Chapter 38:

------{Emma's POV}------

I felt Harry's warm body stir next to me and get up from my bed. The party was amazing last night, I'm so lucky to have people that I love around me constantly and to know that they will always be there for me if I need them. It gave me the chance to catch up with everyone; the girls told me what I had missed back home, the lads told me about their amazing stadium tour and in return me and Hayles told everyone what Africa was like - it was an amazing night full of laughter, food, talking and love as everyone reunited.

Niall and Hayles told everyone that they have been a couple for 6 months and that they love each other, making me and Harry chuckle to ourselves knowing we were right all along. After the party me and Harry didn't leave each others side, I've missed his presence, his aurora that always makes me feels safe and protected - even if I went downstairs to get some water, he came with me. And I didn't mind.

My eyes remain closed as I hear Harry walk into my en suite, flushing the toilet seconds later and returning to his spot next to me. His warm toned body comforts me as he moves a stray strand of hair away from my face, "I love you Emma." he whispers gently to me assuming I'm asleep, I smile warmly at his loving and honest words.

"I love you too Harry." I mutter before opening my eyes and meeting his stunning green orbs. He smiled and tilted my chin upwards pressing his soft warm lips to mine in a passionate and loving kiss. His kissed are euphoric and always leave me wanting more as if i cant live without it. And no-one can ever understand what its like for me, he's my rock and I love him more than anything. As we pulled away, I smiled at him, something that I had found was happening more and more when I see Harry; "So what have you got planned today?" I ask him as I cuddled closer into his side and glanced up to him.

"Me and the lads are going shopping for a few things." My smile appeared at the mention of the lads, I owe them a lot really, they've helped me and Harry through our rough patches and have always been there if we needed them - they're not only our friends but our family too, and it's a pleasure to be welcomed in to this family with open arms. Although I love them all, at this particular moment I decided to tease him.

"Well, I hope you ladies have fun. Make sure you wear that white V-neck, it really brings out the colour in your eyes." I teased as I made my way seductively out of the room glancing back to wink at him cheekily. I heard a playful sigh and footsteps that gradually followed me downstairs; I turned to find Harry stood in front of me, fully dressed and that cheeky grin splashed onto his face, exposing those dimples that automatically make me melt. I felt my stomach jump enthusiastically as he walked closer to me, closing the gap between our heated bodies; I smirked at the now non-existent distance between us, looking up into his eyes as he leaned down. His lips barely touching mine, before he swerved and kissed my cheek.

"Payback." he smirked before heading towards the front door, "Bye baby." he called then closing the door behind him. I pouted childishly missing his loving goodbye kiss, crossing my arms and sighing. As if he had heard my mini tantrum, he came running through the door and in my direction, pecking me sweetly on the lips before disappearing again without a single word. I laughed at his actions, slightly blushing before heading upstairs to get changed. He knows me so well!

I chose to wear a mid-thigh length, high-waisted black skirt accompanied with a turquoise top and black plimsolls. I decided to get Harry's anniversary presents today - I have a few ideas in mind but I'm not too sure which one to get. He never gives me hints or any advice for presents so I'm just going to have to surprise him.

I jumped into my car and headed to the shopping centre in central London, parked my car in the red zone and walking safely through a back entrance. Slipping on my aviators I made my way swiftly through the crowd only noticed occasionally by fans of mine or Harry's, taking a photo or signing an autograph before continuing my quest; I walked into a shop and bought glowsticks as they were essential to my plan. I then made my way into my next chosen shop and got Harry the watch he'd had his eye on but never made a big deal out of getting, he's always to busy so noes a good opportunity for me. I smiled happy with my purchases, making my way home to prepare his final gift.

Since me and Harry got together I have saved every memory we have had together and put it into my memory box. But for our anniversary I had an amazing idea to show him how much I truly love him; I created a photo album with every single photo I could find of me and Harry. I'd rang both our parents while he was on tour to see if they could send me any of the photos they took when we last visited, I searched the Internet to find our first public kiss at the premiere of 'Blind' and I also asked the lads for any photos they had taken of us as well.

Altogether I have found hundreds of different photos of me and Harry, including the ones we have taken ourselves. My plan was to put all of the photos into an album and add to it as our relationship progress'. I fell in love with the idea and have written little massages in the photo album for him to read when he gets it.

I arrive home and retrieve the photo album from its secret hiding place. The almost completed album was filled with our memories, making me smile every time I passed certain photos - the ones me and Harry took to be precise - they were full of random funny faces and poses that couldn't prevent a grin from appearing on my face. I chuckled at the previous photos as I added a few more to the album. Carefully wrapping his watch in wrapping paper and hiding it along with the photo album and glowsticks.

My phone began to ring and I ran to it, answering immediately, "Hello?" I ask cheerily.

"Emma?" I heard my mums voice question, her voice is low and shaky when she calls my name.

"Mum what's wrong?" I ask automatically concerned. My mum never sounds like this, she is cheery and upbeat in contrast to this glum and scared voice she is currently conveying.

"It's your grandfather." my eyebrows furrow and my heartbeat increases at her sad tone, filling me with worry. Nerves arise throughout my body creating a current of shock, goosebumps piercing my smooth skin as I listen intently to my mothers terrified voice.

"What happened? Is he okay?" I reply desperately.

"You need to come home baby." she said shakily into the phone. I can already see her silent tears falling, something bad has happened.

"Mum! Please. Tell me whats happened!" I yell into the phone as my back slides down against the wall and I fall to the floor, my free hand intwined with my messy hair.

"He's not well. But he's asking for you." she replies instantly after my small outburst. My front door opens but I ignore it as I notices Harry's footsteps get closer to me, until he sits beside me and waits expectantly for my conversation to finish.

"Okay, I'm on my way home." I responded quickly, resting my head lifelessly onto his shoulder. "Bye mum" I whisper before hanging up.

"What's up babe?" Harry asked me worriedly, kissing my forehead.

"We have to go back to Holmes Chapel Harry, Old Raine isn't well and he's asking for me. We need to leave right now." he nods silently in understanding, grabbing a few clothes and throwing them into a bag before taking my hand in his and leading me to the car.

~~

We finally reach Holmes Chapel and I run straight into my grandfathers house. I run in to see everyone gathered in the living room looking at me with sad eyes; "He's in his room Em, he's waiting for you." My dad spoke with tears in his eyes, this was unfamiliar to me as I had only seen my dad cry on a few occasions. Harry waited with my family as I descended towards the door, the dreaded brown door becoming closer and closer before I slowly open it. The sight in front of me shatters my heart into millions of pieces, my grandfather lay helplessly in bed; his skin pale and his body weak as he attempts to speak.

"Emma come here." his strained voice spoke as I near him, I perch myself on the chair next to his bed and grab his cold wrinkled hand in my own.

"Hey Old Raine," I force a smile as my tears began to run down my face, "How're you doing?" I ask sadly.

"Not good." he chuckled, followed by a severe chesty cough. "I'm so weak Em's, but I had to wait until I saw you one last time." he whispered again tightening his grasp on my hand. "I just want you to know how proud I am of you." he coughs again, although this time I sit back, his lungs rattling as he struggles to breath, "I'm proud of how much you have achieved and I'm proud of who you have become. You are the brightest star in this family, and I couldn't be happier to call you my granddaughter. You are my star Emma and I love you." a small tear falls from my hazel eyes as his weak hand squeezes my own, using all of his leftover energy for that one minuscule gesture, "Take care of your mum and dad, they miss you when you're away just like you miss them. You are my treasure Em's and you always will be." he whispers to me, making my tears fall further down my face.

"You can't leave me, I need you. We all need you." I plead helplessly, I don't want him to leave me, he's always believed in me and he's always been there for me. He is my inspiration. And he is a role model for the family, everyone looks up to him for advice or love and he is always welcoming with open arms. I couldn't imagine a world without his caring and safe embrace.

"Em's you need a new inspiration and I think you've found him." he muttered only loud enough for me to hear, referring to Harry of course.

"I love you so much." I kiss the top of his hand as he stroked my hair lovingly. Something he used to do when I was little to calm me down, something I will never forget and will pass on to my own children. A light knock on the door was heard and a familiar head of curls peered around the door.

"Come on in son." my grandfather welcomes Harry. "I would like to welcome you into this family Harry. You two remind me a lot of me and your nan when we were young, you love each other and are inseparable like we were, even until death parted us. You two are perfect and I want you to remember that." he kisses my forehead and shook Harry's hand gratefully.

My legs weakly lift me up and I kiss his cheek before saying "I love you, and I always will."

"Thank you sir, I'm truly honoured to be welcomed into your family and I promise you I will love Emma until I take my last breath." Harry responded softly, his words and voice so comforting to me at a time like this. I clutch onto Harry and cry lightly into his chest, feeling his stray tears fall on my head as well. "Emma can I talk to your grandfather alone please?" Harry spoke gently gaining my attention. I nod reluctantly, as I don't really want to leave my grandfathers side. I kiss Old Raines forehead one last time, muttering an 'I love you' before making my way out of the door, only to be engulfed in multiple hugs from my family.

A few dragging moments later Harry opens the door, signalling for me to come in one last time. The image of my grandfathers weak body with forever remained engraved in my memories and the sound of his voice will not leave my ears. We sit by his bedside and just wait, wait for my grandfather to pass on, my hand clasped in his cold limp one as I stared at him through teary eyes.

"Emma." he whispered with his final breaths.

"I'm here." I smile sadly at him.

"I'm so proud of you." he sighed trying his best to smile.

"You are my inspiration Em's, I love you." he spoke his final words before his eyes slowly closed. A small rattle leaving his lungs signalling his passing, I begin to silently sob as I finally pull my hand away from his once tight grasp.

"I love you too Old Raine."

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- Pianogirl56