Please vote and comment and let me know what you think??? Thank you ^^
P.S this chapter is also Louis's POV bc I wrote it first in Lola's POV and didn't like it :/
We have two more chapters before the end! And then a two part Epilogue. :)
..
If someone had told me that I'd be catering to the girl who broke my heart so thoroughly, I'd have told them to fuck off. But now, as I knelt next to Lola's bed and worked to keep her temperature down, a sense of humor touched me. Also a tinge of sadness.
She was breathing heavily, eyes closed and mouth slightly open. Small, keening sounds escaped her and I didn't think it was possible for a heart to ache this much but mine was. I was replacing the rag on her forehead when she opened her eyes, and they were brimming with tears, quite red as well.
A sob broke from her. "L-Louis..."
I squeezed my eyes shut. Fuck. The way she said my name made me undone. "Shhhh." I pleaded, putting another cold rag on her forehead. I couldn't bear to hear my name from her lips. I was fighting for control enough as it is.
A few more times and I realized the rags weren't going to help at all. She was burning. I picked her up and she held the shirt tightly, face against my chest. I was in immense pain, holding her like this and knowing she wasn't mine. She started to protest when she realized my intentions.
"There's no other way," I coaxed. "Leave your clothes on if you want, but you're going to sit in cold water or I'm going to take you to the hospital. What do you want?"
I lowered her in the tub and she sighed, sniffling and putting the shirt she was holding on the edge. My shirt. I fought to ignore this fact but Christ, I couldn't. I opened the water and she squealed the moment the coldness touched her. I was faintly amused, but couldn't find it in me to smile at all. The whole situation was painful.
Lola was shivering, her clothes sticking to her body and as if my torture wasn't just enough as it is, I could see the shape of her cold, hard nipples beneath the thin t-shirt she was wearing. I looked away and swallowed, and when I felt I bit calm, I looked back to see her hugging her knees to her chest and rocking gently. Tears were streaming down her face, but her shivers were less and less. It seemed that to her, I didn't exist at all. She was in her own world, and I hated to remind her that I was still her, but I touched a hand to her forehead and found that the temperature was better, but still not cool enough. I ignored her wince and leaned against the marble sink, staring at my feet. It was so awkward to be here, and things were complicated between us, but I sent a silent thank you to whatever made me worried and urged me to check on her. I'd have been gutted if any thing happened to her.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I realized that it had to be Charlotte. "Yes, Love?"
Lola stilled. Had she thought I was talking to someone, I didn't really know.
"It's a tad complicated, Lottie," I sighed lowly, shooting a curious glance at Lola. She was still stoic, but I think it was mostly because I was speaking to my sister who confessed she no longer likes Lola at all. "I think it'd be better if you went to sleep, Love. I'll explain tomorrow."
"All right," Lottie sighed. "Don't be too late, okay?"
I smiled. Since when had she become the big sister? "I won't, darling. Goodnight."
I hung up and put my phone back in my pocket, clearing my throat. "Do you feel better?"
She jerked her head in agreement. I snatched two towels while she drained the water and stood, and tried--so fucking hard--not to stare at her body as I handed her the towels. She took them carefully, and I prayed that our fingers wouldn't touch because I was bent up enough as it is. I stood outside of the bathroom to give her privacy, then decided to get her something to drink rather than stay here and look like an idiot.
"What are you doing?" Her voice was small, unsure. I turned around and showed her the cup I was holding. She looked away after a beat, her pale face coloring slightly. I resumed what I was doing, trying hard to ignore her presence but it was impossible. I wondered with deep sorrow and sadness if I'd ever get to touch her again, or, even when I swore I'd move on, if she'd try and find a way to me.
"Here you go," I slid the cup to her and she stared at it, her nose scrunching a bit. "And take those." I slid two tablets towards her and she looked at me, those eyes of her enough to make me get on my knees and beg for her.
Fuck.
I saw no point in staying here, and I was quite losing my mind being near her, so I thought it better to leave. I was right at the door and about to leave when her small, hushed voice washed over me.
"Thank you," she whispered, and my heart tightened with longing. "I'm sorry I bothered you."
And then my heart tightened with pain. I loved her, I really did. And seeing how broken and fragile she was broke me too. I swallowed past a dry throat and murmured, "You're welcome. Be careful."
I closed the door and felt a burn behind my lids.
***
Every day passed just the same. I thought it'd get easier when I saw less of her but it didn't, because all I ever thought about was her...and if she was better now that it's been a week since I last saw her. Charlotte never asked me why I was late that night and I was grateful, but there was a hint of suspicion on her face whenever I zoned out.
It was Saturday now and I had no intention of leaving my room. I incorporated a new habit, and reading was now a huge part of my day. Whenever I felt as though I needed to get out of this world, I read. Books were quite the best escape.
"Louis!" Lottie burst through the room, a scowl on her face. "She's outside."
I ignored the way she practically sneered the words. "Who's she? Lola?"
She nodded.
So much for a calm weekend. I sighed and brushed Lottie's arm on my way out, silently hoping she wouldn't cause a scene with how much she disliked Lola. I thought Charlotte meant she was in the living room, but I realized she hadn't even opened the door.
Jesus Christ. My sister could be an epic bitch when she felt like it.
I opened the door and Lola was about to leave, but pivoted at the sound. She looked better than last week, but still pale and lifeless. I didn't believe it was only physical sickness.
"Is everything all right?" I tried to hide my worry.
She actually blushed. "Um, yes, but...I kind of want to talk to you. Alone." She darted her eyes away from me and over my shoulder.
Lottie scoffed. "The nerve of some people." And then a door slammed so hard Lola jumped. I sighed in exasperation and Lola looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her. I made sure my keys and phone were with me and shut the door behind me.
"We can go somewhere. My flat isn't a good place."
Because I didn't want your smell to haunt me while I sleep, I thought.
She was quiet and tried not to say a word until I drove us to the bar where Mina worked. I almost didn't want to go there, but at least having Mina around would smack some sense into me if I lost my control against Lola. It was taking every bit of self-control I had not to stop the car, yell at her, and then kiss her senseless. I was really fighting against it.
Mina looked very surprised to see Lola next to me, but she didn't smile when she took a good look at my expression. The place was crowded and Mina beckoned us over while another guy took her place behind the bar.
I bent and whispered in her ear. "We need a quiet place."
She nodded and we followed behind her to a room that had no business being in a bar but it was there anyway. She unlocked it and handed me the key, shooting me a somewhat sympathetic smile. It was possibly a very long night ahead, but a small part of me hoped it'd end somehow with Lola in my arms again.
..
My updates aren't very long ik ik but I'm very busy with trying to write and trying not to fail in college so bear with me :)
As a reminder, Selene is now on my profile. Add it to your library, lists whatsoever if you still want to see a bit more of Louis and Lola and hear about the scandalous, steamy story of Liam and Selene ;)
Be safe cupcakes xxo