to go to?” Louis asked glaring at Jesse.
“Uh…” He trailed off.
“I was actually going to ask if he could stay for a week or so? Just until we can move into campus. Please?!” Juliet pleaded. I looked over at Louis and he didn’t look happy.
“Lou?” I questioned.
“You’ve got to be kidding me?!” He groaned.
“Babe it’s only for a week until school starts.” I sighed.
“Dad please. I promise nothing is going to happen. He just needs a place to stay.” Julie pleaded.
“You didn’t think of calling and asking us first?” He asked seriously.
“I know I should have but I was worried that you guys would be mad about me and Jesse being together.” She said quietly.
“Oh honey. Your dad and I would never be mad. We were a bit shocked, but that’s just because we weren’t expecting it. It’ll be ok. Of course he can stay.” I smiled hugging her.
“Thanks Dad.” She smiled back. Jesse smiled at me too which was nice.
“Harry, don’t you think we should talk about this first? It is a big decision.” Louis said seriously.
“Excuse us for a second.” I smiled again, pulling him away by the arm. “What is wrong with him staying? It’s only going to be for a week and he can sleep on the couch.”
“I don’t like the idea of us having him sleeping under our roof. It would be fine if he was her gay best friend because well you know, but knowing that they’re dating. It just feels so awkward.” He sighed. “I know I sound like an idiot but it’s just the way I feel.”
“I get it babe, it does feel a bit strange knowing that they’re a couple. But she’s our daughter and this will make her happy, I’m sure we can just keep it together for a week. Then she’ll be off to Uni and we won’t have to see him again.” I said seriously, even though I didn’t mind Jesse.
“Are you sure? What if things get awkward, or we walk in on them…kissing? And what about the kids?”
“Lou they’re old enough to understand she’s going to have a boyfriend. I promise we can lay down the law once we get home, but let’s just go out for a coffee and catch up first yeah?” I smiled. He nodded and smiled back.
“Yeah. Thanks Hazza.” He giggled.
“Hazza? What brought that out?” I asked, taking his hand.
“I missed calling you that and I thought it was cute. Like you.” He said poking my nose.
“Such a strange man you are.” I joked.
“Asshole.” He muttered.
“I’m going to pretend I never heard that. Let’s just go.” I chuckled shaking my head. He laughed and we went back over to Juliet and Jesse.
“Is everything ok?” She asked, her hand was tightly clasped with Jesse’s.
“Yep, let’s go get a coffee then.” Louis smiled at her.
“Sure Dad.” She smiled back. He nodded and squeezed my hand as she walked past me towards our car.
“Good job babe.” I whispered.
“Thanks Haz.” He smiled, still looking uncertain.
“I’m proud of you. Let it go and let’s just be happy she’s finally home.”
“Yeah. Let it go, let it go, can’t hold it back anymore.” He mumbled, singing Let It Go from Frozen as we followed behind them. I couldn’t help but smile. Julie was finally back and Louis was being as adorable as ever. Life was great!
 
Niall’s POV
“Hi.” I said awkwardly as I stood in front of Liam’s door. I was there to get the kids for my week with them and as always, it’s awkward. Liam did think that we could be together anymore and decided to get a divorce. He thought it would be better for us to go back to being friends but it’s not better. I miss him. I still love him but he’s moved on, with his new boyfriend Troy. I guess I’m going to have to get over it.
“Hi.” He said back, just as awkward.
“How have you been?” I asked, following him inside.
“Fine, you know.” He shrugged. “Guys your father’s here!” He called. I hated the way he called me their father. I know that’s what I am but he used to call me their Dad.
“Hi Dad!” Izzie smiled running over to hug me.
“Hey princess.” I smiled back squeezing her tightly.
“Have you got your stuff ready Iz?” Liam asked.
“Yep. I’ll be back.” She smiled again running back to her room.
“So…how’s things with you and Troy?” I questioned.
“Fine, we’re good.” He nodded. “I was actually thinking of asking him to marry me.” He mumbled. I swear I almost choked on my own spit!
“You want to propose to him?” I asked. No, he can’t. Why? Why does he want him and not me?!
“Yeah. We’ve been together for a while and it seems right.” He answered.
“G-Good for you then.” I said quietly, trying not to show him how much I was hurting. He threw our marriage away and now is going to start another one? I know I stuffed things up but I would change everything if I could. He has to know that.
“Thanks.”
“Hey Dad.” Sam smiled, skipping over to me.
“Hey sweetie. How have you been?” I smiled hugging her.
“Good, I’m excited to stay with you.” She giggled.
“I’m excited to have you all come.” I chuckled.
“James! Hurry up!” Liam yelled down the hallway. Why was he so impatient?
“I’ll get him.” I said walking off towards his room. I wandered down the hallway and found James in his room, lying on the bed. “Hey buddy. What’s up?” I asked sitting on the end of his bed.
“Is Daddy going to marry Troy?” He asked suddenly. I was taken aback. Did Liam talk about it?
“I don’t know love. How come you think that?” I questioned, as he sat up and hugged me.
“Because I heard you guys talking about it. I don’t want him to marry Troy. Why doesn’t he love you Dad?” He questioned, looking up at me.
“I’m sure he does James but not as much as he used to that’s all. And as for him marrying Troy, I don’t know. And you shouldn’t eavesdrop ok, that’s bad.” I said seriously.
“Ok Dad. I wish we were all still a family.” He sighed.
“Hey, we are a family. Me, you, Izzie and Sam. We’re a family.”
“But not with Daddy. He left you all alone.” Hearing my own son talk about how Liam left makes me angry. Not with James of course but with Liam. He left when James was two so he didn’t really get it until he was about 5. But we made a deal to talk to them all together and he broke it and told them all before I could even get a chance. It’s not fair! “Dad? You’re crying.” James said seriously. I shook my head and wiped my eyes.
“I’m ok. C’mon yeah? How about we get a movie for tonight and we can all watch?” I suggested, helping him off the bed.
“Ok.” He smiled. I smiled back and ruffled his hair before picking up one of his bags. I followed him out to the kitchen where Izzie, Sam and Liam were all waiting.
“Time to go.” I smiled. The girls smiled back but Liam didn’t. Seriously, what the fuck is his problem? He started all this and made it what it is today.
“Bye Dad.” Izzie said hugging him. Sam and James did the same, James whispering something in his ear before running down to my car.
“I’ll have them back by this time next week.” I said seriously.
“Is it ok if you have them a few extra days? Mum wanted me and Troy to visit.” He asked.
“Sure. Just let me know when you want them back. They have their uniforms ready at home so it doesn’t matter really.” I answered.
“Ok, thanks Niall.” He smiled softly.
“No worries.” I said quietly, walking out. I walked down to the car and got it, starting the short drive back to my flat. While Liam and Troy could afford a nice house I had a small flat. We decided to sell the house. ‘It would be easier.’ He said. It was fucking not! The kids chatted as I drove, I sort of listened sort of didn’t. I didn’t want to pry into their business. I couldn’t help but wonder what we would be doing if Liam and I were still together. Would we still live in the house? Would he trust me? Would we be happy? Those are the questions, that will never be answered.
 
Zayn’s POV
“What do you mean you don’t know? Didn’t you check?” I groaned into the phone, pacing the long hallway at my studio. “It wasn’t ordered? Um I’m pretty sure I sent in the order form like 3 weeks ago. Well I did you fucking twat! Leave it! I’ll find someone else.” I snapped hanging up angrily. “Dickheads.” I muttered.
“Babe is everything ok? Why are you mad?” Perrie asked popping her head out of the office door.
“Nothing love. It’s fine.” I sighed.
“No it’s not. I’ve never seen you so stressed out. Did the suppliers fuck it up again?” She sighed too, giving me a hug.
“Yep. 200 canvases and 400 penicils are gone. How am I supposed to finish this order in time?” I thought running my own art studio would be easy, I mean I get orders and I paint, simple right? No! I thought I’d be getting one or two orders a week, not five or six a day! I can hardly keep up and now this shit has gone and fucked everything.
“I’ll call a different supplier, I’m sure they have enough to give us some.” She suggested.
“But what about the money? We already paid the last supplier in advance.” I said seriously.
“I’ll sort it out. That’s what I’m here for isn’t it.” She winked playfully.
“You’re cute.” I smiled kissing her sweetly.
“So are you Mr Malik.” She smiled back, giggling a little bit. We were about to kiss again when the phone rang loudly from the office.
“Let it go.” I sighed.
“That’s not going to look professional is it?” She joked. “I won’t be a minute and then we can get back to this.” She ran off and answered the phone, coming back not long after.
“Don’t tell me it’s another order?” I groaned.
“No, we need to go and get Elijah from school early.” She sighed.
“What, why?” I asked confused.
“He got into a fight. I don’t know what you’ve been letting him watch while I’m away but it can’t be any good.” She muttered.
“Me? This isn’t my fault! I didn’t tell him to fight anyone.” I said seriously, following her as she locked all the doors and grabbed her bag.
“Then where else did he learn it from Zayn? I certainly didn’t do it.”
“Well it wasn’t me. So much for our nice moment.” I sighed. She shook her head and we went and got into car. “Why would it have been me?” I asked.
“Just let it go Zayn ok.” She grumbled, driving down the road towards Elijah’s school.
“No, I want to know why you’re blaming me? I didn’t do anything. I haven’t been around that much lately so I don’t see how this is my fault.” I said angrily.
“I said let it go! I don’t want to talk about it.” She snapped.
“Why are you so moody all of a sudden?” I muttered.
“What?!” Perrie growled.
“N-Nothing.” I stuttered a bit scared of her sudden tone. “We’ll just forget it.” I nodded. She glared at me before turning her attention back to the road. I don’t really know what’s gotten into her lately, she’s just been really moody and kinda bitchy. I never thought I did anything wrong, but clearly I have.
The rest of the ride was spent in silence as we drove through the busy London traffic. I tell you, lunchtime was a shit time to be out. Finally, 20 minutes later we made it to the school. All the kids were out for lunch, well all of them except Elijah.
“Just let me do the talking Zayn.” Perrie said quietly before knocking on the Principals door. I hated this guy, he was such a douche.
“Come in.” He called. She opened the door and I followed her inside, closing it behind me. “Take a seat.” He smiled pointing at two chairs in front of his desk. Elijah was sitting behind us on a couch, looking pissed off!
“Well, what happened?” I asked, breaking the silence that now filled the room.
“How about I let Elijah tell the story?” Principal Dickhead, sorry Dickson said seriously. We turned around to face him and he sighed.
“Well? What did you do Elijah?” Perrie asked sternly.
“He totally deserved it!” He shouted.
“Buddy just tell us what happened.” I said in a lower voice.
“Well James and me, I, were outside with our class for biology when Aiden came up and started bagging on him because Uncle Niall and Uncle Liam are separated. He was being a total jerk about it and saying that James was a faggot. I yelled at him and told him to go away and he wouldn’t. He pushed James over! So I punched him in the face…” He explained. “I was only protecting him.”
“You see now why I had to call you. We have a zero no violence policy here.” Principal Dickson said seriously.
“I understand.” Perrie sighed.
“But he was protecting his friend. This Aiden kid was out of line, he shouldn’t have been picking on James like that.” I said stepping in.
“Yes, I understand that Elijah was just looking out for James but violence is never the answer. He’s lucky that this is just a warning otherwise he would be on suspension.”
“Are you guys mad at me?” Elijah asked us.
“No mate. But we need to have a chat when we get home.” I smiled.
“A serious chat.” He nodded and stared down at the floor. We finished up chatting to Dickhead before taking him home until he’s allowed back tomorrow. “I can’t believe you hit him.” Perrie sighed as we all climbed into the car.
“He did it for a good reason.” I said quietly.
“But that doesn’t excuse the fact he punch someone in the face. What are we supposed to say? ‘Oh don’t do that again?’”
“I don’t know, but just save it until we get home please. I know there’s going to be some yelling.” I sighed.
“You know what Zayn, why don’t you handle it? You seem to be all over everything. I’ll take you and him home and go back to fix your mess at the studio.” She said harshly. I just sat there stunned as she drove off. What the hell was wrong with her?! This is so the last thing I needed right now.