Chapter 24

HARRY'S P.O.V:

"Harry, wake-y wake-y" Rosalie said as she nudged me lightly, breaking my daydream about before. I nodded softly, embarrassed that I was thinking about what that fan had said. I walked to the group of fans, and started talking to them, and thankfully they weren't completely shouting into my ear.

"Hey you guys have matching bracelets!" pointed out a fan, everyone stared to analysing mine and Rose's wrist. I felt myself slightly blushing, as I loved the bracelet she got me. It was perfect. "Friendship bracelets, she got it for me" I said. They all did their typical awwws.
"Can I have a group photo with all of you?" I said. There was around 12 girls and their faces all lit up as I mentioned it.
"Who will take it?" a fan asked.
"I will!" Rosalie offered reluctantly.
"You don't want to be in it?" I asked.
"It's fine, the fans deserve a photo with you" she replied sweetly.

I gave her my iPhone to take the photo as I was in the middle with 6 girls on each of the side. Rose tried to adjust the phone on her hand and as she counted down she took a photo. She then decided to take a few extras by pressing on the screen repeatedly so I could pick which one looked the best, which they all looked the same.. I decided to tweet the photo because these fans were so sweet to come see me on Christmas!

Harry_Styles
Best present of all this year were the fans, love you. /s73jas

"Harry?" Shouted a voice, that sounded very very familiar. It was of course, my beautiful mum. It's been so long since I've properly seen her, or at least get to spend my holiday with her. I ran up to her with open arms and hugged her tight. I could feel my tears slowly coming as I've missed her so much. I felt so comfortable with her neck cradling against mine, and her vanilla scent rubbing off my body.
"Mum! I've miss you so much" I mumbled.
"Awww, Harry. I miss you more" she chuckled as she went to grab another hug.
"Oh, mum. Meet Rosalie. They girl I've been telling you about" I said, Rosalie was standing a few metres behind me as she waved shyly.
"Hi Mrs. Cox, lovely to meet you"
"Oh dear, call me Anne. You look so gorgeous, and it's so good to finally meet you! I hear you've been taking good care of my boy, thank you dear"
"Thank you! I've gotten you a present, so Merry Christmas"
"Aw thank you so much! I feel so bad...I.."
"No no! It's a present to say thank you for letting me coming over, since it's a family occasion"
"Oh hunny, you're already considered family! Harry talks about you a lot... and you're finally a really good friend to him and I thank you" my mum replied.

She grabbed Rosalie's hand and welcomed her to meet all the relatives. I could tell she was a bit overwhelmed with such a big family of mine, but I smiled as they all seemed mesmerized by her sweet, Australian accent. I turned around and had to say good bye to all my fans since I had to go in.
"Thank you girls, for visiting" I said.
"It's so good to meet you Harry!" a girl shouted, clutching on her 1D poster.
"Have fun with your family!" Shouted another.
"I hope you girls won't stay out, it's getting really cold. So don't get sick, I won't be coming out for a long time so don't get yourself hurt" I said.
"Awww, how sweet Harold. We're going now, bye!" shouted another.
"Bye!" They all shouted as they slowly faded out and got home.
"Have fun with Rose" whispered the same fan who nudged me earlier. She couldn't help cracking up and ran to catch up with her friend to go home. I was bewildered by how she kept telling me these things about her. It was a bit strange, but I guess she could be joking. I shrugged off and returned back inside my home.

My aunties and my mum were in the kitchen still preparing the meals with my older sister and Rosalie excitedly chatting about something as they were setting up the table. My uncles, and cousins were sitting scattered around the house drinking and talking and it felt so good to be back. All my cousins and uncles ran up to me to greet me and hug me and to congratulate me with all the success I've been going through. My little cousins were running around the house, screaming and laughing like old times. I couldn't stop smiling as I grabbed a small glass to get a drink since this was a special occasion. I sat with my step-dad and my uncles on the couch as we were discussing about everything. As my dad and uncle were clearly talking about something, I started to day-dream as I wasn't really included into the conversation anymore. I looked to my right and saw Rose getting along with the female side of my family. She was setting up the plates as well as laughing with my mum and my sister. It was really good that she got along with them, but it worried me a bit that I haven't formally allowed my family to meet Caroline.

"Harry, you're friend is a pretty one a'nt she?" shouted my uncle, he was clearly a bit tipsy. He shouted it a bit too loud that even Rose seemed to hear as she turned her head to look at me, confused. I blushed with embarrassment as she cracked a smile and went back to her conversation.
"A bit loud, Uncle Gerald?" I chuckled.
"Just saying, the way you look at her is a bit obvious boy." He slurred out. I was a bit embarrassed by it all, did people really notice it?
"Harry, he's just a bit drunk, don't worry about it" My step-dad, Rob said. I nodded slowly and smiled softly as I stood up to go hang out with Rose. I don't want to be the one my uncle picks on when he goes to his ultimate drunk phase.

"Need help?" I chimed in as I walked into the living room where the extended table was taking place.
"Could you get the cups in the kitchen?" My sister asked. Rose was doing some fancy tissue folding to place in the cups so I reluctantly agreed and went into the kitchen. I noticed all my aunties and some of my mum's friend were all in there, oh god. Here it comes.
"Harry! Darling!" "You've grown so much" "Anne, he's such a gorgeous boy"

They were all ridiculously touching my hair and pinching my cheeks until they stop talking about me and continued on with their own gossip. I asked my mum where she put the cups and I crouched down to get it.
"Rose is such a lovely girl" my mum said as I was getting the cups. I froze my hand and felt a smile creeping onto me.
"Really?"
"Yes! You should invite her over more often, Gemma loves her already. Plus, she's so helpful and gets along with us"
"That's nice you like her"
"How's... Caroline?" My mum mumbled. She wasn't exactly 100% supportive but tried to be happy for me, which was more than enough.
"It's good.. it's good" I whispered as I grabbed as many cups as I could. We've been together for about 3 months now.
"You didn't invite her over?"
"No no, she had plans with her family already"
"Ahhhh... ok" she whispered.

I walked away as quickly as I could since I didn't want to continue the awkward conversation about Caroline. It was really strange though, she seemed to have some weird vibe when she mentioned her but she was completely open and happy that Rose was over. I walked back to the dining table to give Rose the cups.

ROSALIE'S P.O.V:

"Here's the cups" Harry chimed as he held a lot of cups in his hands.
"Than..ks" I mumbled as I found difficulty to take it off him, I got it out and placed it on the dining table as I place the folded tissue that I just made into them. Gemma and I just met, and she is absolutely stunning. She is lovely inside and out, and I already got her phone number. I know we're going to get along very well. I told Gemma and Harry to just sit down and chat whilst I get working on the dining table. I've already loved doing interior designing and I haven't done one in a long time so I thought I could set up the table, just a small token of my appreciation. There were approximately 14 people at Harry's house, both including myself and him. I got little Christmas Crackers for every pair and got to get crepe paper to hang it on the ceiling. I got some lovely candles that Harry's mum gave me to set as the centre piece and got some fancy Christmas napkins for each person. After around 20 minutes, I felt proud of myself that I finally set up a lovely dinner set for Harry's family.

"YOU DONE YET?" Shouted Harry from the kitchen, he sounded really annoyed and impatient. Maybe there wasn't enough testosterone in that room.
"I'm done!" I shouted with excited, I hope they liked it.
"Finally...I...Whoa..." Harry mumbled as he was shocked at the transformation of the dinner setting. "Whoa, Rose, it's beautiful" he whispered. I could easily feel my cheeks burning up. I suddenly felt too hot in my blazer, although it was absolutely freezing
"We can see it right?" Gemma shouted as I heard her heels clacking on the floorboards. "Whoa, Rose. This is amazing!"
"Thank you, it's nothing really" I shuffled uncomfortably as I tried to hide my embarrassment.
"MUM COME SEE THIS NOW" Harry shouted.
"What hun? Oh my gosh. Rose! Did you do this?" Anne asked.
"She did mum!" Gemma shouted.
"Oh my god whoa, I might have to kidnap you from now on" chuckled Anne as I repeated the same gesture.

Anne called in all the relatives to come in and sit down. They were all so sweet and complimented me and it was really nice to be appreciated about something I did. I smiled and we all got in our seats. I was in between Harry and Gemma with the rest of his family surrounded around him. Anne and her sisters went to bring the food out and it smelt, amazing! As the food was all set out, Harry was being his posh, silly self and tapped his spoon on his glass cup.

"Can I please have your attention?" he coughed briefly. Everyone immediately went silent and looked at him
"Thank you. I'd just like to say how happy I am to come home to everyone. It's been so long since I got to properly spend time with everyone. I hope this year brought you a lot of success and happiness and I wish next year will bring you better. I'd just like to say how happy I am that I have an amazing family and to thank you all for the support of my career. I'd also like to welcome, one of my closest friends Rosalie who if most of you don't know is my Australian friend whose been there for me, even through my low points. I wish everyone enjoys the meal, and Merry Christmas!" he cheered as everyone lifted up their cups to smash it into others.

"Thank you Harry, that was really kind of you" I whispered into his ear, he grinned his gorgeous smile and nodded. Everyone went straight down to eat the food and everyone was noisily talking over each other. I felt so at home with this family, they were so easy to get along with and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. During the meal, I was mostly talking to Harry and Gemma as she was telling me embarrassing stories of Harry with him getting very embarrassed.

"Gemma, don't tell her about it!" Harry shouted whilst he was eating his chicken.
"Please, can I tell her?" Gemma said, struggling to stop laughing.
"NO!" Harry shouted, annoyed and embarrassed at the same time.
"You can tell me afterwards" I whispered cheekily into her ear, she nodded enthusiastically and giggled.
"Oi, you two. Don't have that stupid whispering stuff. You just met, don't just leave me" Harry whimpered.
"I'll never leave you Harold!" I said as I rested my head on his shoulder, completely full with how much I ate.

I decided to stuff a small piece of potato in my mouth and chewed as I rested. Harry also leant back on his chair and rested his head upon mine. I placed my hand on my stomach, in a way trying to stop it from exploding though I knew it wouldn't literally explode. I shut my eyes a bit, as I had a food coma meaning I ate so much I couldn't move. And if people know me, when I eat a lot I get extremely sleepy. I opened my eyes a bit but noticed a few people slowly leaving and packing up the plates. Anne told me to sit and relax, since she was so appreciative of my decoration. It was very sweet of her. Harry was absolutely full as well but as our backs began to sore a bit, we left to crash on the couch and took our shoes off. Harry leant in the corner of the couch as he patted his lap so I could lie on it. I felt my heart beating too fast, and in my conscious I was telling it to slow down. He grabbed a cushion and placed it on his lap, I smiled sheepishly as I was still extremely sleepy. I got comfortable and stretched out my legs and placed my head on the pillow. I took out my bun to relax my hair and whipped it out. Harry was touching my hair, soothing me to sleep which made me really comfortable. I loved it when he played with my hair. I smiled to myself and my eyes suddenly became very droopy. I shut them immediately and before I knew it, a shade of black fell over me..

ANNE'S (HARRY'S MUM) P.O.V:

I saw Harry and Rose leave the chair to go sit in the living room so I decided to go back to the kitchen and grab them some desert to give them. I was setting the plate of icecream for them to share with Gemma as we were talking about Rose.

"What do you think of Rose?" I asked Gem.
"I love her, great girl" She replied, and I smiled. "Same." I replied.
"Don't mean to be harsh, but can't he be with girls like that not older..." Gemma mumbled as she plopped a massive scoop of ice-cream on the plate.
"I get exactly what you mean, but we have to be supportive of him darl. Do you think she has feelings for him?" I said.
"I can obviously tell Harry has a thing for her" Gemma replied.
"How can you see?"
"I'm his big sister, I can read him easily. But for her, I'm not sure. Would be cool if they did"
"It's already like she's part of the family isn't she?"
"Exactly, I can really see why Harry enjoys her company" Gemma said lastly as she plopped some marshmellows on the plate. I smiled at our creation and went out to bring the plate to them.

"Harry! Rose! Time for some...oh, my bad..." I shouted until I realised they were both sleeping on the couch. I whispered sorry to them, though they probably won't hear me. It was so sweet and adorable. Harry was squished in the corner of the couch, his head slightly craned but there was a pillow to support him. Rose was comfortably resting on his lap with her long hair out. Harry's hand was placed firmly on her waist as one of her hands rested on his lap. They looked really well together, and I know I'm a mum and I am so protective of my baby boy but this relationship I would approve no matter what. I love Rose, she is like the part of the family and she gets along with everyone. I can see how much my boy loves her as a friend, and I can see that they do spend a lot of time together. I smiled to myself and whispered Gemma to come in. She did an excited squeal until I had to shut her up incase they'd wake up. I grabbed my iPhone Harry got me as a present a few weeks ago and took a photo of them. I wasn't going to post it online but just to keep it to tease them later. I smiled as I went back to give the desert to Rob to finish it up. I grabbed them 2 cups of water and left it on the coffee table infront of the couch incase they woke up and needed a drink. Everyone went and saw their position and covered their mouths to stop from giggling and aww'ing. We all left to go talk and chat in the kitchen or the dining room.

30 minutes later-

HARRY'S P.O.V:
I suddenly woke up from hearing loud and distant talking from what I believe was the dining room. I heard several "shhh's" after that but I was awake already. I rubbed my eyes, trying to remember what happened. I looked to my right, noticing Rose still fast asleep on my lap. My hand was on her waist and I slowly tried to move it. How awkward, and not this again. But inside me, I could feel myself bursting for joy. I looked down and she was so peaceful with her eyes shut but I really needed to go to the toilet after eating and drinking from the meal.

"Rose..." I whispered as I nudged her lightly. She did an adorable mumble until she started shuffling on the couch.
"I...I'm...a...wake" she mumbled as she slowly got up, rubbing her eye.
"Sorry I needed to go to the toilet" I said.
"Oh my, did I fall asleep?"
"We both did, don't worry"
"Oh, phew. I thought I left you sitting there for ages" she chuckled. She neatened herself up and grabbed a glass of water that had a piece of paper with her name on it. Most probably my mum who left it there. I looked at the clock and it was already around 6pm, and I was staying over but I wasn't sure about her situation. She was planning to get home, but by the looks of it she'll have to stay the night. I left to go to the toilet and it was such a relief. I needed that. I got out and noticed Rosalie, sitting crossed legs, thinking hard about something whilst she was sipping on her drink.

"You alright?" I asked.
"Yeah yeah" she nodded, taking another sip of her water.
"Oh as a tradition for my family, we have like deserts, and candy at night time then we open the presents and at around 10, we try to go find a fast food store and buy a gigantic meal for the family." I said. Her face lit up into a nice smile as she chuckled softly.
"That's an amazing tradition" she said.
"Are you sticking around... or?" I asked, though inside I hoped that she would.
"Um, Amy is meant to pick me up because her boyfriend's parents live near here but she hasn't called me or anything"
"You can stay here!" I offered.
"I really think I extended my over-stay enough Harry. It's not that I don't want to, just... uh... I feel rude." She mumbled as she twiddled her thumbs. What was up with her? She is acting rather shy and weird now.
"How come? You can sleep in my bungalow."
"I don't know, I just, you're family cooked me a delicious meal and now sleep over? It's too much, it's a hassle."
"It won't. Trust me, I want you here" I said as I stared deep into her light brown eyes. It was quite intense until my mum entered and broke it off. She was bringing all the deserts and candies and I knew it was time to open up the presents.

Me and Rose decided to stay on the couch as my family gathered around, sitting on the carpet floor, infront of the gigantic Christmas tree filled with presents. There were only 2 of my cousins who were around 10 and a baby cousin who was only 3, her name is Lucy. Them 3 were extremely excited and even little Lucy went to crawl onto Rosalie's lap. She decided to sit there and play with Rose's hair, and it is weird because Lucy doesn't really like new people. But I can look and I see that Rose was enjoying Lucy's company. My mum stood up to get a little speech and told the kids to run up and grab the presents with her name.

"Hold baby Lucy, and I'll get her presents" I said as Rose nodded. I went to grab the presents, which the majority was of Lucy's anyway. I returned and the way Lucy's eye lit up immediately was adorable. Rose couldn't stop smiling and placed Lucy next to her on the couch so she could hold her own presents. Lucy was in awe with the massive box infront of her and kept giggling her cute childish laugh. Me and Rose were sitting opposite sides of her with Lucy's mum, my aunty sitting near, having a break from taking care of her before.

"Do you wanna open this one up Luce?" Rose asked Lucy in a cute voice. Lucy nodded repeatedly as me and Rose tore a bit of the packaging so Lucy could do the rest. Lucy pulled down the bright green wrapping paper and squealed with excitement. She needed help as she tugged on Rose's arm and she and her both starting slowly unwrapping the paper. It was then revealed it was a new soft toy of Lucy's favourite tv show, The Teletubbies and she hugged it immediately. We decided to open the rest of her presents and placed it surrounding her as she was so excited and fascinated with the gifts. I looked at Rose and she was still staring at Lucy, I can tell she is amazing with kids and she already loves Lucy.

"Can I take a picture of both of you with Lucy?" My mum asked as she grabbed her iPhone.
"Yeah, sure!" Rosalie said as she asked Lucy if she can put her on her lap which she agreed. I sat closer to Rose, with our thighs and shoulders touching. I directed Lucy to look at the camera and she was still clutching onto her new teletubbie toy. She sat on Rose's lap as she squealed with delight, and I wrapped one of my arms around Rose's waist as she wrapped hers around Lucy's. My mum counted down and Lucy laughed as the flash went off. We chuckled and let loose and Rosalie placed Lucy back on the carpet floor to place her gift around her to keep her entertained.

"Hey, Mum can I see the picture?" I asked, my mum handed me the iPhone as I went to the photo album. The photo of me, Rose and baby Lucy was the latest one and to be honest, we looked like a family. The way she was holding Luce, and the way they had similar eyes as Luce had similar dimples to mine. The way I was so close to Rose, wrapping my arms around her waist and smiling. I looked so happy. We looked so happy.
"OOoo, Can I see?" Rose asked as she popped her head in. She cracked a gigantic smile and sighed.
"That's a cute photo, mind if you send it to mine? I love it" She said. Strangely her number was already in my mum's phone and I sent it to her.
"Quite freaky we look like an actual young couple family" she chuckled.
"We do don't we" I chuckled nervously, trying to cover up how what she said was exactly what I was thinking. I then went to go grab the presents I got from my family and it consisted of all gifts which I shall treasure. I mostly got clothes, gift cards, photo frames and a new pair of converse sneakers from my sister. My family was really pleased with the presents I got them which I was honoured to get for them. I remembered there was one final person I had to give a present to.

"Rose, since you're the last person. I wanted to give your present in private" I said. Rose looked at me shyly as she was quite confused.
"Yeah, sure. Where?" she asked.
"Come outside, near the bungalow. There's a bonfire" I said as I led her to come with me. She grabbed a chunky scarf and wrapped it around her. It was quite pitch black but from the lights in the home and the distant bonfire, it was enough to guide our way.
"Why here though?" she asked as she tugged on my jacket.
"Incase my sister gets jealous" I chuckled. We both sat on the cushions supplied and I pulled out of my jacket a gift bag. Rose looked at me with excitement and bit her lip and smiled.

"You didn't have to.."
"I wanted to Rose" I said.
"Thank you Harold" she whispered. She opened the gift bag and another gift bag was in it, and it was a bright, baby, turquoise colour with the word Tiffany & Co. Imprinted across the bag.
"No...you shouldn't have..." she mumbled with excitement. She opened the bag delicately and out was a little box with the same design as the bag. She opened it and inside was an infinity bracelet that she's wanted for a long time. She used to tell me how her grandfather and her used to do cute infinity pacts when they promise something together. It was also something we would do when we say something really serious. She had a small amount of water in her eyes as she cracked her gorgeous smile.
"Harry, I love it. I love you. Thank you!" she grinned as she leaped for a big bear hug. I hugged her tightly back, as I felt the butterflies escaping out of my stomach. She sat back in the position and tried to put the bracelet on.
"Here, I'll do it." I said as I opened the hook and clipped it on her right arm right before our friendship bracelet. It fit her perfectly and it suit her perfectly.
"Thank you, again. It's the best present ever, thank you thank you" she repeated, as she looked entirely grateful.
"You deserve it, and thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for" I said sweetly.

She smiled as we stared each other in the eye again. It was just us, at the bonfire, completely alone on Christmas day, with no-one near us. It was peaceful, it was soothing and I couldn't stop staring at how beautiful her brown eyes her. I never noticed how lovely they were until now. I could instantly feel that moment coming again, the one from last night. But this time, it was more intense. It was more as though, I wanted it to happen and it was wrong. As I pulled in a little closer, I felt my heart beating really fast. Was it right? Is this wrong? Do I go for it?

Beep Beep.

Rosalie's phone went off, which killed the moment. I sat there chuckling and scratched my head as I shifted into my seat uncomfortably. Rosalie did an apologetic smile and scanned her phone and I could see her face dropped immediately.
"Its.. Amy. She's waiting outside, I gotta go home now." She whimpered.
"What? Now?" I asked.
"Yeah, her day didn't go exactly well so she wants to go home early" she said, she looked really gutted.
"Oh. Ok. Whoa, um. Let's go back in and you can get your stuff" I said. She did a half smile and stood up, brushing the dirt off her pants. We walked back to the house in silence, but there was not any awkward vibe between us. As we walked in, the house was still surrounded in the living room with the presents. Rosalie stepped in holding her gift bag and a plate of food my mum insisted for her to take home.

"I'm so sorry, I have to go home now. My cousin's waiting for me, but I'd just like to say thank you for the delicious meal and thank you for everything. I had such a good time" she said sweetly. My mum stood up and gave her a massive hug and a kiss on the cheek as the cousins went up to greet her good-bye. Even baby Lucy was holding onto her jeans, not wanting for her to go. Rose smiled and bent down, giving Lucy a little peck on the forehead. Gemma ran and gave her a massive hug, because they won't be seeing each other much due to Gemma going back to college and things.

"I'll see you soon Rose?" Gemma asked.
"Definitely, of course" she grinned. She waved them all and expressed more of her thank-you's. I walked Rose to the door, still quite disappointed she had to go. She went to grab her cardigan she left on the hanger and wrapped it around her lower arm. She looked at me and smiled.
"Thank you for today, I had so much fun"
"I'd say the same."
"I'm sorry I have to go, I'd wish I can stay"
"You can't even stay for the traditional fast food meal?"
"I promise, another time. Thank you for the present, I adore it. I'll keep it on my wrist FOREVER" she giggled as she touched the bracelet I gave her.
"I'll see you soon, after this it's all tour rehearsals for me now."
"I know! Have fun with that, I'm sure I can catch up with you soon." She said.
"Definitely. Anyway, I think I can hear Amy. You gotta go now" I opened the door and Amy's black mini cooper was waiting at the front of my house. The headlights were still on and signalled me to get Rose home.

"Bye Rose. Merry Christmas!" I said as I gave her a massive hug.
"Bye Harry! Thank you again, and Merry Christmas" She said, she smiled as I gave her the usual kiss on the cheek. She gave me the thumbs up and jogged to the car. "BYE HAROLD! I'LL SEE YOU SOON. LOVE YOU" She shouted as she ran slowly. I stared at her as she continued waving at me and chuckling, though at the same time shivering from the cold weather. She couldn't stop smiling as she opened the door and entered into the car. I remembered all the moments that happened today and it was so good that she was here today. It was always easy to act around her, it wasn't as though I had to act more cooler and my family didn't have to act around her. It was so nice to be around someone who is of an opposite gender of me as well. I watched as the car sped off immediately down my street as I stared at the direction she was going home. I smiled as I stared at the bracelet she got me.

"I love you too" I whispered silently to myself.

Authors Note: Very long, I know! I wanted to really elaborate on their close friendship and not rush things too much. Any advice to improve? Reviews are coming in amazingly so thank you so much! Keep updated x