Chapter 41: Missing Band Members

(Maya’s POV)

I couldn’t believe how much fun everyone was having, I was nervous leading up to this since it had been awhile since everyone had been together, but now I see I didn’t need to worry anymore. “Do you think Louis will ever propose?” Eleanor whined as we watched the guys talk. “I’m hoping so! You two have been together for such a long time! It would be crazy if he didn’t!” I assured her. She didn’t say anything she just checked her phone. “Where is Harry?” She asked me. Louis must keep her in the dark just like Liam does with me when it comes to the Harry situation. “I’m not sure anymore, last I knew he didn’t make his flight,” I told her. “He’s so strange lately and that new girlfriend of his, what is that?” She gasped.

I hadn’t heard much about her or how they even ended up together, all I knew is that she was crazy and controlling. I was surprised when I heard that, he never seemed to be interested in that type. “I don’t know, El, she won’t fit in with us, that’s for sure,” I sighed. I didn’t want to talk about this right now, but for some reason it really bothered Eleanor and I didn’t know why, I haven’t seen her act like this is a long time.

“Do you think Liam notices Aspen got away from him?” She asked me. I looked over to see Aspen nowhere near Liam like she was originally and just laughed. “What’s so funny?” She asked me.  “He does this all the time at home, he gets way to into his conversation and then he’ll so remember his daughter can walk now and start to panic he lost her,” I explained to her. “Just move back to LA and I will take care of her for you! He doesn’t seem to be a good father,” Eleanor joked. “He usually is, but let’s not forget is attention span is the same as a fly,” I laughed.

A little awhile later I knew I had to make my surprise speech before everyone started to leave after cake and presents. I walked over and grabbed a microphone the zoo was letting us borrow for the speech. “If I could have everyone’s attention for a few that would be amazing,” I smiled. Liam looked at me confused, I just smiled at him.

“As we are all gathered here to celebrate Aspen’s first year of life, I would also like to celebrate something else as well. As you look around you see that only our closest family and friends are here today and there is a reason for that. You guys are the only ones who know the true story behind Liam’s struggle with drinking the past year and a half and it almost ended our marriage and our future.” Tears started to fill in my eyes, I looked around everyone was going through the same thing I was.  I took a deep breath and continued on, “Luckily, Liam, knew he needed to get help or we wouldn’t be together raising our beautiful daughter. I would like to take a minute to thank Liam for making the most important decision he has made in awhile. You have no idea how much I adore you and appreciate everything you do for me and Aspen every day. You go above and beyond with everything when we don’t even ask that of you. Even when times were rough you kept this family together and I will never forget that.” I had so much more to say but I couldn’t stop crying to say it.

(Liam’s POV)

I watched Maya as she broke down, you could tell there were many emotions that were stuck inside finally breaking free. I tried to move but I frozen. “Aspen and I need you, Lee, and I know you did everything in your power for you to be with us today, I know each day is a struggle, but we thank you so much for never going back down that road,” Aspen whimpered. Finally I felt my body allowing me to move, and I rushed over there and hugged her as tight I as could. She squeezed me back as she sobbed.

“I love you forever and ever, Maya Grace, don’t you ever forget that,” I whispered to her. “I love you too!” She cried. Everyone started clapping and soon I felt a tiny tug on my pant leg, I looked down to see Aspen trying to get me to pick her up. “She must not like being left out,” I joked as I picked up Aspen. “You two are my world, and I would have it any other way,” I assured Maya. Aspen giggled, she looked just like her mom, even though Maya swore she looked just like me.

(Maya’s POV)

 The party was a major success and everyone had a great time, I’m glad everyone came to celebrate with us. “Okay, now let’s get home so this party animal can take a nap!” Liam laughed as he put Aspen in her carseat. “Do you guys mind if we come back to the house?” Niall asked. “Of course not!” I chimed. I loved spending time with guys and Eleanor, they were practically family.  “My family will be there just a warning for you guys,” Liam mentions. “Not a problem, Lad! We love them all!” Louis chirps.  

When we got home everyone was waiting for us, we would have gotten here sooner, but Liam just swore he needed to stop for gas even though he had plenty. Aspen was asleep by the time we got home. “Couldn’t she wait like five more seconds?” Liam sighed. He hated trying to make sure she stay asleep as he got her out of her car seat. He always asks the same question, it’s hilarious.

Harry: Maya, are you mad at me?

Maya: Mad? Nope. Furious? More like it.

“Do you guys need anything to drink?” I asked everyone as we shuffled into the house. “Can I get some water?” El asked. “Of course!” I exclaimed. “Is the guest room around the corner?” Karen asked. “Yeah, mum, I’ll show you where it is,” Liam said. Karen and Geoff followed Liam and the rest of us got our drinks and headed to the living room.

“Do you think everything will turn out okay?” Eleanor asked me. “What do you mean?” I asked her. “Okay! It’s present time!” Niall exclaimed as he and Zayn carried in presents. “Who are these for?” I asked him. I was confused, those were not the presents from Aspen’s party.

Niall smiled at me, “They are for you and that Liam fellow.” I didn’t get it, why do we get presents.  “Why did you get us presents?” I asked him. “We will explain when Liam get’s here,” Zayn informed me. “Okay?” I said baffled.

“Aspen is asleep and so are my parents,” Liam informed me with a kiss on the check as he entered the living room. “Already?” I asked in reference to his parents. “Jetlag,”  Liam mumbled as he set down next to me. “Alright since the father is here, we can give you guys your presents!” Niall exclaimed like a little kid.

“Why did you get us present exactly?” I asked him. “Well, we thought we could celebrate you guys making it your first year as parents, amazing parents if I must add,” Louis exclaimed. “It was actually Harry’s idea, but he isn’t here today, but we will still give them to you now,” Zayn informed us.

I couldn’t believe it, these people were my family and we weren’t even blood related, but we all shared a bond no one else would understand. 

Harry: Maya, will you answer my calls please.

Maya: Can’t. Busy.

“Okay!  Let’s get this party started!” Zayn said as he rubbed his hands together. “And don’t judge the wrapping, I had to teach them how to wrap a present,” Eleanor laughed. “We usually just use gift bags!” Niall said trying to defend him and the rest of the guys. I just laughed. “We wanted to stay with this,” Louis said.

He handed me a present and I opened it. “It’s a scrapbook,” I told Liam. “Not just any scrapbook, but a scrapbook that is filled with every memory you guys share all the way from the concert to Aspen’s birthday,” Eleanor noted.

I was already overwhelmed, filled with many emotions and it was only the first present. Liam took the scrapbook from me and thumb through the pages. I saw this eyes glossing over with tears. “This is amazing!” He chimed.  “Okay, next one!” Louis declared. He handed a present to Liam. I waited impatiently for Liam to open it the same present. “What is it?” Liam asked confused.

“Well, that’s the tricky one,” Simon declared. “Why is it tricky?” I asked him. “The box is empty,” Liam pointed out bluntly. “Yes, it is,” Simon agreed. “It was Harry’s present, he gave it to us like this,” Paul sighed. I took the box from Liam and looked at it. “Was this supposed to be a joke?” I snapped.  No one said anything, we just set there in silence for a minute, a knock on the door broke the silence.

I excused myself from the room and walked to the front door. I collected myself before I opened it. “Are you Mrs. Payne?” The police officer asked. “Uhm, yea?” I said confused. “We need you to identify a body,” he said.

Well well well…nice little cliff hanger right?!  Don’t hate me and leave your guess below to who you think it might be! Anyways sorry for not updating with the Holiday last week it was crazy! But the next one will be soon! XOXO!