Freedom ✔️ Harry Styles

Chapter Seventy Two

*February 29th*
*Arabelle POV*

My stomach twisted as we pulled into my old neighborhood, the familiar surroundings making me nauseous. My mind reeled with a carousel of thoughts as we drove on the street I used to play on as a kid. My sweaty hand clutched onto Harry's, the other holding the phone that he got me for today. My anxiety rose as the house came into view, my dads white car parked in the driveway. Harry parked beside the curb, avoiding the driveway so my family didn't see him.

"Are you ready for this?" Harry asked softly, turning his head to look at me

I swallowed thickly as I turned towards him, shaking my head as he gave me a sympathetic look.

"No." I answered.

"You know you don't have to do this." He told me.

I gave him a look of appreciation, a small smile on my lips as I leaned forward, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Yes I do, but thank you." I smiled.

"Of course." He sighed, looking at the brown house." Remember text me when you need to leave." He said sternly.

"I know." I whispered.

He nodded, leaning over to kiss me. I sighed as I closed my eyes, wanting to savor this moment. He chuckled as he backed away.

"Ok go." He laughed.

"I'm going I'm going." I giggled.

"I love you." He stopped me.

"I love you too." I breathed.

I leaned over and gave him one last kiss, before climbing out of the car. He rolled down the windows and sent me a wink causing me to laugh. I heard him chuckle as he rolled the window up, driving down the road. I waited until his car disappeared from sight before shakily walking up the driveway. I tried to calm the pounding in my head as I stepped up the porch steps. My stomach turned as I raised my hand, hesitantly pressing the doorbell. Footsteps were walking towards the door and my breathing picked up as the door opened.

"Arabelle?" My dad asked.

His face was pale as his eyes widened, looking like he saw a ghost. He looked the same as I saw him last, just more tired and worn out. The bags under his eyes looked permanent and his hair looked more grey than before. He looked skinner, like he wasn't taken good care of himself. He just looked extremely tired.

I felt tears come to my eyes as I looked at his shocked face, realizing just how much I missed him.

"Yea dad." I whispered. "It's me."

I jumped in surprise as he wrapped me in his arms, my chest slamming against his body. I exhaled deeply as I wrapped my arms around his back, hugging him tightly. He sobbed into my shoulder, causing my own tears to slide down my cheeks.

"I- I thought y-you were d-ead" he stuttered through tears.

"Shh. I'm right here." I soothed, rubbing his back.

Little footsteps were what made us pull away. I smiled widely as Brady ran down the stairs. My dad was standing in front of me, blocking me from his view.