You know I’ll be
Your life
Your voice
Your reason to be
My love
My heart
Is breathing for this
‘Moments’ – One Direction

Bella's POV

“Can you come and watch the video now?”

Ashley was impatient. Bella was in the kitchen, making breakfast for herself. Their mother had already left for work. Her job was a casual worker, so she didn’t work every day, at a craft store close by. Bella lowered the knife and sighed.

“What’s the magic word?”

“Please…Pleeeeease!”

Bella laughed and finished buttering her toast. It was the 22nd of August. She had been home for almost two weeks, having left Baltimore on the 9th. She talked to Harry on the phone two days ago, the day of their Toronto concert in Canada. The boys still had quite a few more tour dates to do but Bella couldn’t be more proud of all of them. Since she and Harry confessed their love for each other, the nickname “little sister”, originally made up by Niall, had caught on with Liam and Louis. Now all of them were convinced that Harry and Bella were going to get married. But just loving each other didn’t mean marriage. Bella was fine with what they had now. Just beautiful love.

The reason Ashley was so enthusiastic was because the music video for One Direction’s brand-new single, Drag Me Down, had been released on the 20th. The song itself had been released back at the end of July and the boys performed it for the first time live at the Indianapolis concert. Obviously, they had knocked it out of the park. It was a fantastic song and Bella loved it. She didn’t know she hadn’t watched the video for it yet. She just hadn’t gotten around to it. But her sister was determined to make her watch it now and not wait any longer.

Instead of using Bella’s laptop, they used the family computer, which was also a Mac. The screen was bigger and the resolution was so high. Ashley had already watched the video but couldn’t contain her excitement as she typed Drag Me Down into the YouTube search bar. The video came up and Ashley clicked on it, making sure it was on the highest quality. Once the entire video had loaded, she clicked the ‘Play’ button and Bella sat back in her chair, taking a bite of her toast.

The video was amazing but Bella expected that much. Ashley was beside her, belting out the lyrics, singing along. Bella moved her shoulders to the beat of the music and marvelled at how attractive all the boys looked. The way Harry looked was completely astonishing. He was too gorgeous, it wasn’t fair. She noticed he wore the same clothes when he first introduced her to his family back in April. Damn him in that designer jacket and those jeans! His hair looked freshly watched and the way the curls fell, it was beautiful. Bella knew what his hair smelt like, the extent of its softness. She knew exactly how to tug on his locks to make him moan for more. It made her smile.

“Ugh, it’s soooo good!” Ashley cried when the video finished.

“I agree, it was brilliant.”

“Why are they so attractive, Bells?” Ashley shook her head.

“I don’t know, Ash. They’re just lucky. But hey, don’t forget you’re beautiful too.” Bella smiled, rubbing her sister’s back. Ashley looked at her, a smile on her face.

“Do you think, because you’re dating Harry, that I’ll ever meet him? Maybe the other three as well?”

“Oh, I’m definitely certain you’ll meet all four of them one day. I’ll make sure of it.” Bella nodded. To see them in concert made Ashley’s birthday better than ever. But to meet them was her dream. Bella wanted to make her little sister’s dream come true. She knew the boys would agree to a meet-up when they had time available. I’ll ask Harry. Ashley let out a huge squeal and jumped off her chair to hug her sister.

“Thank you, Bells! You are the best big sister ever!”

A title I’ve aimed to achieve for years. Bella chuckled to herself. She embraced her sister back, smiling.

“Do you have any homework?” She asked once the hug was released. Ashley’s face turned into one that looked like she was lying.

“No.”

But Bella saw right through her.

“Go and do your homework, Ash.”

Ashley groaned and left the living room. Once Bella heard the sound of her sister’s bedroom door close, she opened up Skype and sent Harry a message.

To Harry: Loved the music video for Drag Me Down! All of you sounded and looked amazing. I’m a very proud girlfriend :) I love you xx

Her shift was due to start at 12 and she’d finish at 5pm. Bella went and got changed for the day, taking her work apron with her. She checked Skype after she was ready and was pleased to see Harry had messaged her back.

From Harry: Glad you loved it, beautiful. We’re very happy with it. I’m a very lucky man to have you. Always remember I think of you every day and night. I love you too x

God, could he be more romantic? Her love grew for him every day. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

0*0

Harry's POV

It was at 6pm on the 22nd of August (his time) when he saw her face. On his computer screen. Harry was thankful for Skype. He could actually see the faces of the people he loved when they were many miles away from him.

So you’ve got your show tomorrow?

“Yeah, landed here in Chicago a couple of hours ago. We’ve got our sound check in the morning.”

How big is the stadium?

“It holds over 40,000 people. It’s going to be a packed house.” Harry smiled. He loved every part of his job. It didn’t feel like a job. He was living the dream. They were going to announce their hiatus within the week and while he didn’t admit it, Harry was anxious about what everyone was going to say. He had the support of his friends and family. What about the fans? Will we have their support? Everything the band did was because of them. Harry had said during many concerts that One Direction wouldn’t be performing sold-out tours and releasing songs without their fans. It was all thanks to them and he could speak for the other three boys that they were all eternally grateful.

Wow! Where you are, Harry, is amazing. All four of you have come so far. I’m very proud of all of you. Her smile melted his heart. He found himself falling even more deeply in love with Bella. There wasn’t anything about her that he didn’t love. The kindness she bore, all the way from her golden heart, was something beautiful. Harry rested his chin in his hand and looked at her adoringly.

“I love you so much.”

Bella smiled at him, her face turning a deep rosy pink. She had her hair pulled away from her face, all of it gathered in a side ponytail down her right shoulder. Harry could see she was in her bedroom by herself; he recognised the bed behind her.

I love you too, Harry. Always.

He smiled. Hearing her say those words was all he needed. And now, after knowing she loved him, Harry wanted to meet her family. She had already met his and they adored her. I wonder if I will have the same reception if I meet her loved ones. Like any boyfriend, he was a little anxious to meet Bella’s family. Just because he was a huge superstar, it didn’t mean he sometimes felt insecure. He wanted her family to see how much he cared for Bella. How much he loved her.

Are you OK, Harry?

“I’m fine, love. I was just thinking about…maybe meeting your family soon. I mean, you’ve met mine.”

You want to meet my family?

“Only if you want me to. If it’s too early….” Harry trailed off. Bella’s lips parted as she waved her hand at the screen, saying no.

Harry…I would love it if you met my family. After everything I’ve told them about you and me, they are just as eager to meet you.

That’s a good sign. Harry sighed with relief. I wonder what she’s told her family about me…? He smirked. He heard Bella’s soothing voice again and looked at the screen.

It’s just a question of when and how. You’re still on tour so…

“We have a break after this leg before we do the final one in England, Ireland and Scotland. It goes for two weeks but I’d only be able to spare about six days.” Harry said.

OK, what dates are those?

“The last show of this leg is the 12th of September but I’ll need time to fly home and pack so I’ll probably arrive on the 14th and I’ll stay until the 20th.”

Wait, you’re going to come here?

“Oh, do you and your family want to come over to London instead?”

No, I’m ecstatic you want to come here! Bella grinned.

“I haven’t been to Australia since the beginning of the tour. It’s a beautiful country.”

This sounds wonderful, Harry! Really! Hang on, I’ll have to let everyone know.

“Who’s home?” Harry asked.

My mum and my sister.

“Let me say hi to them and we can discuss this.” Harry suggested. He had talked to Ashley before over Skype with Bella but had only spoken to her mother once. She seemed like a wonderful woman, around the same age as his own mother. The matter of him coming over to Newtown was not something only he and Bella would work out. Everyone needed to know the details.

Bella nodded and picked up her laptop. Harry watched as she walked through her apartment into the living room.

Mum, Ash, Harry and I need to talk about something with you.

You’ve got Harry on Skype again?!

Harry chuckled at Ashley’s comment. He heard Bella’s mother say “Alright” and the laptop was placed on the dining table. A few moments later, Bella’s face was back on the screen with her mother on one side and her sister on the other.

Hi, Harry! Ashley waved excitedly, her smile bright.

“Hi, Ashley. How’s school going?” Harry liked Ashley. She was a very sweet girl with a lot of potential. Harry knew how much Bella loved her, how protective she was of her. And rightly so, because Harry was too, even though he’d never met her properly.

It’s OK, I guess.

“Education is very important. Mine was cut short because I went on The X Factor. So don’t take it for granted.” Harry told her. His schooling had been difficult for him after his quick success in the music industry. He wanted to stress the fact that education was something to be valued. It got people places. Bella had a look of admiration on her face and he gave her a soft smile. Her mother also smiled at his words, which he was thankful for.

Hello, Harry.

“Hi, Jo.”

The first time he talked to her over Skype, he addressed her as “Ms. Frost” because of the divorce. Jo had changed her last time back to Williams but she didn’t ask him to call her “Miss Williams”. She told him to call her by her name. So he did.

How is your tour going?

“It’s going very well. We’ve got a show tomorrow night here in Chicago. We’re having a lot of fun.”

That’s very good to hear. So what is it you two have to discuss with us? Jo asked. Bella raised an eyebrow at him, which told Harry it was him who should talk first.

“Bella and I were just talking about family and whatnot. The thing is, she’s met my family and they adore her. I believe it’s my turn to be introduced to you and the rest of Bella’s family. I’ve heard a lot about you and I would love to actually meet you in the flesh.”

Ashley’s face was just shock. He could see she was completely and utterly shocked. Her mouth quivered as she tried to speak. Jo was calm as ever.

That’s a fantastic idea. I’ve heard a lot about you too, Harry. Maybe too much. She said, eyeing Bella briefly. Bella blushed, which told Harry exactly what Jo referred to. Ashley’s eyes began to water with tears.

I’m going to meet you? She managed to choke out.

“Yes. I badly want to hug you, you’re so sweet.” Harry smiled at her. Ashley let out something in between a cry and a gasp. Bella looped her arm around her sister’s shoulders and rubbed her upper arm comfortingly. It was a miracle Ashley didn’t break down. She contained all of her emotion but tears sparkled in her eyes and she sniffled, rubbing her nose. It was Jo who spoke next.

So I gather you’re coming here?

“That’s right. Our break before the last leg of the tour is on the 12th but I’ll arrive in Sydney on the 14th. I very much look forward to coming to Australia. Only this time it’s not to tour.”

We’ll have to organise a family dinner or something. What’s your favourite meal, Harry?

“Hmm, I love tacos.”

Bella chuckled to herself.

Tacos it is then. Jo nodded.

I didn’t ask you, what else do you want to when you’re here? Bella asked. Harry hadn’t given it any thought yet so he shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know yet. We’ll improvise.”

Bella agreed with the idea. She looked at her mother nervously.

Mum, I think Dad and Amanda should come to the dinner as well. They’d love to meet Harry too.

It was obviously a fragile subject to bring up. But Jo was a considerate and forgiving woman. Harry could sense that. She approved the idea to have her ex-husband and his girlfriend come to the dinner. Bella sent her father a text, telling him everything. With Harry, they organised that he would go to his hotel first and stay there for the night of the 14th. He would get two of the band’s security guards to come with him. They would drive him to Bella’s apartment on the 15th, as he would need the night to get rid of his jetlag, and dinner would happen. The only things to worry about were fans and paparazzi. Harry would keep everything on the down low. He wouldn’t tweet anything. It was sure to get out very quickly but that’s the way things were when your life was constantly being looked at through a camera lens.

Bella’s father texted her back, saying he and Amanda would love to come to the dinner and meet Harry. It was very fortunate that Jo was still on good terms with her ex-husband. They didn’t talk much but when it was necessary, they did. It was all coming together and Harry couldn’t be happier.

“I haven’t done something like this in a long time. Everything sounds great.”

We all can’t wait to meet you, Harry. I can see you’re a confident young man with a very kind personality. You definitely make my daughter very happy, thank you for that.

“I consider it a pleasure to make your daughter happy, Jo. It’s always my aim to achieve that. I love her very much and in return, she loves me and makes me happy too.”

Harry had waited to tell Bella’s mother that because Ashley was there but at the moment, she had quickly rushed off to the toilet. What he said was the truth. His fans made him happy. His dream made him happy. But nothing compared to the happiness Bella made him feel. On his computer screen, Bella’s cheeks flushed a faint pink and a gorgeous smile flashed before him. Jo’s eyes darted from Harry to her daughter and smiled.

“Ah, young love…” She murmured. Both Harry and Bella were new to the feeling of true love. It was something completely different but it was a remarkable feeling to have for someone. Harry realised it was Bella he was always meant to fall so deeply in love with. Taylor and Kendall, he had cared for them. He had loved them but never in the way he loved Bella. It was because she was so simple that made her so amazing. No fame, no huge sums of money, no personal stylists or security guards. None of that. She had a simple life and she showed Harry how wonderful that was.

Ashley returned, collapsing into her seat. She promised she wouldn’t tell anyone about Harry coming to Australia. She did know how big of a deal it was. Harry thanked her and blew her a kiss, which made Ashley cry with joy.

I can’t wait to meet you!

“Same here, love. Same here.” Harry nodded.

We’ll leave the two of you to talk. I guess we’ll see you on the 15th of September, Harry. Jo smiled.

“I look forward to it.”

Jo and Ashley said goodbye to Harry and Bella went back to her bedroom, ready to continue the Skype chat with Harry.

0*0

Bella's POV

“I can’t believe this dinner is going to happen.”

Her introduction to Harry’s family had been different. It had been a lunch instead of a dinner. Harry’s biological father hadn’t been there but Bella hoped she would meet him one day. Her sister already loved Harry and was so excited to meet him. It was her dream. That’s what One Direction did. They made dreams come true.

It should be great, Bella. Your family already seem to accept me so meeting them isn’t that nerve-wracking.

“Well, I’m nervous.”

Why?

“Because I want my family to see you as the real you. Not the Harry that’s in the articles and on tabloids. I…want them to see how much I love you.”

It was the most important thing she wanted to her family to see. None of her loved ones had seen Harry and her together, apart from in the photographs all over the Internet and in magazines. Bella couldn’t wait to embrace him and melt into his safe arms. Smell his cologne, savour the taste of his kisses, stare into his green eyes.

I’m sure they already see it, beautiful. Because I do.

His voice, both singing and speaking, was like an angel’s. His English accent was beautiful and sexy. Hearing it through a computer screen still did things to her. When he stood right in front of her, whispering loving phrases in her ear, his lips hovering over her skin, it got her heart racing. To Bella, Harry was sex on a stick, oozing perfection. And he’s mine.

“I’ve never loved anybody as much as I love you, Harry. I want you to know that. Even though you’re so far away from me, you’re always in my heart.”

She knew it was a cheesy thing to say but it was the truth. When she was down in the dumps, all Bella had to do was look into her heart and there she would find Harry. The man she loved and the man who loved her in return.

And you’re always in my heart, beautiful.

The more he said things like that to her, the more she wanted to hold him, kiss him, touch him. The long-distance between them didn’t interfere with their relationship as much as Bella had initially thought. In fact, it made their love grow stronger for each other.

I’ve got to go now.

“Alright. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Absolutely. Take care, love.

“You too, Harry. Enjoy the rest of the leg. I love you.”

I love you too, Bella. Harry smiled, blowing her a kiss.

The call disconnected and he was gone. Again.

15th of September, he’ll be here. That’s 23 days away. Still so long but at least it’s better than 23 weeks. Bella would count down the days now. From 23 all the way down to zero. She looked at her iPhone, which sat on the desk beside her Mac, and picked it up, typing in the number code. She opened the most recent text conversation, which was with her father. The last text was one from him.

From Dad: Sounds great, Bells! Amanda and I look forward to meeting your beau. You two make a very beautiful couple. My eldest is growing up… Love you

She quickly sent him a reply.

To Dad: Don’t make me cry again, Dad! Cause I will. Harry is excited to meet you as well. I hope you like him.

A minute later, there was a message from him.

From Dad: I know we will like him. He treats my daughter well and loves her. That’s all I want for you, darling.
To Dad: Thanks, Dad :) xx
From Dad: You’re welcome, talk soon.

Bella was so happy. She had a family who loved her unconditionally and accepted her relationship with a young Englishman who was wanted by millions of girls. She had a job that was her passion. She had loyal friends who she could trust with anything and everything. And she had a gorgeous hunk who told her he loved her every time they spoke. Bella had a wonderful life. What more could anyone else want?

Notes

So, it’s Harry’s turn to meet his girlfriend’s family. How do you think it’s going to go? I’m not going to update on Friday unless I get some more comments because I have 25 subscribers but get hardly any comments so I would really really appreciate it if you let me know your thoughts :)

blankspace1 xx