Chapter Eighteen
The sun is blazing through the expanse of large windows. Mother Nature has claimed ownership of the day. The brilliance of gold and orange hues is breathtaking, it creates a glow which blankets Harry's sleeping figure.
Most early mornings the sun's presence annoys me, but today is different. Instead we're on friendly terms. I'm not a morning person, but apparently sleeping in the arms of the man you love, aids in a good night's rest. Waking happy and fully rested has done wonders to erase my typical angst towards the break of dawn.
Harry is peacefully dreaming; his eyes are fluttering under their lids. His chest gently rises and falls, I'm memorizing the pattern of his breathing and heartbeat. I enjoy listening to the whispered melody. It's a perfect orchestration, producing a gentle flow, a masterpiece if you will. I'm perfectly content without any desire or need to do anything else.
I lay wrapped in his arms for a while, but I think it's time get the day started. I gingerly lift his tattoo laden arm from my waist and escape his tight grasp. I don't want to go, but I haven't figured out how to make coffee from the living room floor. Although I'm fairly chipper this morning, coffee is still required to get me moving.
I scoop up the discarded robe I wore the night before, then tie the belt around my waist. A sly smile spreads on my face, remembering the erotic moments we shared by the fireplace. The entire experience was exhilarating and liberating. I wasn't ashamed of my body, and it felt good being vulnerable and comfortable at the same time. I'm becoming hooked on the rush of it.
Harry made everything perfect for me last night. The least I can do is let him sleep while I make some breakfast. I have no idea where anything is kept, so I prepare myself for a mini scavenger hunt around the kitchen. However, it feels a little awkward snooping through his cabinets and drawers while he's sleeping. Thankfully, it's not the bedroom or bathroom where most personal items are typically found, that would feel like a complete invasion of privacy.
I'm delighted to find we have the same sense of logic regarding the organization of kitchens. Everything is exactly where I would place it in my home. My thoughts get derailed by the phrase, my home, repeating itself in my head.
It takes zero effort to imagine living here together. I know this fantasy is entirely premature, but somehow the idea lingers in my mind. I would've never given it a single thought before this moment. Cohabiting with another man, let alone someone amazing like Harry, seemed absurd before we met. However, the insinuation isn't so farfetched anymore.
From the spark of our first touch, my life has been a blissful hurricane. Everything feels so different now, my world has been flipped on its head and spun around. Like a tossed coin spinning on a table, waiting for it to land on heads or tails. The anticipation is freely surrounding me, but the only difference with this situation. either way it's a win for me.
I've been swept up in the wave that is the life and love of Harry Edward Styles. I'm drowning in it; this is something that has enveloped my heart and soul. I'm not imprisoned, I just have this overwhelming feeling of safety and ethereal love. These sensations are completely new to me, and although they're scary, they're just as beautiful.
I shouldn't over analyze the possibilities, there's no sense in driving myself crazy, wondering where this relationship is going. I've fallen in love with him, and somehow that makes it easier to push the anxiety of the unknown out of my mind.
Last night was incredibly exciting, so much that I forgot about my phone. He has that effect on me, forgetting about the existence of time and space. I suppose it's time to ease myself back to the reality that there's a world outside this enchanted bubble we've created.
Although I wouldn't change the way things evolved last night, I really should've called the girls. I'm sure they're enjoying missing an entire week of school while their dad is visiting. They probably didn't even notice I forgot to call.
Unfortunately, I'm my own worst critic, and I feel horrible for not reaching out. It takes everything in me to prevent this from becoming an episode of let's punish Willow for being a shitty mom.
I take a moment to clear my head while making Harry's avocado toast. Recalling the good qualities that he sees in me. I figure if I keep replaying his words in my head, eventually I can break this vicious cycle of self-deprecation. I'd give anything to rid my mind of the negative internal monologue.
My face breaks into a victorious grin, I realize Harry can help make this a reality for me. He's the missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle that is my life. I'd thought it was gone forever, lost like a sock disappears in the dryer, never to be seen again. Apparently, it wasn't permanently gone, it had just been misplaced.
Just as I reach for my phone, the screen lights up. It's a notification that Lark sent me a message. I hurriedly unlock my phone; I can't wait to see what she sent me. It's a picture of her and Lily blowing me kisses.
Lark: We love and miss you Mama. Hope you are having a good time
The message is completed with Lark's signature kissy face emoji. My heart swells with love for them.
I'm not trying to wish away my time with Harry, but I'm looking forward to seeing them in a few days. Sadly, I can't shake my concern about keeping my relationship a secret from them, even if it's just temporary. It won't be easy containing my joyful disposition; they'll know something's different. I'm not a sad person, but I'm definitely bubblier with him on my mind. I know waiting is the right thing to do, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
The girls send me another picture, they're making silly faces. I chuckle, because it reminds me of how Lark scoffs at me for laughing at my phone. Or when I speak the words I'm typing with a smile on my face. She finds adult behavior odd, and sometimes embarrassing, I suppose that's typical attitude for a child her age.
I take a seat on a high-top bar stool at the center island. The coffee is brewing, emitting the familiar fragrance of coffee beans. I need to respond to them before they start to worry.
Me: Hey Baby how are you and your sister? Are you having fun with your dad? I love the pictures you sent.
Lark: Daddy took us to the beach yesterday.
Lark: He rented us bikes. We got to ride on the boardwalk, it was so much fun.
Lark: What are you doing right now, can we FaceTime?
Me: I can't, I'm working
There's lie number one, I'm making excuses to get out of a FaceTime call with her. She'll know something's going on because I'm not at home or work. Then she'll start questioning where I'm at. I really hate lying.
Lark: K what have you been doing?
Seriously, I hate lying. I'm having trouble navigating a typical conversation with my daughter. I've been lied to, more than my share of times. It always pisses me off, no matter how far from the truth the tale is.
Being on the other end of deceit is even more uncomfortable for me. I'm not sure how long I can keep this up. My only option is to give the fewest details as possible.
Me: Sam took me out dancing one night. The rest of the time I've been working or watching my shows on Netflix. I had a great dinner last night too.
Ok, I feel better sprinkling some truth in there. I did go dancing with Sam, and I had a great dinner last night. However, I damn sure haven't been watching Netflix.
Lark: Cool, what show?
Seriously? This is what happens once you start lying, you keep fabricating false truths to cover up your former statements. Eventually you end up creating your own fiction, and you have trouble remembering what's true and what's lies.
Me: Friends.
Yes, I know I just told another fib. Give me a break, I'm grasping at straws here.
Lark: Ok Mama. Lily says she loves you. We miss you and we'll call later.
Me: Love you too. Be good for your Dad.
Lark: K
My next message is from Sam.
Sam: Just checking on you. No need to call or text, just wanted you to know I love you.
Sam: Actually, thumbs up or down.
I respond with three thumbs up, so she knows that I'm more than okay.
I pour my coffee and prepare it with the perfect amount of cream and sugar. I need to sift through my work-related texts and emails before Harry wakes up, he asked me to take a break from it this week.
There's no major issues at work, just a few requests from potential clients wanting to get on Richard's schedule. I'm coordinating the meeting times when I feel Harry's slender hands pulling me close to his body.
"You're working, aren't you?"
"I'm just scheduling some appointments for Richard."
"Willow, that's still considered working. Give me your phone, you can have it if it's the girls or Sam. Otherwise your restricted."
"Really? You're so bossy."
"Yes really, and you know you love it when I'm in charge."
He clears his throat, his hand outstretched demanding my compliance.
I frown to imitate a disappointed teenager, grounded from their phone for misbehaving. Amused by my comedic attempts, he shakes his head while giving me a good morning kiss.
"How are the girls doing with their dad?"
"They seem to be having a good time. Which doesn't surprise me, it's easy to be the fun parent when you only see them a couple times a year."
Harry interjects as he robs me of the toast I was nibbling on.
"Just wait until you tell the girls about me. You'll be a much cooler parent Darling."
He gives me a fake punch on the shoulder to tease me.
"That'll be an interesting event to say the least. The girls love you and the guys, so there'll be plenty of excitement...some screaming, squealing." My thoughts trail off. "I just had a random thought."
"What is it Babe?"
"I'm glad Lark and Lily's favorites are Liam and Louis. It'd be awkward if either one of them had a celebrity crush on you."
"I agree, that could be extremely uncomfortable. Wait a second, should I be offended that I'm no one's favorite?"
"You poor baby. Don't worry you're my favorite."
I've successfully stroked his ego. He smiles joyfully, making his deep-seated dimples emerge.
"Thank god someone wants me." He smirks.
"You are so ridiculous. There's countless women who want you. You're the sexiest man alive, it's impossible to resist you. Thankfully your sights are set on me, otherwise I'd be jealous."
He rolls his eyes and cackles.
"I'm super sexy, aren't I?" I give him a tender kiss on his cheek. "I love you Willow."
"I love you too Baby."
"Would you like to go out today? We can get coffee, have lunch, go shopping. Whatever you want, your choice."
"Harry, we don't have to do that. I hate seeing you stressed, what if things get crazy again? We can just hang out here, no worries."
He sits on the stool next to me, cupping my chin to direct my attention towards his eyes.
"Listen to me Love. I've made a decision." He smiles warmly. "I'm not gonna let the media or public bother me anymore. I have nothing to hide, I'm in love with you. I won't allow anyone to stop me from living my life. That includes us going out in public together. I shouldn't have let it rattle me the other night. I'm really sorry."
Harry's speech gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. When he says he's in love with me, he means it. James never once said those words.
"I promise they're not going to scare me away again. If it gets chaotic, we'll come back home."
He smiles seemingly proud of my former statement.
"Come back home?"
He asks inquisitively.
"Sorry, I meant come back to your house."
"No, you had it right the first time. My home is your home, no questions. And if I'm being perfectly honest, I haven't stopped thinking about you moving in since yesterday." He pauses. "I'm sorry, I'm being inconsiderate. I don't wanna pressure you into anything you're not ready for. It's just that I want to be with you all the time. I swear I'm never this clingy, this is completely out of character for me. I just..." He takes a deep breath mustering his courage. "I've never had something like this before. I just don't want to lose it."
I take his hand, laying it in my lap for comfort. My eyes conveying my acceptance and reciprocated love for him.
"You have nothing to apologize for. I don't wanna be away from you either. You've made me happier than ever before. I'm yours now, and we'll slowly make plans and figure everything out. I love you so much, Harry Edward Styles."
"I love you too, Willow Jasmine Wishart." He places a sweet kiss on the tip of my nose. "Let's go take a shower and get ready. I'll race you."
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