Almost a month had passed since the Tahoe trip.  It had been a crazy time.  Julie asked her therapists for clearance to go back to work early, and after a bit of discussion with her, they agreed.  She just wanted to be busy and didn't want all the alone time to think about everything that was going on.  The hospital scheduled her the same nights as Amanda, although she hadn't asked for that. But it did seem to work out better that way as she wasn't alone at home much either.  Julie was slightly annoyed with herself for wanting someone around all the time, but she was just plain scared.  She had thought so much about her past the last month or two that she was anxious about a lot of things.  Jumpy and a bit paranoid.  It sucked.  She wished this healing process would go a lot faster.  She wished that it wasn't so difficult to get through every little thing.  She had spoken to Harry multiple times a day, every day, but she still missed him like crazy.  And she still thought every bit of this would be easier with him there, but she knew she needed to learn to do it on her own.  Why was everything so damn complicated?

Amanda spent much of her time making sure that JJ was ok.  She didn't mind really, but it was hard watching JJ struggle.  It was difficult watching her jump every time they heard a loud noise or an unexpected knock on the door.  Amanda also relayed a lot of information to Harry; they weren't plotting behind JJ's back, but JJ did seem to hold more back from him when he wasn't there than she did when they were together in Tahoe.  Amanda felt Harry had a right to know that things may not always have been as good as JJ made them out to be.  Even though she and Niall weren't able to see each other this past month, she was super glad to have him.  They talked to each other all the time, and he had been such a big support to her.  He listened every time she had trouble dealing with things.  Niall was an amazing man, and she still wondered how she had gotten so lucky.

Niall was upset he hadn't had any time the past month to see Amanda.  He knew she understood, but it was still tough.  The guys were set to leave for tour in about a week.  He was glad she shared so much with him and that she counted on him to help her through everything.  Amanda was such a beautiful, smart, loving girl, and he was extremely happy they'd met by chance on that crazy day in LA.  What they have gotten through together so far was no struggle for him.  It seemed easy.  Like it was the only thing to do.  No other choice.  He loved her.  He would help her through everything.  He was trying to figure out how to get back to LA for a couple of days before they flew out to the first tour location.  He had to do it now though for it to work.

Harry struggled being so far away from Julie for so long.  Even without Amanda, he could tell Julie was struggling even though she wouldn't fully admit it to him.  She wanted to make sure he didn't feel guilty.  She always tried to convince him she was ok and that it was ok he wasn't there.  She had pulled back some in the open and honest department, but he wasn't surprised really.  She had a lot to get through.  She had been so open and so honest in Tahoe, he didn't figure that would be possible to sustain forever.  He was still extremely proud of her though.  Julie really had given him her heart.  The wall wasn't completely down, but he had a doorway through to it.  He was grateful.  He was also sad.  It was his 21st birthday today, and he was with his family.  He should be ecstatic.  But he wasn't.  His girlfriend was in another country.  All he wanted to do was be with her.  And on top of that, he had been trying to call her and hadn't been able to reach her all day.  Seriously, he thought she would make it a point to talk to him on his birthday.  He received a short "Happy Birthday" text with an "I love you" when he had woken up, but that was it.  He sighed.

"Harry, love."  Anne said to him.  "It's your birthday. I think maybe you should be a bit happier."

"Yeah, mum.  I know.  I'm sorry.  It's been a great day.  But it's almost over.  We're sitting here at dinner, and I haven't even spoken to Julie yet.  It just seems...wrong.  I'm not sure how to explain it.  It's bad enough I can't be with her today, but now she's not answering or calling me back.  As far as I know, she's not mad at me."  Harry said looking up from his phone to his mum.

"Oh, I know love."  She touched his cheek.  "I get it, but I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation."

"Yeah, I know.  Just feeling sorry for myself tonight, I guess."   He said smiling at his mum.  God, how he loved that woman.  Anne was such a wonderful woman who supported him through everything he'd ever done.  "Where's Gemma anyway?  How come she's not here?"

"She's coming.  She's running later than she anticipated."  Anne sat next to him.  "She's bringing your birthday present."

"How could she be getting a present this late?  She's known about this date her whole life."  Harry tried to joke.

"Well, you know your sister, dear."  Anne said rubbing her thumb over his hand.  "Let's just try to have a nice dinner."  Anne looked up and smiled.  "Oh, Harry, I think you may want to see this meal."

"Just a minute mum, I'm trying to get ahold of Julie one more time before dinner."  He mumbled a thank you when his plate was set in front of him.  He wrinkled his eyebrows when he heard the voice of the person who set it down.  He was losing his mind. He was now hearing Julie's voice.  Harry stopped texting when he caught a familiar scent.  Ok, he knew that smell.  He still didn't look up though.  He heard, "Sir, do you think that you may be able to look away from that phone for just a moment?  I assure you the dinner will meet your satisfaction."  He practically knocked over the chair when he stood up.  He grabbed her and engulfed her in his arms.  The voice, the smell, he knew immediately.  She was here.  "Baby!"  He held her so tightly too him.

Julie laughed as he stood up so quickly and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest.  He didn't even look at her.  "Harry, I can't breathe."  She laughed and then looked up at him when he let her move slightly away from his chest.  "Happy Birthday, my love."

He shook his head, looking down at her.  After she said "Happy Birthday", he stepped back slightly and took her face in his hands.  "I can't believe you're here.  I was getting so mad you weren't answering your phone."

She smiled and reached up and wiped the tear from his cheek.  "I know. My flight was SO delayed.  I had to scramble to get on another flight that had a layover in New York and then that flight from New York was delayed.  I was supposed to be here hours ago.  Before you even came to the restaurant.  Gemma waited at the airport for hours for me."  She said smiling at him.  She reached up and kissed him.  "I'm just glad it's still your birthday.  I was concerned that I might not arrive in time."

"I'm so glad you did."  He pulled her back into his arms.  He looked back at Gemma and his mum who were smiling at him.  "You both knew!?"  He just shook his head when they shrugged at him.  He looked at Julie.  "God, I was so worried I wasn't going to get to see you."  He kissed her again.  "You look tired."  He said touching her cheek again.  He still couldn't believe she was here.

"It's been a long, long, long day."  She took his hand and kissed it.  "But I'm fine. I'm so glad I'm here."  She stood up on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him.  Oh, she just needed his hug right now.  His hugs were the tightest, safest hugs she'd ever felt.  She whispered in his ear, "I've got a present for you when we get back to your house."  She giggled when he tightened his arms.  "Let's eat.  So, we can sing you Happy Birthday."  She couldn't wait to get him alone.  She just wanted to feel safe again.  She was doing ok.  Amanda made her feel comfortable, but there was no one who could make her feel safer than Harry.

"I'm not letting you go."  He pulled a chair right next to his.  "It's been way too long, I think I'm dreaming.  I can't believe you guys pulled this off."  He sat and put his hand on her knee.  "You keep surprising me.  How do you keep doing that?"  He looked at her really for the first time.  "You look amazing."  She did.  Simple black dress, simple black boots.  Light natural makeup.  Her dark hair hanging over her shoulders with light curls.  "You don't look like you've been traveling all day."

Julie laughed.  "Gemma took me so I could shower and get ready quickly.  I needed it.  No way I could have come here looking like I did and feeling like I did.  Yes, I know you would have loved me anyway, but it wasn't pretty."  She joked.  "I promise I did it as quickly as I could.  Thanks for giving Gemma a key to your house.  I seem to remember it pretty well."

"You've been there already?"  He shook his head.  "Sneaky girl."  He leaned over and kissed her.  He looked into her eyes.  God, he'd missed her.  One month.  When he left for tour, it would be at least two months until he got to see her again.  He took a deep breath.  Just enjoy the time you have with her, Styles.  Oh, thank god, he got to see her before they left for tour. He was still amazed how his family had managed to pull it off without him knowing.  "Have I mentioned I'm happy you're here?"

"You may have mentioned it.  I wouldn't miss it for anything, Harry.  I'm sorry I was so late."  She said putting her hand on top of his which was still on her knee.

"Oh, no worries.  This is the best birthday ever already."  He smiled and kissed her again and then settled back as everyone started talking to them and dinner was served to everyone.  It was a wonderful birthday dinner indeed.  Julie got along swimmingly with everyone.  She seemed pretty comfortable with the group.  She smiled and laughed a lot.  She didn't seem quite as open as she had been in Tahoe, and he would talk to her about it, but things looked good.  He was so happy she had come.  So happy he didn't have to try to find a way to see her before they left on tour.  He hoped she was staying for a while.  They did leave for tour in five days, and he wanted to spend as much time with her as he could.  He had so many questions, but they could wait until later.  Or tomorrow.  He found himself wishing he could get her alone.  Quickly.  He laughed to himself, patience Styles, patience, he said in his head.

When it came time to sing Happy Birthday, Harry wouldn't let Julie escape.  She started to go over to stand by his mum, but he pulled her back.  He wrapped his arm around her.  "No, stay.  Please."  He held onto her while everyone started singing.  She was with him now.  That was what he wanted.  She belonged by his side.  In everything.  When they'd finished singing, and he was told to make a wish, he looked down into Julie's eyes.  "I don't need to.  I already got my wish."  He leaned down and kissed her while everyone clapped.  "So, I guess my wish is that everyone feels as happy and as lucky as I do in this moment."  He leaned over and blew out his candles.

Julie looked up at him and shook her head.  "Sappy much?"  She asked him.

"Oh, I forgot sassy.  Too much deep for my precious you."  He leaned down and kissed her again.  "I can't help it though when it's the truth.  Can we go home yet?"

Julie laughed at him.  "Soon boyfriend."  She shook her head again.  "Let's let your mom enjoy us for a while.  She's been watching you the whole time you know."

"Yes, I know.  I can tell."  He kissed her one more time.

Julie kissed him back and then watched him walk over to his mum and hug her tightly.  She loved their relationship.  Harry and Anne were so close.  The whole family was amazing.  She never felt out of place when she was around.  Of course, it wasn't often.  This was only her second time here, but Gemma really befriended her, and Anne was always so kind.  She definitely could see where Harry got it from.  The kindness ran in the genes.  She was so lucky that she got to experience all of it, even just looking in.  She turned and talked to Gemma while Harry was with his mom.  She loved London.  She felt most comfortable here.  It seriously was so far away from her past that she hoped she was able to spend more time here going forward.  She glanced at Harry and Anne often.  She loved watching him happy and smiling.  The contented feeling of Tahoe overwhelmed her again.  Happiness.  She was feeling happiness.  And she was enjoying it.  A lot.

Amanda was sitting at home pouting.  She was happy JJ had gotten to go see Harry. It was his 21st birthday after all, but she wanted to see Niall too.  It had been a whole month since they'd been together and the guys left for tour soon, and Niall had no idea when he would be able to see her.  She was so sad about it.  She sighed and went to the kitchen to make herself something to eat.  She had the next couple of days off from work.  She should have just gone with JJ to London.  Found a way to see Niall.  She made a simple sandwich and walked back into the living room with it.  She didn't even look up.  She set the sandwich on the table and looked for the tv remote, might as well catch up on some of the shows she missed while at work this week.  When she turned around, Niall was standing right in front of her.  "Oh my god!!!!  Niall!!  What are you doing here?"  She stepped up to him and hugged him tightly.  "How did you get in here?!"

Niall laughed and squeezed her.  "Hi, Princess.  You know I couldn't go out on tour without seeing you.  I wanted to surprise you.  JJ left a key at the front desk for me."

"Damn it!  She knew and didn't tell me!?"  Amanda was in tears.  She was seriously surprised.

"Well, it sort of would have ruined the surprise if she'd told you."  Niall laughed and then stepped back so he could kiss her.  "I've missed you so very much."

"I'm so glad that you came.  I was wondering why you said I shouldn't come to London with JJ.  Such brats you two are."  Amanda said wiping her tears and kissing him again.

Niall laughed again.  "We just wanted to surprise you, not like we were plotting something bad behind your back."  He took her hand and kissed it.  "So, I saw you made some lunch.  I'm starving, do you think I may be able to get some of that too."

Amanda sniffled and laughed.  "Of course, you are.  Yes, of course.  But you can make it yourself."

"No," Niall pouted.  "So not fair.  Aren't you supposed to wait on me?  Good woman and all?"

"Oh we are not living in 1952, my love.  I think you can make yourself a sandwich."  Amanda took his hand.  "But I shall walk you to the kitchen."  She was so surprised he was here.  He and JJ were sneaky.  But she sure wasn't mad about it.  What a beautiful surprise.  She was grateful he was here and grateful that JJ helped him pull off the surprise.  Well, life seemed to be going pretty well these days.  Just sucked that in a few short days he would be jetting across the world and literally a day ahead for quite some time.

Niall watched Amanda while he made his sandwich.  He could tell she was glad he was here, but yet still sad.  He figured he knew why.  This tour was long and all across the world.  The guys had discussed it and were hoping to have the break in April through June mostly in LA for writing and recording their new album.  They were also discussing the possibility of taking a much needed and much deserved break from the constant touring and recording, and it would be a perfect time, but as a collective had not decided yet, so he wasn't going to say anything about it to Amanda yet.  Maybe they could discuss something of the sorts though.  He finished making his sandwich and took her hand going back to sit on the couch and eat with her.  "I wish you weren't so sad Princess, but I think I can understand why.  I'm not looking forward to leaving you either."

"I know, Niall.  I know it's not something you're doing on purpose.  And trust me, I love who you are.  I love your talent, and that you share it with so many people.  I know how your songs touch people and help people.  I'm trying not to be selfish.  I feel like the luckiest girl in the world for you to call me your girlfriend.  And part of me is super sad that my boyfriend has to go away for so long.  But I'm not the only one who deals with it.  People deal with being away from their loved ones a lot.  So, I do get it.  I just don't have to like it.  Do I?"  Amanda said sadly.

"No, babe.  Of course, you don't have to like it.  I'm not going to like it either.  No one would like to spend so much time away from their partner.  The one they love.  But it's our life right now.  It won't be forever.  We will work through things while we both get to live our lives and our dreams.  It won't always be so complicated, love.  I promise you.  We have lots of time to work this out.  And we always know that we have each other to come home to.  No matter how long it is."  Niall said leaning over and kissing her.  "Trust me, Amanda, I know this isn't ideal.  But it's us.  And together, we couldn't be any more perfect."

Amanda just looked at him after he kissed her.  Seriously, could this boy be any more perfect?  She thought about the words he'd said.  "Good god, where did you come from?  Because I swear to you, I couldn't have asked for anything more than what you said.  You always know the right thing to say.  How can I even argue with that?  You're amazing Niall.  I don't think you realize how lucky I feel to be in your life like I am.  I don't even know how I got so lucky that night in the ER."

"Well I'm glad wrecking my knee and being in so much pain made you happy, Princess."  Niall laughed.

"Oh, that's not what I meant, and you know it."  Amanda laughed.  "No, you know what.  I don't care.  Whatever happened.  It brought you into my life. So yeah, I don't care you wrecked your knee, and you were in pain.  Nope, sorry I don't."

"Oh, you cheeky brat you." Niall said as he set his plate down and started tickling her sides.  "How mean."

"Niall!!!"  Amanda screamed and giggled and lay backwards on the couch watching him as he came closer and tickled her some more.  "Stop!!"  She laughed harder.  "I can't say I'm sorry. I just can't; it was perfect."

Niall tickled her some more and leaned down and kissed her, looking deeply into her eyes.  "Yeah, you know what?  I can't say I would change anything about it either.  I couldn't be happier honestly.  I'm extremely happy."  He leaned down and cupped her cheek.  "I love you."  He kissed her thoroughly.

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*the story is complete fan fiction