Ally’s POV

“Are you ready?” Harry asked, wrapping an arm securely around my waist. We were standing a few feet away from his childhood home, the doors practically beckoning us to burst through them. I had taken the three hour drive from London to Holmes Chapel to calm down, but standing here now brought back the reality of the situation. Harry’s sister, Gemma, was most likely home from Uni which Harry inferred from her car being parked in the drive. With a deep breath, I looked up at him. His green eyes were already looking down at me curiously.

“Yep,” I answered as calmly as I could. A smile spread across Harry’s face. He spun me into him, so our chests were pressing tightly together. His other arm wrapped around me , holding me in the warmest hug. Harry’s face rested on my shoulder while I shifted to secure my arms around his neck in efforts to bring us closer.

“I love you,” he mumbled, placing a kiss into my hair.

“I love you too,” I said. Suddenly, the front door swung open, startling both of us. I retracted my arms from Harry’s neck, but he left his around my waist, poking his head up to see who was there. In the doorway was a girl about my height who I instantly recognized as Gemma. A smirk was plastered on her face revealing a dimple similar to her brothers.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt. Mum thought she heard a car door and I was sent to investigate,” she explained, my cheeks flushing red with each word she said. “You must be Ally.”
Harry released me from his grip, still managing to keep me close by interlocking our fingers. Gemma seemed to notice the gesture. She glanced down briefly before bringing her attention back to us.

“Yeah, Gem, this is my girlfriend, Ally. Ally, my big sister, Gemma,” Harry introduced. Gemma immediately swooped me in for a big hug. Harry chuckled along side before being picked up in one himself.

“It’s really nice to finally meet you Ally. I was beginning to think the boy made you up until Mum and I started seeing your picture around a few weeks ago!” Gemma teased, shoving Harry’s chest with her hand. “Come inside. Please. It’s weird talking to you on the front step.”

Without another word, Gemma turned on her heel and ventured further into the house. I followed Harry’s lead as he pulled me through the front hall. Several baby pictures off Harry and Gemma lined the walls in various frames. I made a mental note to take a look at those later. The scent of warm vanilla drifted throughout the entire house. I barely got to take in my surroundings, Harry was pulling me along so quickly. The hallway opened up to a large room with a sitting area to the right and an open kitchen and dining area to the left. Along the back wall were tall windows and sliding glass doors opening out to a petite bistro-style patio set.
Gemma had disappeared into the kitchen where a woman was working by the stove. Her dark hair was twisted at the back, held in place by a sleek black clip. She tapped her toes lightly against the hardwood floors as she stirred something in a stainless steel pot. Even from the back I knew this was his mom.

“Gem, was there anyone at the door?” Anne asked, turning to her daughter. Gemma tilted her head in our direction, it only taking seconds for Anne to look over. Instantly, she rushed over to engulf her son in a tight embrace. “Harry!” She cried as he hugged her.

“Hi mum,” he chuckled adoringly. Gemma and I smiled as we looked on, neither of us wanting to break the moment.

“How have you been, bugger? I can’t believe you boys finished your first tour!” She exclaimed while stepping back to get a good look at Harry. “You’ve gotten taller, I’m sure of it.” She noted confidently. Then, her gaze drifted to me. “And you’re Ally! I’ve heard so much about you!”

“Harry’s told me a lot about you as well,” I told her, blushing at the thought of Harry talking to his mom about me. “It’s really great to meet you.”

“You too darling!” Anne cheered, pulling me in for a hug. “After almost a year I finally get to meet the infamous Ally Striker!”

“Mum,” Harry said, letting out an exasperated sigh through a smile. Anne pulled away from me to swat his arm playfully.

“Oh come on, H. I’m the mum. I’m supposed to embarrass you a little bit.” She said. Harry draped an arm around her shoulders.

“She’s right,” Gemma interjected, “and we haven’t seen you this loved up ever!” I’m pretty sure my cheeks are going to be permanently red.

“Why don’t we go outside. It’s a beautiful day!” Anne suggested. The three of us followed her out to the bistro table which was being showered with sunlight. Harry’s fingers locked themselves with mine again as we walked. The feeling of out hands meshed together brought comfort. I looked up at him, offering a smile to which he returned with a dimpled grin. He pulled my seat closer to his before letting me sit down. Gemma and Anne quietly giggled at his gesture, but Harry pretended not to notice.

“How long are you here for, Ally?” Gemma wondered once we were settled.

“I’m in England for the month,” I told her.

“It must be very different from home,” Anne commented. “Harry mentioned you live in California.”

“Yep, I used to live in Colorado, but my family moved to California after eighth grade,” I explained. “It’s very different, but change is always good. It’s inevitable.”

“That it is,” Anne said thoughtfully, “and you’re a writer? How is that?”

“You stretch the truth,” I said to Harry who smirked and shrugged his shoulders. His gaze had been on me the entire time. I could feel him watching respectively, fiddling with my fingers, but keeping direct attention. “I dabble. Nothing professional, but I’d like to major in creative writing in college.”

“Wonderful!” She gushed.

“Okay, now you have to tell us about the juicy details,” Gemma said, resting her elbows on the table in anticipation. “Who was the twat that posted that rubbish about the two of you in that magazine?” I could feel Harry stiffen beside me. Images of him fuming at the situation raced through my head. I looped my free arm through his, tracing circles on his bicep to calm him.

“She was an old friend,” I explained, “just a little jealousy.”

“I’d say,” Gemma scoffed.

“I made some calls about that and interviews are not allowed to be taken by her anymore,” Harry said sternly. “But, I mean, we’re taking things day by day. They don’t know about us, the real us.” I smiled recognizing his words from the lyrics penned in his booklet.

“I’m sorry honey, but at least you’re keeping your chins up,” Anne commended. Harry smiled down at me, nudging me in the side a couple of times. “Alright though, I’m going to change the subject up a bit. Now I’m under the impression you two met through means of dogs and have skyped up until a few weeks ago.”

Harry chuckled beside me. Looking back on it, our first encounter was one of the strangest I’ve ever been through. It raised so many questions, like why dogs? or why were Louis and Harry on the beach? I’ve never had the opportunity to ask him.

“That’s about right,” I answered, giggling a bit at the end, “Hey, can you explain what ever happened that day? I only appear in the picture when your clumsy butt ran into me, remember?”

“I prefer inelegant, sweetheart,” Harry laughed.

“No, I’m curious too,” Gemma intervened, “Wild dogs…seems like a rare occurrence in California. Do tell little brother.”

“Erm, well, it was, like, our third or fourth time in California. Louis and I were getting kind of bored sitting around the hotel room all day, per usual, so we snuck out the back and took the rental car. We parked the car at one end of the beach and started exploring the shops on the opposite end, of course. Some fans had been following us for a couple of blocks. To shake them, Louis brightly suggested we duck down one of the alleyways, insisting it would bring us back to the beach. Like, halfway down the alley I’m pretty sure we woke up some strays. I’m not sure where they came from, but it seemed like they were appearing from everywhere. Louis and I proper legged it all the way down the rest of the alley and onto the beach. I’m a bit faster than Lou, so I turned around to check how close the dogs were to getting him when I ran into you.” Harry gestured to me, cracking a smile. I blushed for the thousandth time today, looking down at our hands. From across the table Anne sighed and Gemma was grinning from ear to ear.

“Thank goodness for Louis’ mischief,” Anne said with a laugh. I nodded in agreement, the story making sense for the first time.

“And your inelegance Harry,” I added. Gemma and Anne giggle beside me as Harry bowed. He shook his head at me, using our intertwined hands to cover his face. Just then, we could hear the front door open and shut. Anne perked up at the sound, peering around the corner into the house.

“We’re out back!” Anne called to whoever just arrived. A few moments later, a tallish man with a moustache and glasses appeared at the back door. He was dressed in very professional work clothes with the sleeves of his button down rolled up to his elbows. I assumed he was Harry’s stepfather, Robin, but I wasn’t completely sure. The man didn’t notice Harry and I at first, making his way to Anne to give her a peck on the cheek before patting Gemma on the shoulder.

“Robin, look who’s joined us!” Anne cheered, causing Robin to look over. He shook his head in shock for a moment, breaking in to a smile.

“H! I’m sorry, son, I didn’t notice the pair of you! You must be Ally!” Robin said, extending a hand toward me. I graciously accepted with a smile as Harry stood up for a hug. “When did you guys get in?”

“Not too long ago. We’ve just been chatting some,” Harry said, returning to his seat and relocking our fingers.

“Great. Well, I thin I’m going to get started on dinner. H, I’d love to hear all about how the tour went.” Robin said. The five of us retreated to the kitchen where Anne picked up on whatever it was she was stirring before. She and Robin flitted around the kitchen as they prepared dinner. The sight was heartwarming. The two worked side by side, Robin chopping while Anne stirred. His hand would find its way onto her hip when he reached around her earning playful hip checks. I was quietly observing their interactions as Harry talked with Gemma. Suddenly, Harry wrapped his arms around me while continuing to carry conversation. Gemma and I both laughed.

“You’re a right sap,” Gemma teased, shaking her head with a smile.

“He is,” I agreed, “Quite the cheesy romantic.”

“I’m a cheesy guy,” Harry said, pulling me into his side, “Get over it sweetheart.”

The rest of the night went just as smoothly, if not smoother than when Harry met my parents. The five of us chatted over the incredible meal Robin and Anne prepared: a roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding, peas, broccoli, potatoes and gravy. Harry was extremely excited, noting that this was his favorite. We spent dinner chatting over various topics. Harry eagerly talked about how the American leg of the tour went. It was fun watching him talk about all that happened. He began so animated and passionate. Being on stage put Harry in his full element, and I realized that, now, as I watched him speak. Gemma spoke lightly about her time at Uni lately, but conversation continuously drifted my way. The three of them were keen to ask me about my plans for college, my family, my life in California, and how Harry was treating me. I assured them Harry was being the perfect gentleman to which he took yet another bow.

We had just finished clearing the table and had finally retreated to the sitting room. Harry and Anne were washing the dishes in the room next to us, Anne washing while Harry dried. I sat on the loveseat couch with Gemma. We were flipping through the channels for a good movie to watch. Robin was laughing in his seat beside us at our inability to find a sufficient movie.

“Too sad, too depressing, not funny enough,” Gemma mumbled as she scrolled on.

“Ooo!” I cried, “A Channing Tatum category!”

“Bingo!” Gemma cheered. “I like your style!” She and I were scrolling through the list of Channing Tatum movies when Harry and Anne strolled in. Anne moved to sit in the petite chair by the fireplace, but Harry seemed stuck. He pouted briefly, realizing there was no room for him on the loveseat. Gemma seemed to noticed his distress and chuckled.

“What?” Harry pouted, sitting down in the rocking chair on the other side of the room.

“You can’t go five minutes without being next to Ally!” Anne and Robin laughed quietly at Gemma’s assessment. Harry’s cheeks blushed a deep red. He recovered quickly, sending a wink my way. A teasing glare was shot at Gemma as Harry stood from the rocking chair. He stuck his tongue out at her as he walked over to the two of us before taking a seat on my lap.

“I can’t and I won’t,” Harry said, craning his head backwards to give me a kiss on the forehead. Gemma shook her head at us with a smile. Realizing Harry wasn’t going to move, I wrapped my arms around his torso and shifted so I could actually see the screen. Gemma hovered the remote on Magic Mike earning cheers from Anne and I, but groans from Robin and Harry. “Just play that Amanda Bynes one, Gem, that way everyone wins.”

“You like Amanda Bynes?” I wondered, looking up at him.

“Well, not like that,” Harry answered, looking back at me over his shoulder, “but I like football and Channing Tatum isn’t half bad at it.”

“He’s Channing Tatum, what else did you expect,” Gemma mumbled as she pressed play on the film. The whole family cuddled in to watch She’s the Man. Harry’s hands were resting on top of mine, his fingers fiddling with my rings as he watched the character on screen. He and Robin really got in to the soccer scenes where Channing, Amanda, and the team flitted around the field effortlessly moving the ball and tossing in tricks. Anne, Gemma, and I enjoyed the scenes where Channing put tampons up his nose, or he and Amanda freaked out over a spider a bit more. When the movie ended, everyone slowly trickled out leaving only Anne, Harry and I. Harry was still reclined on my lap causing Anne to grin as she headed over to us.

“Robin and I made up the bungalow for the pair of you,” she said, shooting Harry a look that seemed to say ‘be appropriate’. She placed kisses on both of our head before descending down the hall to her room. Once we heard the door click shut, Harry turned around to face me, a dimply grin set on his face.

“The bungalow awaits!” He whisper cheered, hopping off my lap and pulling me to my feet. I giggled at his excitement while he dragged me through the sliding glass doors into the depth of the backyard. We moved around the in-ground pool, our feet padding against the cement surrounding it. A small cottage area was lit up by dim flood lights planted around the perimeter. It was then I noticed we were entering from the back of the house. The front of the house must have looked out on to the other side of the street. Harry twisted the key in the doorknob to reveal a one level with cabin-like interior. The sitting room was decorated with light wood, a fireplace, white cushioned loveseat, and matching chair decorated the space. A petite kitchenette was stationed on the left hand side, much like the house and it looked like a single bedroom was closed in right beside it.

“Robin bought the bungalow a few years before the boys and I actually got together. This was the first place where we really got to know one another,” Harry said, grazing his fingertips along the countertop in the kitchenette. I could practically see the memories flooding back into him at the touch. A small smile appeared on his lips before he brought his gaze to me. “Now I get to share it with you.”

Notes

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