Objects of Virtue

Chapter 08

Chapter 09

** A massive "I'm sorry" to everyone! The holidays tend to be hectic in our house hold. Hope you all enjoy this chapter - it is best described as a filler but ultimately important for the story. Hope you enjoy it, none the less!**

30TH May, 2021 – Hertfordshire, England

Louis woke up to sunlight streaming through his window and the soft nudging of his sister Daisy. It took a moment for him to realize why she was dressed in black.

"Good morning, Lou," Daisy said her bright blue eyes still tinged red, it was apparent she had been crying. She looked lovely, still her brown hair glistening in the rays of the golden morning sun. Louis felt his heart fill with love as he looked at his baby sister. He swore it was just yesterday that she and Phoebe were tiny little things crawling around in pigtails. They were beginning to look more like Mum every single day.

"It's 9.30 Lou, Liam said he'd pick us up at 10.30. Thought I'd better wake you up," she said, her smile barely reaching her cheeks. He wished he could make it easier on them. But the truth of the matter is that they all needed to face this pain head on. It was the only way. Louis knew first hand. Losing Mum was something that he still hadn't gotten past. He woke up every morning missing her and he hated the fact that sometimes, his memories of her had begun to fade. What was once a crystal-clear picture, Mum smiling, her blue eyes sparkling, her warm arms wrapped around him, kissing him hard on his cheeks as he pretended to hate it, was fading now. The color of her dress was no longer a beautiful, vibrant, red – it had faded to a dull pink. It was all becoming a dull sepia. Harry was right, when he thought of it. The pain never got any lesser. It never got easy. Just easier.

"Thanks, Dais." Lou replied, smiling fondly at his sister and planting a loving kiss on her forehead as he headed to the washroom.

He wasn't prepared for the day. He knew he would be meeting a number of key people that worked with his father. He had to show up and measure up. He had big shoes to fill. He wished Simon had been more helpful, he wished he had told him who was who and what was what. Well, at least he would be there today. Louis let the warm water pour down on him and soak into his bones. It was like therapy to him. The only form that he was allowed, behind his own closed doors.

Walking into his closet, Louis noticed that Liam had gotten one of his suits pressed, and it hung neatly on the hook, its tiny gold button, gently glimmering in the soft warm lighting of his walk-in closet. So, this was it then? It was all falling on his shoulders and he knew absolutely nothing about it. The fabric of the shirt gently whooshed against his skin, cool and light embracing the curves of his arms and waist. It was beautifully tailored and fit him perfectly. Louis did up his tie, not really looking – just seeing, his mind lost in thoughts that were plaguing his mind. A generous spritz of perfume, his socks, his pants, his coat and finally his shoes – all automatic. He looked at himself in the mirror, running his hands through his hair, gently spraying on some hair spray to set his hair. He looked good, sharp even. Breathing in deeply, Louis walked back into his room and just as he was pocketing his phone, he heard a familiar rap on his door.

"It open Li, come in"

"You ready Lou? The girls are already headed for the car. Lots already left with Lewis," Liam said, leaning against the door frame. He was dressed smartly, his black suit a carbon copy of Louis', his shoes shined. He always looked so well put together, Louis thought. It was remarkable. If it weren't for Liam, Louis would be nothing sort of a colossal mess right now. He realized just how much he depended on his friend. Liam looked after him so well. He always filled the big brother shoes even though he was younger than Louis.