I arrived at the market just after 2pm, searching for Anne’s flower stall. There were so many quirky items at the market, little bits and pieces that you almost couldn’t ignore. You always found the same array of clothes, make up and jewellery, but there were little knick-knacks that you couldn’t help but stop to look at. I remember when Mum and I used to come down on Saturdays, spending plenty time talking to the stall holders and buying charms to show my friends at school the following week. I passed by one stall that sold ornaments, a 9 inch bear with a love heart catching my eye, the lettering ‘Mum’ inscribed across the middle. I picked up the object with a smile, handing a £5 note to the stall holder. Tucking the bear into my bag, I spied Anne’s flower stall and made my way towards her. She was with some customers so I looked at the flowers myself, wondering just which ones mum would choose herself. Anne was Harry’s mum, and she had become just like a mum to me too. I settled on some bright yellow and red carnations; they would brighten the place up for sure.

“She’ll love those, Skyler.” Anne’s voice filled my ears and I turned around, my smile meeting hers.

“I hope so. They’re nice and bright, and it’s such a lovely day today.” I spoke back, walking with Ann towards her money box. I passed her a £10 note, more than enough to cover the cost of the flowers and leaving her a tip.

She smiled gratefully, squeezing my hand tight in thanks. “Give her my love, dear.” We said our goodbyes and I walked away. Anne has always been good to Mum and I couldn’t be more thankful.

I’d left the market ten minutes ago and the walk was pleasant as the sun beamed down on my skin. I pushed the iron gates open, closing them after they made their high-pitched squeak as always. Someone really ought to put a touch of oil on them. The gravel crunched underneath my step as I padded down the path, counting the rows of tall stones as I went. 21 rows later, I made a sharp turn to the right, grabbing the watering can from next to the tap and carefully walking past another 5 stones. The flowers that I had put down just over two months ago were now completely lifeless and so I removed them from the vase and replaced them with the vibrant new ones quickly. I knelt down, making myself comfortable as I glanced around, not noticing anyone else around me.

“Hey Mum. I’m sorry I haven’t been up to see you lately. I’ve been pretty busy. I got your flowers from Anne. She sends her love. And Harry too. He sends his love. He’s on tour at the moment, but he’ll be back soon. He’ll come to see you next time, I’m sure. I hope you like your flowers. It’s so sunny today, I thought the red and yellow would look gorgeous in the sun. I have a bit of a confession to make, Mum. I’ve been quite sad lately, but I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I don’t see anyone like I used to. I don’t see you every day and I miss it. I don’t see any of the family any more, not since they moved away. Scotland is pretty far from London, and they don’t make an effort with me anyway. I haven’t even spoken to Ally since I got discharged from hospital. So much for sisters!” I laughed, knowing she would too. “The scars from my burns are fading, the only visible ones are on my legs and stomach now. It should have been me instead of you, Mum. I’ve not been the same since the fire. I cut myself, too. I’m sure that it’s because I’m scared everyone’s going to leave. The family have all left. You’ve left, but that wasn’t your fault. I know you’d still be here if you could. I’m scared Harry’s going to leave, but he insists he won’t. He’s so good to me, Mum, and he really misses you too. I’m trying to get better though, I’m trying to stop cutting and hurting myself. Harry’s such a great help, he knows exactly what to say. It’s difficult though, the media have an opinion on everything. You’ve always taught me to stay strong though, so I will. Remember what you used to tell me? ‘Life’s a constant battle but when you win, it’s the most satisfying feeling ever.’ I think I’m starting to win. It gets a little easier each day.” I moved back, crossing my legs and sitting silent for a moment. Maybe one day, I’ll come down here and I won’t think about how that fire almost ruined my life. My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my phone. I excused myself as I hooked it out of my bag, noticing the small bear that I had forgotten about.

I answered my phone, Harry’s voice filling my ears. “Hey babe, just wanted to check how you were?”

“I’m good. I’m with Mum at the moment. I bought her flowers. Bright ones. Reds and yellows are best suited to this weather. How are you?” My voice lifted, knowing that he would understand.

“That’s lovely of you, my mum called to say she had seen you and that you looked well. I’m sure she appreciated them. I’ll come down next time you go. We’re all good here. Just two more days until I can see you, so I couldn’t be much happier. Gemma said she was going to pop around and see you later, bring a movie around or something. I hope that’s okay, you know how difficult it is to say no to my sister!” Harry laughed. I could tell he was hoping that I was open to Gemma coming around. I confirmed to him that I was and I couldn’t wait to see her tonight, and him in a few days’ time. I ended the call as he promised to speak to me later.

Dropping my phone back in my bag, I pulled out the miniature ornament and held it for a moment. “I saw this at the market today. It’s nothing much but I knew you would love it. There are so many things at the market that I know you would just adore, but this is the souvenir of my trip today. A bear holding a love heart is perhaps a touch childish, but I’ll always be your little girl so I suppose it’s okay.”

I promised her that I would see her soon, one way or another. Before I left, I told her that Gemma was coming around tonight so I better go and get ready. Both mine and Harry’s families had gotten very close since we had been together, so I knew Mum would be happy that Harry’s family still cared about me, even if my own family didn’t.

I rose to my feet, taking in the sight of an elderly man replacing the flowers on his loved one’s grave. It was such a sad thing to see, but heart-warming at the same time. I hoped that I would still be around to change the flowers on Mum’s grave when I was his age.

Notes

Hiya!

I really couldn't wait to update this! I've been writing so much lately and I even managed to write my first Harry Styles One Shot!

You can find it here, if you're into that kinda thing ;)

Jacuzzi

I would still LOVE to hear from you! Predictions, comments, criticism, recommendations... Hit me up!

Love! x