Short days where the nights are long
When I think of the days I'm gone
Don't matter how far I'm gone
I'm always feeling like home
‘Don’t Forget Where You Belong’ – One Direction

Bella's POV

It was the morning of the 20th of September. She sat in the back seat of the black car with Harry next to her. They were at Sydney Airport and Harry’s flight was due to take off in 30 minutes. The driver was taking Harry’s suitcase out of the boot, giving Bella some privacy with him.

“I promise I’ll see you after the tour finishes.”

She turned to look at him, his hands covering hers, his touch of his fingers smooth.

“I don’t care how much I have to pay or what I have to do, I will see you after the tour. Here or in London. I promise you.” He said. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace. He turned Bella’s hand up and laid the pendant in her palm, the silver chain dangling over the edge of her hand. It only took her a second to realise what the pendant was. A cross. Exactly like the one Harry had on his necklace.

“I was going to give you this when you came to the hotel four days ago. But I thought this was a good time to present you with this. So every time you wear it, you’ll think of me.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. She traced the cross pendant with her fingertips and smiled. She unclicked her seatbelt and locked her arms around Harry’s neck, giving him a long passionate kiss. Bella pulled him into a hug, running her hand through his soft hair.

“Thank you, Harry. It’s beautiful.” She whispered. Harry kissed her hair and neck, returning her embrace. She inhaled his cologne for the last time, the fabric of his extravagantly printed designer jacket soft against her body. Halloween was the boys’ last show, concluding their fourth world tour. Bella remembered their first show in Sydney and how amazing it was, as well as the other concerts she had attended during the North American leg. Her talk with Louis still lingered in her mind. The prospect of having a child with Harry was something she wanted and didn’t want at the same time. Bella knew Harry would be a wonderful father and treat his child like gold. But their young ages were a pushback. A family would come later on and Bella understood that Harry wanted to get married before having kids. He had told her himself. But marriage was also something that was a pushback. How many 19 or 20 or 21 years olds get married nowadays? Hardly any. Harry was her boyfriend. But will I ever call him my husband?

“I’ve got to go, beautiful.” Harry said, releasing himself from the hug. Bella nodded as he placed one final kiss on her lips.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Bella whispered. Harry pressed his lips to her cheek and got out of the car, waving at her before shutting the door. She looked out of her tinted window and watched him walk up to the plane on the tarmac, his large bags on both of his shoulders and the driver rolling Harry’s suitcase behind him. Harry climbed the steps and disappeared into the plane. He was gone.

Bella wouldn’t see him again for over five weeks. The door of the plane closed, leaving her with the memories she had shared with Harry each day he was here in Sydney. Everything had worked out perfectly. Her life was a tapestry of woven colour and beauty. She didn’t need anything else.

As the driver got back in the car and started to drive her back home to her apartment, Bella looked down at the necklace in her hand. First, matching tattoos. Now, matching necklaces. It was the exact same as his. The chain was cold against her skin as she placed it over her head, letting the cross pendant dangle over her chest. Every time she would look at it, she would think of Harry.


Her shift at work was long, since she took time off to be with Harry. She was knackered when she got home at 6 o’clock. Fortunately, dinner was ready and she dug straight into it. Bella had a full belly after which made her even more drowsy.

Her sleep that night was a great one and she woke up to wonderful news. The title for One Direction’s fifth album was revealed as Made In The A.M. and a song off it called Infinity was released at the same time. Bella wasted no time in listening to the song, which was obviously very moving and beautiful. The boys’ vocals were outstanding and their harmonies were no short of perfect. The last lyric was sung by Harry and it was so beautiful that it made Bella tear up. This song would sound incredible live. She thought.

The On The Road Again tour would resume tomorrow. The band would travel around the UK until the 31st of October, which was four days before Bella’s 20th birthday. Teenager no longer. She smiled to herself. Bella waited until the night to send Harry a message over Skype, being mindful of the time difference.

To Harry: I hope you got home safely, baby. Album’s coming out soon! Love Infinity, it’s absolutely beautiful! You guys are just getting better and better. I can’t wait to hear the full album when it’s released :) xx

Harry responded an hour later.

From Harry: Got home fine, getting ready for the Apple Music Festival tomorrow. Yep, out November 13th. Infinity is my favourite song on the album because it reminds me of us. I want to spend an infinity with you, Bella. Please know that. I love you so much x

His loving words would be the death of her one day. Just from his reply, her heart wept with joy and a smile spread across her face. Bella considered herself so lucky. Harry treated her like she was the only girl in the world. He took her places she didn’t even know existed. He had opened her heart to love.

Bella downloaded Infinity and transferred it to her phone immediately. She lay down on her bed and plugged her earphones into her phone, opening up her music folder. She rested her head on the large pillow ad pressed ‘Play’ on Infinity. Her gaze went to the bare ceiling as the first notes of the song hit her ears. Bella closed her eyes when she heard Harry’s voice and imagined him singing it to her. His beautiful voice reverberating in her ears while she pictured him in her mind, dressed in the clothes he had worn the night of the family dinner. As she listened to the song, she realised she thought the same thing as Harry.

I want to spend an infinity with him too.

0*0

Harry's POV

The 24th of September arrived. Tonight was the first show of the UK leg of the tour. The last leg. Harry couldn’t wait to perform for his homeland. It was good to be home but he missed Bella greatly. The two days they had shared in Kangaroo Valley had been absolutely amazing. Australia was a stunning country and Harry had experienced the true nature of it. Sweeping green hills and sandstone cliffs, lush rainforests and warm sunsets, the nights a black velvet with sparkling stars. But the perfect star was the young woman he had held in his arms.

Harry was pleased to know that she loved Infinity. It was great to actually announce the album’s title and the release date. Fans were so excited and the next single, titled Perfect, would be released in October. Made In The A.M. was basically finished apart from a few things here and there. All the boys had recorded every single song but there were still some background music and sound effects that needed to be added.

The Apple Music Festival had been amazing. The crowd had been thoroughly entertained and Harry kept an eye on Gemma, who was on a date. The fact that he was younger than her didn’t make him any less protective of her when she dated guys.

After the talk he had had with Bella’s father, Harry knew what he wanted. And that was Bella and only Bella. His life had become even better since she stepped (or bumped, literally) into it. He had never felt this way about any other girl before. Harry could see a future with her. While he thought of embarking on solo projects during the hiatus, he also wanted to spend lots of time with his friends and family, especially Bella. Really make her a part of the Styles family. Harry had thought of a way to do that.

It was fortunate he had Bella’s father’s phone number. He couldn’t wait any longer. He told himself to be confident and called him when it was 5 o’clock (his time). It didn’t surprise Harry that it took quite a few rings for her father pick up but in the end, he did.

David speaking.

“Uh…Hello, David.”

Harry? Is that you?

“Yes, it’s Harry.”

Hello, son. Why are you calling me?

He already calls me “son”… Can I make that official? Harry was more nervous than he had ever been in his life. He would have been more nervous if he was asking David in person. Why does a simple question make me so nervous? Well, it’s a very important question. Jesus, Harry, stop stalling! His head screamed at him.

“I wanted to ask you something.”

Well, ask away.

Harry had less than two hours to get to the O2 arena for the concert. He was silent for a few moments as he tried to figure out the right way to ask the question. It was probably one of the most important questions he would ask in the course of his life. Harry had thought long and hard about the question in the days previously. I only need David’s permission.

“I wanted to ask you if…I can have your permission to ask for Bella’s hand in marriage?”

There. I said it. I asked him. Harry placed his hand over his mouth and waited. As he had expected, the other end of the line was quiet. But David didn’t hang up. A married life with Bella sounded perfect and Harry wanted to explore that. Sure, they were so young but they could learn together and grow old together. With the huge success and popularity of One Direction, Harry hardly ever thought about the future. He lived in the moment. But after meeting Bella, that had all changed. He looked at what could be and what might be. Marriage was a huge thing to embark on but Harry knew he wanted Bella to be more than just his girlfriend. He wanted her to be his wife, his one true love.

You want to marry Bella?

David sounded shocked. Rightly so. Harry thought. He lowered his hand from his mouth and ran his fingers through his ever-growing hair.

“I’ve thought about it long and hard. I love your daughter more than anything. I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”

But you’re both so…young. You’ve got so much ahead of you.

“I know…But I want to experience everything life could throw at me with Bella. She makes me feel like a man. Her utter devotion to me makes me so happy. I want to give back everything she’s done for me.”

You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?

Harry was serious. He had never been this serious about a girl before. Even though he knew David couldn’t see him, he nodded.

“Yes, I am, sir.”

Well, thank you for asking me. That’s very old-fashioned of you.

“I didn’t want this to backfire. I thought it would be safe to ask you first.”

I admire that, Harry. I do. I’m sure you really want to know my answer.

Harry heard David take a breath and continue talking.

Look, I know you love Bella and I know Bella loves you. She’s always so happy when you’re around, I saw that when you came to the family dinner. You’re the reason behind the sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face.

Harry didn’t know which way it was going to go at this point. It could go either way… He paced up and down the floor of his music room, moving his fingers through his hair. He knew he did it too much but he couldn’t help it. His heart pounded as he waited for David to say yes or no.

Harry…it would be an honour to call you my son-in-law. So my answer is yes. You hereby have my permission to propose to Bella.

The phone almost dropped from his grasp. He was happy, surprised, shocked and elated all at the same time. His heart lifted and his emotions went into chaos. Nothing stopped the enormous grin appearing on Harry’s face. He said yes! His breathing changed as he tried to process that he was actually allowed to ask Bella to marry him.

Harry? Are you OK, son?

“Yeah…yes, I’m fine. Just…surprised.”

I’m sure you are. You probably thought I’d say no because Bella’s so young. But the truth is, I’ve never seen my daughter so happy. I want her to feel that happiness every single day. And you are a very kind gentleman, Harry. I know you will make her even happier when you propose.

“Do you think she’ll say yes?”

I wouldn’t allow you to ask her if I knew she’d say no. Bella adores you. She loves everything about you. There’s no reason for her not to say yes.

Harry smiled. I might have a fiancée soon. Wow, look where life has taken me! Marriage was on the cards and Bella didn’t even know. They hadn’t even discussed it. They had said cheesy things like “I want to live with you forever” and “You are all I want and all I need” but the subject of tying the knot was never brought up. But after meeting the Frosts, Harry knew he wanted to be a true part of the family and have Bella be a true part of the Styles family.

Have you given any thought of when and how you’re going to propose? David asked.

“I have, actually. Our tour finishes on the 31st of October and Bella’s 20th birthday is on November 4th. I had an idea that maybe I could fly down to Sydney and ask her then, with all of you there.” Harry wanted to propose to Bella in her home country. He knew it was what she would want.

That sounds like a great idea. What about your family?

“I…haven’t actually told them yet. I’m going to tonight after the concert.”

They’ll get a shock, just like I did. David chuckled.

Harry didn’t know his family would react. His mother and sister would probably be surprised at first but then be ecstatic like any female, going straight into planning an engagement party and the wedding itself. As for Robin and his biological father, Harry had no clue what they were going to say. He just hoped they would be happy.

Are you going to tell your bandmates?

“No. I want to surprise them after the proposal. Should be humorous.” Harry laughed softly. If a gorgeous diamond ring sat on Bella’s finger on the 4th of November, he would send a picture to all the boys. Without a caption. The looks on their faces would be priceless and Harry couldn’t wait for that moment.

I won’t tell anyone either then. I’m certain it’ll be the best birthday surprise Bella’s ever gotten. David said.

Harry smiled as he pictured an image of himself down one knee, her family surrounding him, with Bella standing in front of him, her face decorated with an expression of shock. And a smile that made his heart beat in a particular way with a pair of brilliant hazel eyes staring down at him.

“Thank you, David.”

No, thank you, Harry. For making Bella happy.

“It’s my pleasure to do so, sir.”

I guess I will see you on the 4th of November. The two of us will organise everything.

“Sounds good.”

I’ll talk to you at a later date, Harry.

“Alright. Bye.”

The call ended and Harry fought the urge to scream to the rooftops. Instead, he went online to look at jewellery stores in London. Harry wouldn’t be the one to actually physically enter the shop and buy a ring. That would cause the fanbase to go mental. So he would ask a close friend to go and pick up the perfect one, once he had chosen it. As Harry scanned through the many engagement rings, he only had one thought in his head.

Bella might be Mrs. Styles.

0*0

The audience was electric for the first UK sold-out show. It was great to perform for the people who lived where he came from. The band debuted an acoustic version of Infinity and Harry was so thrilled that the fans already knew all the words. It was a wonderful feeling.

After the concert, his mother and sister met him backstage. He led them to his dressing room and asked them to take a seat on the small couch. He wished Robin and his father were here too but that wasn’t the case tonight. Harry took a seat opposite them on the small table, his left hand grasping underneath his thigh.

“Harry, dear, what’s wrong?” Anne asked. Both women were confused and worried, wondering why he had asked them to sit down.

“Nothing’s wrong, Mum. I just have to tell you something.” Harry said. Gemma and Anne waited anxiously. Two of the most important women in his life were sitting right in front of him, wanting to know why Harry was so…quiet.

“I…feel like my life has exploded with happiness since the day I met Bella. You guys welcomed her into the family and she feels loved by you. I’ve thought long and hard about my relationship with her and…I called her father this afternoon…”

His last sentence brought to light what Harry wanted to. His sister’s eyes were wide and she clapped her hand over her mouth. Anne’s lips parted in shock, her light eyes huge.

“Harry, are you saying you’re going to propose to Bella?” Gemma gasped. Harry licked his lips and nodded. His older sister, after the initial shock, got off the couch and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him in the tightest embrace he had gotten from her.

“My baby brother! I’m so happy for you!” Gemma cried.

“I don’t know Bella’s answer yet, Gem.” Harry said as he hugged her back.

“She’ll say yes. Of course she will. Oh, wow, I’m going to have a sister.” She smiled, sitting back down on the couch. Harry was relieved by his sister’s reaction. She’s happy. His attention went to his mother, who still hadn’t said anything. Her lips opened and closed like a goldfish, trying to find the right words to say. Anne sighed and readjusted the position of her legs, blinking at her son.

“You called her father this afternoon?”

“Yeah, I did. I asked for his permission to ask Bella to marry me. He gave me his blessing.” Harry said. He rubbed his palms together, twisting his fingers together. Anne leaned forward and placed her hand on top of both of Harry’s. He looked into the eyes of the woman who was his biggest supporter.

“You’re truly serious about marrying her, aren’t you?”

Harry nodded as his eyebrows rose over his eyes.

“Yes. And you’re being extraordinarily calm about this, Mum.”

“How did you expect me to react?” Anne asked.

“Maybe a little bit more…loudly.” Harry shrugged his shoulders.

“Harry, darling, I’m shocked. I mean, marriage? That’s a hell of a leap. But…saying that, I’ve never seen you so joyful. Bella is a wonderful young girl and she makes you happy. How could I take that away from you? If you believe you should marry her, then marry her.”

Harry’s eyes shone as he looked at his mother with affection. He felt her fingers close around his hands, holding them warmly. A smile tugged at his lips.

“You sure?”

“It’s not a matter if I’m sure. It’s a matter if you’re sure. Me, I would love to call Bella my daughter-in-law. She has the kindest soul. It looks like my little boy is truly becoming a man.” Anne smiled, moving forward to hug her son. He hugged her snugly back, locking his arms around her torso. He looked at his sister and gestured for her to join in on the hug. So there Harry sat, embracing two women he loved and cared for so deeply.

As he got ready to leave with Anne and Gemma, he got a text from Bella.

From Bella: Hey, baby :) How did the show go?

Why do I always smile every time I receive a message from her? He grinned, typing a reply.

To Bella: It was amazing, it’s good to be welcomed back home. How early is it in Australia, cause it’s just on 10 o’clock here.
From Bella: It’s 7am, I’ve got an early shift today. Glad you had fun :)
To Bella: I did, and so did the other boys. They say hi, and so do my mother and sister.
From Bella: Oh, that’s sweet of them! Be sure to give them all hugs and kisses from me.
To Bella: I will. Have a good day at work, beautiful. I love you x
From Bella: Thanks, Harry. I love you more xx

That signalled the end of their conversation. Harry played with the cross pendant of his necklace, thinking about the matching one he had given to Bella. He hoped she was wearing it right now. He couldn’t wait to surprise her but everything needed to be prepared. I need to organise what time to arrive with David. I need to make sure I’m back in time for press interviews for the album. I need to find the perfect ring. Mum and Gemma can help me out with that.

The ring would be a symbol of his love for her. It would be a sign of commitment. Bella was his star, his moon, his sun. And hopefully, she would be his beautiful bride.

Bella's necklace:


Two beautiful ladies, Anne and Gemma :D

Notes

Sorry for the delay in updating, had some family drama I had to sort out. Oh, and this made my day, it melted my heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66errodk6Sc Next chapter (which will be up on Friday) contains the big question!! How will Bella react?

blankspace1 xx