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Less Than One Minute Old

Chapter Seven.

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Emily was always the type of person to over analyze a situation. Her biggest flaw was that she over thought everything. See, Emily always feared that she would never be good enough. She had high standards to live up too, thanks to her father and doctor brother, and it caused her to turn in to, for lack of better words, basket case. When Emily was younger she would sign up for summer camps but as soon as it was time for her to actually go to them she always chickened out. Normally her father would be so irritated by her tantrums that he wouldn't mind leaving her home, but one summer he dragged her into basketball camp. He told her, "Emily suck it up. I am not letting you sit at home and waste my money I spent registering you for these stupid camps. Stop being such a baby and get in there!" Much to her liking, she trudged into basketball camp and endured the worst week of her life. See, she was so afraid of being judged and not liked that she always assumed the worst. She figured when little girls were whispering and giggling, it was about her. So instead of trying to make friends, she just sat and didn't speak to anyone. This progressed into high school and then she had Elliot, so she got a pass on having to deal with all four years of college. Now, Emily had friends, just not that many. She had her close group of four or five friends and that's it. She felt safe and secure with them and for that she was grateful. Eleanor and Louis had been her friends for years and soon their friends started to become her friends without her even realizing. And when Harry came into her life, it was the same way.

One day Emily woke up and realized her whole life had changed. She had a boyfriend and a group of friends that including more than five people. She always had plans on the weekends and suddenly she realized that slowly but surely she overcame that fear. She stopped over thinking different situations. She would walk into a bar with her friends and pay no mind to the group of people giggling behind them. Emily blamed Harry for this change in her. He was always so confident and sure of himself, and of her. He was always complementing her and made her feel at ease. So naturally without Harry, that bit of confidence she had diminished. Now, she wasn't back to her tantrum state, but she still got nervous. She didn't have him whispering in her ear how much he loved her, or how she was his world. So on nights like tonight where she would have to put on a fancy dress and high heels, she was completely and utterly a mess.

Harry was coming to pick her up in less than an hour and she was going out of her mind. It didn't help that Elliot was being grumpy and refused to just sit still and that her hair wasn't doing what it was supposed too. It was on nights like this where she hated Harry with all of her being. She needed someone there to help her. Emily knew deep down that she couldn't do this all on her own. She knew that somewhere down the road something would mess up and she would have needed Harry. But, she couldn't think like that tonight. She was going to tell Harry she wanted him in Elliot's life as her father, and she certainty couldn't be going around hating him, but she still was frustrated. Eleanor was running late so she had nobody to help her settle Elliot into bed. It was a miracle really that she did it with 10 minutes left so she could apply some makeup. This is where most of her over thinking was done; sitting in front of the mirror. Emily looked intently at herself studying all of her flaws. She kept thinking maybe Harry made the right choice by leaving. She wasn't up to his standards and certainly couldn't live up to them. After applying the final touches to her lip gloss she stepped back and looked herself over. She choose a green dress, but would Harry like it? Would he think she was trying to hard? Was she trying to hard? She had to stop thinking like this. Tonight wasn't about what Harry thought about her. At one point he was in love with her and in result they had a child together. Elliot was the reason for this dinner and she wouldn't let her insecurities get in the way of saying what she needed too.

A knock at the door interupted her from her thoughts and saved her from wallowing in more self pity. She opened the door to see Eleanor standing there with a bottle of wine and a tub of Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

"I figured that after tonight's dinner there would be a lot of emotions that you would need talking through. So I brought our two best friends!" Eleanor always knew what to do as a best friend. Emily never had to ask because Eleanor always offered before she could even get the question out of her mouth. Eleanor knew Emily like the back of her hand, and for that Emily was grateful.

"El! God I love you. I swear I am shaking. This is so stupid, I should have just told him over the phone. I am going to mess this up, I know it. I always mess it up. I've done it-"

"Emily Rose! I know exactly what you are going to say and that is not true. You have not messed up this relationship, that wanker did. He decided to be a knob and leave you and that beautiful girl, who by the way I hope is asleep so I don't have to deal with her, and that was his fault. Never yours. So stop worrying because you look stunning and I doubt he will have anything to say but the fact that you look so wonderful." Even though Emily still had some doubts, she know Eleanor wouldn't lie to her. Eleanor wasn't like that. She would call Emily out if she did anything to jeopardize Harry and her's relationship.

"Thanks El. But yes, Elliot is asleep. She might wake up but I highly doubt it. She was in a bad mood today and I don't know why so she should just be out for the night. Anyway, I should be home in a few hours and then we can enjoy this wine."

"Don't forget the ice cream Emily! That's the best part. Now go and enjoy you're date with Mr. Styles!"

"It is not a--" But before Emily could get the words out, Eleanor had pushed her out the door and slammed it in her face. Lucky for her, Harry was already parked outside sitting in his car. Emily dismissed the odd feeling she had and slowly made her way over to his car. Little did she know Harry was in her car having a full blown panic attack. He was absolutely terrified to go to dinner with her. It had been over three years since the last time he had been alone with her, let alone on a 'date'. He was terrified she would call this deal off. He wanted nothing more to be in Elliot's life, well maybe to be in Emily's life as well, but for now this was okay. He was so terrified that he was going to say the wrong thing or take her to the wrong place. Hell, he was worried that his shirt wasn't ironed correctly. Harry had always been so sure of himself, but when he met Emily she messed it all up. She made him nervous and incredibly insecure. He knew he wasn't good enough for her but was too selfish to let her go.

Just as Harry was mustering up the courage to go to the door and knock and hand her the flowers he had spent two hours picking out, she knocked on his window with a shy smile. Emily was really confused as to why he was sitting in his car pulling at his curls. He was never a rude person, so she knew he wasn't going to honk the horn and wait for her to come out. She felt as if she was intruding on a moment of his. He looked up at her with wide eyes that held so much emotions she almost had the breath knocked out of her. Harry took a deep breath and got out of the car and ran over to open her door. If Harry was one thing, it was chivalrous. As her turned to look at Emily, his jaw fell open and no words could come out. She looked breath taking. He literally couldn't explain what he felt when he saw her.

"Em..God you look-"

"I knew I shouldn't of worn this dress! God, who wears green right? I can go change, I swear I have so many dressed up on my floor in my room." He couldn't stop her from babbling because he couldn't hear her. All he could hear was his heart in his stomach and all he could think about was her. Emily. Emily. Emily. Harry wasn't daft. He knew she was beautiful, but seeing her tonight after not seeing her dressed like this in years, it just..well it just blew him away.

"Em, stop. God Em you just look..beautiful. I'm sorry, I just..I couldn't think. I'm sorry. You look stunning. God, absolutely breath taking." Emily couldn't help but blush. It had been so long since she had him to compliment her. It was really lovely hearing him talk about her in such adoration she didn't want to stop him.

"Thank you Harry. You look wonderful as well." He simply nodded and started at her. If it was up to him they would skip dinner and he would make love to her in the back seat of his car. He wanted to prove to her how much he loved her, but he knew he couldn't do that.

"I uh.. I got you some flowers. I know you hate roses and are really picky about flowers, so I hope you like these." Harry handed her over a bouquet with shaky hands as he opened the door for her. Emily put the flowers to her nose, just like he knew she would, and smiled. Harry knew instantly that he had gotten the right kind and mentally high fived himself. Shopping for Emily wasn't hard, because she was gracious for everything, but he always wanted to get the right things. He buckled himself in and turned the radio volume down.

"I hope you don't mind if we are going a little out of the city. I know this really great Italian place, its small and nice. I go there quite often with--." But he stopped himself before he could finish. Emily raised an eyebrow at him but nodded. She figured it wasn't her place to question his life anymore, unless it directly affected Elliot. She didn't want to assume it was a girl he had been going to mention, but she knew how Harry was and honestly, she wouldn't put it past him. Instead of getting lost in her thoughts, she just smiled at him and turned the radio station. Harry frowned to himself. He knew what she was thinking and wanted so badly to correct her before her beautiful mind went down that road, but he couldn't. He would explain everything to her in time, but not now. He allowed her to change the station and sit in her own thoughts for the rest of the drive. This was something they both needed to adjust too. After being so close for years, and then becoming nothing in a blink of an eye, this was different.

"I think we should be there in about five minutes. I hope you like it, I really enjoy it." He smiled at her and she just nodded and smiled back. Honestly, he spent hours picking out where they would eat and finally with the help of Louis he decided on an Italian restaurant. He pulled into the parking lot and turned off the car. He went to her door and opened it, and helped her out. Harry guided inside.

"Reservation for Styles." The host nodded and grabbed two menus and brought them out onto the patio. It overlooked the small lake that had fairy lights draped over it. Harry kept looking at Emily for her expression dying to know what she was thinking. Emily couldn't help but gasp when she looked all around her. It was nothing less than beautiful and she was shocked. She didn't expect this. She turned to Harry to see him already staring at her with a worried expression.

"Harry..God, it's beautiful. You didn't--"

"Emily, sh. I did need too. Now let's get some wine, or would you prefer something else?" He asked her with a knowing smirk. Emily loved wine and could never say no to free wine.

"That sounds wonderful." Instead of keeping conversation they both let themselves to their thoughts and read their menus. A few glances and smiles were shared between the two but until their meals were served they were silent. Emily knew she had to act soon because this night was going by too fast.

"So. I guess I have to tell you something--"

"God, Emily. I knew this wasn't going to be good. Please don't take Elliot from me. I know you think I am a shitty person. Hell, I am a shitty person. God I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without her, without you. Em, I know I fucked up and I promise I will explain, just I can't know. It's...I need you to be patient with me, but God please don't do this." Emily couldn't stop his rambling. She always loved when Harry rambled. He got nervous and flustered and she couldn't help but find it cute. He spouted out whatever he was thinking and that is why she loved it so much. It was in these moments she got to see the vulnerable Harry. The Harry that wasn't a lawyer and that didn't calculate exactly what he was going to say, so even thought she knew she should shut him up, she couldn't bring herself to do so. She knew in these moments of him confessing his fears of loosing Elliot that she was making the right decision.

"Harry, I want Elliot to know you are her father. I want her to call you daddy, and I want her to know how much you love. I know you messed up, and I know you know that. If you want to wait to explain to me your reasoning behind it all, I can do that. But it has to be soon. Don't expect me to wait. But in the mean time, I want to tell her. If that is okay.. I mean you don't--"

"Em, yes. Stop over thinking this. I want this so much. I know I have so much to prove to you, but I can do that Emily. I promise, I will not let you down again, okay? I love Elliot so much, and I just..Thank you Em. I owe you everything." Emily felt an abundance of joy radiate from her body. Even if this isn't how she pictured it, Elliot was getting her family back and for that she was so happy.

"No need to say thank you Harry. You are her father, and I couldn't deny you or her the right to that. She is like you in a lot of ways, I want you to be able to experience that. But uhm, we should discuss like how to tell her and when."

"Emily, you can do that. I want you to decide. You know her better than I do, and I know she is comfortable with you. But I uh..well I do have one question. I mean, when do I get her, like to myself? I mean my parent's would want to meet her, and Gemma of course. I uh, they know about her and have been dying to see her. Plus, I've been getting a few things for her to keep at my place. I just..well I want to know when I get to have her."

Emily froze at that. She never got to the part where Harry would want Elliot to himself. For some reason she missed that part when deciding to include Harry in their perfect little bubble. Elliot has been the only constant thing in her life the past three years. Emily could look at her sweet angel and everything would be okay again. And surprisingly, it helped her deal with missing Harry. Staring into Elliot's green eyes was just like staring into Harry's. Listening her go on and on about her day and laugh at the lames jokes, reminding Emily so much of Harry that it was like she still had a piece of him that nobody could take away. But here Harry was, taking her baby away. Emily couldn't blame Harry for wanting her to himself. Elliot was someone that anyone could fall in love with instantly, and I mean he was her father. For some stupid reason Elliot never thought that he would take her. Harry must have noticed the distressed look on her face and quickly tried to get rid of it.

"God Emily, no. I wouldn't take her from you, you know that right? I just want to see her grow up. I want to experience the things I have missed out on. I don't even have to have her spend the night right now, just a maybe some more during the week by myself? We can work up to actual custody discussion and all that. I just want to get to know her Em. So don't worry."

And just like that all the tension and worry from Emily's body diapered. No matter the situation Harry always calmed her down and this conversation was no different. She was happy with his suggestion, honestly she couldn't think of a better one herself. She was so excited to be able to tell Elliot she had a daddy.

"Harry.. I..Thanks. I'm sorry if I, well if I seem over protective. I just love her, you know? I can't imagine her being away from me. What if she needs me or gets hurt? Harry I know you love her and I know you will fall more in love with her, I just.. you messed up and I need to trust you before it goes further, okay?" Harry smiled and nodded his head. He understood Emily completely, and he agreed with her 100%.

They decided to pass on dessert and got into the car and ventured home. They both sat in a comfortable silence thinking about what their lives would be like from now on. Harry drove back to Emily's apartment with a wide smile on his face the whole time, and Emily noticed. They were both excited that this was happening. Even though it was three years late, it was happening.

Harry pulled up to Emily's apartment with a sense of content. He knew Emily could feel it as well. It practically radiated off her skin. He knew he was going to fix things with her, even if it would take a while, he knew he would do it. She was worth all the time and money in the world and so was that little girl inside. Emily turned to Harry with a smile on her face.

"Thanks for tonight Harry. Really. You didn't have to do so much for me, I would have been happy with mexican or something, but thank you." He blushed at her compliment. He loved knowing he made her happy. It was something that he worked so hard to do and for him to be able to achieve it meant more than anything else in the world.

"Emily, you deserve it. Thank you. I really owe you. I will call you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yeah, Harry. Sounds wonderful. Good night." She opened the door and started to walk up to the stairs before she felt a hand on her wrist. Harry had turned her around and pulled her into a hug. He relished in the smell of her. She smelt the same, vanilla and honey. Safe and warm. His favorite scent in the world. He kissed the top of her forehead before getting back into the car and driving off after making sure she got in alright.

As soon as Emily walked through the door she saw Eleanor in the kitchen getting out the win glasses and bowls. Eleanor scooped the ice cream and poured the wine, and the two of them spent the rest of the night in Emily's bed cuddled up and gossiping like two high school girls. Emily fell asleep easily with a clear and happy mind. She was excited to what tomorrow would bring.


Notes

Hey guys!

So a few things different about this chapter. First off is the writing style. I like writing this way, I feel as if I can show the character's personality better and you get to see more of Harry's way of thinking as well, but if you don't like it let me know because I can change it back! And it is longer, hopefully my updates will be longer and I would like to think it's because I changed the writing style to third's person POV instead of first person.

I see that I have more subscribers and votes and I am so excited!! :) It means so much to me, so keep it going!

Love you all so much and thanks for supporting me!

Oh, and what do you think Harry could be hiding? Why did he leave Emily?! Leave your guesses below! I might choose one of your ideas to bring into the story.
Xxxxx.

Comments

Is this the end?

Vanessa Horan Vanessa Horan
2/9/15

Are you done with this story?

Emily=5

Elliott=2

Emily - 1
Elliot - 7
:)

Oh-sillyboys Oh-sillyboys
3/31/14

Your story is amazing!!!(:
Emily- 1,2,5 or 8
Elliot- 2,5, or 6