We were all gathered around the Christmas tree in the living room. We began exchanging gifts and watched as each person opened all their presents. When I was in London, I had picked up a few things for Anne, Robin, and Gemma, but it was really hard buying things for people I had never met. I got Anne a book Harry told me she wanted. I got Gemma a pair of black, lacy heels that were on sale. Robin was harder to buy for since he was a guy, so I just decided on a winter jacket, seeing as when you live in the UK, you can never have too many jackets. I got Harry a new Jack Wills hoodie since I practically stole his and had no plans on giving it back anytime soon. I tried to keep it as simple and affordable as possible, considering I no longer had a job. They all opened their presents first, thanking everyone. Lastly, it was my turn. I opened the present that was from Anne and Robin first: it was a beautiful pair of pearl earrings. I smiled at them both genuinely, “These are beautiful! Thank you.”

They both smiled back but only Anne spoke, “You’re welcome dear. I really had no idea what do get you but I do know no girl can have too many pairs of pearl earrings.”

I laughed lightly, opening Gemma’s present next: it was a simple but gorgeous strapless, short dress. It was off-white and slightly flared at the hips. The top was form fitting with three, evenly spaced brass buttons going down each side.

I leaned over, taking her in a hug and she laughed lightly, “You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it. I had to search pictures of you and Harry on the internet to find out your style.”

I chuckled and then I opened Harry’s present: It was a silver heart necklace with the London Eye engraved on the front. “Flip it over,” Harry whispered in my ear. I flipped over the heart and on the back was words engraved: The moment I knew I loved you.

My eyes became misty and I looked up into Harry’s sparkling green eyes, “I love it. Thank you,” I whispered.

I slugged his arm around my shoulder and kissed me on top of the head. I felt a little bad since my present really wasn’t that amazing and sweet. I whispered to him, “I’m sorry mine present to you isn’t very creative…”

Harry smiled at me, “Don’t worry, love. My present is that you’re here.”

My heart melted. He always knew what to say to make me go gooey. He pulled me to him and I buried my face into his chest.

The rest of the day went by quickly. We all just hung around the house visiting with each other. Harry drove me around Holmes Chapel, showing me all the places he went while he grew up here. He showed me the bakery where he used to work and the local farm he would go to get ice-cream. The way he was so energetic about his hometown made me feel a little jealous. I didn’t have a place that I wanted to go back to. Where I was raised is now my parent’s home not mine. I have no desire to go back. Yeah, I have an apartment back in New York, but I have no job. I’m not tied anywhere now. I couldn’t decide whether that was a good or a bad thing…


We stayed a few more days in Holmes Chapel, but it was time to go back to London to celebrate New Years with the boys. Niall was coming back from Ireland and a huge party was going down at Harry and Louis’ flat. I had really grown attached to Harry’s family and was reluctant to go. I finished putting my luggage in Harry’s car and closed the trunk. There were a few fans on the sidewalk taking pictures but they had been pretty nice to Harry by not bombarding on his family time. I went back inside and Harry was giving hugs to his family. Anne was crying and Gemma and Robin looked a little sad, but they shed no tears. He was whispering things in her ear, trying to comfort her. He pulled away and kissed her on the cheek, “I love you mum. I’ll be back soon.”

She smiled at him sadly, “I love you too.”

She wiped her tears away and turned to me, “Darling, it was such a pleasure to meet you.” She pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear, “I am so grateful my Harry found you. I worry about him sometimes but now that he has you, he’s truly happy. Thank you.”

That woman instantly had a place in my heart. She was everything a mother should be to her child: loving, caring, most of all, understanding. She was everything my mother was not. I did love my mother, but she never gave me what Anne gives Harry. I hugged her back tightly, “That means a lot. Thank you, really.”

I shed a tear and she pulled away, wiping my tear and laughing at both of us, “We women are so silly with our emotions sometimes. Keep in touch. You have our numbers if you need us.”

I laughed and turned to Robin. He grinned at me and pulled me into a hug, kissing me on the cheek, “It was lovely meeting you. You keep Harry in line, yeah?”

I laughed again and nodded. I pulled Gemma into a hug and she hugged me back, “You know, I think of you as a sister now,” she laughed.

I ginned at her, “Me too. Text me sometime, okay?”

She nodded and me and Harry left, hand in hand. I felt sad leaving them all behind. They were the type of family I never had and I knew if I ever needed anything, they would be there. We got into the Audi and made our way back to one of my favorite place in the world. I played with the necklace Harry got me and looked out the window. I had never had such a good Christmas. At “home” we would sit around and open a few gifts but I never got anything cool. I mostly got law books. Even as a child I never got toys. Being the only child, I was supposed to be perfect: straight A’s, popular, beautiful, social butterfly. They pulled so hard for all of that, and I just ended up snapping back at them like a rubber band.

I was looking forward to the New Year, like many others. It holds so much of the unknown. New opportunities. I looked over at Harry, who was humming along to the radio. I knew that as long as he was in my New Year, I didn’t care what the future had to offer. There were so many ups and downs we had went through and still have to face, but I knew that he would stand by me and I him. A little pang of fear hit me and I couldn’t help the next thought, we all know feelings can change… I knew it was true but I didn’t want to worry about that. Not now, anyway. We were together in that moment, and it was perfect. I would be lying if I said there was nothing that could change that but there were many. Little did I know it was all just a ticking time bomb…

Notes

Directioners,

1) I have been told that I need to do something with Perrie. Do you agree?

2) What did you think about Harry’s gift to Aria?

3) Would you like to see more of Gemma in the coming up chapters?

4) What did you overall think? I know it wasn’t the best I’ve written but I’m about to fall asleep. I stayed up just for you guys! :)