Dear Friend,

chapter 15

Harry Styles

While we were at the listening party earlier today, I was sitting in one of the armchairs with my headphones on trying to scan the room to see the reactions as the songs played.

Cherry was her song, there was no denying it, but nobody knew that. I sat resting my head in my hands as the song played and during it, I could only look at the ground. I was too scared to see how the fans would react even if they don't know the story.

I think there was some confusion on everyone's faces as the voice memo played and they tried deciphering the translation and who it could be. They didn't seem too focused on it after it ended and the next right after was quite sad to say the least.

The speculation was inevitable with any album, and with most things in my life. There were always pictures and articles circling throughout the media and I tried my best to stay out of it but there was bound to be an array of rumors cultivating tomorrow after people are able to listen through.

I fully zoned out for the rest of the listening party, I thanked everyone for coming and immediately hopped in my car to go back home so I could relieve Jeff who was at home with Theo tonight.

I put my key in the door, opening it to see the two of them sitting at the dining table building a lego set, Jeff looking like he was way more interested in the project than Theo was.

"Daddy's home!" Theo pushed back off the edge of the table, sliding down the chair and running over right to me.

"Hey buddy, did you have fun tonight?"

"Yup! Me and my friend Jeff played lots of fun games and he brought me a building set!"

"That's so cool dude!" I leaned down, scooping him up under his arms and placing him on my hip as he leaned in to rest his head on my shoulder. I felt his hand reach out to push away some of the hair that had fallen into my face and he giggled quietly as I did the same thing back to him. "I think it's someone's bedtime, what do yI ou say?"

"No" He quickly brought his head back up shaking it from side to side. "I want to watch a movie, can I pleaseeeee daddy?"I turned into what was their spare bedroom which has now been deconstructed with boxes of furniture and gallons of paint on the floor

"Not tonight, T. Tomorrow I've got a show, don't you remember? Which means you get to hang out with all of your friends backstage and stay up late."

Hi brought his arm across his body like he was cheering and his mood quickly changed as he perked back up and tried to wiggle his way out of my arms to go to his bedroom.

"I'm gonna put my pj's on. I bet I can do it super fast."

"Alright, let's see it." He looked up at me like he was accepting a challenge before dashing down the hallway with his hands straight like he was putting on his best sprinter's form.

"You got lucky with him, H, he's a good kid." Jeff leaned in giving me a subtle hug and patting my back.

"I know, he's the best." All I could do was smile back in response, a toothy grin when I thought about how happy he made me.

"Take it easy on yourself tonight, yeah? The album is great and I know everyone is gonna love it, I don't know anyone who wouldn't."

"I can think of one-" I mumbled to myself as he made his way towards the front door.

"Sorry, did you say something?"

"Nope, uh- nothing just had something in my throat." I pointed at my neck and let out a forced cough. "Just a tickle I think."