Chapter 2

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 "Ok Marcel, read the directions to me." Louis demanded.

"Um right, so we have to compose a simple song and name it with a word that describes the relationship between the both of... erm us," I almost whispered the last part.

"What the hell does that mean?" Louis snorted. "There's nothing between us."

"Well if there's nothing between us then why did you even pick me as your-" I shot back but managed to stop myself realizing he could beat me up for having a bit of an attitude.

"as my partner?" He finished for me.

I nodded, looking a bit too innocent as he began to smirk again. He nudged my elbow as he answered,

"I just wanna get to know you better, that's all. You know.. make peace."

So that explains why he offered me an umbrella and didn't slam me against the nearest wall.

"Really?" I replied hopefully.

"Yes. Really." He believably stated.

For the rest of class, he showed me the basics of piano and I explained how my mum signed me up for this class. He told me to give piano a chance because it's "A beautiful instrument."

The bell for the next class rang and we got dismissed. I walked out of Mr. Anderson's class last because I didn't want to get in the way of anyone. The last time I tried walking out I bumped into a girl named Kelly and she flinched and claimed that I was "The saddest thing that ever walked the planet."

I made my way out of class but an arm stopped right in front of me when reached the outside of the door. I turned to see Louis leaning back on the wall with his right hand shoved in his pocket.

"When lunch time comes find me in the cafeteria, yeh?" He smiled.

"Alright." I nodded and walked the opposite way.

Now why would he want me to find him in the cafeteria? I swear this day is getting weirder and weirder. If I find myself even more uncomfortable then I'm gonna ask Mr. Anderson to switch partners. I guess I should give this whole "peace," thing a chance though.

I continued through honors history, top advanced mathematics, and English classes before I reached lunch. I walked through the cafeteria doors avoiding eye contact with everyone who stared at me with humor. I scrunched up my shoulders and adjusted my glasses as I searched for Louis. I spotted his casual, messy brown hair at the jocks lunch table and walked over to greet him.

"Oh hey Marcel." He smirked. "Alright boys, we all know who this is. He's my piano partner for a project were doing. I hope you all can get on well, yeh?"

His teammates all nodded and smirked as some of them whisper things to each other.

"Marcel, is it?" A pair of hazel eyes stared at me.

"Yes, and yours?" I answered.

"Zayn, Zayn Malik. Not a football player, more musical than sporty. I'm the lead singer for our school's modern choir." He introduced.

"Oh. Impressive. So erm.. How many basses does it take to change a light bulb?" I joked.

"Um. aha.. how many?" Zayn asked following along.

"None. They're so macho they prefer to walk in the dark and bang their shins!" I snorted which led to hysterical laughter. I find myself quite the jokster.

Silence filled the table for while until everyone broke out into laughter. I was very pleased with myself until one guy commented,

"That was a shit joke Marcel."

"Oh whiskers.." I silently mumbled.

"No, no Marcel. It was very funny!" Zayn cracked a genuine smile.

"Oh, well thank you Zayn. I have a few jokes up my sleeve here and there. I'd love to tell you more sometime." I smiled back with movements of my hands.

"Aha, that's quite good mate." Zayn nodded.

"Alright, enough with the jokes Marcel. Wanna go get some lunch and sit outside?" Louis offered.

I nodded in agreement as we made our way to the food stands in the cafeteria. I, of course, picked the salad bar as Louis made his way to the sandwich bar next to mine. I also bought an apple to munch on. We made our way outside as Louis showed me his ham and cheese sandwich with a Gatorade drink. We sat down at an empty bench and began eating.

"Did you know the lettuce we see today actually started out as a weed around the Mediterranean basin?" I questioned to break the silence.

Louis stared at me with a playful look as his eyes widened a bit with the fact I stated.

"Uh, wow that's pretty wicked." He nodded in agreement.

"Yes. And did you know the sandwich your eating has about 11% of carbohydrates?" I pointed towards Louis' sandwich.

He nodded in acknowledgement and I continued munching on my salad. After a while Louis commented,

"You're quite weird."

"I know, I've been told." I nodded still chewing with my mouth full.

"I like it." Louis smiled.

Wow, Louis likes my weirdness? That's... odd.

"Let me ask you something, may I?" I respectfully said.

"Sure." He answered.

"Zayn's not a jock like you but you guys seem like best friends. How is that?" I asked.

He paused for a moment to put his almost finished sandwich down and looked into my eyes.

"Well, it's because we're quite opposite, you see? My teammates are wonderful lads and all but they're not my best friends. Zayn is. He understands me better than anyone and we just get on well." He answered.

I nodded in agreement as I put down my salad to wipe my mouth with a handkerchief I keep in my pocket.

"I hope we can be as close as Zayn and I are, Marcel." He suddenly acknowledged.

"Oh. Well yes, that would be nice." I agreed.

I started to feel myself tense up and insecure. Drops of sweat started to drip down my forehead as I gripped my handkerchief.

"You alright, mate?" Louis became aware of my nervousness.

"I- erm yes. It's just a bit hot out here." I lied.

"Well are you quite finished? We can head back in." He replied.

I nodded and we both got up to throw away our leftovers. I kept my unfinished apple and held it in my hand as we both walked back into the cafeteria. The bell to signal the end of lunch rang and we parted ways. I walked to my locker, finishing my apple, and got hold of my backpack. My last class is psychology and I managed to finish my homework in that class as well. The bell to signal dismissal rang and everyone rushed out of class and out of the school. I began my walk back home.

"Hey! Marcel!" I hear a voice call out. I searched around and saw Louis' car pull up to me. "Need a lift?"

I hesitated to answer as I was gonna deny the offer but saw the rain start to pick up again and I wasn't in the mood to be soaked.

"That would be nice, yes please." I answered.

I got into his car to the back seat.

"Um.. wouldn't you rather sit in the front, mate?" Louis looked puzzled when I buckled myself in the back seat.

"Oh no thank you. My mum prefer me in the back for my own safety." I stated.

"Um, aha alright then. Just tell me where I'm going." He adjusted the car out of park and into drive mode.

I showed up the way and we pull up to my driveway.

"Whelp, here we are Marcel." He turned around to say.

"Yes. Thank you so much. Would you like to come in? For some tea perhaps?" I questioned.

"Oh, are you sure? Wouldn't want to intrude." He replied.

"It's no big deal. I insist." I nicely smiled back.

"Alright, yeah, yeah that would be nice. Thank you." He said.

We made our way to my front door as I pulled out my house key. I unlocked the door and led him into the kitchen. I heated up the kettle and pulled two cups out of the cabinet as I began telling him about the structure of my home and it's precise history. He was surprisingly listening and asking more questions as I happily answered each of them. I finished up the tea and made my way over to the kitchen table where he was seated and handed him the cup. He thanked me and we sat silently for a while just sipping our cups.

"This is delightful, Marcel." He complimented.

"Thank you. I like to add a bit of pickle." I replied.

"Are you serious? Me too! No one in my family likes it with pickle besides me." He brightly said.

"Me as well!" I brightly announced.

We both laughed a bit as we continued to drink.

"Well this was lovely Marcel. I have football practice so I better get going." Louis said after a while.

"I understand. Thank you for being good company." I smiled.

Just as we both stood up, my mum, walked into the kitchen which I assumed she just came home from the grocery store. I quickly made my way over to help her with the groceries as Louis did the same. She thanked us both and stood to look to me and Louis with a bright smille.

"Oh right! Sorry, mum this is Louis. He's my piano partner or should I say, captain." I introduced.

My mum shook Louis' hand as she introduced herself.

"Anne. Pleased to meet you!" Louis replied.

"Yes, I should say so myself. You're the first friend my little Marcy has brought over!" Mum suddenly babbled.

"Mum! He's just my partner.." I corrected.

"Aw! Well I still feel quite special." Louis smirked.

"Louis has to get going now, don't you Louis?" I acknowledged, wanting Louis to leave so I don't get even more embarrassed.

"Right. Thanks for having me, Anne." He shook her hand again.

"My pleasure, anytime Louis." She answered.

Louis and I walked out of the kitchen and to the front door. He stepped out but turned around to smile at me.

"Thanks again, Marcy!" He spoke.

I can't believe he just used the nickname my mum gave me. I've never heard anyone outside of my family say that.

"I- uh, j-just you're.. welcome." I replied shyly.

Louis made his way to his car and opened the driver's door but stopped and looked at me,

"You know. You are considered a friend to me, Marcel." He stated.

I found myself blushing as I nodded and quickly shut the door. Wow, it's been certainly an odd day.

"Well he was a nice fellow." Mum interrupted my thoughts as she saw my back pressed against the front door as I slowly slid down to the ground with my hands up to my cheeks.

"Hun, are you alright? You're as red as a tomato." She pointed out.

"I-I'm fine mum." I sat up.

"Are you two together..?" She abruptly asked.

"WHAT?! Mum that's ridiculous. No.. no!" I hesitantly answered.

"It's alright if you two are. He seems nice." She grinned.

"M-mum. Stop it. We're just partners for a project." I fixed my clothing and glasses as I made my way to the stairs.

"Alright, alright. Just sayin, babe." She held up her hands in protest.

"Mum, we all know I'm as forever alone as the final digit of pi." I quickly said as I made my way up the stairs.

She chuckled as she shouted out, "You're silly, Marcy. We all know that's not true!"

I finished up my homework and went downstairs for dinner. After dinner, I took a shower and got ready for bed. I decided to wear my spaceship pyjamas because I was strangely in a good mood and felt the need to be a bit crazy. I normally only wear my spaceship pjs on some holidays. I snuggled into my bed and accommodated myself to become cozy.

"Spaceship pj's? It's not Christmas, Marcy." My mum suddenly appeared at my door.

"I can break the rules sometimes to mummy!" I replied.

"Oh my little rebel!" She giggled.

Mum walked over and tucked me in leaving me with a "goodnight," and a cheek kiss.

 

Beep! Beep! I heard my alarm and immediately woke up. I'm not sure why I'm so eager to get to school today. My thoughts just race back to Louis and how we're friends now. I guess that's I'm so excited. I got ready and went downstairs to find my mum and Louis sitting at the kitchen table.

"Louis? Why are you here?" I questioned.

"Morning, Marcy! Louis came to pick you up for school but I insisted he eat breakfast with us before you two head off." Mum answered.

"That's if you don't mind, Marcel." Louis smiled.

"Oh no, not at all." I awkwardly sat across from Louis.

Mum served us plates of pancakes and sausages. Normally, I'd just have toast and jam with my morning tea. But I guess it's because we have a guest so she wanted it extra special and luxurious.

"Thank you so much, Anne. This seems lovely!" Louis seemed impressed.

We ate in silence as I tried not to embarrass myself. I suddenly felt the urge to be more... conscious around Louis. Weird, right? We thanked mum and headed out the door and I finally asked,

"So why are you driving me to school? You're a popular."

"A popular? That sounds odd to me. I'm just me." He answered.

I'd never thought I'd hear Louis Tomlinson say that. Doesn't he know he's the most popular guy in the entire school? Hmm.. guess I didn't know him as well as I though. As well as everyone thought.

"I guess." I shrugged as I got into the car in the back seat of course.

"Oh right, forgot about the whole backseat thing." Louis chuckled as he began to pull out of my driveway and onto the road to school.

Silence filled the atmosphere until Louis spoke,

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Marcel."

"Like what?" I asked.

"You'll find out the more you hang with me." He simply answered.

I nodded as I pulled out a small comb to fix my hair in the way I like it. I saw Louis looking in the car mirror to stare at me.

"What?" I asked.

"I-I, uh nothing. It's just different, you. You're different." He hesitantly replied.

"I- oh thanks, I guess." I smiled.

"Don't worry, Marcel. I like different." He pulled out his shades and put them on.

He looked undeniably attractive. I mean, everyone knew that, so I didn't thing this was a weird thought or anything..

"You're staring, Marcy." Louis broke my gaze.

"O-oh I-I'm sorry." I wiped a bit of drool at the corner of my mouth hoping he wouldn't notice. Luckily, he didn't.

I feel so odd. It's like I'm suddenly all shy around him. We got to school and he parked the car. We both got out and I said a quick thank you and goodbye but he grabbed my sleeve before I could get away,

"Where are you going? We have piano together, remember?" He reminded.

Shoot. I almost forgot. Goodness, I just feel so weird around him I don't want to make a fool out of myself.

"Oh.. right. Right. I'll just go to class first then." I quickly got away from his grip but found myself tripping over something on tumbled to the ground. Could this get any worse? I prepared myself for Louis' laughter but it never came. Louis quickly made his way to me and helped me up, repeatedly saying,

"Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!"

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I just tripped." I answered, wiping off my shirt and pants. "Awh, darn! My pants are a bit dirty."

"Here, let me." Louis kneeled down and wiped off the rest of the dust and dirt on my pants.

I looked around to see a people in groups stare and whisper to themselves. I managed to hear a girl say,

"What the hell?! Louis' mine. Why is he helping that dork? I thought he hated him."

Louis got up and gave me a proud smile, "There. Back to perfect."

"Wh-what?" My eyes widened.

"U-uh I mean, the pants are back to p-perfect." He mumbled.

"Oh, thanks." I stared into his brilliant blue eyes.

I didn't realize how close we were and how long we've been standing there just looking into each other's eyes when Zayn approached us greeting,

"Morning mates!"

Louis and I stumbled away from each other, keeping are eyes glued to the ground. I quickly glanced over to Louis who's face is as red as mine. WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

"Morning Zayn. Let's head to meet the guys, I'll see you in class Marcel." Louis quickly grabbed Zayn's arm and dragged him away before he could give me a high five.

"Oh, well bye Mar-" Zayn's word hung empty when he and Louis disappeared into the building.

I quickly made my way to class and sat down. Louis came in 10 minutes later, right before the bell rang. Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Grace took role and told us to work on our project with our partners. Louis and I sat in awkward silence for the first 5 minutes until I managed to say,

"Well we should get started.." I grabbed our empty music sheet and pulled out my sharpened pencil.

"This is bullshit." Louis suddenly commented.

"Um, what is?" I questioned, a little bothered by his language.

"This project. How can you write a simple a song to describe your relationship when most of us don't even know each other well? It takes time to know someone and build a friendship or uh.. relationship before you can even write a song to describe it." Louis explained.

I nodded in agreement.

"That's very true Mr. Tomlinson," Mr. Anderson interrupted from behind us.

Louis and I both turned around to see him with an indecisive look before he loudly announced,

"Alright everyone please listen up. Mr. Tomlinson made a point that you have to get to know someone before you can even describe what your relationship status is. So for the rest of class, I want to you stop composing and just get to know each other."

The class started to mumble in conversation as Mr. Anderson looked pleased.

"Thank you, Tomlinson. Please continue." Mr. Anderson patted Louis' shoulder and walked away.

Nicole randomly walked past us and brushed her hand across Louis' arm before giving him a quick wink. I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous as my upper lip twitched in disgust. Louis didn't seem to acknowledge her much though, he just looked at her, and gave her the fakest smile ever which made me feel better.

"Girls seem to be all over you." I found myself say.

"It's nothing really. I don't really care much for the attention to be honest." He replied.

"Wow, that's actually really surprising.." I said.

"How?" He asked, puzzled.

"It's just.. aren't you known as the womanizer? Lady killer? Or whatever everyone calls you?" I questioned.

I noticed Louis' cringe at my words as he looked a bit offended.

"No. I'm not. I don't even like- I mean. No." He answered with a sad look.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I don't believe you are. You're just Louis, I know." I smiled apologetically.

He gave me a genuine smile then nodded. "Well what about you? What are you known as?"

"A dork, loser, nerd, loner, outcast, and gee-"

"Stop. You're not those things." Louis interrupted.

"Bu-"

"No. You're just Marcel." Louis replied.

"Yeah, sure, woohoo, just the Marcel everyone hates." I argued while insecurely adjusting my big glasses.

Louis titled up my chin so our eyes meet as I shyly scrunch my entire body up before he stated,

"No. Just the Marcel that I like."

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