A/N: incredible! i’m just so shocked right now i’ve reached my goal overnight! 5K votes! so as a gift, here’s another update.

my goal for this chapter is 200 votes! most of my chapters are so close to that! so vote, don’t be a ghost reader :)

Serenity;

I took a deep breath when I stopped at my front door. Emily and I just finished another jog and I decided to go back home. It’s getting me tired, but it’s good for the both of us and our health. She still hasn’t given up her dream about losing a few pounds. Even though to me she looks perfectly fine, I know she needs to feel good about herself before she’s actually happy.

The house was always silent when I walked in. Everyone would stop talking, pretending to mind their own business just to glare at my back. Samantha is probably the bitchiest of them all, beating my mother. Considering she’s not afraid to glare at my face rather than just my back, which surprises me because she’s usually very friendly.

Anyone could sense the tension. It was like thick, humid air. I get the sense of discomfort immediately when I get home, which only encourages me to get out more often. My father seems to be more affected by this. He would try and talk to me, but would give up mid-sentence.

“Everyone’s making a bet on whether you’re staying for the fourth or going out with your...troublesome friends, I quote,” Mia chuckled the second I walked into my bedroom and shut the door behind me.

I leaned against it, feeling my feet sore from all the running this past week. “I’m not surprised,” I replied, kicking off my sneakers. They’re talking about me left to right. It irritates me that I want to confront them about it but the mature thing was to push it aside. I guess I’m another trending topic for the church now.

In two hours, Harry should be here to pick me up. I rather be ready earlier than have to spend the last minutes looking for something wear. Knowing me, I take quite some time trying to find an outfit. Usually I’m quick, but this time I’m properly sitting down and getting to know his family. This is much more important than some party.

“It’s just not that either. I guess the church is talking about you now?” Mia was typing on her phone while she spoke rather bluntly. “All over town that it’s your boyfriend’s fault you’re this way now.”

I kept looking through my things, clearly more occupied with my clothes than to listen to Mia ramble on about the drama Harry and I are apparently involved in.

Their social entertainment are networks of gossip and where they get all these things are from either Elliot’s mom, Sarah, or Wendoly -- the florist next to our restaurant. They both are tunnels to drama running around town. Shortcuts to getting the”juicy details” that would circle the town and back all the way to the church. When the members of the church are talking about you, you’re officially famous in this piece of shit town.

“So are you going out?” She finally asked.

“Yes,” I answered quickly, picking up my towel and deciding on looking for what to wear after my shower.

“With your boyfriend?” She teased. “I heard he’s gotten arrested before.”

“Good for you.”

“Doesn’t he have a history for molesting girls? That’s what Lenny says.” Mia spoke nonchalantly, unfazed by anything that came out of her mouth. She honestly annoys me sometimes.

I scowled and reached for the doorknob. “Lenny is a creep. And stop talking about that. Being molested is awful and not anything to joke about.”

“I heard he does drugs and forces other girls into it and to do the dirty with him. Why would you ever date a jerk like that? Has he forced you?”

My feet turned on their heels faster than I could process my own actions. Words tumbled out of my mouth though I had no control over them. “Shut up, Mia. Mind your own business and focus on getting yourself a boyfriend. Maybe you’d stop scrolling through your phone all day.”

Mia only stared at me with no reaction. She removed her phone from her face, watching as I turned around and leave for the shower. I sighed and angrily shut the door behind me. Just to make sure, I looked through the bathroom for any signs of cameras or odd objects with lenses in them. Who knows what other recording equipment that perv brought with him.

Once I was out of the shower, I wrapped the towel around me and took off to my bedroom. I opened the door to be greeted by no one’s presence. They were probably all downstairs or outside getting ready for the cookout. Preparation came a little early this year so I’m guessing whoever is coming is a big deal for them.

I dried my skin and rid my body from the towel. My window was cracked open so fresh air made its way into the room. I opened my drawers and dressed myself in my undergarments. Upon clipping my bra on, my phone began to ring. No hesitation involved, I picked up my phone and read the caller ID.

Emily was calling me, so I effortlessly slid my finger across the screen and answered it.

“Hey, buttface,” I greeted with a smile.

“Hola, facebutt. I was calling to ask if you’re going to Harry’s house, or staying at your own? Because my mom says she’s going to your house and thought it was a great idea to revoke my decision and now I have to go.” She explained quickly, rustling on the other end of the line.

“I’m going over Harry’s. What are you going to do?”

There was a slight pause before she spoke again. “I guess I’m going to tell my mom I feel sick. Then maybe get Clary to give me a ride. And about Clary, have you talked to her yet about the pills? She got you in lots of trouble because of that.”

“No, I haven’t really spoken to her. But I will at the party. I’ll see you there hopefully?” I spoke into the phone while pulling out some clothes I saved when my mother threw out everything.

Emily sighed. “Yeah, I’ll see what I can do.”

We hung up and I instantly went to find an outfit to wear. I’m trying to draw away a lot attention from my chest and any unwanted areas. It wouldn’t be smart to ignore these tiny details, seeing as I’m actually going to be around his family.

After minutes of searching through the pile of clothes, I pulled out a flower print romper that I had gotten shopping with Clary one day.

I mixed leather brown boots. The heel was thick and about three inches. I quickly switched the straps of my bra to the transparent ones. I’d never be able to pull off a romper with a strapless bra.

When I wear strapless bras, it feels like everything the bra is holding in the first place is loose. Then, I went and put the navy blue floral print romper on. I tie the laces on my shoes and then went on to apply a little bit of makeup.

Fortunately, I was able to save a tube of mascara and eyeliner. With the missing factor of my allowance, I won’t be able to afford a lot of things. I’m hoping that I could get a job, but that won’t be happening any time soon.

Despite everything going on in my mind, I moved on. My hair was drying at the moment so there wasn't a need to straighten it. When it isn't straighten, it takes a wavy form that easily frizzes up a bit. But it'll have to for now. My mother has a straightener and I'm almost certain that she'd be upset if I used it.

I decided on parting it in the middle and leaving it that way. My phone rang almost right after I was done looking at myself in the mirror. I slid my finger across the screen and answered it. I forgot to see the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey, babe. You're all set to go or you need more time?"  Harry's voice rang out from the phone seconds afterwards.

I grabbed a small, black shoulder bag and looked through it, balancing the phone between my shoulder and cheek. "Uh, yeah I'm all set." My eyes peeked at the clock by my bed. It was noon. Eleven fifty six to be exact.

"Great. I'll come get you now? Niall's coming along because he apparently needs to talk to you about something. He won't tell me what." Harry's tone changed near the end of his sentence, growing from slightly, casually pleased to annoyed in three seconds.

Scoffing, I said, "Just come get me. I'm sure it's nothing." I paused. "It  could be about Emilyyy," I sang afterwards.

"It better be. That git drools over her all the time. It wouldn't surprise me."

"HEY!" I heard Niall yelling. "I'm sitting right next to you! Don't talk about me like I'm not here, you wanker!"

Harry chuckled. "Brace yourself. He'll be making comments on Emily's hair all fucking day."

"I hate you, Harry." Niall pretended to cry. "But seriously, how about we tell Serenity what I caught you doing this morning?"

"Niall," Harry warned quickly. I started to leave my bedroom, amused by their conversation I was more like a third party to.

As I walked downstairs, I saw my mother in the kitchen. She was sorting plates until she saw me. I acted as if I didn't notice her, leaning against the wall just by the front door.

"Just wait outside, baby. I'm almost at your house." I heard a slap from his line. "- NIALL -" he shouted.

"Wanking Styles, everyone!" Niall was screaming and singing multiple things I didn't catch afterwards.

Amused, I sighed an okay and hung up. I decided to text Emily and see what she could do about detouring her fourth of July party. Turns out Emily convinced her mother that she was feeling too ill to come by and that it was okay for her mother to go instead. I only laughed and texted her back.

"Where are you going?" My mother was standing from the kitchen, arms crossed over her chest. She's seemed to have forgotten how she said she doesn't care what I do anymore.

I snapped my head up to lock eyes with her. She was wearing a red, loose sundress that look nice on her. I just wish we'd understand each other better and then I would have complimented her.

"I'm going to a celebrate the fourth of July at a different house. With my friends." I didn't want to specify on which friends and who's house.

She slowly nodded. "I thought you were spending it here with us? You know, after putting so much hard work into preparing for it."

"No, you put a lot of work into. This is your party." I meant to sound assertive and at the same time kind enough to seem less aggravated with her. However, it came out a little soft. "I won't be here to ruin it for you."

A horn beeped outside, and I knew it was my call. "See you later tonight, mom."

My mother watched as I turned the knob of the front door and left through it. I watched as Harry was pulling Niall  -- harshly -- out of the passenger side. Immediately, I bursted out laughing, unaware my mother still stood at the front door.

I crossed the street just as Harry managed to drag Niall to the concrete. Niall lied on the ground, cracking up as Harry furiously said, "It's not funny, you bloody bastard!"

Giggling, I pressed my hand gently against Harry's back. "What are you angry about now, baby?" I wrapped my arms around him from behind, hugging him tightly to me. I pecked his denim shirt that was rolled up on his elbows.

Niall watched with his baby blue eyes from the ground.  He shot me a wink out of comical muse, and Harry growled at him. He then turned around with a cute frown plastered on his face. He looked like a frowning bear all the time. It was cute.

He wrapped his arms around me instantly. "As you can see, Niall and I got into a bit of an argument on the way here."

"That arsehole almost drove into a tree trying to hit me in the face," Niall added getting up and groaning, dusting his denim jeans off. "Almost kills us both. Although no one would miss him if he died." He joked.

Harry reached over to smack him, but I grabbed his hand and pulled his stretched arm back around my waist. Niall chuckled to himself and opened the door to the back seats, shutting himself inside.

I rested my chin on Harry's chest, gazing up at him with a grin. "You know he's only kidding."

"I've been friends with him for the longest time. I get mad and all, but I'm never truly angry with him." Harry explained, tightening his grip on me. We stared at each other for a few seconds. I didn't hesitate to stand on my toes and peck his pink, plump lips.

He smiled against my lips,  sliding his hand against my sides before pulling away from me. "But how's we get going, yeah?" I nodded and grinned as he opened the door for me.

I sat inside as he jogged around to his side. I glanced at my house one last time to see the door being closed just as I looked. For a second I froze in my seat, knowing my mother probably saw all of that. But then I remembered she said she'd stay away from my life, which is both sad and relieving.

Niall looked up from his phone. "So, Serenity, I need to ask you a few questions about Emily. I'm sure it's clear to anyone who glances at my red fucking face around her that I have quite a crush on the girl."

Smiling, I happily agreed. "Sure, Nialler."

He grabbed both corners of the front seats as Harry began to drive. "Try not to drive recklessly, mate, I don't have a seat belt on."

Harry immediately hit the brakes abruptly. Sending Niall forward a bit. Grinning smugly, Harry said, "Oops."

"Oi, you dickhead!" Niall loudly snapped.

"Don't tell me what to do then, bastard." Harry huffed curtly.

Rolling my eyes, I asked, "Niall, what do you want to know?"

"Oh, yeah." He sat up straighter just as Harry started to drive again. "I wanted to know if she has said anything about me. Like if I'm going to ask her out, save me the rejection."

Thinking back, Emily hasn't really talked about Niall. I'm sure she herself is oblivious to how she feels since she's more into self-improvement lately.

I shook my head, sadly watching Niall's shoulders drop a bit. "Not really, sorry Niall. But, I don't think she'll reject you."

"What? Will she smack me around a bit for being stupid?"

Harry chuckled. "I would."

I shot my boyfriend a glare, watching as he made a sarcastic face at me, widening his eyes in false horror. He gazed at the road shortly after. I returned to my conversation with Niall.

"No, Niall. Emily, from what I've seen, probably thinks good things of you. It'll be hard to reject you. Plus," I glared at Harry as the words left my mouth, "You're pretty good looking so you're all set."

Niall grinned  confidently, both of us watching in amusement as Harry shook his head, hands tightening around the steering wheel. Moments later, he hit the breaks and Niall shot forward again.

Through the center console, Niall turned his head and said, "Thanks, Serenity."

I beamed at him. "No problem, Nialler." Niall became my favorite one of Harry's friends at that instant.

"Nialler? That's new." He hummed. "Sounds like another nickname."

Harry suddenly said, "I like blue skies. They're really nice to stare at. Right, Ni?"

"Yeah, totally." Niall agreed slowly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Too bad you won't ever see one again when I'm done with you," Harry threatened lowly.

Niall and I both took it playfully, which Harry didn't really protest against anymore. We made it to Harry's house a few minutes afterwards. Harry opened my door when we were parked in his driveway. There were a few more cars out here, I'm guessing from his guests.

I inhaled deeply as we entered, the sound of faded music growing gradually louder. At the rate my heart was beating I wouldn't doubt if I fainted meeting his sister. I was anxious and nervous because I didn't want them to think badly of me. I tend to have that effect on people, so hopefully it's different for them.

"Relax, babe." Harry hands slid down my arms as he walked behind me, gently leading me towards his kitchen. Niall disappeared off into their living room where only a few people were gathered in. Mostly everyone would be arriving at three or four, I heard.

Inhaling deeply again, I was greeted with the sight of Anne cooking something on the stove with three of their maids. It surprised me that Anne would be cooking, but then again it is kind of a good thing. It shows that Anne is more down to earth than most people with this much money.

Another girl, which I'm assuming is Gemma, was sorting packs of plastic plates and cups from a bag. Her head was hanging low, but I could already make out her features. And just like Harry and his mum, she was stunning. Curse the precious Styles genes.

"Mum, Gemma...," Harry called. They both turned. I felt Harry squeeze my shoulders gently, bringing my attention back to this earth. "Look who's here," Harry mused happily.

Anne smiled, but Gemma met eyes with me and grinned quite deviously. "Oh, so you're the girl who had the unfortunance of meeting my dickhead of a brother?"

"Gemma, I swear," Harry warned.

Gemma scoffed, waving him away. She walked towards us. She was wearing a strapless creamy colored jumpsuit that was a little fit to her body with black pumps. Her hair was loose down to her shoulders. In all she had great height and a perfect figure. Something about these family members all being quite the charmers makes it easier to meet them.

"Don't look so scared of me. I'm harmless," she laughed, looking at me with amusement. "You must be Serenity. I'm Gemma."

Instinctively, I smiled almost immediately. "It's great to meet you, Gemma." We kissed cheeks. I knew they'd often greet each other like that in England. And having a part Ecuadorian family, we do the same.

"Harry talks much about you. But mostly moaning in his sleep," she joked, making everyone in the kitchen either giggle, or in Harry's case, growl.

"Alright. Where are you both getting these little jokes from?" Harry spat at Anne and Gemma.

Anne slapped her hand against Gemma's shoulder playfully. I greeted her as well. "Nice to see you, Serenity. I hope Harry's been treating you alright."

"As well, Anne. And he's been perfect," I smiled. At this, Harry couldn't be more pleased. He planted a small kiss on my cheek, earning smiles from his family.

He slowly began to walk out from the kitchen. "I'm just going to let you girls mingle and gossip about me. I know I'm very loved in this household, so it isn't much of a surprise." He playfully said.

Gemma rolled her eyes. "I'll dish about your embarrassing childhood."

"And I'll show her the pictures!" Anne gushed.

Harry groaned, but nonetheless leaving the kitchen. I laughed as he did so, turning back around to meet eyes with Gemma again. "Don't worry, we're not going to put you through that yet. Today we're just preparing for this little get together."

"I'll gladly help with anything," I offered. I had to keep my manners at their highest. At times like these I wish I could thank my mother for her constant scolding.

Gemma winked. "Perfect. I'll let you help me with the plates and such. But, I'd like to get to hear a little bit about yourself."

We walked towards where she was sorting the packs of red, white, and blue plates with matching solo cups. This is the part I hated about meeting new people. Talking about myself is hard for me. I barely know what to say other than I enjoy fattening foods and partying.

Anne and Gemma laughed. "Oh my God, we're twins." Gemma said.

My eyes widened. Oh shit, I said that out loud.

"Oops," I laughed. "I didn't mean to say that."

Anne shrugged. "You don't have to act all proper and such with us. Just that you're making an effort is good enough for us, darling."

"Yeah, don't sweat it. We're only here to make sure that Harry has eyes for a good girl. And your effort seals the bargain." She informed me. I felt relieved immediately.

To say the least, our conversations flowed much easier after that. Gemma and I walked outside, setting up the table of foods with giggles and words coming out of our mouths.

"I adore your outfit," she complimented. "You walked through that door and I could tell by your taste I was going to like you."

Grinning, I placed a glass plate of chips down. "Thank you. I personally think your outfit beats anything I own in my closet." That couldn't be truer, even now that I just threw out all of my ugly skirts and button ups.

"Ha, stop it. I bought this thing in France. I live there and teach ceramics." She told me what I already knew.

I raised my eyebrows, interested and trying to keep the conversation going. "Really? How is in France?"

She shrugged, pausing for a while. "I really enjoy it, honestly. It's really expensive, though. I'm glad my husband and I have decent jobs that are important particularly in France. Do you have an idea what you'll do after high school?"

By her words, I'm guessing she already knows I'm younger than Harry, which doesn't seem to bother her. I shrugged. "To be honest, I'm helpless. I have no clue."

"I remember feeling like that as well. But you'll find what really interests you. Hopefully it's something you'll enjoy for the rest of your life. I'd hate to wake up every morning to the same old story."

I couldn't agree more with her. "True. I've always wanted to travel the world and write about my experiences. But it sounds like every teenage girl's dream, doesn't it?"

Gemma giggled, and I followed her as we walked back towards the house. "As long as it makes you happy, doesn't concern anyone else. But in order to travel, you'll need a job funding your trips. Basically, what I'm saying is that you'll find your niche."

For the most part, I enjoyed talking to Anne and Gemma. I promised them a day where the three of us can go out, even bring Belle to come along. Speaking of Belle, the moment she saw me, she screamed my name and ran towards me.

She drew attention to me from the group in the living room. I laughed and bent down to her level, letting her wrap her small arms around my neck. I carefully held onto her, standing up and carrying her.

"Hey there, Belle," I smiled at her.

"Hi!" She giggled. "Did you meet my sista? Her name is Gemma!"

At the mention of her name, Gemma beamed at her. "Yes, she has indeed."

"Isn't Sariri pretty?" Belle gushed.

Gemma nodded. "Gorgeous. In fact, maybe too good for ugly Harry."

Belle covered her mouth, muffling her giggles. I put Belle down and she scattered towards the living room where Gemma and I were heading. There, I saw Clary, Emily, and Natalie squeezed on a loveseat. Louis and Marisol shared a living chair where she sat on his lap, currently laughing at something Niall was saying.

Gemma sat next to her husband, a good looking guy with dirty blonde curls and bright eyes. One of the twins was in his arms while the other, which was the the girl, was in Harry's. She was standing on Harry's lap with a cute little pink dress on, holding onto him for support. The sight made me smile.

I greeted everyone quickly. Harry pulled me next to him by the wrist, making me squeal softly at the tug. I lazily lied my head onto his shoulder, giving him a soft kiss on the neck. He smiled down at me before eyeing the baby now sitting on his lap.

The baby looked up at him, a bit of drool coming down from her little mouth. Harry grinned. "Even she drools over me."

I rolled my eyes, but finding myself playing along. "Oh no, looks like I've got some competition."

"Yeah, she's pretty cute." He chuckled. "This is Marison and the baby boy is Wilson."

A goofy smile plastered itself on my face. "So adorable," I spoke in the dumbest baby voice, reaching to gently pinch Marison's cheek. She smiled and moved away from my touch, making my heart warm. She let out a jumble of sounds and continued to space out in her own little world.

The doorbell rang, interrupting Niall's little story he started telling. Emily offered to get it without anyone's protest following. We continued to listen to Niall's story, assuming it was another guest.

"What are you doing here?" I heard Emily's voice hiss.

Everyone except Anne - who was probably with her own friends in the kitchen - remained silent. We had all heard her so there was no point in talking since we were all curious.

"Love, I-I needed to see you," another voice pleaded. "I miss you, Emily."

Zayn.

Harry stood up immediately. "What's this fucker doing showing up at my house?!" He spat.

A/N: unfortunately i've lost my laptop again but this time I have a wireless keybord that can connect to my smartphone so now i can update as if I was using my laptop.

all my stuff was saved on google docs so THANK GOD for google :)

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