Dakota's POV

I'm going to be with his parents?! What if they don't like me? What if they think I'm mentally unhealthy? What if they don't think I deserve him? Harry invited them over the day after he told me and now two days later they're coming over with his sister Gemma. He's actually at the airport with them now.

I've just been pacing around the room with my heart beating out of my chest. I am going to die. They’re not going to like and tell me to get away from their son. I’m not sure if I want Harry to hurry up to comfort me or to slow down and keep his family away. Either way, I’m lonely and panicking.

“Dakota!” Harry yells. “We’re here!”

I pull on my jacket and make sure the bruises and cuts aren’t visible. I can only imagine their disapproval if they knew their only son’s girlfriend cuts. Wait, did I just call myself his girlfriend? Am I his girlfriend? I mean, I think I love him like that, but are we like official. God I sound like a girl. Oh wait, I am a girl. Okay then, I sound normal.

When I enter the living room I see a lady and her husband and a girl who looks like the lady. I rub my arm and nervously walk further in the room. “Hi,” I mutter. Harry looks up and smiles. I mirror his face when he comes to give me a hug and peck my lips. “So this is your family?” He nods takes my hand.

“Mum, dad, Gemma,” He announces getting their attention. “This is Dakota. My girlfriend.” So I am his girlfriend. Good to know. "Dakota, this is my mum, Anne, my step-dad, Robin, and my sister, Gemma." He points to each one as he introduces them. I press my lips together and play with my fingers. "She's shy."

"Nice to meet you," Anne speaks out. "I'm Harry's mum. He said you're still a minor. I am correct?" I nod my head and nuzzle into Harry's side. He chuckles and holds me close. "So, how did you two meet?"

"We met in a café while I was in Birmingham. I ran into her and it was love at first sight," Harry throws in a white lie at the end. "She's really nervous around new people. Something she attained growing up." I bite my lips together and try to imagine them not staring. I hate being center of attention. It reminds me that in their heads, they’re judging me.

“What were you doing in Birmingham, Dakota?” She asks.

“I-I,uh, I go there when I want to get away for a little,” I rush to get the words out.

“How about I start making dinner and you guys can get acquainted,” Harry suggests and I widen my eyes. He’s really going to leave me alone?! I am going to kill him! I let go of him and he kisses my cheek. “Try to brave.” I nod and watch him walk into the kitchen.

“So Dakota,” Robin says and I glance at him. “How long have you and Harry been dating?”

“Uhm,” I wonder. “I-I’m not that s-sure.” Dammit, I wish I didn’t stutter. This means a lot to Harry. I have to try. “Maybe a week,” I successfully say without stuttering.

“He must really care about you if he’s making you meet us now,” Anne smiles. She a wide toothy smile like Harry’s. I can’t help, but let out a small laugh. “What?”

“You have the same smile as Harry,” I say in my hushed tone. My eyes flicker to Gemma who hasn’t said a word yet. Just shooting daggers. I gulp and look at the ground. “How about we go sit down?”

I guide them to the couches and sit in one of the armchairs. They all fit in one of the couches and mutter thank you’s. “Sorry if I’m really shy, I kind of have issues with trust.” I bring up my feet and sit Indian style. I play with a strand of my hair and close my eyes. They must hate me.

“It’s okay, sweetie," Anne says. "If Harry earned your trust then he must really like you. I'm just curious. What happened to make you have trust issues?"

The question itself makes me think back to the times they beat me and leave me a bloody mess. Then I'd remember the boys who would tell me sweet words and end up raping me that night. Later on, they cut off the words and just go for it. Then if I did something wrong, it'd be back to beating. I don't get how some people can be so heartless. No matter what I did, I was punished. Didn't matter where I was, it happened.

"Oh sweetie." I don't realize I'm crying until Anne wraps her arms around. Panic surrounds me. I hyperventilate even more until my head feels light. I don't like physical contact unless it's one of the boys.

"Harry!" Robin yells as I start coughing harshly.

It still doesn't stop me from thinking about them. They abused their only child. They let her fend for herself ever since she was six. I starved most days others I never received a sip of water. I had to tend to my own wounds. Not 'boo boos'. I had scratches with blood coming out and bruises that throbbed under my touch. Why couldn't it be a little trip scratch or bump into furniture bruise? I was forced on the ground and pushed into tables. I just wanted to be normal.

I feel Anne's arms release me and I feel the familiar tickle of curls on my forehead. I hold onto his broad figure and sob into his chest. "Shh," He whispers in my hair. He picks me up so I'm on his lap and strokes my hair. "Hey," He pulls away and looks at me. I stare at him through the tears I'm trying to hold back. He smiles knowing I can't resist, but return. "Where's that smile that I love?" I giggle and return his smile. He kisses my forehead. "I love it when you smile. I love it even more when I'm the cause." I giggle and rest my head on his chest.

He wraps his arms around me. "Are you okay now?" I nod and wrap my arms around him. "Alright, how about we just order take out? Gemma, you can order."

"Thanks, Harry," She smiles and walks out to use her phone.

"Gemma hasn't said anything to me," I mention. "She kept glaring at me."

Harry sighs, "She just believes most girls are dating me for the fame and money." He looks into my eyes and and smiles. "I wish she could see why she doesn't have to worry, but I know you'd be uncomfortable with them knowing."

I smile and peck his cheek, "Thank you, Harry. I'm sorry I can't be that nice and sweet girl every mum and dad wants their son to bring home." I fiddle with the edge of my jacket again and push a strand of hair back.

He nuzzles his face in my neck and sighs. His hot breath tickles my neck making me giggle. "I don't care if you're not what they expect. You're everything I want and need so that should be enough."

I kiss the top of head and smile, "Same." I close my eyes and enjoy this moment. Just knowing there is someone that likes me for me makes me happy. I am so freaking lucky to have Harry.

"Awe!" My eyes open again and look over at Anne who cuddling with her husband. "You two are such a good couple. I ship whatever your fans call you two."

Harry chuckles, "Last time I checked, it was Harota."

"Harota?" I giggle looking into his eyes. "That's cute."

"Not as cute as you." He pecks my lips. He looks over to his parents and smile. "So what do you think of Dakota so far?" He looks back to me and kisses me. "Because I love this girl."

“Well, Harry,” Robin says. “If you’re happy we’re happy too. Though Gemma needs a little of persuasion.” He looks over at me and suggests, “Maybe you and Gemma can have a girls’ day. Maybe go to the mall-”

I shake my head furiously, “Please. No.”

“Dakota has Enochlophobia,” Harry explains. What the hell is Enochlophobia? I look to him with a question glistening in my eyes. “The fear of crowds.” I nod head before resting it on Harry. “That’s why I do my best to keeps the fans away for her. And one of the many reasons I got the manager of the London Aquarium to let go in after hours all by ourselves for our first official date.”

“That’s so sweet!” Anne smiles wildly. “I’m so proud of you, Harry. Such a gentleman.”

“Thanks mum,” He says before standing up and setting me on the chair by myself. “Now if you excuse me, I’m going to talk to Gemma.” He pecks my forehead and smiles. “I’ll see you later sweetheart.” He steps out of the room leaving me with his parents.

Because every parent loves me...

Notes

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So, how's everyone's day going? I just finished cleaning my room. How about you?