ELLO MY PRETTY ROSY TULIPS 🌷
GUESS WHO'S BAAACCCKKK?!

It's been like 84 years, I know.

I thought it would be a nice gift to give you all since it's my birthday! I'm 28, yikes.

But so much has happened since then, so I'mma fill you in...

1. I'll start with a story. So, I talked to a guy on a dating app who read me like Harry read Céline (in AS if you haven't read it, go do that please and thanks). I was like, excuse me. So basically, I pulled out my inner Céline and read him. Turns out I was pretty much spot on because he didn't like it....he blocked me after haha 💁🏻‍♀️ Good riddance, I'll say. Though, I never thought I'd ever come across someone who had AS' H personality, but that guy ain't close to him. I need me a Harry.

2. I started to take courses to get a professional creative writing certificate! So that's literally so big for me.

3. I'm more emotionally stable because my therapist has been helping me immensely. She's a queen, I'll tell you. I also want to mention that if you really feel like want to talk to a professional, do it. Don't be ashamed or apprehensive about it. We sometimes need it and that's perfectly normal and okay.

4. I learned to love myself, and it's something very important. You should all love yourselves. You're all beautiful inside and out.

Wow. That's a long intro. Whew.

Now, enough of all that. I do hope you enjoy this much awaited chapter!

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

The biggest grin was on my face the second I woke up from such a pleasant dream. Harry and I went to the carnival, and we had the time of our life. Smiles, laughs, innocent touches, holding hands, taking a selfie, and a hug that I would forever cherish. It was unforgettable and so incredibly vivid. It felt so real.

So real — because it wasn't a dream.

Being with Harry, who was so happy, free, and open was one of the greatest moments of my life. There was so much excitement and passion between us; it made everything else so much more worthwhile. There was something so special about that man, and it just made me want to experience so many more new things with him — things that he's never tried before.

I wanted to give him the things that he's never had the chance to live through as a child — and as an adult. The fact that I knew he didn't really have home-cooked meals was something that made my heart hurt. The fact that he's never seen Disney movies, or gone to a carnival, or ate cotton candy. Those are just some essential experiences that everyone should have already have and lived through, several years ago.

The determination for me to give him the world was going to be a new passion for me — and I knew it would mean more to him because I loved him. Even if he didn't know that yet, I had a feeling that maybe, just maybe, he would feel something stronger from why I was putting so much emotion into my actions; but only time would tell.

I wiggled back further into my pillow, wrapping the comforter even more around me encasing me with utter cosiness. The hopeless romantic in me wished that it was Harry's arms that surrounded me, not just cotton fabric.

Turning my head slightly, I found Luna curled up above my head just close enough to Emerald — a tiger away from my real Tiger. The plastic green eyes it had, were almost identical to Harry's, but nonetheless, they could not compare in dazzling beauty and warmth. I reached out slightly to gently pet my kitten and my new plush fur-baby.

"Yeah, Luna, Emerald's a part of our family now," I whispered to her with a smile on my face.

I stayed in bed for several minutes, just enjoying the comfort, feeling the warmth of the sun that was peeking through the curtains. These were the mornings that I loved; the ones that one could just lay and reflect on the things that happened in our lives. It was the past, the present, and the future.

Reaching out to grab my phone on my small nightstand, I swiftly swiped on the screen to open up my photos app. After Harry and I danced softly in the middle of the carnival, I told him to send the pictures to me — so he did.

The sight of seeing the perfect moment that we'd shared together was precious. It was simply heartwarming to see his smile was so wide and absolutely beautiful, and the sparkles that flickered in his eyes. I decided to set it as my phone wallpaper, deciding on leaving the other more intimate picture if we would ever move into the relationship stage.

When I swiped to the next picture, my lips curled upwards when I saw the way he'd kissed my cheek. I felt them heat up as I recalled the feeling of his lips against my skin. It was so soft and pure, and it only made me think of how they would feel on my own lips.

But I quickly shook that thought aside. I just wanted to spend time with him as friends, for now — even though I loved him.

It was thirty or so minutes later when I finally forced myself to get up when my stomach grumbled from its desperate need of food. Luna trailed me as I went to the bathroom, but I stopped her before I went inside with a warning look — she stayed put.

River and I had planned to go to the studio and continue our rehearsal later in the morning, so I wasn't in a rush to get ready.

As predicted, Riv was nowhere in sight, but a note was on the counter saying that he was going to meet Amara and that he'd meet me at the studio. Those two were lovebirds that still hadn't committed to themselves to one another. It was ironic how they were giving me hints to declare my feelings to Harry when they hadn't done that.

At least, for them, it was mutual.

I had some time to spare, so I grabbed my phone and called my parents. Within minutes, I was immediately promised a stack load of pancakes with my name on them.

And there was no chance I was going to pass that up.

♬ ✥*

"You two should really start locking your door," I bellowed out as soon as I made my way inside.

"Locking doors is overrated," my dad yelled out from the kitchen, and I couldn't help but laugh. Of course, he'd say that. He was the kind of person who loved to live in the simplest of ways, believing that good existed in everyone. Julian Hayes was a kindhearted and honest soul.

"Rini, my sweet girl. How're you?" My mom greeted me with a hug once I slipped off my shoes.

Hugs were of vital importance in our family, and one of the ways we showed our love to one another. It was a simple action that we thought could solve the world's greatest problems. There was just something about them that was utterly precious and beautiful.

"Hungry," I said, rubbing my tummy which growled from deprivation of food.

"Other than that?" She laughed, pulling me more to her side.

"I'm great, actually. More than great." I smiled, watching a grin form on my face.

"Sweet girl, I gave birth to you. I'm pretty sure that look means you're in love."

"Who's in love?"

"I am, with you," my mom answered softly, smiling at my dad. He was pleased with her simple reply before giving her a sweet kiss on the cheek.

"Hi, pumpkin," he greeted, giving me a hug. "Wash your hands, and I'll have these done in no time."

I nodded in response before turning to go to the powder room, but my mom joined me along my short journey.

"So? Tell me. Who is he?" A smirk appeared on her face, and I let out a deep sigh.

"He's, um — you don't know him."

"Is it Mr CEO? Milo told me that you've been a little closer to him lately."

"Maybe," I said, elongating the word, and bit my lip. There was no way I could lie to her or even try to hide it. She always knew.

"Oh, that's wonderful!" She clapped her hands. "You should invite him over for dinner."

I let out a deep sigh, knowing very well that I couldn't hide anything from my mother — and it's not like she'd let me anyway.

"Mom, I love him, and I know he might have feelings for me, but he hasn't said anything yet. I won't push him to do that. He's been through a lot, and I think he needs a friend more than a girlfriend at the moment."

"Well, as soon as you do, and I know it'll happen eventually, I want to meet the man who stole my daughter's heart." Her grin was wide as could be. "I trust your judgement, Rini. If you say he's a good man, he's more than welcome in this house. And pardon my French, but if he fucks up, he'll have all of us down his neck."

"Mom! Language!" I exclaimed with a laugh, which she was already doing.

My mom wasn't the person who wore her heart on her sleeve and show emotions easily; however, my dad was. Nonetheless, there were times where she had to show how she was feeling — this was one of those times.

"He really is, and I really hope that one day I'll be able to do that. I already told him that dad makes the best blueberry muffins."

"We both know that it is definitely not a lie. I would say that you should take some for him, but I finished off the last one last night." A chuckle left her lips, and I smiled.

"Don't worry about it. I don't know if I'll be seeing him today anyway," I explained, and finally managed to finish my planned task, before moving back out to the kitchen.

We sat down in our little eating nook and began to eat the heavenly breakfast my dad had prepared. He went on asking how I've been, including my two close friends.

"Well, River and I have been busy rehearsing for weeks now. His audition is in two days, and I've never seen him so nervous. This job really means the world for him," I informed them, then took a big bite out of my pancakes.

So damn delicious.

Another partial curse word. If only Milo and Harry could see me now.

My parents asked if they could get to see our routine and I assured them that we'd definitely do that. My family loved seeing all of my performances and made sure that sometime after the audition, we'd give them a show. The support that they had for me was incredible.

We then moved on to talk about how Charlie was doing and that he was coming home for a few days sometime soon. However, his definition of 'a few' could mean a couple of months. That boy had little sense of time, but either way, we loved him.

My family was something that I would never replace for any other. They were the greatest and the best, and the most loving — and nothing could surpass that importance.

♬ ✥*

"Dude, so tell me, how're you and Harry?" Amara asked, sorting through some clothes on the rack.

After River met me at the studio, and we did one more rehearsal, we came back to help Mars at the shop. He was so "bloody nervous," and I'd never seen him like that before. Riv had a powerful form of confidence that radiated throughout his body, but this audition seemed to mean the absolute world to him.

So, I made it in all my power to make sure that I wouldn't fail him for the performance we had together.

His big day was in two days, and we wanted to do one mini performance for Amara tomorrow. She wanted to see it before it could be shown to anyone, and him being the whipped man that he is for her, he agreed immediately.

"There's no 'me and Harry,' okay? We're not an 'us,' if that's what you're on about. But otherwise, things are good. Or at least, I hope so. I haven't spoken to him today," I huffed, running my fingers through some vintage necklaces.

"And what are you waiting for?" Riv questioned, wrapping his arm around Mars' shoulder. "It's mid-day."

"Best friend obligations to share new news with? That's first. Duh," I said in an obvious tone.

"She holds a fair point."

"So, 'ow was your date?" My male friend continued on.

"It wasn't a date," I defended.

I mean, technically speaking, it wasn't, but it sure felt like one — a great one at that. It wasn't planned and just a surprise. It ended with a simple kiss on the cheek and a hug, but that was it. Personally, a date needed one kiss on the lips at the end of the date — or at least, sometime during it.

Harry and I stayed until the very end, just walking around, and played a few more games.

"Right, sure it wasn't My bet's that it was."

"Anyway..." I trailed off, shaking my head. "...it was perfect. I took him to the carnival. We stayed there for hours, went on rides, and he won me a stuffed animal."

"Oh, that's definitely date material right there."

"It's not. Moving on, I don't want to text him, I'm going to the company in a bit to see him. Thought that might be better."

"And you miss him, don't you?"

"Um, yeah. I do." My voice was soft, as I shyly bit my lip.

"Rennie, I've never seen ya so smitten over a lad before. He really means a lot to ya."

"He does. I like him a lot," I replied, but only meaning one other thing — I love him a lot.

I wasn't ready to tell anyone that my feelings for him were any stronger, even though I felt that Mars knew from the look in my eyes. Her smile was a little different than how I expected to be, and I saw the extra little twinkle of happiness from how she glanced at me. I wasn't surprised that she didn't bring it up. We were practically sisters, and we respected each other when we felt like there was something up. Those were amongst the many reasons why I loved her.

We didn't really chat too much afterwards. Some time passed by as a few customers walked in the store, Amara helped them while Riv and I decided to unpack a few boxes of things she ordered that were dropped off. Even with a vintage shop, she loved to customise the pieces to fit what the customer wanted. I really hoped that someone would notice the amazing designs that she does because her talent is phenomenal.

"Dude?" Amara called for me, and I popped my head out of the storage room.

"Yeah?"

"What's this?" she said, waving my phone towards me, and I mentally screamed for leaving it by her front desk.

The photo of Harry and me.

Remind me why I love her again?

"Give the phone back, Mars," I yelled at her, narrowing my eyes. "I should never leave my phone with you — like ever."

"'Not a date,' eh? Yeah, right," she said with a smirk. "This looks quite cosy to me."

"Babe, lemme see," Riv replied, walking over to her, and was handed the device. I covered my face with both hands and groaned. "Oh, yeah. Rennie, you're whipped."

"Can it. Both of you," I spoke, attempting to sound threatening.

"Oh, calm your shit," Amara scoffed. "So, as we were saying earlier, I think that you should go see him."

"You think?"

"Don't be dumb, Ren," Mars said, "Go see him."

"Okay. I've got to make a couple stops on the way, then I'll go." I grinned with a gained source of confidence. Making my way up to her, I snatched my phone from Riv's hand and grabbed my bag. "I'll see you later! And FYI, we'll be talking about that 'babe' later on!"

Those two conniving little sneaks — they made it official.

However, I didn't get a chance to hear their reply as I rushed out of her shop, the chime on the door ringing as it shut. Like I said to my friends, there were only two stops I needed to make, and I wanted to do them as soon as possible because I was eager to see the man who owned my heart.

♬ ✥*

I felt like I was blessed that the mechanic called and said that my car was ready. He gave me a great deal, and my luck for the day was just adding up. All I knew was that it was just going to get better — especially when I saw Harry.

A smile was wide on my face as I walked into Urban Corp., carrying two London Fog's in my hands. I nodded over to the guards working across the security desk, they greeted me with a small wave.

Thankfully, Mark was working, and when he saw me, he joined me on my short walk to the elevators. There was something strange, though, he was the only one who had the opposite expression. He seemed almost solemn, maybe even upset.

He only greeted me with a simple, "Afternoon, Ren." There was nothing else spoken as he remained silent during the ride up. It didn't help me relax as I began to count silently to myself. I could just feel the joy and warmth that was in my veins, diminish with a cold front.

And suddenly, they turned to ice.

"Why are we stopping here?" I asked, as I realised the doors to level forty-eight were open, and his arm was extended for me to exit.

"Mr Styles requested that I drop you off on this floor from now on."

"Wait, what?"

"You'll need to speak with Miss Larson's assistant," he explained, unsure of what else to really say.

I was puzzled — extremely and entirely confused.

Stepping off the elevator, I bid Mark a farewell, noticing the look of sadness in his eyes. From what I could sense, maybe he felt the exact same as me.

"Could you give this to him?" I silently pleaded with my eyes, just before the doors began to close.

His own met mine, as he nodded with a heavy sigh, and took the drink from my hand. "Sure thing, Ren."

"Thank you," I spoke softly, showing a small smile — it was a sad smile as the metal doors closed in front of me, reflecting my solemn expression.

The familiar secretary I'd seen once before, addressed me when I approached her desk. She was overly chipper this afternoon, and I wasn't feeling it — primarily because of the baffling past couple of minutes. She said that she'd inform Joelle of my arrival and was already expecting me.

What on earth was happening?

"Hello, Serenity. It's nice to see you again," Joelle greeted me, raising her hand, and I anxiously shook it. A smile was on her face, pleased to see me.

"Hi, Joelle. Um, I — I don't mean to be rude, but why am I seeing you, and not Mr Styles?" I said, trying to sound as professional as I could. Her expression faltered slightly, as she gave me a look of sympathy.

"Mr Styles will no longer be in direct charge with regards to your studio. I will take over with the business aspect, but of course, the partnership will remain in his name."

My brows furrowed at the news, and I felt my heart skip a beat — and not for good reasoning. "Wait a second. I don't understand. He didn't mention anything to me. I saw him yesterday."

"He had his assistant transfer all of your paperwork to me this morning. You are now a priority client under my list of investments. He did make sure of that you're put in the best hands."

"I still don't understand." I shook my head, trying to grasp what was beginning to turn into my reality.

"Honestly, I'm not sure of the reason for the changes either, but those were his orders. I'm sorry I don't have a better answer for you."

"Oh..." I paused, letting out a small sigh. "...okay."

"I don't actually have an appointment for you scheduled for today. He did make sure that whenever you stopped by, I should make time for you. Was there something you needed?"

I shook my head at her question. She didn't need to know anything, so I quickly made up an excuse. "No, actually. I was just in the area, and I thought I'd stop by to let him know that the progress on the studio is going great."

She nodded her head once, studying my face to see if I was lying. I'm sure that there were rumours of something going on between Harry and me throughout the company. I was seen much more often than just anyone who had an investment — especially directly with the CEO and president of the company.

A small smile forced my way on my lips as I tried to hold a believable expression. Thankfully, it worked when I saw one appear on her face.

We had a small catch up, and I verbally gave her a quick rundown on how everything was going, and then I took off.

Everything in me wanted me to sneak up to Harry's office and ask what was going on, but I decided against it. I mean, of course, I needed answers, and they had to come from him.

Mark didn't look happy at all today, and that clearly meant that Harry wasn't in a good mood. Joelle seemed off, which was a bit surprising. I knew that she was one of the company's top investors, but I didn't know whether or not they had direct communication. From my basic knowledge, I'd assume that would be a no, but that's just me.

If Harry wasn't in the best of moods, I knew that I should leave him be; but maybe it was just me, though. I needed time to process what happened and why it did. Perhaps I was just overreacting — but maybe I wasn't?

Something wasn't adding up, and it only added to my confusion.

When I arrived home, I threw my hair up in a messy bun, changed into some lounge clothes, and slipped on a loose shirt I'd slept in when Harry stayed the night. It smelt of his cologne — musky with a slight hint of vanilla.

River sent me a text saying that he'd be home soon and that he wasn't going to spend the night at Mars'. It made me feel a little at ease, knowing that I wasn't going to be alone tonight. I wasn't going to neither of them what actually happened, but just that Harry was busy — which was why I didn't see him. Having Riv being concerned at anything regarding me wasn't something I needed now.

I knew that letting him live with me for a while was temporary, but I've just gotten used to having him around. It was going to be hard when he leaves — whether that is back to Calgary or getting his own place.

With the spare time I had, I prepared some dinner for both of us to have when he showed up — and when he did, he immediately questioned what happened. I told him the short story I'd fabricated, which he seemed content with. A grin was on his face the entire time, and stopped him from singing any more of the two "sitting in a tree." Neither Harry nor I kiss, nor are we in a relationship. He said that he'd postpone it for "another time." I just shrugged him off. Unfortunately, for his case, he actually fell off the couch when I pushed him. It wasn't my fault he was sitting close to the edge of the cushion.

Nonetheless, we ended up watching a movie before we went to bed — well, except for the fact that Riv fell asleep mid-way through. I didn't bother finishing the film, as I turned it off, made sure my friend was covered with a blanket before I went into my room.

I sat cross-legged in bed, my fairy lights sparkling, glowing into the darkness, lighting it as bright as could be. Luna came to curl up with me, and I cuddled her in my arms, stroking her lightly as she purred in utter content.

And then she reached her little paw out to Emerald, wanting him to join in on the embrace. So, of course, I obliged.

My heart.

After everything that happened yesterday, it felt better than a dream that came true. With what Harry did, I was just confused. Nothing made sense to me.

I was emotional and frustrated — and felt the smallest urge to cry. Maybe it was just because I was expecting my period. That just makes me a sensitive, blubbering mess.

Either that or a rightful — pardon my French — bitch.

I was glad that I was alone in my room with my friend asleep. My vulnerability was showing, and the last thing I needed was for River to see me like this. I had to keep it together, at least, until after the audition. He easily got affected by those he loved around him, and if he felt the slightest hint that something was wrong, it could send him in a downward spiral.

With all of that said, I just wanted to embrace Harry again. I wanted to hug him and make everything right in the world once more. It's what I felt when I felt his chest against my own, feeling that deep pounding of his beating heart. It's what I felt when his skin gently grazes my own, feeling the warmth of it as it burned with the smallest of sparks. It's what I felt when his lips pressed against my temple, feeling the butterflies swarm in my tummy.

He was warm. He was cosy. He was home.

However, a home that I had a feeling I couldn't enter again.

Anxiously, I picked up my phone and searched for Harry's name in my messages. I smiled at the photos, looking at them before I thought about what I was going to say.

I looked at Emerald who was in my arms and could only hear one thing: "So you can have something to hold onto whenever you miss me."

If only he knew how much I missed him.

I couldn't message him that, though. I wanted to know what happened today first.

So, I slowly began to type, my heart pounding with each letter I pressed on the glass screen.

Today, 9:47 PM
Tiger 🐯

Hi Harry, how're you?
I stopped by the company today, which I'm sure you already know...
But I just have one question, what's going on?
Why did you transfer my file?

Miss Hayes, There is no further contact between us since I moved
your investment will be taken over and handled by Ms Larson.

Harry Styles
CEO and President of Urban Corp.

His response was immediate — but there were so many things wrong with his reply. He addressed me by my last name; he did not explain the reasoning, and he signed his name with his title.

I wasn't going to push at him in person, but I was going to do it through text. Maybe I'd annoy him further so he'd actually answer me.

Yeah, I got that part. But why?
You even told Mark to 'escort' me to the 48th floor.
Why am I not even allowed to see you?

Serenity Marie Hayes
Pissed Off Starlight Studio Owner

Miss Hayes, Like I said, there will be no further direct communication between us.

Harry Styles
CEO and President of Urban Corp.

This is a joke. Right?

Goodbye, Miss Hayes.

Harry Styles
CEO and President of Urban Corp.

Goodbye?
Did I do something wrong? Was it taking you to the carnival?
Did you not have a good time? I thought you were happy.

I waited a few seconds more, and then several minutes passed by — and I got nothing.

So I did something that I'd never done before for any guy I'd ever known — I pleaded.

Please, don't go, Harry.
Don't disappear on me.
Please, Tiger.

And then he left me on read.

And my heart officially shattered.

...

A/N:

Yeah, um.......please no kill me. Thx.

We went from 60-0 real quick.

So why do you think H is acting this way? Because to be honest, that's not very nice of him.

I won't have an update schedule for now, just because of my classes and whatnot. But I definitely won't leave you hanging like that again.

Much love as always. Kissy, stay beautiful, and always TPWK my beautiful tulips 🌷

S x