Harry walks into the room with his shorts riding low, hip bones prominently on display. His body moves so fluidly, it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I can't believe this is happening to me. How does my life go from typical, to being Harry Styles' girlfriend in a matter of days? Being in love with him is anything but ordinary.

Chugging a bottle of water, he opens another then hands it to me.

"Here Darling, drink this." He says with a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, I'm so thirsty."

"Maybe you wouldn't be so dehydrated if you'd stop seducing me every five minutes. You've gotten quite the workout."

I spit the water out trying not to laugh, he just shakes his head and chuckles at me. I grab the lid from him and place the bottle on the nightstand.

"Harry Edward, I was just trying to give you a relaxing massage. You're the one who couldn't stop themselves from fucking me senseless. Shame on you for taking advantage of a woman like that."

He quirks his brow at me, making it impossible to keep a straight face. Crawling towards me on the bed, he comes and straddles my body then tickles my sides. Instinctively I wiggle and scream underneath him.

"Oh, sure I took advantage of you, that's hilarious."

He stops his tickling and smiles down at me.

"I love you Willow."

"I love you too Harry."

Removing himself from my body, he pulls the covers over me so I don't get chilled. Scooting his lengthy figure next to mine and lays resting against the headboard. My head snuggles on top of his chest. He runs his fingers through my hair while I trace small circles on his stomach. His body is warm, and his presence is soothing.

Switching gears from out of this world sex, to a tender embrace can give you whiplash.  Whiplash is supposed to be bad, right? Why do I love this whirlwind so much? Does that make me crazy? Because if it does, then I'm certifiable. Who cares, I'm in love with him and right now that's all that matters.

I'm genuinely excited to continue learning more about him. I have so many questions, I want to dig deeper so I can learn what makes Harry Edwards Styles tick. For instance, how he's stayed so grounded with his celebrity status, and what his family is like.

"Baby, can I ask you a question?"

He looks down reassuringly at me.

"Of course, you can ask me anything."

"Is there a special meaning behind the swallows, the butterfly, and the birdcage tattoos? I'm sensing a theme, with the winged creatures and a cage that encapsulates them."

He squirms a little before proceeding with his explanation. I'm sensing this is making him uncomfortable, which is the furthest from my intentions. 

"Never mind, you don't have to answer that question. I understand if it's too personal."

"No, I wanna tell you everything. I'm an open book for you, just struggling to put it into words. I've never really wanted to share their meanings with anyone...until you. There was no need to articulate it."

It's and incredible feeling that he's willing to share such a guarded secret with me. The amount of trust it takes for him to tell me something that's so obviously meaningful, warms my heart. There's not much about his life that he gets to keep to himself, and I'm honored he feels comfortable letting me in. 

"I guess I'll start with the birdcage." He huffs out a heavy breath. "It symbolizes feeling caged and not having control over my own life. The label and management have had us on puppet strings for years, we haven't had a say in much of anything. Someday I want to be creative on my own terms. I don't know when that'll be, but it's something I've been wishing for."

"That's heartbreaking, no one should feel trapped like that."

He wraps his arms around my shoulder and squeezes; one, two, three.

"Don't be sad, it's not all bad news I promise."

He kisses me on the forehead then traces the tattoo on his sternum.

"The butterfly is a symbol of beauty; it's pleasing to the eye and the soul. It's free, its wings flutter in a rhythm of their own. They can fly whenever or wherever they want, I'd give anything to have that freedom. This tattoo is a reminder to be hopeful when I'm struggling. If something that delicate can be so strong and free, surely I can be too."

I want to tell him how incredibly beautiful hissentiment is, and how proud of him I am, but I just let him keep going. It'sobviously difficult for him to discuss these feelings, and I want to encouragehim to continue. Most likely these are things he's needed to get off his chestfor a long time.

I squeeze his hand to reassure him that I'm here; one, two, three. The number three has become our way to communicate I love you, and I am here, without using any words. 

Seemingly he gets lost in thought for a moment.

"The swallow on my right represents me. It's an expression of individuality and untapped potential. I want to be more, to grow, and go places I've never been before. Creative and emotional spaces that I long to be in."

I'm holding back a cascade of tears. I know what he's longing for, freedom, love, independence. His words are touching, but knowing there's this underlying pain and discomfort makes me feel wildly protective. It frightens me that I can't keep him to myself, here in the safety of our private life.

There's going to be times when I'll feel helpless, because I have no choice but to share him with the entire world. And sometimes the world can be a cruel and ugly place. I'll need to trust that he's tough enough to handle life when I can't be there with him.

I need to free myself from this cycle of frustrating thoughts, so I come back to the conversation.

"Tell me about the other swallow?"

He lets out a slight chuckle before continuing, almost elated to share what's next. There's a bashful smile growing on his face. 

"The one on my left has been waiting to be claimed. She represents the person who I've imagined I'd spend the rest of my life with. That's why the tattoo is above my heart. They're one as a pair, but still capable enough to be separate individuals. Very similar, but not identical, she's much more stunning, notice the extra detail." He draws his fingers over the inked lines. "She embodies everything I want and need in a partner; strong, graceful, independent, unique, and a beautiful soul too."

He taps me on the nose and smiles. Is he inferring that I'm the other swallow?

"Wow that sounds lame when it comes out of my mouth. Like I said, I've never shared that with anyone before. I just kept it to myself, it all makes sense up in my head. I'm sorry, I sound ridiculous right now."

"There's nothing ridiculous about it. That's the most thought out and genuine tattoo meaning I've ever heard. I love it Harry, thank you for sharing that with me. It taught me a lot about you, even if it makes me a little sad."

"Why are you sad Darling?"

"It sounds like you wrestle with some painful feelings. That's a heavy burden to carry alone. I hate that you've ever felt that way."

"I don't feel like I'm doing it alone anymore. When I made the decision to get both birds inked on my skin, it wasn't to keep the look symmetrical. My intention was to stay hopeful I'd find the one person I could always be my true self with. And I feel that way right now."

"That's beautiful Baby. Do you really feel that way with me?"

"Absolutely."

He laces our fingers and kisses the back of my hand.

"How do you manage to stay so true to yourself? So many celebrities become arrogant and jaded, you're the furthest thing from that. You've stayed optimistic, I think that's beautiful. I hope you know how brave you are, no one can stop you from having all of these wonderful things."

"I have to give most of the credit to my mum. She's always taught me the value of being humble and kind. Other than that, I just do what feels right. Acting like an entitled ass doesn't feel good, anyone who's like that isn't really happy with their life."

"Your mom sounds like an amazingwoman."

"She's the best."

I give him a chaste kiss on the lips.

"It's important to me that you know I'll stand by you no matter what. I don't want you to feel alone or afraid ever again."

He sniffles through the tears streaming down his cheeks. I wiggle out of his clutch and lift his chin; he's looking directly at me with his beautiful green eyes.

"Hey, it's gonna be ok Baby. We've got each other now. What we have is something most people spend a lifetime trying to find. You and I, we're a team and I have absolute faith in us."

Without faltering, his gaze lingers, and his eyes begin to smile once more.

"I'm not sad or scared anymore Angel, these are happy tears. You're the most amazing woman I've ever met. Thank you, I love you so much."

I wipe a tear from under his eye and sweetly press my lips on every place the tears had been.

"There's no need to thank me. Supporting the one you love should be effortless. And I'm absolutely in love with you."

"Tell me about your family Will. You haven't talked about anyone but the girls and Sam."

My heart sinks, I've known this conversation was coming, but talking about my past is painful. It's easier to avoid the topic rather than open old wounds. Regardless, he shared some very personal things with me, and I intend on doing the same.

"There's not much to tell. I don't know my dad or if he even knows I exist. My mom refused to discuss him, that subject was off limits. Every time I asked questions she'd start hysterically crying, so I just stopped asking. I have no idea what he did to make her feel that way. I get sick thinking about it, because whatever the case, it couldn't have been good. But my mom and I were always really close."

"Were?"

"She passed away four years ago from lung cancer."

"Baby I'm so sorry."

"Thanks." I attempt a smile. "I'm ok now, but it was really tough having her gone when I was going through all the shit with James, especially before I met Sam.'

"What happened with him?"

"He was physically there, but emotionally absent. The girls and I did everything on our own. I would've preferred him not being there at all. He terrorized us whenever he was home, always drunk and angry. Screaming and throwing things was typical behavior from him. I can't tell you how many times I've heard glassshattering or had to clean up his messes. One time a piece of glass flew and slicedmy arm open. You see this scar?"

I show him the long-healed wound above my wrist. He's seething with anger, so I hold him tighter to reassure him that everything is ok. He doesn't seem convinced.

"Did he ever hit you or the girls?"

Harry's body tenses, he's on the verge of losing his typical calm resolve.

"No, but he may as well have. Verbal and mental abuse leaves scars that cut just as deep. That's the reason these scars are so dangerous, because no one can see them. If they don't know the situation, people have no idea why I'm guarded or on edge at times. There's days I discover new emotional wounds myself."

The entire time I'm talking he strokes my hair and places kisses on top of my head.

"Willow, I don't understand how he has any custody rights at all. It really pisses me off. How did this happen?"

"I didn't have money for a good lawyer or proof of the things he did to me and the girls. The court knew something was off, that's why I have primary custody but that's as far as it went. I'm just glad that they don't have to live with him."

"How are you so calm while they're with him right now?"

"I don't have a choice Harry; I do what I can to distract myself when they're gone. Thankfully he sobered up and calmed down quite a bit. He's still an asshole, except with the girls. It's all an act, and playing the good guy feeds his narcissistic ego. He's always had an unhealthy need to needed, which is probably his reasoning for making me feel helpless. He spoils Lark and Lily instead of acting like a real parent. His idea of parenting is skewed, he doesn't know the difference between what they want and need."

Harry's face is scorned, he's restless and angry about the situation. Rightfully so, but my hands are tied for now.

"Don't worry, he's only allowed visits, they'll never go stay with him. He couldn't handle the responsibility anyway. The only reason he fought for custody is because he didn't want to pay child support."

"What a selfish prick. Anyone who treats women and children that way deserves a special place in hell. I'll never let him hurt you or the girls again. I swear Baby."

I'm comforted by his sincere words, as always, I feel safe with him.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Is James the reason you're so hard on yourself?"

"Without a doubt, he filled my head with bullshit lies that I'm worthless and unlovable. In the beginning he was a good guy. But I've learned that's how men like him operate. Abusers don't generally start off that way. They charm you until you've fallen for them. His radical behavior came out of nowhere. One day I was blissfully happy, and the next my life was a living nightmare."

I'm sobbing uncontrollably, burying myself into Harry's chest.

"I'm here now, and you're safe. If I could take your pain away, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I love you so much."

His hold on me is tender, but I can feel his indignation seething below the surface. I know how angry he must be, I've seen how lit up Sam gets when he's mentioned. She's fiercely protective, and it's obvious Harry is the same way.

Eventually my tears slow down and my body stops shaking. Harry holds me the entire time, letting me process my feelings however I need to. There's no interruption or pleas for me to stop crying.

These tears needed to be shed a long time ago. Telling Harry my story swept the floodgate wide open, he doesn't try to close it, instead nature is allowed to take its course. All I need is someone to keep me from drowning, that's what he does, he holds me above water.

"Feeling any better love?"

I sit up crossing my legs in front of him. I want to see his beautiful face.

"Yeah I really do, thank you Harry."

"No need for thanks. Maybe just a kiss."

His smile is overwhelmingly endearing.

"Anything for you my love."

***

"Now it's your turn, I want to know more about you mom and sister."

"I can't wait for you to meet Mum and Gem, they're going to adore you. Gemma tends to scold me for my choice in girlfriends. We've had the same conversation so many times, I can hear her words in my head. She says I can find someone better suited for me, a woman with more depth. Obviously, she's right."

He gives me a quick squeeze as reassurance that she'll approve.

"She's a great judge of character. And Mum has the biggest heart of anyone you'll ever meet.'

"That must be where you get it from. She's done an excellent job raising you to be a compassionate man. How often do you visit her?"

He exhales an exasperated breath.

"Not as often as I'd like. It's hard for me to get away from LA, wherever we're recording or on tour. It's a busy life, it's easier for me to fly her wherever I'm at."

"How long until you leave again?"

This topic is uncomfortable, and we haven't discussed it yet. I think our blissful ignorance has blocked it from our minds. However, dating a world-famous musician means that we'll be spending a lot of time apart. The thought of being separated from him for any length of time is terrifying, but it's something I need to prepare myself for.

I'll hate it while he's away, but performing is what he loves to do. I'll gladly make the sacrifice if it means he can pursue what he's passionate about. Partners need to be selfless at times, it's an element every healthy relationship needs to survive.

I'm not sure how I came to this conclusion considering my relationship history. Maybe it's because I always made sacrifices for James, but he never made any of his own. I was miserable being the only one giving, and him always taking. It's a matter of respect, and giving respect has never been one of his specialties.

"I'm not sure when I'll leave again Love. But I'll miss you when I'm gone, you and the girls can come see me whenever you'd like. Have you traveled to Europe before?"

"Nope, but I'd love to someday. I've always wanted to visit Italy and the UK."

"I guess that means I'm taking you on a trip sometime soon. Aren't I?"

"Harry that's not necessary, I can't ask that of you."

"Hush woman. I told you I want to spoil you every once and a while. I enjoy seeing you happy. And besides, I could use a holiday myself."

"Harry Edward Styles, you're too good to me."

I shake my head in disbelief, I can't wrap my head around how big his heart is.

We lay holding each other as Harry's phone rings on the bed. Without looking at the screen he goes to decline the call.

"Baby, it's your mom."

"Oh god, thanks for noticing. I'm excited to talk to her."

"Hello Mum, I have you on speaker. How are you?"

"I should ask you the same question. I've been seeing pictures of you and this beautiful woman all over the place. Is she your girlfriend? She's lovely."

"Yes Mum that's my girlfriend. She's here with me right now. Say hello, her name is Willow."

"That's a beautiful name. It's a pleasure to speak with you, I'm Anne. I hope to meet you very soon. You both look very happy in those pictures. Anyone who can make my son smile like that is a keeper in my books."

Harry smiles bashfully.

"Thank you Anne, I'm looking forward to meeting you too. Will you be visiting LA soon?"

"I hadn't planned on visiting for a couple months. My son failed to tell me he had a girlfriend, whom I'd love to meet much sooner."

"Mum, we just started dating. That's why I hadn't phoned yet. I'm sorry, you know I'd rather tell you about these things firsthand. But we weren't expecting to get noticed in public so quickly."

"It's ok son, I'm only teasing you."

Anne giggles, her laugh is pure joy like Harry's.

"The paparazzi and my fans are gonna dig up any information they can find about her. So, I want to tell you something before you find out from them."

"Should I be worried?"

"No, it's nothing bad. I just want you to know Willow has two beautiful daughters. Lark is thirteen, and Lily is almost nine. We hadn't planned on telling the girls about our relationship quite yet, but that plan derailed when the pictures surfaced. The girls saw them."

"Oh no, are they upset?"

"Not at all, they can't wait to meet Harry."

"That's lovely dear."

"I'll meet them this Friday. They're visiting their father until then."

"I'm so excited for you. I hope you don't mind I've assumed that your relationship is serious. I can hear it in my son's voice, he adores you Willow."

"No apologies for assuming Mum, we're very serious. I'm in love with her. I know it happened fast, but we're really happy."

I have butterflies of excitement in my stomach. It's reassuring that he's willing to share his feelings so freely.

"I love you son."

"I love you too Mum. Say hello to Gem for me."

"Of course Darling. I'll call and check on you in a few days. I can't wait to hear more about the girls."

"Bye Anne, it was a pleasure speaking with you."

"You too my dear. Talk to you soon Love."

***

There's no mistaking how incredibly pleased Harry is with our conversation.

"I told you she'd love you."

"Harry, she's so sweet, I love her already."

"I'm so excited for the two most important women in my life to meet each other. I'm a lucky man."

"I think we're both lucky to have found one another."

"I agree."

He gives a sweet smile and tucks my hair behind my ears.

"Willow, you're looking sleepy. Let's take a shower then get some rest?"

"Sounds like a good idea."

Our lips happily join one another sharing a passionate kiss.

"And one more thing..."

"Yes baby."

"I'm happy that I finally found my other swallow."

With confidence I can say this is a moment I'll never forget for the rest of my life. My heart is swelling with pride.

"Me too, I've been waiting for you my entire life. I love you Harry."

"You too my love."