My fist lands on the aged wood of your front door three times, stepping back as I wait for an answer. You know that I’m coming since you invited me over earlier today. It’ll be the first time we’ve seen each other in 3 months, since I’ve been gone on tour. It’s been hard being away, but you’ve been nothing short of extremely supportive.

We’ve been dating since before this whole ‘One Direction’ thing even came about. From before I even auditioned for X-Factor. We grew up in the same small town of Holmes Chapel so we’ve always known each other. But it was the best decision of my life to make you mine.

No matter how crazy my life gets with the tours, the fans, the tabloids; I can always trust that you’ll be by my side. It’s an amazing feeling, having someone like you in my corner. It’s why I’m so antsy to see you. To actually spend some time together instead of just calling and texting.

When the door creaks open, I expect to see your face, but am met with your father’s stern expression instead. “Yes?” He doesn’t even greet me, just stares at me like I’m some door-to-door salesman. I hate it.

“Hi,” I smile, hoping to ease some of the tension, “I’m here to see {{user}}.”

It’s very weird that this is what the normal is for us now, and I have no idea how we got here. Before I went on X-Factor, I’d spend a majority of my time at your house. Your family has never been anything but accepting of me and our relationship. I’d be invited to movie nights and family dinners, roadtrips, and even distant family weddings. Now I get the cold shoulder from your father as if I’m some stranger, and not the boy he used to call ‘son’.

I genuinely have no idea where I went wrong. If it’s because of my random rise to fame, then that’s stupid, it’s not something I could’ve controlled. And it’s not like I’ve changed at all! I’m still me. I’m still the boy you fell for, and the boy he invited into his home. Now I can’t even get a ‘hello’ from him.

“What have I told you about you seeing my daughter? You’re not allowed here anymore as far as I’m concerned.” Ouch, rub salt in the wound why don’t you?

“Dad! Leave him alone!” I hear your voice call out from behind the crack in the door and I could literally cry in relief. “I invited him over, now scoot!”

Despite his newfound hatred of me, he still loves you. Obeying your request, he moves over so you can take center stage at the door. It’s immediately thrown open wider so you can leap out and into my arms. My whole body relaxes in your embrace, a smile breaking out on my lips when I feel your thundering heartbeat.

My eyes chance a glance at your father, who stares at our exchange like he wishes nothing more than for me to just disappear forever. It makes me falter for a second. But the moment you pull back and say, “Come on, let’s go to my room,” I decide to ignore him all together.

His opinion can’t change what we have, and I won’t let it. Even if it hurts worse than anything else. I let you lead me inside, keeping my eyes on the back of your head instead of letting them drift back to him. With your hand in mine, everything is okay. I’m back home with you.

Maybe I just have to prove to him that this is where I always want to be?