"Can I come eat with you guys?" Ryann questioned me over the phone. Today is Thanksgiving which poor Ryann always winds up celebrating it with us.

Her parents left her and her sisters at young ages. Their aunt stepped in to take care of them, but now all she does is provide money for them. She doesn't live with them anymore since they're "old enough to take care of themselves."

Ryann has two sisters: Jocelyn and Melissa. Jocelyn is the oldest of the three and she's the one who happens to party 24/7. Melissa seems to be the more responsible one, working and occasionally cooking for them. Ryann does all the cleaning and takes care of her drunk or hungover sister, that is if Jocelyn happens to come home. For Thanksgiving, Jocelyn does what she always does best, drown her sorrows in alcohol, and Melissa usually gets stuck with work on the holidays, leaving Ryann all alone. So my family and I have always allowed Ryann to eat dinner with us.

"Of course." I've been speaking more lately. I'm not quite as speechless as I've been. I still choose to be quiet half the time though. I still haven't even asked my parents about London. But I figured I'd bring it up tonight, when everyone's happily enjoying their meals.

"Okay, that's good because I'm standing in front of your house already." Why am I not surprised? I walked over to the front door to open it, revealing an excited Ryann on my front porch. "Hi!" she said into the phone.

I laughed and hung up my phone, putting it in my pocket. "Hey," I hugged her tightly. "Come in."

"Someone's a chatterbox," she joked. Those three words are more than I've said to her in weeks.

"I'm just doing better," I smiled and pulled her into my house, closing the door behind us. We walked over to my couch and plopped down beside each other.

She propped her elbow up on the back of the couch, "So what's got you all happy now?" I looked to the floor and shrugged. "Come on, tell me your secret," she lightly shook me.

"Harry."

"You've been talking to him again? I thought he left after the funeral." She looked so confused.

I happily sighed, "He did, but he gave me his number and Skype name."

"Listen to you getting all chatty," she laughed. "Are we going to see him on Christmas?" I like how she says we. She really wants to go.

"I plan on it but I still have to ask my parents."

She patted my leg, "Well, what are you waiting for? Ask them!"

"I want to ask them over dinner, when they're in a good mood."

"Dude, it'll be winter break, and you'd only be sitting around. I'm pretty sure they'd ship you to London themselves if they could."

I rolled my eyes and laughed, "Whatever you say, Ryann."

"Hey Ryann," my mom walked in. "Joining us for dinner?"

"Yes Ma'am. I can help you cook if you'd like."

"That would be great actually, since I'm cooking alone this year," she sighed.

I stood up, "Wait, Aunt Lisa isn't coming?"

My mom walked over to me and rubbed my arms, "They don't feel like celebrating this year."

I looked at the walls in the room, not wanting to meet my mother's gaze. She's doing it again, feeling sorry for me and making me feel sad. This is why I don't speak, because they do this every time.

The worse part is that I'm grieving more than she is. Her only nephew has passed away, and she seems perfectly fine. Then again, she's really good at hiding her emotions, or maybe she's passed the grieving stage.

"Uh, should we get started?" Ryann waved her hand towards the kitchen. I knew she could tell I was getting upset and is trying to get my mom away.

"Yes we shall," my mom let her arms fall to her sides and walked into the kitchen.

I looked at Ryann and mouthed the words 'thank you,' She just nodded and followed my mom.

---

"No yams this year?" Ryann sounded disappointed. I was just walking down the stairs from helping Gail pick out an outfit to wear for dinner. Ryann and my mom had been slaving in the kitchen for about two hours now.

My mom replied, "Not that I'll be cooking."

I walked in and sat at the counter, "But you always cook yams, it's tradition."

My mom handed Ryann a bowl of skinned and sliced potatoes to mash, "There's just not many of us this year, there's no point. Gail won't eat them and neither will your dad."

"So?" I argued.

My mom sighed, "If you want to cook the whole Thanksgiving meal next year, be my guest."

"I could've brought some," Ryann stopped mashing the potatoes and shrugged.

"Forget the damn yams!" My mom yelled into her hands. Dang, Mom's in a bad mood. She sighed, "Look, I didn't make them because I didn't want to. Is that such a big deal?"

"I was craving them," I smirked.

My mom walked over and squeezed my cheeks together, "Do you enjoy pushing my buttons?"

"Maybe," I smiled.

DING DONG! Was that the doorbell? Eh, Carly probably wants to join us this year too. There's no problems at her house, she just randomly shows up sometimes. But just like Ryann, she's always welcome.

"I got it!" I watched as my mom practically jumped to the door. What was she so excited about?

"Hey," I heard a female voice. "I'm Anne." That's not Carly.

"I'm Jenny," my mom said. Did she just invite a stranger into our house? I looked over at Ryann to see she's just as puzzled as I am.

"I'm Robin," a man said.

Ryann shrugged off her confusion, "Maybe they met online. Who knows, there's probably a 'Make a Friend' website out there." I laughed at the thought of my mom joining a stupid website like that.

"Thanks for having us here," a familiar voice said. Oh. My. Gosh.

I slowly made my way to the hallway, in complete shock. There were three people standing at the door, removing sunglasses from their faces. One of the three of them was Harry. As much as I wanted to dramatically run to him and kiss him, I decided to keep my cool.

"Sup Harold?" Maybe a little too cool.

"Hey Lex," he awkwardly waved. Okay?

"Hello Lexington, I'm Anne, Harry's mum." The lady walked over and hugged me. "I've heard a lot about you. Harry won't stop talking about you."

I blushed, "Really?"

She chuckled, "Why do you seem so surprised? You're absolutely beautiful. It's no wonder he can't keep quiet about you."

"Thanks."

"This is my husband Robin," Anne placed her hand on his chest.

I stuck my hand out and shook his, "Nice to meet you."

"You too," he smiled.

"Who's at the door?" My dad walked down the stairs hand-in-hand with Gail.

"HARRY!!" Gail screamed, letting go of my dad's hand and charging after Harry.

Harry grunted as she collided her body into his chest. "Hey Shrimp."

"Did she just say, 'Harry?'" Ryann popped her head into the hallway. I pointed to Harry to confirm Gail's scream.

Gail giggled, "I'm not a shrimp."

"Eh, you're probably right," Harry shrugged and released Gail from his hug. He put his hand on top of her head, "You're too tall to be one."

"Hello Harry," my dad crossed his arms as he walked over.

Harry stood up and held his hand out, "Hello Sir."

My father hesitated before he shook Harry's hand. He needs to get over himself, I'll be fine.

"This is my mum, Anne," Harry placed his hand behind his Mom's back.

---

After everyone met each other, my mom and Ryann went back to slaving in the kitchen. Apparently, Anne brought yams and that's why my mother wasn't making them. I feel stupid now.

I spent time in the living room with my dad, Harry, and Harry's parents. Gail was on the floor playing with her Barbies and Polly Pockets, pretending the Polly Pockets were the kids since they're small. Or maybe it's because I told her the Polly Pockets looked like they could be Barbie's children. Meh, oh well.

After a while, I felt a little left out, even though I was to blame for that. Even Anne was talking sports with the guys. I just sat there quietly and occasionally laughed with them about things. Eventually, I found myself stand up and walk to my front porch. I leaned my arms on the railing and took in the beautiful scenery.

The sun was setting behind the mountains, tinting the town in an orange color. Yeah that's right, you can see the whole town from my house. It kind of helps that we live on a hill though.

I heard the front door of my house shut, then footsteps walking towards me. Arms leaned themselves on the railing beside me.

"Are you day dreaming?" Harry asked.

I made a popping sound with my lips. "You know Harry, I don't always fantasize."

"What?" He held his chest before shrugging, "This is news to me."

I pushed him with my shoulder, "I'm looking at the sunset, Dork."

"You have a thing for views," he smirked. Well, still have that picture of him in boxers on my phone that I took at the pool house months ago. That was quite a view. But he doesn't know that, so I'd prefer to keep it that way.

"Or..." I held the word. "I have a thing for nature."

"Hm, I didn't know that."

I smiled at the scenery before me, "I love the outdoors. I love the beauty of the trees and plants. The sunsets and sunrises just make it even better."

"Cheesy," Harry chuckled.

"Why must you make a joke of everything?" I repositioned myself so I was leaning my lower back against the railing. "I was dead serious," I crossed my arms.

"You're right. It really is something," he surprisingly looked in awe of the sunset. "It reminds me of when we were at the dock."

I joked, "Oh you mean before you pushed me into the water?"

"Now look who's not taking things seriously," Captain Smarty Pants smirked.

I waved my hands, "Whatever Harry. You've made your point."

"Oh I don't think I have," he inched towards me.

"Harry, what are you d-?" I was interrupted by his fingers tickling my sides. "Harry, Harry stop!" I laughed.

After a good 30 seconds, he finally stopped tickling me and said, "I believe I owed you that."

"Hey, I can't help that you think you're funny," I shrugged, referring to our video chat.

He grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him. "I've been waiting to do this all night."

"What? Mess with me or kiss me?" The smug look on my face probably was not the most attractive thing in the world.

"Shut up," he grinned. Before I knew it, his lips connected to mine. Butterflies detonated in my stomach, sending chills down my spine. This feeling was uncomfortable, but in a way I liked it. Do you like it when you get butterflies? I usually hate it, but with Harry, I tolerate it. But then again, I think I'm getting more and more used to feeling this way.

He pulled away, showing off his cute little dimples that I found myself poking. "You're ruining a perfectly good moment now," Harry muttered with a laugh.

"I think you ruined the moment by saying that," I patted his cheek before pulling myself out of his grip. "Come on, let's go inside." I grabbed his hand and began making my way to the door, but I found myself stop dead in my tracks. I turned to face the curly haired boy, furrowing my brows. "How did you even know to come today?"

Harry laughed, "Well, how did I know about the funeral?" Okay? That doesn't answer my question, it only adds more confusion to my brain. "How did your mom and I plan to embarrass you?"

"Wait, what?"

"Remember when we were making cupcakes and your mom told you to keep quiet and use protection?" He pointed to himself and whispered, "All me."

"You have her number, don't you?" I slapped his shoulder. "Jerk."

He laughed, "You fell asleep and I forgot to get your number. I asked your mom for it but then she had the bright idea that we could mess with you."

"I feel betrayed," I joked.

Harry kissed my cheek, "Better?"

"I guess," I shrugged before walking into the house, making Harry laugh a little.

---

We have all been sitting around the table enjoying our meal for a while now. Harry's and my parents seem to be getting along pretty well. That's good, right? Except for the fact that they're totally embarrassing me.

My mom slapped her hand against the table a few times while having a laughing fit. "And the cat's claws were hooked to her shirt," she squealed in between her laughs, shaping her hands like cat claws. "Poor Lexington was screaming bloody murder, running through the halls with the cat attached to her."

I buried my head into my arms and let out a large sigh. Not only are they embarrassing me, but they're taking advantage of the fact that I won't speak up.

"And that's why you don't wash a cat," my dad chuckled.

Anne wiped away her tears that escaped from laughing too hard, "How old were you?"

"Four," I mumbled, still hiding my face.

"In her defense, the cat was dirty," Ryann waved her fork. "I've heard this story so many times."

"You were there, Sweetie," my mom giggled.

"Oh yeah, huh?" Ryann looked up at the ceiling as if she was trying to remember that day.

I never told you guys, I've known Ryann since preschool, which means I did meet her parents. I didn't see them much, but when they were around, they'd practically ignore Ryann and her sisters. People can be cruel, even the ones you love. That's all I really remember, but hey, we were young.

Harry scraped some mashed potatoes from the bowl onto his plate, "That's not bad."

Anne put her hand on Harry's shoulder, "Harry was a handful when he was younger as well. There was a day I found him rubbing raw eggs into my carpet. He apparently was watching some show where they were smashing colored eggs or something, so he decided he needed to do the same."

"Harry's silly," Gail smiled. Harry poked her in the side, causing Gail to release a few giggles.

Anne laughed, "Do you know how hard it is to clean raw egg out of the carpet? I must've been on the floor for hours cleaning up his mess."

"I can't help that eggs are fun to play with," Harry poured some gravy on his potatoes and turkey.

"Trust me, I know. That wasn't the only time you ruined my house with them," she smirked.

"Oooh," Ryann mocked. "More stories. Tell me!" A big grin spread across her face as she took a bite of her dinner roll.

"I think that's enough with the stories," Harry chuckled.

Gail crossed her arms and scrunched her face up, "No." Immediately afterwards, she laughed. She thinks she's so funny; I taught her well. Harry only laughed and poked her in the side again.

"Are you sure? I haven't even gotten to the good ones," Anne pouted.

Robin neatly wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Honey, leave the poor kid alone."

"Listen to him, he knows what he's saying," Harry raised his eyebrows and pointed to Robin. Anne only shook her head at the curly haired boy.

"Hey Mom?" I finally spoke up. When my mom looked in my direction, I immediately bit my lip to shut myself up. I can't help but feel like she could turn one random thing into a consolation for me. I let out a big breath before speaking up again, "I have a question."

"What is it Lexington?" she said with concern written all over he face. She's already doing it.

I closed my eyes so I wouldn't have to look at her, "Can I go to England for Christmas Break?"

"Uh." I opened my eyes to see her looking at my dad for permission.

"You don't want to spend Christmas with us?" my dad questioned.

"I..." I paused and looked at Harry for help.

He swallowed his food and put his hands in his lap, "Mr. Reed, I invited her to go to London with us. I also told her I'd be more than happy to fly you, Mrs. Reed and Gail over as well. I don't want to take away your family's Christmas. I just want to spend time with your daughter, if that's alright with you."

Everyone stopped eating and looked at Harry. Well, except for Gail and Ryann, but that's because Gail has a short attention span and Ryann is food obsessed, she can't help herself.

"I uh..." my dad paused and looked at my mother who only shrugged. "We'll think about it."

Anne smiled, "Just know you don't have to worry about paying for a thing. We've got it covered."

"Okay," my mom half smiled and nodded.

The rest of dinner was kind of awkward. My parents were acting strange over the subject, which I honestly didn't expect. I thought they would've been completely on board right away about me going, they always are when it comes to me actually leaving the house. Not only that, but I figured my mom would automatically sympathize me and want me to go. I guess this is just wishful thinking.

---

Eventually, Harry's parents left for their hotel since they had major jet lag. Harry is somewhat used to having hardly any sleep, so he chose to stick around. Ryann had to leave because Jocelyn needed her drunk ass to be picked up from a party. It was about 9pm, so Gail was already in bed. My parents decided to give Harry and I privacy, as long as we did the dishes.

Harry was nice enough to wash them himself, placing me on drying duty. We also had to put the kitchen tools away, and since I'm the only one who knows where things go, it makes sense that I'm the one on drying duty.

"So no wigs?" I joked as I wiped a pan free of water.

"What?" he laughed even though he didn't understand what I meant.

"I noticed you guys didn't wear wigs. I just thought you would have a family of Afros waiting for your parents to use," I smirked.

He chuckled, "My mom thought the wig was a stupid idea."

"I agree."

He scrubbed a wooden spoon, "I was only protecting you."

"I know what you're doing, and it's sweet. But why do I need protecting when we're not even together?"

"It's just until we find out what this is," he sighed while rinsing a few things.

I stacked measuring spoons up and placed them in a drawer. "Harry, I'm a big girl."

"I know, I know. It's just..." He paused and leaned his hands against the counter. "The fans can get pretty bad. They even had Taylor crying at one point. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I honestly worry about the same thing," I admitted. "But as long as you're by my side, it'll be worth it."

He continued doing the dishes, "I just don't want you to get your hopes up."

"What?" My jaw must've fallen to the floor. What's that supposed to mean?

He stopped and looked at me, "Wow, that came out wrong."

"Hell yeah it did," I glared. I angrily put things away, practically slamming cabinets and drawers.

"Lex," he dried his hands. "That's not what I meant at all."

"Mm hmm," I rolled my eyes and continued putting utensils away.

"Hey, look at me." When I didn't do what he said, he gripped my wrist and forcefully turned me towards him. I expected him to look sad, but he only looked pissed off. What does he have to be mad about? "Let me explain."

"Fine," I muttered under my breath.

He released my wrist and relaxed his facial expression, "Lex, I'm afraid that once you go to England, you're going to change your mind about me. You are going to be spotted with me a lot and hated by many fans. Fans do crazy things, and they've driven away a few people in my life. I really want to try things and see how they go, but I just don't want you to be disappointed when it's not what you expect."

I sighed in relief, "So you're not tired of me yet?"

"Not even the slightest bit," he grinned. Thank God.

I wrapped my arms around him and buried my head into his chest, "Good, because you're stuck with me."

He kissed the top of my head, "There's no one I'd rather be stuck with."

This boy....and he calls me Cheesy.

Notes

Hello Beautiful People! I hope you liked this chapter. It took a lot of time and music to get it the way I liked it. Please subscribe and vote if you haven't already.

Here's some questions:

Why do Lexington's parents seem worried about going to London?

What do you think their answer for London will be?