Harry: 31
Camryn: 30
Darcy: 14
Lennon: 11
Auggie: 10
Bowie: 9
Morgan: 8
Calum: 7
Bindi: 4
February 13
"Are you going with Blake tomorrow night?"Darcy asks as her and Hailey walk down the school hall, textbooks in their arms as their arms brush against each other, preferring to bump into each other than any of the other kids in the hall.
"Yeah, we're going to dinner I think,"Hailey confirms, squeaking and stepping nearer to Darcy as two kids chase each other down the hall, almost bumping into her. "We can hang out after if you want."
"No, it's okay, just have fun with Blake, it's Valentine's Day, you should spend it with your boyfriend,"Darcy shakes her head, reaching up to tuck a strand of her curly brown hair behind her ear. "But I get you all weekend, okay?"
"Yes ma'am,"Hailey agrees with a little giggle, bumping her shoulder into Darcy's playfully as she pretends to salute in Darcy's direction. "Do you have any plans? Have you talked to Ryan more?"Hailey questions, looking over at Darcy slyly as she wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, making Darcy break out into a blushed giggle.
"No, stop, you're talking so loud,"Darcy shyly giggles, motioning with her hand for Hailey to quiet down. "We're just friends."
"Uh huh,"Hailey rolls her eyes, raising a blonde eyebrow at Darcy. "Just friends that flirt all the time during English."
"Do not,"Darcy pouts dramatically, narrowing her eyes at Hailey who giggles and nods.
"Yes you do,"Hailey insists, motioning her head towards the door that they're approaching. "Keep it up so that I won't feel so bad for leaving you on Valentine's."
"Shut up,"Darcy groans, rolling her eyes in Hailey's direction before she reaches her hand out to grab for the door handle of their English class.
"Wait, D,"Hailey catches Darcy by the arm, stopping her in her tracks as she turns Darcy around to face her again.
"Yeah?"Darcy asks a bit confusedly with her brows pinched together as Hailey lets go of her wrist and instead raises her hand up towards Darcy's head.
She grabs one of Darcy's brown curls that was falling in front of her face and masking her left green eye, tucking it behind her ear so that her eyes could show through with a proud smile to herself, "beautiful, now go flirt."
*
"Hey,"Ryan greets as he walks into the classroom, his English textbook in his arms along with his spiral and pencil case, all hugged against his chest as he walks towards Darcy.
"Hey,"Darcy greets with a smile, mentally checking herself to make sure that it's not too big of a smile as she nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear that fell when she was writing down her homework in her agenda booklet. "You did really good last night."
"Yeah? Thanks,"Ryan grins, sitting at his desk in front of Darcy before turning sideways in his seat so that he can continue to talk to her, one arm resting on the back of his chair, almost touching Darcy's desk. "And thanks for coming."
"Sure, it was fun,"Darcy grins with a little nod, keeping her pencil in her hand so that she won't subconsciously nervously fiddle with her fingers. "My brother loved it."
"Oh you brought him?"Ryan asks with a kind smile, his dark brown eyes looking over at Darcy whose pencil is tapping up and down on her spiral notebook nervously, but she's yet to comprehend that yet.
"Yeah, I did, he plays football too so I thought he'd like it,"Darcy explains, feeling Hailey, who sits in the row on Darcy's left in the desk right across from Darcy, looking at her out of the corner of her eye to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Well I'm glad we won then, since you were both there,"Ryan chuckles quietly, cracking a smile that makes Darcy's heart flutter.
"Yeah, it was great,"Darcy responds with a little nod, watching as Ryan smiles politely before beginning to turn back around in his seat to focus his attention forward where the teacher is standing at a podium, waiting for the bell to ring. But, before he can turn around completely, something seems to stop him and he turns back around in his seat to look at Darcy who was mentally beating herself up for not carrying on the conversation longer.
"Are you doing anything tomorrow night?"Ryan asks, watching as Darcy's big green eyes widen just slightly, her breath hitching in her throat as her pencil stops tapping. "I was going to hang out with my friend Michael, but I'd much rather hang out with you instead."
"Um, no, no I'm not doing anything,"Darcy smiles, nodding her head as she watches a smile cross Ryan's lips, seeing out of her peripheral vision as Hailey freezes and smirks, looking down at her spiral to pretend to not be listening. "I'd love to hang out."
"Cool,"Ryan agrees with a bit of relief cross his features, tapping Darcy's desk slightly before beginning to turn back around, "I'll text you."
Darcy quietly nods and looks to her side to catch eye contact with Hailey who was already looking at her and beginning to mouth oh my gosh with her jaw dropped, giving her best friend a thumbs up as Darcy silently covers her own dropped jaw with her palm, shaking her head in disbelief at Hailey.
***
"Mummy, I dropped my cookie,"Bindi whines, her lips pouted as she reaches down towards the floor with her little hand, her hazel hair pulled up into two high pigtails.
"Oh no, how will you ever survive Bindi Belle?"Camryn dramatically gasps, chuckling quietly to herself at Bindi's concern for her cookie.
"I dunno,"Bindi sighs dramatically, sitting up straight as she gives up on trying to retrieve her cookie on the floor and instead resting back against her carseat.
"When your brothers get into the car they can pick it up for you, okay?"Camryn suggests, peeking back through the rear view mirror at her little girl who has a dramatic pout settled on her pink lips.
Bindi nods and settles her hands on her little tummy, interlocking her tiny fingers as she turns her head to look out the window longingly. She waits a minute before finally piping up, using her voice again that she doesn't seem to know how to not use. "Mummy?"
"Yeah babe?"Camryn indulges with a little smirk, looking over her shoulder as she switches lanes to get closer to the freeway exit that the boys' school is.
"I wanted the cookie,"Bindi sighs with a longing look towards her dropped cookie on the floor that's so close and yet so far.
"I know you did,"Camryn laughs, shaking her head at her little girl who never ceases to crack her up. As much as she hates having the older kids away at school all day, she does really enjoy getting to have Bindi all to herself and getting to hear all of Bindi's funny little remarks. "Luckily it's still there."
"I wanted it now, dough,"Bindi whimpers with her little lisp, resting the side of her face down on her palm as she props her elbow up on the arm of her carseat.
"I know, you'll get it really soon, though,"Camryn promises with a smile, peeking back at Bindi who is swiping her bangs back from her forehead as she pouts and keeps her eyes focused on her cookie.
"Mummy, it's CalCal's school!"Bindi gasps excitedly, her little legs kicking in anticipation as she looks out the window at the school that they're hastily approaching, her cookie now forgotten due to the excitement of getting to see her older brother, who also happens to be her best friend, that she hasn't seen in seven hours. And seven hours is a lot for a little four year old, especially when that four year old is a very impatient Bindi.
"It is CalCal's school!"Camryn giggles at Bindi's reaction, nodding her head as she pulls up behind the line of cars in the pick up line outside of the school. "Are you so excited to see him?"
"Yeah, I'm excited,"Bindi confirms with an anxious grin, interlocking her hands together as she rests her chin on top of them, watching all of the kids walk out of the school, desperately trying to find her curly headed brother in all of those kids.
"Oh Beenie, do you see who I see?"Camryn asks in a singsong voice as she sits sideways in her seat, resting her arm against the steering wheel, watching all of her middle children walk through the gates of the school in a line, all immersed in a conversation with each other that seems to be very riveting and headed by Bowie.
"CalCal!"Bindi exclaims, seeming to disregard all of her other siblings as they walk towards the black car that they know their mum and little sister is in waiting for them.
"That is CalCal!"Camryn bubbles, waving towards her hand towards the window even though she knows it's no use since the windows are tinted. "And all of your other brothers, are you not excited to see them too?"
"No,"Bindi honestly answers. She has no filter and she's a terrible liar which are two of Harry and Camryn's favorite things about her because she's just so helplessly blunt. It can be brutal sometimes, never ask Bindi if she likes what you're wearing, Darcy learned that the hard way.
"Well I'm excited to see them all,"Camryn laughs, watching as Morgan skips along the sidewalk, shoulder checking Lennon out of the way to get to the passenger side back door first as she swings it open with a huge smile, her back hair of course pulled into two long pigtails.
"Hi mum!"Morgan greets, shoving her backpack off of her shoulders and throwing it into the trunk.
"Hi baby girl, how're you doing? How was school?"Camryn inquires as she watches the boys pile in after Morgan, all following her lead and throwing their backpacks into the trunk to allow them more space to sit.
"It was good!"Morgan responds bubbly, climbing over the backseats as Bowie climbs in behind her.
"CaCal!"Bindi exclaims with a little squeal, kicking her legs happily as she holds out her arms for her big brother. It's always the best part of Bindi's day when she gets to be reunited with her siblings. Don't get her wrong, she loves getting to spend one on one time with her mum, and she gets a lot of one on one time with Harry as well now that he's slowed down a bit with music, but she does get a bit bored without her siblings.
"Hi Beenie,"Calum greets with a huge toothy grin, his front tooth missing as his blonde curls fall into his eyes as he crawls over the seats and holds his arms out wide for Bindi, giving her a big hug.
"CalCal, mummy and I bought new ice cream!"Bindi bubbles as Auggie and Lennon pile into the car as well, Auggie climbing into the back row to be with Bowie and Morgan while Lennon stays in the middle row with Calum and Bindi.
"Beenie, that was supposed to be a surprise, remember,"Camryn laughs, shaking her head as she peeks in the rearview mirror to look at all of the kids. "Are we all buckled up?"
She gets little ringing endorsements of "yes"s before she puts the car in drive and pulls away from the curb, driving towards Darcy's school that's just about to get out as well.
"Oh, sorry,"Bindi sheepishly grins, tipping her chin down to her chest before smirking and glancing over towards Calum, dropping her voice to a whisper, which really isn't a whisper at all since Bindi only has two volumes: loud and very loud. "We got ice cream."
"I know,"Calum giggles, nodding his head and watching as Bindi widens her eyes and puts her pointer finger to her lips as if she didn't already get caught telling the secret.
"How was school, babes?"Camryn inquires, switching lanes as she looks in the rearview mirror at all of the kids who all look wiped out after their day at school.
"I g-g-g-got t-t-the h-h-highest g-grade in t-the class on m-my m-m-math e-exam,"Auggie proudly announces, leaning his head tiredly against his palm, his elbow propped up on the windowsill as he smiles softly.
"Well that doesn't surprise me at all! Good job, buddy!"Camryn smiles, holding her hand up backwards towards Auggie to do a little air high five with him.
"I didn't do good on my exam, mummy,"Bowie sadly whispers, looking down at his lap sheepishly as a little frown appears on Camryn's lips.
"That's okay, bubby, that's okay. We'll do better on the next one, huh? I know you and daddy studied lots for that exam and I'm really proud of you,"Camryn quickly replies, catching Bowie's eye and giving him an encouraging smile as he grins and nods.
*
"Hey baby girl,"Camryn greets as soon as Darcy opens up the passenger side door, climbing in after she throws her backpack down on the floor, a huge smile across her face.
"Hi mum,"Darcy greets, sitting down in the passenger seat and leaning over to close the door, her legs bouncing a mile a minute.
"How're you? Did something happen?"Camryn asks with a hint of concern in her voice as she looks at her oldest little girl lovingly.
"You know Ryan?"Darcy piques, turning to the side in her seat as she grins widely at her mum who also happens to be one of her best friends.
"I do,"Camryn hums with a smirk, glancing over at Darcy as she continues to drive down the road towards the house. "You went to his football game last night, right?"
"Yeah,"Darcy confirms, reaching over to grab Camryn's forearm that's resting on the arm of the seat, one handedly driving the car. "He asked me to hang out tomorrow night."
"He asked you to hang out tomorrow night,"Camryn gasps, her jaw dropping a bit as her head shoots over to look at Darcy, forgetting that she's driving for a second. "As in Valentine's Day?"
"Yes,"Darcy squeaks, nodding her head rapidly as she squeezes Camryn's forearm. "Tomorrow! He said he'll text me!"
"Oh my gosh, baby girl, you've got yourself a date,"Camryn beams with a little happy pout, her heart sinking and soaring at the thought. "My baby's going on a date."
"Here come the tears,"Lennon teasingly sighs as he rests his head back against the headrest.
*
"C'mere, c'mere,"Darcy smiles widely, making grabby hands towards Bindi who's quickly trying to unbuckle her carseat.
"I comin',"Bindi lisps, her little chin tucked down to her chest as her tiny fingernails that are painted pink but now chipped from the weekly spa day Darcy throws for her, working on the buckles that just won't seem to come undone.
"I'll get it,"Darcy giggles, reaching into the car towards Bindi's seat buckles as she expertly unbuckles Bindi and reaches for her as Bindi wraps her little arms around Darcy's neck.
"Hi baby,"Darcy greets, cupping the back of Bindi's head with her hand and bringing it towards her neck as she sways her hips soothingly, Bindi's little feet hitting against Darcy's kneecaps. She's not a little baby anymore as Darcy still desperately wishes she was, but she is still her little sister that she prayed for for years and maybe Bindi's four year old self understands that, and maybe, just maybe, that's why Bindi still lets Darcy treat her like she's a little baby. Maybe she understands that much like with her parents, she'll always be Darcy's little baby. "I missed you while I was at school!"
"I missed you too!"Bindi smiles, her cheek smushed against Darcy's shoulder as Darcy reaches one hand out to shut the car door before rubbing that hand up and down Bindi's back as she walks towards the house with Bindi still hugging her tightly.
"I love you,"Darcy hums, turning her cheek to press a kiss to the back of Bindi's head.
"I love you too!"Bindi exclaims, raising her head from Darcy's shoulder as she rests her forehead against Darcy's.
"Oh you do?"Darcy indulges, wiggling her eyebrows as she nuzzles the tip of her nose against Bindi's as Bindi's bangs start to tickle her eyelids.
"Uh huh,"Bindi agrees as they walk through the front doorway of the Styles' house and into the chaos that will always ensue when you have seven kids in a house.
"Good,"Darcy grins, leaning her lips forward to press a little kiss against Bindi's lips. "But I love you more."
"Beenie, I got my ice cream,"Calum says in a singsong voice, running through the kitchen and to the doorway to hold up his bowl of secret ice cream towards Bindi who's still in Darcy's arms as they mosey down the hall.
"Ice cream,"Bindi exclaims, wiggling out of Darcy's arms as Darcy sets her on the floor to allow her to run towards Calum who guides her into the kitchen to their mum who's scooping ice cream into bowls for each of the kids.
"Two hands, two hands,"Camryn calls as Bowie and Morgan run through the kitchen with their bowls in their hands, the ice cream slipping and sliding in the bowl just seconds away from falling on the floor.
*
"Fourteen,"Harry cries out dramatically, flopping his forehead down on Camryn's damp shoulder as they stand in the shower together.
"Sweetheart, it's one date,"Camryn giggles, trailing her fingers up and down Harry's spine as he whimpers pitifully.
"One date that leads to two and then three and then they're dating,"Harry exclaims, getting more and more animated as he continues on, his hands flinging out to both sides of his body, "and then they start kissing and then BOOM before you know it she's pregnant!"
"Baby, it's one date at a public restaurant, I'm pretty sure there won't be any babies made,"Camryn laughs, motioning with her hands for Harry to calm down, knowing that his voice is probably echoing and that all of the kids are asleep.
"They can find a way,"Harry whimpers, running his palms down his face as he hangs his head in complete helplessness. "We found a way!"
"Harry, we didn't have sex until we were fifteen,"Camryn tries to point out, reaching up for Harry's wrists as he continues to cover his face with his palms, "we were too scared to. Heaven knows she's probably too scared too."
"She'll be fifteen in two months! My baby girl..."Harry agonizes, pouting at Camryn as she continues to rub her thumbs lovingly against his wrist, "I'm gonna be sick."
"In the toilet, not the shower,"Camryn teases, grabbing for Harry's shoulders and turning him around towards the glass doors of the shower, pretending to push him towards the door, "out out."
"I was never that mean to you when you had morning sickness and puked in the shower,"Harry grumbles, turning around with a dramatic pout as Camryn giggles and reaches her arms up towards him, going on her tippy toes to allow her to wrap her arms around his neck.
"She's going to be fine, baby, she'll be gone for like two hours,"Camryn promises, feeling Harry rest his chin down on top of her shoulder as he wraps his arms around her middle, their damp and naked bodies pressing against each other as her fingers travel to his curls, combing through them. "It's just two hours."
"We made her in like 4 minutes,"Harry whimpers with a little exhale of breath, hugging his arms tighter around Camryn's middle.
"She will not make a baby, I promise you,"Camryn giggles, turning her head to press a kiss to the back of Harry's head, "we've already had all of the talks with her. She grew up with teen parents, she knows first hand how hard it is. She's a lot smarter than we were. Besides, she's so into midwifery that she'd never let anything get between her and her studies."
"Kids make stupid decisions,"Harry whimpers turning his face to bury into Camryn's neck as she feels his lips pout against her skin. "We got pregnant on accident four times. Got pregnant on accident in this very shower."
"And we were only kids for one of those accident babies,"Camryn points out with a little grin, continuing to massage her fingers against Harry's scalp as the warm water runs down her back.
"Two,"Harry shakes his head, his voice a bit muffled against Camryn's neck as his lips vibrate against her skin as he speaks, "we were nineteen when we got pregnant with Auggie, that's still a teenager."
"Okay, fine we were just kids for two of those,"Camryn sighs with a little giggle, shaking her head slightly at Harry before kissing his damp temple. "Point being, we were very stupid, and I don't think any of our children will be that stupid...well okay maybe Bowie cuz he doesn't think about things at all, but I think we're fine. We made good kids, baby."
"Good kids can still do stupid things,"Harry points out, traveling his hands down lower as they rub against the bottom of Camryn's back, right above her bare butt cheeks.
"And we have to let them,"Camryn whispers, nuzzling her lips against Harry's prickly cheek, keeping her lips there as she presses the gentlest kisses there, "that's the sucky thing about parenting, sometimes you just have to let them make stupid decisions. Sometimes all you can do is hope that they listen to the things you've told them."
"We need to have another sex talk with her,"Harry grumbles with a dramatic pout, pulling his head away from Camryn's neck as he rests his forehead against hers, his hands moving to rest on his hips.
"No we don't,"Camryn grins, linking her arms around Harry's neck as she leans in slightly to press a kiss to his lips, "we've already had multiple with her. She'll be fine."
"Now I know why mum reacted the way she reacted when we told her we were pregnant with D,"Harry whispers with a sigh, their bodies swaying subconsciously in the shower water, "actually she reacted much better than I would now, so good for her."
"She's a good mum,"Camryn agrees with a big grin, combing her finger through the curls at the nape of Harry's neck. "A very good one."
"I'm going to drive her tomorrow,"Harry volunteers, squeezing Camryn's hips in his hands. "I need to monitor everything."
"Oh gosh, I'll warn DD,"Camryn teases, pressing a soft kiss to Harry's lip as one of her hands travels down to rest against Harry's damp chest. "You're the best dad, did you know that?"
***
February 14
He was just reading his book and sucking on a lollipop with his back against the outside wall of the school library when he saw it all happen. He heard Morgan's voice calling Lennon's name, so naturally he looked up from his book curiously.
He found Morgan jogging towards Lennon across the black top from where he was walking towards the football fields towards the game that had already started. Her long black pigtails were flying behind her as Lennon looked behind his shoulder and immediately halted at the sound of Morgan's voice.
"Hey MoMo,"Auggie heard Lennon say, a soccer ball under his arm, resting against his hip with his other hand in his pocket.
"Hi,"Morgan replied, her little fingers fidgeting with the paper card in her hand as she nervously bites on her bottom lip. "I made you this." She nervously held out the card towards Lennon, watching as his eyes darted down to the purple paper in her hand.
"Oh, thanks,"Lennon politely grinned, taking the card from Morgan, Auggie noticing how his cheeks blushed slightly as he looked at the card and then at the little girl he's known since he was five years old. "Did you make it?"
"Yeah, in class,"Morgan replied shyly with a proud grin, dropping her cheek to her shoulder as she interlocked her hands. "I colored it myself too."
"That's awesome, thanks Mo,"Lennon smiles, opening up the card and reading it silently, his cheeks burning an even brighter color of red.
"Can I have a kiss?"Morgan asks cheekily, turning her cheek to the side to offer it to Lennon, leaning her head towards him slightly.
Lennon quickly looks around to make sure none of his friends are watching before he leans down to press a quick kiss against Morgan's cheek, earning a delighted giggle from her.
*
"Who's that from?"Cade smirks slyly, eyeing a little card in Lennon's hand as they walk through the halls on a mission from their teacher to drop a few packets by another teacher's room.
"No one,"Lennon replies quickly, shaking his head as he tries to hide the card a bit by his side, reaching his hand up to comb his fingers through his brown curls.
"Elizabeth?"Cade asks with raised eyebrows, gliding the tips of his fingers against the painted walls as they take the long way towards their classroom.
"No,"Lennon honestly answers, shaking his head as he shoves the card in his pocket, putting his hands in after. "It's not from Elizabeth, I don't like her anymore."
"Well then who's it from?"Cade inquires looking over at his best friend who's now blushing slightly as the conversation continues. "C'mon Len..."
"It's no one,"Lennon insists, shaking his head more fervently before looking over at his best friend. "Really, just drop it."
"C'mon, lemme see,"Cade teases, reaching around Lennon's waist as he slightly jumps on his back, making both of the boys giggle and try to fight each other off.
"Cade, stop,"Lennon laughs, trying to pry Cade's fingers away from his pocket where they're trying to pry at the little paper card that's peeking out from his pocket.
"Aha!"Cade exclaims triumphantly as he grabs the card, having to immediately bend over as Lennon tries to jump on his back to rip the card free again.
"To Lennon from...Morgan...MORGAN? She's like five!"Cade exclaims, his eyes widening at the name as he immediately looks behind his shoulder at his best friend who has one arm around his neck to keep him steady on Cade's back, his other hand still trying to reach towards the card with a determined look on his face and his teeth biting down on his bottom lip.
"She's not five, she's eight,"Lennon responds with a little grumble, a squeak leaving his mouth as he reaches towards the card again. "Give it to me!"
"Still!"Cade exclaims with a laugh, shaking his head as he holds the card further away from Lennon to keep him from getting to it, opening it up so that he can read the inside. "Dear Lennie, thanks for always being nice to me. I like when we jump on the trampoline together...she spelled that wrong...Will you be my Valentine?"
"Stop,"Lennon frowns, finally ripping the card away from Cade and stuffing it into his pocket. "You're so annoying."
"Do you like her?"Cade asks in a questioning tone with an evil smirk that make Lennon roll his eyes.
"No, she's eight,"Lennon insists, although he can't deny how his cheeks blush.
"You do like her!"Cade exclaims with a little laugh, slinging his arm around Lennon's shoulders. "She's your Valentineeeee..."
"Shut up,"Lennon grumbles, cracking a little smile because he can't help himself. "I don't like Morgan."
"You totally like Morgan,"Cade insists as he walks down the hall with his arm still slung around Lennon's shoulders, glancing over at his friend who's definitely smiling slightly. "You should kiss her." Cade puckers his lips together and makes teasing kissing noises as he leans closer to Lennon, successfully annoying his best friend to no end.
"I'm not going to kiss her,"Lennon laughs, shaking his head as he shies away from Cade's arm. "You're so annoying."
*
"Can I have a lick?"Bowie asks, laying back against the grass right next to Morgan, their arms brushing against each other as he sucks on his own hear shaped lollipop that they got in their class.
"No,"Morgan teases, turning her head against the grass to smirk at Bowie as she keeps her pink lemonade lollipop in her mouth, shying away from Bowie.
"Hey,"Bowie grumbles with a fake pout, reaching his hand out towards the white stick that's poking between Morgan's red lips that are becoming sticky.
"Bow, no,"Morgan giggles, swatting away Bowie's grabbing hands. "It's mine!"
"I want some, though,"Bowie pouts jokingly, flipping onto his stomach as he leans over Morgan slightly, still laying next to her as he plucks his red lollipop from out of his mouth, holding it towards Morgan's lips. "You can have a lick of mine."
"Fine..."Morgan sighs dramatically, rolling her eyes as she plucks her lollipop from her lips, offering it towards Bowie as he offers his towards her.
"Yours is good,"Bowie says through a muffled voice, Morgan's lollipop still between his lips.
"Yours too,"Morgan says through pursed lips, her brown eyes lit up as she continues to suck on Bowie's cherry lollipop.
"Switch?"Bowie asks, bringing his fingers up to the stick that's hanging out between his lips.
"Switch,"Morgan confirms with a nod, holding Bowie's lollipop out towards him as they switch lollipops. "I gave Lennie a kiss."
"Why?"Bowie asks with his brown eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he looks at his best friend.
"Cuz I love him,"Morgan simply replies with a little nonchalant shoulder shrug, grinning up at Bowie wildly as he continues to suck on his lollipop, his little brain trying to mull together all of the information he's currently receiving.
"You love Lennie?"Bowie asks with a confused voice, his eye brows pinched together as he looks down at his little best friend, the grass beginning to imprint on his elbows as he continues to lay on it.
"Yeah, I do,"Morgan confidently responds, tapping her little fingers against her stomach that's pointed up towards the sky, "I'm gonna marry him."
***
"Where're my girls?"Harry calls with a big smile, walking through the front door while the kids are still at school with a big winter coat on as well as four bundles of flowers, two in each arm.
"Oh who's that, Belle?"Camryn smiles widely, watching as Bindi's head pops up from the game of Polly Pockets her and Camryn were playing.
"Daddy!"Bindi screeches, jumping up from the rug on the floor in the living room and darting out of the room and running down the hall to find Harry who's currently bent over and untying his shoes.
"Daddy! Daddy!"Bindi exclaims again, holding her arms up towards him with a big gap toothed smile, her pigtails bouncing up and down as Harry smiles widely and sets the four bouquets down against the little desk in the hallway.
"C'mere, c'mere, there's my Valentine,"Harry hums, making grabby hands towards Bindi before picking her up by her armpits and hugging her tightly to his chest.
"Hi sweet girl,"Harry murmurs as Bindi wraps her arms around his neck, her face going into his neck as he lowers his head to press kisses to her little temple. "I missed you! How's your day been?"
"Daddy, mummy and I made cupcakes!"Bindi exclaims, pulling her face away from Harry's neck so that they can look at each other, her big brown eyes going wide as Harry drops his jaw dramatically at Bindi.
"You made cupcakes! What kind?"Harry inquires, slightly swaying his hips side to side as Bindi continues to dance her fingertips gently against his prickly cheeks.
"Ummm, strawberry!"Bindi finally remembers with a huge smile, leaning her nose in to bop against Harry's. "And dey're pink!"
"And they're pink?"Harry gasps, watching as Bindi giggles proudly, nodding her head. "Pink is one of my favorite colors!"
"Mine too, daddy,"Bindi grins just as Harry catches a figure moving over the side of her shoulder.
"There's my other Valentine,"Harry smirks, moving Bindi to rest on his hip as he holds out his other arm, beckoning Camryn in.
"Hi handsome,"Camryn grins, walking into Harry's outstretched arm and wrapping her arms around his middle, snuggling her cheek in against his chest.
"Hi buggy,"Harry whispers, leaning his head down to press a kiss to the top of her head before she pulls her cheek away from his chest, puckering her lips to beckon him in for a kiss against her lips as well. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Happy Valentine's Day to you too,"Camryn murmurs against his lips with a little grin, pressing another kiss there. Of course they already wished each other a happy Valentine's Day when they woke up in the morning, but they like to remind each other of it whenever they get the chance.
"Daddy are those for me?"Bindi asks, looking over Harry's shoulder at the bouquets of flowers sitting on the table, her little finger pointing towards them.
"You little sneak, they may be,"Harry chuckles, shaking his head as he presses a kiss to Bindi's cheek.
He leans towards the table and grabs the one red bouquet of flowers, holding it out towards Camryn as she grins and takes them from Harry. "Here you go, Buggy."
Camryn takes the bouquet and brings it to her nose, taking a quick sniff before looking at the little card attached to the stem of the flowers To my original and forever Valentine.
"Oh, thank you, baby,"Camryn pouts happily, wrapping her arms around Harry's middle again and tipping her chin upwards to give him a kiss. "You're so sweet."
"And for my newest Valentine,"Harry hums with a smile, reaching for one of the three other pink bouquets of roses and holding it towards Bindi. "Here you go, Belle Belle, I love you."
"For me?!"Bindi gasps with a big smile, holding the bouquet of flowers that's just about as big as she is tightly to her chest as she tips her head down to take a sniff of the flowers, copying what her mum did. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome,"Harry chuckles, nuzzling a kiss against Bindi's cheek. "I love you, sweet girl."
"Who're those for?"Bindi curiously asks, pointing towards the two other bouquets of pink flowers that match hers.
"Those are for DD and Morgy,"Harry replies with a little smile, pressing another kiss to Bindi's temple because she just looks so cute with her big bouquet of flowers in her hands. "Should daddy take you on a date so that mummy can get ready for her and I's date later tonight?"
"Oooo that sounds so fun,"Camryn beams, reaching her hand up to tickle her fingers against Bindi's tummy. "Are you going to go on a date with daddy?"
"Yeah,"Bindi squeals and nods happily, leaning her cheek against Harry's shoulder as he leans his cheek down to rest against the top of her head. "Mummy, I need a fancy dress."
"Oh you need a fancy dress, huh? I think that could be arranged, let's go get you all fancy, huh?"Camryn smiles, holding her arms out for Bindi as Harry hands her to Camryn, "you should get dressed up too, mister, apparently you're going on a fancy date."
"I was planning on just going to the park and the cafe, but apparently I need to get some better plans arranged,"Harry chuckles, shaking his head as he follows Bindi and Camryn up the stairs.
*
"Sit still you silly girl,"Camryn grins, sitting in front of Bindi on the floor as she holds a red bow clip between her teeth, trying to gather a strand of Bindi's hazel hair so that she can clip it back.
"I sitting still,"Bindi fights with a little pout, still holding her flowers on top of her lap, the pink roses matching almost exactly with the color of her dress.
"Mmm, no you're not,"Camryn giggles, finally getting Bindi's hair to lay straight as she clips that section back with a proud grin. "There we are! Look at you, you look so beautiful!"
"I gotta show daddy, mummy,"Bindi bubbles, bending over to get up from the floor as she continues to hold her bouquet of flowers in her hands, tightly hugging them to her chest.
"Yeah, let's go show daddy how cute you look,"Camryn bubbles, holding her hand out for Bindi as she watches Bindi's little brown boots clunk against the floor, her feet barely picking up as she walks to her own little beat.
"Daddy, are you ready to see Bindi?"Camryn calls out as they enter into the hallway.
"I'm ready!"Harry calls from downstairs, waiting at the bottom of the stairs as he holds onto the banister pole, one leg crossed over the other as he grins in anticipation.
Bindi breaks free of Camryn's hand and holds her bouquet up towards Camryn to free up her hands before running down the hall with her boots clunking every step of the way, making it to the top of the stairs with a big toothy grin on her face as she looks at her dad who's looking up at her with the biggest smile, a gasp escaping his throat.
"Oh Belle Belle...you look gorgeous, beautiful girl! C'mere, let me see you!"Harry beams, holding his arms out for Bindi as she holds onto the railing of the stairs to help her down, her dress bouncing up and down with every little jumped step.
"Hi daddy,"Bindi smiles as she arrives on the second to last stair, Harry's arms held out for her as he grabs her little waist, picking her up and bringing her to his chest.
"Hi baby,"Harry whispers, pressing his forehead against Bindi's where her bangs are laying straight down. "You look so beautiful. I love your dress."
"Daddy, it's pink,"Bindi bubbles, tipping her chin down to her chest to point at her new dress that Camryn bought her a few weeks ago specifically to wear on Valentine's Day. "And it has red dots!"
"It is pink with red dots!"Harry agrees with a big smile, resting his temple against hers as his hips sway slightly, both of them looking down at her little dress to admire it. "You look so stunning. This dress is so pretty on you."
"What do you say Belle Belle?"Camryn leads on, standing on the bottom step as she leans her hip against it with her arms crossed against her chest, a smile plastered on her face from watching Bindi and Harry interact.
"You look handsome, daddy,"Bindi recites with a big smile as Harry giggles and rests his forehead against hers, nuzzling the tips of their noses together.
"Thank you, sweet girl! I'm so excited to go on our date,"Harry bubbles, feeling Bindi's little fingers traveling up to tap against his cheeks yet again as they almost always do.
"You do look very handsome,"Camryn hums, grabbing at one of the flaps of Harry's pink suit coat and using it to beckon him closer to her, her hands working to straighten the straps before going to his hair to brush a curl away from his forehead. "Our date is going to be fun."
"Oh is it?"Harry grins devilishly, raising his eyebrows at Camryn before he puckers his lips just in time for Camryn to press a kiss against them.
"Get ready,"Camryn smiles, patting her palm against Harry's chest as she pulls away from him, "it's gonna be this morning all over again."
*
"C'mere, pretty girl,"Harry grins, reaching in for Bindi after he unbuckled her carseat, pulling her up and out and placing her on his hip. "Are you ready for our date?"
"I'm ready, daddy,"Bindi confirms with a head nod as she wraps her arms tighter around Harry's neck. "Are we gettin' cake?"
"We are getting cake,"Harry confirms with a little nod, pressing a kiss to Bindi's cheek. "But I think I'll just order cake for me since you don't like cake."
"I like cake!"Bindi exclaims, looking at Harry with a mortified look as she doesn't understand sarcasm quite yet.
"Oh well then I guess you can have a little piece of mine,"Harry allows with a teasing grin, rubbing his nose against her soft cheek as he opens the door to the small cafe a few streets away from their house.
"Where should we sit, Belle?"Harry asks, his lips brushing against her lips as he lets her look all around the tiny cafe, most of the tables and seats unoccupied.
"There,"Bindi picks, pointing towards a little booth in the corner of the cafe as Harry nods and walks them towards the booth, setting Bindi down on one side as he sits on the other.
"Have you eaten lunch yet, baby?"Harry asks, opening up the menu in front of him as he scans the options to see what Bindi would like.
"No,"Bindi shakes her head, placing both of her hands on top of the table as her little legs swing back and forth, nowhere near being close to touching the ground below them.
"Alright then, we should probably get some food before we eat our cake,"Harry decides, scanning his eyes down all of the food options. "Do you want a panini? Or a crepe?"
"A crepe! A crepe!"Bindi bubbles, nodding her head enthusiastically as she interlocks her little hands on top of the table, grinning widely at Harry.
"Alright, a crepe it is, with chocolate sauce and raspberries?"Harry guesses, already knowing Bindi's favorite from when they make crepes at home.
"Yeah,"Bindi confirms with a huge grin just as the waiter comes by their table.
"Hi welcome,"the young girl greets, her blonde hair tied back into a tight bun. "Can I get any drinks started for you today?"
"I'll have a coffee please, just black,"Harry orders, shooting his eyes over to Bindi who's staring up at the waiter in awe, her jaw dropped a little. "Belle, what do you want? Do you want lemonade or—"
"Lemonade!"Bindi quickly cuts Harry off, nodding her head with a big smile as she continues to look at the teenager in front of her, her lips parted slightly.
"Alright, I'll give you a second more to look over the menu and I'll be right back with your drinks,"the young girl nods with a kind smile, sharing an extra one with Bindi before she pockets her notebook in her waist apron and walks back towards the kitchen.
"She pretty daddy,"Bindi whispers, her eyes still following the young girl until she disappears into the kitchen.
"You think she's pretty, huh?"Harry smiles, setting his hand on top of the table, admiring his little girl whose cheeks have blushed just slightly as she finally turns her attention back to her dad now that the girl is out of the picture. "I bet she thinks you're pretty too."
Bindi giggles and shyly drops her chin to her chest, reaching her tiny palm towards Harry's as she sets it on top of his hand, their hands interlocking in the middle of the table, both of their arms outstretched.
"Hi daddy,"Bindi cutely grins with her cheeks rising into her eyes that are scrunching, her little feet still swinging back and forth under the table.
"Hi baby, I love you,"Harry grins back, scrunching his nose at Bindi as he rubs his thumb over her little palm that he's still holding onto. "I'm so glad you're my Valentine."
*
"How's that strawberry, Belle Belle?"Harry chuckles, watching Bindi take her second bite of the chocolate strawberry that was placed on top of her slice of cake.
"Good,"Bindi responds with a muffled voice, strawberry juice dripping down her chin with little hardened chocolate pieces sticking to her lips.
"It looks delicious,"Harry laughs, taking a bite of his own chocolate strawberry, much more cleanly than Bindi does of course.
"Dada, where're you goin' with mumma?"Bindi asks curiously, her big brown eyes shooting upwards to look at Harry.
"We're going to go to a restaurant,"Harry responds with a big grin, taking another bite of his chocolate strawberry. "And then we might go into town and do a bit of shopping, does that sound fun?"
"Yeah,"Bindi nods, setting her chocolate strawberry down and reaching for her fork so that she can dig into her piece of chocolate cake, that she can barely see since her upper eyes are really the only thing visible over the table. "Can mummy lay with me?"
"Oh yeah, mummy will still lay with you to go to bed, don't worry,"Harry promises with a big smile, beginning to dig into his chocolate cake as well. "Mummy and I are going to leave after you go to bed, I promise. Mummy doesn't like to leave you when you're still awake, huh?"
"Yeah, she likes to sleep with me,"Bindi agrees, nodding her head as she opens her mouth up wide for another bite of cake.
"Mummy does like sleeping with you, you're a great snuggle, huh?"Harry chuckles, looking over at Bindi who smirks proudly and nods, a few crumbs of cake sticking to her lips.
***
"Are you ready, dad!"Darcy calls from the bottom of the stairs, bouncing up and down anxiously on her feet.
"I'm coming, I'm coming,"Harry promises, rushing down the hall after he successfully found his keys, pocketing them as he bolts down the stairs to try and not make Darcy late. He knows he'd get an earful if he were to do so.
"Finally,"Darcy sighs with a dramatic eye roll, stepping away from the banister so that Harry can see her for the first time. She's wearing a red slip dress with lacing at the neckline as well as the bottom hem, a slight slit above her thigh. Her feet are covered by slick black ankle boots that Camryn let her wear for the night, a few pieces of silver jewelry to finish the look.
"Woah, okay, I can't look at you cuz I'm gonna cry,"Harry sighs, covering his eyes with his palm as Camryn giggles and walks into the hall, resting her shoulder against the kitchen doorway with her arms crossed against her chest, her hair freshly curled and pinned up from the little break she had while Harry took Bindi on their little date.
"Doesn't she look old,"Camryn asks in a bit of awe that the girl, well, young woman, standing in front of her is her baby. That's her little Darcy. Her little five pound eight ounce baby is now the same height as her since she's wearing heels.
"Yes and I hate it,"Harry teases, holding his arms out for his oldest daughter as he gives her a quick squeeze, feeling her cheek rest upon his chest, his hand going to cradle her hair that she straightened. "You look gorgeous, squish."
"Thanks, dad,"Darcy grins proudly, pulling away from Harry before motioning him towards the door, a bit wobbly as she walks down the hall in her heels, not used to them at all. "C'mon, we're gonna be late."
"Have fun sh*tting your pants,"Camryn teases as Harry presses a quick kiss against her lips.
"When we end up as grandparents in nine months it will be your fault,"Harry whispers back with a big eye roll before running towards the door after a C'mon dad! yell from Darcy.
*
"He said he'll text me when he gets here,"Darcy tells Harry with a grin, setting her phone down in her lap as she anxiously sits in the passenger seat next to Harry, the car parked in the lot outside of the restaurant.
"Are you excited?"Harry asks, watching Darcy pull down the sun visor in the car and flip open the mirror attached to it, pulling out her sparkly clear lip gloss to reapply a coat of it.
"I'm so excited,"Darcy confirms, puckering her lips as she slides the gloss on. "And a bit nervous, but mostly excited."
"You look so beautiful, D,"Harry complements, looking at his little girl in awe. She's stunning, absolutely gorgeous. She took the best parts of him and the best parts of Camryn and combined them into one person, and it's just simple. She's simply stunning.
"Thanks,"Darcy smiles widely, pocketing her lip gloss again as she begins to comb her fingers through her hair, nervously fidgeting because she's completely unable to sit still.
Any second now Ryan's going to be here and she's going to get to go on her first real date and maybe even get her first real kiss. She could practically explode with excitement.
Harry watches as she looks down towards her phone again, clicking it on to make sure she didn't miss a text from Ryan, mentally noting that it's five minutes past when they were supposed to meet up and the last text she got from him was ten minutes ago, but it's fine. He's probably just really nervous too, right? He might be too scared to talk to her. Of course, that would make all of this make sense.
"I'm sure he's just stuck in a bit of traffic, babe,"Harry assures Darcy, reaching over to put his hand on top of hers as he watches her face fall briefly at the emptiness of her phone, his heart feeling a pang run through it.
For the first time tonight he prays that this kid shows up because he'd take the fear and slight sadness of his baby girl going on her first date over having to watch her mourn over being stood up any day. He doesn't know if his heart could take that.
*
"He hasn't responded,"Darcy whispers, her chin tucked to her chest as she clicks her phone on yet again for the fifth time in the past two minutes, checking to see if Ryan responded to her text asking when he was going to get there. It's twenty five minutes past the time they were supposed to meet at the restaurant and Harry doesn't want to say aloud what he thinks has happened.
"Sweetheart,"Harry starts with a whisper, watching as Darcy's eyes clench shut at the sound of the word. She knows what he's going to say, she's not stupid. She knows what's happened here, but having her dad say it will make it real. And she doesn't want it to be real. "Maybe we should go home..."
"He could still be coming,"Darcy whispers, her voice cracking as tears begin to fill her eyes that glance up towards Harry to look at him brokenly. "He could just be in traffic still."
"I think he would've texted you if he was stuck in traffic, baby,"Harry whispers gently, reaching his hand out to rest on Darcy's that's on top of her bare thigh. "Maybe we should go home."
The heartbreak he feels as he watches Darcy still before she breaks out into loud sobs, her chest sputtering as she gasps for air, tears coursing down her cheeks and making her makeup run is unlike any heartbreak he's ever felt before.
"Oh baby, honey, come here,"Harry murmurs, adjusting himself in his seat so that he can reach over towards Darcy, wrapping his arms around her as she falls into him, her cheek falling to his shoulder and burrowing into his neck as she sobs out desperately.
"Why didn't he come?"Darcy asks miserably though a gasped out sob, gripping onto Harry so tightly he feels like he's going to burst.
"I don't know, honey, I don't,"Harry whispers honestly because he really doesn't understand. He doesn't understand at all how someone could do this to his beautiful baby girl who has a heart of absolute gold. She's one of the best people he's ever met and to see her be treated like this makes him feel physically ill. "I'm so sorry, you didn't deserve this."
"Why didn't he come?"Darcy repeats desperately, her chest shuddering at the thought, "I don't...I don't get it..."
"I don't either, honey,"Harry whispers, his lips pressed to the top of her head as he presses the most gentle kisses to the top of her head. "I'm so sorry. I really am."
"I wanna go home,"Darcy sobs, pulling away from Harry as she looks at him with eyeliner and mascara running down her cheeks, her lip gloss streaking down her chin as he nods and reaches forward to cup her cheeks lovingly, her hands going to his wrists.
"Okay, let's take you home,"Harry whispers, leaning forward to press the most loving kiss to Darcy's forehead as he swipes at her tears with his thumbs. "Let's go see mumma."
***
The entire car ride was filled with deafening silence. Harry's hand with tightly interlocked with Darcy's, his thumb rubbing against her skin as she huddled against the seat with her eyes closed, silent tears spilling from them the entire way.
He never knew that it was possible to feel someone else's pain and heartbreak as if it were your own until he had children. It was crazy to him how their emotions so deeply impacted him, and sitting in the car watching his daughter go through her first heartbreak has caused him to feel as if he was going through heartbreak as well.
He didn't even have to tell Darcy that they arrived at the house, the feeling of the car stopping alerted her, her eyes softly opening before she silently let go of his hand and reached for the door, letting herself out as she stumbled up towards the house with Harry rushing behind her. He finally caught up to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, her face turning to again hide in his chest as she sniffled loudly, being blindly led by her dad up the porch steps and to the front door.
"H-H-Hi d-d-daddy!"Auggie greets, walking through the hallway and towards the kitchen to get a snack before he stops dead in his tracks, catching sight of his older sister who's still huddled into their dad's side, sniffling repeatedly.
"Hey buddy,"Harry whispers, offering a little lopsided grin to Auggie whose eyes have gone molten soft with concern as he continues to look at his big sister who he's never really seen in so much distress.
Darcy breaks away from Harry and continues to hold a hand over her mouth, sobs escaping from it as she walks down the hall, right past her little brother who's curiously looking up at her and straight up the stairs, her feet slamming against each one as Camryn rushes in from the living room where she was watching cartoons with Calum and Bindi, a worried expression crossing her face as she catches a little glimpse of Darcy and a sob before she disappears into her room.
"Hi buddy, it's okay,"Harry promises, squatting down and holding his arms out for Auggie who looks so concerned about his big sisters, his big blue eyes magnified by his glasses as he walks towards Harry, wrapping his arm around Harry's neck as Harry snuggles him tight, so relieved to have at least one of his kids happy. "It's all okay, I promise."
"W-W-What happened t-t-to D-DD?"Auggie quietly asks, pulling away from Harry and looking at him right in the eye as Harry catches a glimpse of Camryn over Auggie's shoulder for the first time.
"DD just had a bad night, it's okay, she'll be okay,"Harry promises, pressing a kiss to Auggie's cheek. "We'll just be extra nice to her for the rest of the night, yeah?"
"O-Okay,"Auggie agrees with a little nod, accepting one more kiss from Harry before he returns back to his original mission of finding a snack in the kitchen.
"What happened,"Camryn whispers, her heart already sinking to her stomach with dread as Harry sighs heavily and shakes his head, standing up from his squat and holding his arms out for Camryn.
"He stood her up,"Harry whispers back, not wanting any of the kids to hear as Camryn's face falls completely, her jaw going a bit slack.
"You're kidding?"Camryn murmurs, feeling tears of sympathy for her little girl spring up in her eyes. She hasn't seen Darcy that happy in a long time at the thought of having a Valentine's Day date and potentially getting a boyfriend, and that's all been shattered so quickly.
"I wish I was,"Harry sighs, shaking his head as he wraps his arms around her shoulders, his hands going to the nape of her neck to massage is gently with her arms going around his waist. "We waited for like a half hour and got no response."
"I could kill him,"Camryn mutters bitterly, her eyes going fiery and full on mumma bear as she shakes her head disapprovingly.
"I'll join you,"Harry jokes back, resting his forehead down against hers.
"What should we do?"Camryn asks, turning her head over her shoulder to look back at the stairs towards Darcy's room. "I dunno how to even approach this..."
"I think we should give her a minute to herself,"Harry sighs, resting his chin on top of Camryn's head and closing his eyes with dread. They know how to parent kids, they've gotten very good at the little primary school drama, that's a piece of cake to them now, but teenagers? They have no clue how to parent teenagers. Hell, they were just teenagers when they had her. It's a completely different ball game. "And then maybe you should go up? Have a girl talk with her? I don't think I can do as good of a job on this one as you can."
"Yeah, I'll talk to her,"Camryn agrees, nodding her head before she presses her cheek against Harry's chest. "I hate to do this, but I don't think we should go out tonight, I think it needs to be an us and DD night." She dares to look up at Harry, hoping that he's not too disappointed at the thought of not getting to go out, especially when he's had their whole night planned out for months. They almost never do things without the kids, and she knows that Harry always looks forward to their very few date nights they get, as does she. "I know you had something planned, but I really don't want to leave her like this..."
"We're parents first, a couple second,"Harry agrees, pressing his forehead down against Camryn's as he leans in to press a quick peck to her lips, "that's what we always agreed. We'll have years to go out on dates by ourselves once the kids are out. We'll probably get bored of each other, so we probably shouldn't start getting bored of each other this early on."
Camryn giggles and nods, pressing her lips up to Harry's, "I could never get bored of you."
"You will once you're retired of me and just get to hear my jokes all day,"Harry points out with a little smirk, scrunching his nose at Camryn because it always makes her giggle.
Camryn widens her eyes dramatically and sighs, nodding her head, "I suppose that's true, please never retire."
*
Her head snaps towards the door at the sound of it creaking open. She doesn't know how long she's been up in her room crying for, but she does know that she wishes her parents would've left her alone for a bit longer, honestly. She'd really rather not talk to anyone.
"Hi DD,"Bindi's little voice cautiously greets, quickly looking over her shoulder to make sure her parents haven't caught her since they specifically instructed all of the kids to give Darcy some space and let her be, but of course Bindi didn't listen to that.
"Hi Beenie,"Darcy sniffles, her cheeks still painted with black makeup as she hugs her knees tighter to her chest, sitting on her carpeted floor with her back against her bed. "What're you doing?"
"I came to give you 'nuggles,"Bindi whispers in her little mock whisper, trying to remain as quiet as possible so that Harry and Camryn don't hear her, holding onto her stuffed rabbit by one of its long ears.
"Oh thank you, baby,"Darcy murmurs tearfully, nodding her head as she lays her legs down flat on the floor and holds her arms out towards Bindi who sits down on her lap and straddles her hips, resting her cheek on Darcy's chest.
"Here,"Bindi offers, holding her stuffed rabbit up towards Darcy who takes it and sniffles, resting her cheek down on top of Bindi's head.
"Thanks, baby,"Darcy murmurs, hugging her arms tightly around her little sister as more silent tears roll down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry you're sad, DD,"Bindi whispers, feeling her big sister tighten her grip around her.
"Thanks, Bean,"Darcy whispers with a breaking voice, her chest still sputtering with cries which makes Bindi's head bounce slightly.
Bindi pulls away just slightly from Darcy and takes Darcy's cheeks that are streaked black between her little hands, looking at her with the most caring and gentle brown eyes which she doesn't possess most of the time. "You look pretty, DD."
Darcy sniffles and manages out a little giggle at Bindi's innocence, sniffling loudly as she looks at her baby sister who was her dream come true when she was born four years ago, "thanks, baby."
"I love you, DD,"Bindi whispers, tapping her tiny fingers against Darcy's splotchy and damp cheeks.
"I love you too, Beenie,"Darcy grins, puckering her lips as Bindi obliges and leans in to press a kiss against Darcy's lips.
"Hi DD,"Lennon whispers, walking into Darcy's room as well since he also escaped Harry and Camryn's watch and snuck up to try and get some time with Darcy to see if he could help her feel better. They're best friends and hearing her sobs as she ran up the stairs physically pained him.
"Hi,"Darcy whispers, wanting to break down all over again at the sight of her little brother who cautiously sits down next to her, reaching up to cradle the back of her head and dragging it towards his shoulder so that she can rest on him.
"I'm sorry Ryan's a jerk,"Lennon whispers with his cheek on top of Darcy's head, fiddling with the wrapper of the cupcake he brought up for as Darcy continues to rub her hands up and down Bindi's back.
"Thanks,"Darcy sniffles, closing her eyes and focusing on the familiar feeling of Bindi's chest rising and falling against hers.
"I brought you a cupcake if you want it,"Lennon offers, holding the pink sweet up towards Darcy.
"Mummy and I made dat,"Bindi murmurs around her little thumb that's in her mouth, her other arm still wrapped around Darcy.
"They're actually really good,"Lennon responds, handing the cupcake to Darcy as she cautiously takes it with a smile, wiping at a lonely tear that was rolling down her cheek. "They're strawberry."
"Thanks,"Darcy whispers, beginning to unpeel the wrapper from around the cupcake as Bindi pulls her cheek away from Darcy's chest and opens her mouth up wide, her eyes focused on the cupcake.
"Oh do you want some?"Darcy giggles, looking at her little sister with a teary smirk as she offers the cupcake to her. Bindi squeaks happily and nods her head rapidly, leaning her face towards the cupcake before she takes a big bite of the cupcake, getting frosting all over her mouth and nose.
"Oh my goodness, you're so silly, you got it all over your face,"Darcy giggles, reaching up to swipe at the frosting hanging from the creases of Bindi's lips. "And on your nose."
"DD, you do it on your nose,"Bindi giggles, pointing first at Darcy's nose and then down at the cupcake.
Darcy giggles and taps the tip of her nose down to the frosting, getting a bit of it on her nose before she looks up at Bindi who giggles as Darcy scrunches her nose at her.
"You too Lennie,"Bindi requests, pointing to the cupcake as Lennon laughs and nods, tapping his nose down to the cupcake as well.
"I bet Ryan wouldn't have been this fun to hang out with,"Lennon smirks, the pink frosting on his nose reducing Darcy down to giggles as she nods her head in agreement before nuzzling her pink frosted nose against Bindi's cheek to make her little sister squeal and giggle out.
***
"Where're we going?"Darcy asks quietly, dressed down in a pair of plaid pajama pants and a sweatshirt, her hands in the front pocket of it as she curls her knees up to her chest.
"You'll see,"Harry slyly replies with a big grin, dressed down into a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt as well.
"Have I been here before?"Darcy questions, her brows furrowing a bit as she looks out the window and tries to make out her surroundings, but nothing really seems familiar.
"Mm, you have but there's no way you'd remember it,"Harry responds with a little chuckle, stealing a glance over at Darcy whose questioning face has just deepened.
"Why wouldn't I remember it?"Darcy asks as Harry begins to slow down the car, approaching a little field of daisies as he parks along the dirt road.
"Because you were in mumma's belly the last time you came,"Harry chuckles, clicking a button to make sure the headlights stay on before he reaches for the door.
He quickly gets out and rushes over to Darcy's door, opening it for her and taking one of her hands to help her out before he leans into the car to grab the little bag that Camryn packed for the both of them, motioning for Darcy to follow him as he climbs up onto the hood of the car, holding his hands out to help Darcy climb up.
"What're we doing?"Darcy asks as she huffs, jumping onto the hood and scooting up to huddle against Harry who wraps his arms around her shoulders, his cheek falling to the top of her head.
"We're doing what mumma and I used to do when we had bad days,"Harry explains, using his hand that's not around Darcy's to reach into the bag to find out what Camryn packed. "Ooo, mum packed us some chocolate covered strawberries and apple cider."
"She knows chocolate covered strawberries are my favorite,"Darcy grins, holding her hand out towards the package of strawberries on Harry's lap and beginning to eat one as she keeps her cheek huddled against Harry's chest, the headlights illuminating the daisies in front of them.
"She knows you too well,"Harry agrees, resting his cheek down on top of Darcy's head as he guides a strawberry to his lips. "I'm glad we got our little date, miss. Do you remember when I used to take you out every Valentine's?"
"Yeah, you'd take us all out while mum got ready for your guys' date,"Darcy nods with a tiny grin.
"Yeah, that was so fun,"Harry recalls, thinking back to when the kids were younger and everything seemed so much more simple. There were no mean people or broken hearts, there were only little fights about whose toy was whose and who was not sharing. "And you used to get all dressed up. I did that with Beenie today while you guys were at school."
"She told me about it,"Darcy softly replies, nodding her head against Harry's chest. "She's like a mini me."
"She is, except a lot louder, and sassier and a meaner,"Harry laughs, feeling Darcy erupt with laughs against him. "So really she's nothing like you, but we still love her tons."
"Why'd you bring me here?"Darcy asks after a bit of silence, both of them enjoying switching the bottle between each other and taking little swigs of cider.
"For lots of reasons,"Harry responds, setting the stem of his strawberry down before hugging his other arm around Darcy so that she's captured by both of his warm limbs. "Because I love you and I missed going on dates with you. And because this always made mummy and I feel better when we'd come here and have a little cry."
"Why were you guys crying?"Darcy inquires curiously.
"Cuz life was a bit hard and overwhelming when she was pregnant with you,"Harry responds, suddenly getting a bit teary as he realizes just how far they've come. That little girl that was in Camryn's stomach when they used to come here more than a decade ago is now in his arms. She has a life of her own and has emotions of her own. She's her own person. "And we were both young and terrified. We moved hours away from our home town and nana and papa and our friends and came into this big city all with the knowledge that we were going to have a little baby girl who depended on us in a few months. That's overwhelming for anyone, but it's especially overwhelming when you're just sixteen."
"That would be really scary,"Darcy agrees with a quiet voice, taking another little bite of her strawberry.
"Yeah, but it was so worth it, you were so worth it,"Harry smiles, rubbing his hand up and down Darcy's arm. "Anyways, I thought I'd bring you here to show you that sad days aren't forever. Sometimes really sh*tty things happen, but they don't last forever."
"It feels like it last forever,"Darcy mumbles with a little sigh, feeling her dad give her a little squeeze.
"I know it feels like that, mumma and I felt like that too when we used to come here,"Harry sympathizes, moving his hand to rub up and down Darcy's back, "but now look at us. We have such a good life, and none of that overwhelming stuff matters anymore. And that will happen to you too. One day you'll meet a person and you'll wonder why you were ever so sad about Ryan because your person will be that good."
"How do you know they'll be that good?"Darcy asks with a little sniffle, feeling her emotions rise back in her throat again as it aches.
"Because I know you,"Harry simply responds, pressing a kiss to the top of Darcy's head, "and I know you wouldn't settle for any less."
~~~~~
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY MY LOVELIES!!!
I actually really don't like Valentine's Day, but I thought it would still be fun to do a chapter about it, so I hope you enjoyed 😂
poor dd getting stood up but it's okay because we have king josh now and that's all we could ever ask for ahahaha and now our little dd has SEVEN KIDS 😭😭 how did she ever get so old 🥺🥺
Um guys...just for a crazy full circle moment that I just realized, this was the day Drew (Emyn's son) was born...how crazy is that?!
I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with loads of love <3333
And I hope you know I love you <3 and you're all my valentines ahahah
^ew that was so cheesy okay I'll stop
MWAH
-Mel💛
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For more of the Styles kids in their future lives (including Styles grandkids), check out their spin off books! There's a chapter in this book titled "Masterlist (how to read the kid's novellas) that will give you a list of the order you should read the chapters in!
If you guys have any requests for chapters you'd like to see PLEASE message me! I'd love to write whatever you guys want!
Also, I have a lot of requests right now from people so I'm sorry if I don't get to yours right away, I promise I haven't forgotten about you! I will get to all of them! 💕