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Chapter 7 - Memories - Part 3

A/N: 2 down. 8 to go. Keep cheering me on with comments, votes etc. I mentioned this the last time, but it's not worth it for me if you all just simply skips to the end without letting me know you're there. I'm doing this for YOU. Maybe pressing a star icon a few times is worth it for you?

HARRY:

Airplanes had never been my thing. Sure, I’d gotten used to it, but after all the touring, the back and forth had just become tiresome.

Of course, it didn’t help that my mood was absolutely dreadful right now either.

As excited I was to reunite with my family, as irritated I was over all the lies. If Tessa had just told me what was going on, I would have had time to do something. Now, I wasn’t even sure if Edward would listen to me.

It wasn’t that I didn’t love my brother. He was family. Of course, I loved him. But as he became sick, my career had just begun. I had only asked my parents to stop giving me constant updates so I could focus more on my work, not because I didn’t care. And, in the start, I had tried to keep in touch in between shows, but after some time, Edward sunk into the background. He was getting help, and that was what mattered the most.

After the plane touched down in London, I couldn’t be readier to go home. Of course, it tugged at my heartstrings whenever I saw a couple, or a magazine with Cami’s face plastered on the front page. I was a complete sap and I knew it: I missed her.

My mum was waiting for me at the gate, and despite my mood, I still threw my arms around her, hugging her tightly.

Anna Styles was a small blond-haired woman. Supportive could be her middle name. Throughout all my life, she’d listened to my problems, advised me and showered me with support and love.

“It’s good to see you, Harry,” she said. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, mum,” I muttered into her hair.

I hadn’t realized how much I had missed her, not until I actually held her in my arms again. Suddenly, I didn’t feel like the almost twenty-two-year-old superstar anymore. Right here and now, I was a little boy again.

“Dad is waiting in the car,” she said. “We should go out there before he starts chatting up the other drivers.”

She laughed, and I couldn’t help but to join her. Turning around, she led the way out of the waiting area.

“Is Tessa at home?” I asked.

Mum nodded. “Yes. She’s waiting for you. It’s a terrible mess you two have started, Harry. Why can’t you two just get along?”

I snorted. “I didn’t start anything. That was all—Wait. You know about this too?”

She nodded. “I’ve known since the hospital.”

Unable to believe my own ears, I stopped walking. “So you were in on the lie too? I knew that Zayn, Emma and Tessa were all in on it. But you? Dad probably knows too, right?”

“Lower your voice, Harry. We’re in an airport.” She reached out and tugged at my sleeve, but I pulled my arm away. After sticking my hands in my pockets, I rushed past her.

Of course, I had no idea where dad had parked the car, so regardless of my mood; I had to wait for her to catch up with me. She tried speaking, but I held up a hand to stop her. She was right, this wasn’t the right place. Even if she attempted to explain calmly, I couldn’t promise to contain the rage inside of me. And I had no intention of revealing any of this to the paparazzi.

Dad was waiting beside the car, and he smiled brightly when he spotted us. He must have guessed my mood, but he let it go after I gave him a small hug and jumped into the backseat of the car.

“We’ve missed you, son,” my dad said as he closed the door after getting inside.

“Missed you too,” I muttered, only to avert my eyes out of the window. London passed by as my dad drove carefully to our small home.

I’d spent so much time in America lately, that I’d almost forgot how much I loved England’s little quirks. Everything from the red busses to the funky police cars. I loved it all, and I had missed it terribly.

I hadn’t had any time to turn on my phone yet, but now I couldn’t wait any longer. Plus, I wanted to text Cami and tell her I’d landed safely. She’d been pretty excited about her farewell with Annie, although with a hint of sadness.

Mum and Dad talked among themselves, but I kept quiet the whole ride. I figured that since I was already going to yell about the lies and secrets, I might as well get it all over with at the same time. With the whole family there.

The car pulled into our road, and I felt a surge of excitement from seeing the house. It was one of the few things I’d been able to help my family with after my success. Getting them to take the money for the house had been a pain, but after some urging on, I finally got them to agree to restore my childhood home.

Even the swings outside had been rebuilt. Not that any of us used them anymore, but my mum used to say she was waiting for the grandchildren. Something that always made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Emma was younger than me, and Tessa only had a few years on me. Not to mention that Edward had been locked up for the last couple of years. I wasn’t sure who she expected these so-called grandchildren from. But since she’d been a part of spoiling my relationship, I was pretty sure I was in the clear.

Dad parked the car, and I could see Emma and Tessa appear in the doorway. I frowned when there was no Edward, but figured he might not be as eager to see me.

“Harry!” Emma yelled, as soon as I appeared from the car. She ran to me and swung her arms around me, almost knocking me over.

“Hey to you too.” I groaned under the weight. She wasn’t exactly a small teenager anymore.

“I’m so glad you’re home,” she said as she untangled herself from me.

My eyes met Tessa’s above Emma’s head. “Yeah. It was about time, I think.”

“Me too.” Emma took my arm and dragged me inside.

“Where’s Edward?” I asked as soon as I reached Tessa.

“He’s in my apartment downtown,” Tessa said. “I’ll get him later.”

“Get him now,” I said. “I need to talk to mum, dad and Emma anyway.” It was mean, but it would be easier to talk to them all, without Tessa there. I needed to hear it without her excuses.

A/N: Give that vote, yes? It helps me in more ways than I can explain.