I hadn’t really thought about Harry since that day. Jen tried to bring him up several times, but I shot her down. Gemma had begun texting me under the pretence that as maid of honour she needed to coordinate with me. However I was unsure what her brother had to do with dress fittings and flower arrangements, never the less she brought him up at any chance she got.

Now I had no choice but to see him. It was the day of the wedding and I was squeezed into the most uncomfortable bridesmaid’s dress ever. Gemma was running around shouting at people, apparently something was wrong with the flowers. Jen was on the brink of tears and I wasn’t really sure why; the flowers looked fine.

“It’ll be fine Jenna. Ben isn’t marrying you for the flowers.” If he was that would be rather odd. Surely it would be cheaper to just buy the flowers? I snapped myself from my thoughts, this was why I wasn’t maid of honour; just a lowly bridesmaid.

“I’m not crying about that!” she sniffled. “I’m crying because I’m about to marry the love of my life.” she smiled softly. Apparently the other bridesmaids were better at dealing with this sort of thing than I was because our cousin Chloe rushed forward to fix her make up and calm her down.

“I’m just going to go and find dad.” I announced, not that anyone was listening. Everyone was crowded around Jenna cooing her and trying to calm her down. Gemma was shouting at some poor teenage boy who looked like he was about to piss his pants. I thought about stepping in but then I remembered what happened last time I did that. He could handle himself.

I stepped out of the house, outside was decorated beautifully. I stared at it in awe. The colour scheme was white and red. Red roses on every table and it was so simple and elegant. I wasn’t sure why people spent so much money on weddings when you could do something like this and have something so much more beautiful. Jen had opted to have the reception at our dads house. It was off an old beaten track, it had once been a farm, but there had been no animals here since we moved in. It was perfect though. There was a giant marque, and a bar, and a BBQ. I wasn’t really sure what else could be wanted?

Gemma and I were wearing identical dresses; the other bridesmaids had slightly different ones though theirs were the same as each other’s. I think it was Gemma’s idea, to show them who was more important. When we’d gone for the fitting she’d pretty much said as much. I loved Gemma, and her ability to piss people off only made me love her more. Unlike with Harry, Gemma and I had been pretty close growing up. She was round the house most days and it became more frequent the older Harry got. Whereas before they’d try and split the time between each other’s houses, by the time Harry was nine he was such a little shit they just spent most their time here. Not that I minded, Gemma played with my hair and sometimes let me wear her clothes.

I began to wander around. I hadn’t been home in a while, not much had changed but I’d forgotten how much I loved this house. There was something so pretty about it. I hadn’t been gone long when I found my dad. He was talking with Ben’s dad; something about getting together for golf. I couldn’t help but scoff, neither of them even played golf. Ben and Jenna had been primary school sweethearts. Not that Jenna hadn’t had other boyfriends; she’d had plenty. Her and Ben started ‘going out’ in year two, but come year three she couldn’t stand the sight of him. It continued like that most the way through primary, and most the way through secondary school as well. They dated successfully through year seven and eight, but come year nine she was bored of him again. She expanded her horizons for a few years, dated a few losers, and by the end of year thirteen they were back together again. They’d never stopped being friends though. I never really understood their relationship. I mean, I knew they’d end up married, but I never understood why she kept breaking up with him. It’s not like they fought a lot, or even that she stopped loving him. She didn’t. She just kept dumping him. Poor boy, didn’t know which way was up.

“So, Gemma’s about to go on a killing spree, Jen won’t stop crying and Chloe’s giving me the death stare again.” I said as I approached my dad.

He merely rolled his eyes, “Gemma is always about to go on a killing spree, and if Jen dumps this poor boy at the alter I will kill her. Chloe hates you; get over it.”

I couldn’t disagree about Gemma or Chloe, but I did feel the need to defend Jenna, “No, she’s crying because she’s about to marry the love of her life.”

“How are you, kiddo?” Ben’s dad asked, pulling me into a hug, which I didn’t refuse. I hadn’t seen him in a while. He’d always been good to me, he got me my first job in high school. He even tutored me in maths so that I didn’t fail. I still blame the need for a tutor on Harry.

“I’m good thanks, Dan. Yourself?” I smiled brightly.

“I can’t complain.” I decided at this point that I’d been gone long enough, and that I should get back inside before I ruined my shoes. So I said my goodbyes and made my way back to the kitchen where everyone was getting ready. Ben was upstairs in my old bedroom with his groomsmen. He’d be leaving for the church soon. The car had just pulled up outside to take him. I couldn’t help but smile. My sister was getting everything she wanted in life and it made me so happy. I knew her and Ben were made for each other.

I made my way back to my sister who was now fretting over her dress.

“Oh, there you are! Amelia, please come here?” I did as she asked and made my way to where she was standing. The hairdresser was adding the last touches to her hair, which now looked amazing. “What do you think Mouse?” she asked, using her old nickname for me.

“You look stunning. Everything is perfect. I’m jealous!” I smiled softly, tears pricking my eyes.

“Everything is not perfect! They…” I cut Gemma off by clamping my hand firmly over her mouth.

“Yes it is. Look at her! What isn’t perfect about her?” I was daring her to defy me, but as her eyes trailed over to Jen, I knew she wouldn’t. Her eyes bulged and I felt her mouth curve up into a smile under my hand. Carefully I removed it, hoping to God she wouldn’t say anything else.

“You look stunning.” Gemma’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at her best friend. I felt her arm slip around my waist as she pulled me closer, I did the same to her. “Doesn’t she look stunning, Amelia?” she barely whispered.

“Perfect.” I sighed. I’d always been jealous of my sister’s looks. I continued to stare at her as I rested my head on Gemma’s shoulder. I couldn’t imagine anything could ruin today. Soon it would be time to leave for the church and my sister would no longer be a Moderski, instead she’d be a Sykes. I couldn’t really imagine her as anyone else.

The door burst open and in rushed my mother. Who looked stunning in a knee length cream dress and pearls my step-father had gotten her.

“Hunny I’m so sorry, there was…” she stopped midsentence as she took Jenna in. She was literally speechless. Not something I had ever seen her before. She always had something to say. Unlike Gemma and I, my mother didn’t manage to contain her tears as they spilled violently down her cheeks. Soon she was sobbing, and no one was really sure what to do. Jenna rushed forward pulling her into a hug, careful not to get mascara smudged on her beautiful ivory dress.

“It’s okay mum. It’s okay.” I knew she didn’t just mean about being late. She meant everything. I knew as I watched my sister comfort her that they were going to be okay. Something I’d hoped for, for years. I decided now was an appropriate time to clear out the room and give them a chance to be alone.

Next thing I knew we were all piled into the car on our way to the church. I could feel my stomach churning. I wasn’t sure why I was nervous, but I was. When we got there, there were security guards outside the door. I turned to Gemma in confusion, but she simply mouthed ‘boys’. They were here. I wasn’t really sure what I expected, but somehow I didn’t expect there to be security here. I grabbed my flowers from Gemma. We’d practiced this, but I was still sure I was going to fuck it up. All I had to do was walk down the aisle before her and Gemma and stand there, but if something could go wrong, I would make sure it would.

I took one last shaky breath before opening the door and beginning the walk. The other bridesmaids were already waiting at the altar, and I spotted Ben stood there, visibly shaking. He stared behind me and I almost melted at the look in his eyes. He was crying and he was looking at Jen as if she was the only person in the world. Like a blind man seeing the light for the first time. Like someone who felt the rays of the sun for the first time and I knew looking at him I would never accept anything less than that in my life.

I walked, trying desperately to keep the pace. The small church seemed never ending, but eventually I reached the end, Jen just behind me and then the ceremony began. I stood patiently, listening to them make their vows. They were going to spend the rest of their life together. The vicar began talking and I zoned out. My eyes scanning the church looking for people I knew, eventually they locked on to a familiar pair of green ones. He gave me a small smile and I returned it. He was sat a few rows back on the bride’s side. The others were sat around him. Louis gave me a rather large grin and it took everything I had not to laugh. Niall looked like he was about to fall asleep. I couldn’t blame him, the vicar had been talking for ages and he was droning on about something that no one even cared about. I just wanted to see the kiss.

Eventually he stopped talking and it was over. “The groom may now kiss his bride.” And with that Ben took her face in his hands. The kiss was slow and soft, yet there was so much passion behind it. I felt the urge to look away, like I was intruding on something so intensely personal. I’d seen them kiss before but never like that. The room erupted in cheers and I heard Jenna giggling. They made their way back down the aisle. I linked arms with one of Ben’s cousins, also one of his groomsmen and we made our way after them. The photographer was outside telling people where to stand while he took a stupid amount of photos. He snapped pictures of all the wedding party before moving on to the other guests. He seemed particularly interested in a certain five boys, who were stood by the entrance of the church. I felt my eyes narrow.

I stalked up to the photographer, Gemma hot on my heels. “This is my sister’s wedding, not an opportunity for you to make a fortune snapping pictures of One Direction. Stop.” I growled. I wasn’t going to have him ruin her wedding photos. Gemma stood behind me, giving him a pointed look, letting him know she’d rip his throat out if he did anything to upset me or my sister. Safe to say, he stopped taking pictures of the boys after that.

Jenna, however did demand pictures with all of them, especially Harry. “I can’t not have a picture with my baby brother.” she then whispered something in his ear, but it was too low to hear, but whatever it was sent waves of heat to his cheeks which were now glowing bright red.

Soon enough the affairs here were over and people made their way back to the house for the reception. I hadn’t had a chance to see who I was sitting next to yet, but I had a sneaking suspicion when Jenna told me there wasn’t room at her table and then winked at me. If I’d taken a guess, I would have been right. I found myself sat at a table with the boys. Nestled nicely between Harry and Niall. Luckily it wasn’t time to sit down yet, so I made my rounds, talking to family and friends. Thanking everyone for coming and telling them how nice it was to see them all and yes I really was this big. Most were pleasant. An aunt I’d only met twice in my life turned her nose up at my appearance. Making comments about my hair, and saying how it was unladylike to have that many holes in my face, and how filthy my tattoos were. I simply rolled my eyes and wished her the best before making my way to the bar. I was going to need it to get through tonight.

By the time it was time to eat I was slightly tipsy. I plonked myself down on my seat. Niall was already sat down, but I had no idea where Harry was. “You must be Amelia?” he drawled in his perfect Irish accent.

“You must be Niall.” I replied, my voice slightly slurred.

“Ah, I see you’ve been hitting the bar.” he smirked, “What you drinking?”

“JD and coke if you’re offering.” I smiled cheekily. He chuckled lightly before climbing out his seat to go and get me a drink. I turned my attention to the rest of the table. Zayn was smoking a cigarette and Liam just looked lost. Louis and Harry were still nowhere to be seen.

“Sooo…” I started, causing them both to look at me.

“So you’re Amelia.” Zayn smirked, and I stared at him in confusion. What was that supposed to mean? I didn’t get a chance though because Niall returned with my drink at the same time Harry and Louis appeared, both laughing loudly. It appeared I wasn’t the only one who had already been hitting the bar.

“Amelia!” Louis shouted before beding down and pulling me into an awkward hug.

“Nice to see you again. Are you guys even going to be able to perform?” I laughed. Louis looked like he could barely stand, and Harry’s eyes were beginning to look slightly bloodshot.

“That’s why we’re going to eat.” Louis seemed so sure that eating was going to be the solution to this, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Hey, even One Direction performing drunk has to be a lot better than most sober wedding bands right? I took a sip of my drink before it was time for our table to go and get our food. It all smelled so delicious and I wasn’t sure what I wanted so I just had some of everything.

“This girl has the key to my heart I swear!” Niall exclaimed. “Food and alcohol.”

“You haven’t even seen some of my master plans yet!” I smirked.

“Please God no!” Harry groaned. Clearly remembering all the times I had got him in trouble as a child. Everyone frowned at him, waiting for him to explain. “She used to get me in all kinds of crap as a kid! She used to come up with the most bat shit plans and then when we got caught she’d blame it on me! I ALWAYS got in trouble, because little miss Amelia was too innocent and sweet to do anything wrong!” he mock glared.

“All lies. Harry was just a naughty child.” The rest of the boys were still listening intently. “Like, do you remember that time, we must have been about ten, when you made us steal all the neighbours washing and then you hid it in your bedroom!”

“Uh, I think you’ll find YOU stole it and hid it in my room.” Hmm. I could have sworn he suggested hiding it in his room.

“Ah well, details. You were the one who got in trouble for it though.” I smirked. Harry took all the shit for my stupid plans as kids.

“I was grounded for a month and I had to do everyone’s laundry for a week. You remember Mrs Harper? I had to wash her knickers…just ugh.” he visibly shivered at the thought. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh god! I didn’t know about that. You’d never have lived it down if I had.” he gave me a look that said ‘exactly’. We continued with idle chatter for a while. I asked Zayn about Perrie, because it was hard to escape hearing about them on the internet. He told me they were doing fine, that he thought I’d love her and I couldn’t really deny it. Truth be told I had a bit of a girl crush on her. I asked Niall about Ireland, stating I’d never been, but really wanted to. From the look on the others faces when I asked I knew instantly I shouldn’t have. He talked for about twenty minutes before Harry shut him up. Telling him I didn’t care that much.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the look on his face. It was almost as if I had kicked his puppy. I was about to tell him I did care but my father stood up and tapped his glass. It was time for the speeches. I thought carefully about what I had wanted to say, and I wasn’t sure I had it right even now.

I waited patiently for it to be my turn and after Gemma had made her speech she handed me the microphone. I gulped in anticipation. “Right, well, Ben and Jenna aye? Ahaha, not that any of us ever doubted it.” I knew I was fucking up and I was shaking and everything I had planned to say had gone from my head. I took a quick look at the boy surrounding me, how they did this in front of thousands of people every night was beyond me. My eyes locked on to Harry’s. His eyes a bright green, and as I stared at them I felt hy head clear. As I looked into them the noise disappeared and I could think clearly again. “I guess what I wanted to say was; Jenna you’re the best sister a girl could ask for. You too Gemma. Growing up I always admired the pair of you, your friendship lasted through everything and I always wanted that. You two are who I aspired to be, and still are who I aspire to be. You and Ben always had the perfect relationship, even when you weren’t together, you were. Your hearts always belonged to each other, and all I can hope is that one day someone looks at me the way Ben looks at you, and I can look at someone the way you look at Ben. Your relationship may not always be perfect, but I know you’ll always be perfect for each other. I hope someday I can have that. So, to Ben and Jenna; The most perfect couple I have ever met.” It wasn’t what I had planned to say, I still couldn’t remember, but part of me believed that was better than whatever I had planned to say. I wasn’t good with words. I tried, but I didn’t really have a way with them. Jenna apparently didn’t think so because the next thing I knew she was on her feet and in my arms thanking me and crying. Even Ben looked on the brink of tears.

I sent her back to her seat to be with her husband and she complied eventually. I sat back down, I could feel my heart hammering in my chest, and my hands were shaking. I felt like I was about to collapse.

“How do you do that?” I asked breathlessly.

“You get used to it.” Niall shrugged as he scoffed more food into his mouth. Louis appeared to have sobered up a lot since before dinner. I was somewhat thankful. If One Direction sang, my speech would be the last thing on anyone’s mind. I turned and noticed Tabby sat my mum, looking at me nervously. I suddenly realised I hadn’t introduced her. I waved her over and she came bounding at me.

“Tabby, this is Niall, Zayn, Liam, Louis and of course you know Harry.” I smiled as I pulled her into my lap. Harry stared, jaw slack and eyes bulging.

“I haven’t seen you since you were about four!” he exclaimed. “You’ve grown so much. Amelia, are you sure this is Tabby? I remember he being a lot smaller than this?” he joked. “No I don’t think this is Tabby. I think you’re lying to me.” Tabby continued to giggle loudly as Harry poked and prodded her. I couldn’t help but smile at their interaction. I’d forgot how good he was with children.

The others each took their turn saying their hello’s to her, asking her questions like; if she liked the band, who her favourite was, all playing each other off against one another. Tabby enjoyed the friendly banter between the boys and I smiled as I watched them pretend to fight over who her favourite was.
“Actually guys, I think you’ll find I’m her favourite!” Harry interjected.

“Actually Harry, I think you’ll find Louis is.” I chuckled at the expression of mock hurt on each other their faces, while Louis stood up and did a little dance.

“I win!” at this point Tabby decided it was time to go back to mum, so she hopped off my lap and said a hasty goodbye to the boys.

“Do you think I embarrassed her?” I chuckled.

“Shit! We need to go and get ready to perform.” Harry said as he stuffed the last of his burger in his mouth.

“Uh, what are you actually performing?” I asked sceptically.

“A few of our own, a few covers.” Louis informed as the boys stood to make their way over to the stage.

“We won’t be long.” Harry smirked as he ran towards the stage where the others had disappeared to. Shortly after I was joined by a slightly dishevelled looking Gemma.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Oh nothing, just some girls trying to sneak into the wedding. Nothing too unusual. I got rid of them with the help of security. They’ve called in some more guards though, because sometimes fans will put it on twitter and they show up in huge force, but my logic is, parents aren’t going to drive them to interrupt a wedding right?” I prayed she was right, because if anyone ruined this day I would not be happy.

The boys soon took to the stage. Within the opening note I knew what song it was and I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. I couldn’t think of a more perfect song for them. “Perfect for me” began to spill from Harry’s lips and I saw Ben lead Jenna to the dance floor.

“I hate the fact he got all the talent.” Gemma huffed as she lay her head on my shoulder. I didn’t bother replying. My eyes were on Ben and Jenna.

“I hate that she got all the luck.” I chuckled. The boys quickly finished their rendition of the song, and proceeded to break out into another Ron Pope song. It was almost as if he’d been watching them when he wrote these songs. ‘Wherever you go’ began to fill the room and I felt my eyes fill with tears. I could only hope to have a love like theirs. After they finished that ‘A Drop in the Ocean’ filtered from the speakers and I just hoped to God they didn’t play the one song I wanted.

They didn’t.

After their third Ron Pope song, they broke out in a few of their own, lightening the mood. Everyone was up and dancing to ‘What Makes you Beautiful’. Gemma dragged me to the dance floor and made me dance with her. I honestly hadn’t had that much fun in a long time.

Eventually they finished and the DJ took over. The boys made their way back over to me and we sat and we talked for a while longer. All the while getting steadily more drunk. Eventually it was just me and Harry left as the others had gotten up to dance. Louis had been a sweet heart, asking Tabby to dance with him. I could tell from the look on her face it made her life.

“You wanna go for a walk?” he asked eventually.

“Sure. Let me go change my shoes though.” I frowned at my feet. I wasn’t used to heels and they were beginning to hurt even though I’d spent most of the evening sat down. Harry followed me back to the house. I slipped on my willies that were resting on the window ledge. I thre my shoes through the front door, not really caring what happened to them.

I followed Harry as he began to walk. I knew where he was taking us. We walked mostly in silence until he found the river where we used to play as children. We’d always get in trouble for pushing each other in.

He took his jacket off, laying it on the floor for me to sit on, “So you don’t ruin your dress.” he motioned for me to sit and I did. “You look really pretty by the way.” he mumbled.

“How are you, Harry?” I asked. Serious this time. We were both slightly buzzed and it was now nearing two in the morning.

“Do you remember when we used to be long here? Don’t you miss it?” he was staring out over the river. It was quiet, even the instects were quiet. All you could hear where Harry’s soft breaths, and the gentle rush of the river. It was so peaceful. I wanted to tell him that I didn’t know what he meant; that we both still belonged here.

“Yeah.” But I couldn’t because we didn’t. We were different people. We belonged other places now, or at least I did. I wasn’t sure where Harry belonged, and looking at him, I wasn’t sure he did either.
“I miss it. I miss being a kid. I miss being normal.” he hissed. There was something bitter about it.

“You are normal.” I stated. Sure he was famous, but that didn’t change who he was.

“No, I’m not.”

“You’re normal to me.” I whispered, and I think that was what he needed to hear because when he looked at me, his eyes lit up. There was that sparkle back that it had been missing, but only for a moment.

“Do you remember that summer we spent together? My parents were going through their break-up and me and Gemma moved in for a while.” I simply nodded. It had been a difficult time for him. “I heard that song the other day…you remember? ‘Somebody’s watching me’” I couldn’t help but let out a god awful snort.

“We sung that wrong all summer until Jenna had enough and told us we were idiots.” he laughed too.

“I really have no idea how we got ‘I need a speedboat, somebody’s watching me’ out of it if I am honest.”

“You know, I still sing it wrong when I hear it. I blame you for that though.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“No, I distinctly remember it being your fault and don’t do that again or I’ll lick it!” he warned. Stupidly, I didn’t listen. I stuck my tongue out and he leaned forward and licked it.

“Eww!” I exclaimed, punching his arms in somewhat mock anger. He began tickling me, which was when I heard a crunch from across the river. It must have been loud because Harry heard it too.

“Come on, let’s got back.” he said as he stood, pulling me up with him. He began to lead me back to the wedding and I had a horrible feeling I knew what had just happened. I just hoped for both our sakes I was wrong.

Notes

Hey there guys. This is the longest update I have EVER done, so i hope you enjoy. Please excuse any mistakes. I was lying in bed at 3am and just sat up and started writing, it hasn't been edited yet because I literally just finished but my friend Hannah wants me to update so let me know if you spot any mistakes! And I'd REALLY like some feedback please?

Amelia's dress: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=94409577