(A/N) Welcome again to another chapter from hell. It gives a little background information on Louis, which is reflective of his current demeanor. There are a couple new encounters for Louis in this chapter as well. It's a bit awkward, and it's meant to be, because this is a new event and Louis is not used to the situation or the circumstances. Bear with me.
(LOUIS POV)
I watched Harry and my grandmum talk for what seemed like hours on end. I would get up occasionally to refill her cup or to shut off the kettle after it would begin to whistle. I couldn't help but feel emotional with the whole situation. I had never really let anyone into my home before, and seeing the two of them connect so easily was kind of magical. My grandmum is over protective and doesn't like many people, really if anyone at all. But I saw the way she smiled at Harry, and I could tell she was already fond of the boy.
I would trade looks between them, not really saying much, just listening. It felt like a home again. After my parents passed, I found that my life had really changed. I couldn't really get over the accident, and it took a while for me to open up to my grandmum and grandad after the whole thing. And then, a few years later when I turned 14, my grandad died too, and it was just me and my grandmum. It felt really small and empty. It kind of felt like everyone was leaving me one by one.
I shook the thoughts from my head. There was no reason to spoil the evening.
"Eh Louis, what time is it?" Harry asked me, craning his neck to see if there was a clock around.
I pulled my phone from my pocket and waited for the screen to glow.
"It's almost eight now," I sighed, knowing he would have to leave.
"Gosh, I've been here for quite some time now huh?" He said, a shocked look on his face.
"The hours always fly by when you're in good company hun," my grandmum said, smiling at him.
Harry slowly got up from the couch, popping the bones in his back and neck.
"Well, I should probably get going. Don't want my mum going crazy."
"Oh, alright,"I said, getting up and walking over to where he was standing.
"Hey, I live two streets over from here, if your Nan doesn't mind maybe..."
"Louis, why don't you pack a bag and walk over with Harry? Maybe stay over night?" I was surprised.
No, I was shocked.
My grandmum must have really taken a liking for Harry, because she never let me go over to another person's place without thoroughly trusting them.
"That sounds brilliant!" Harry gushed. "You want to? My mum is soooo nice and would love you!" Harry grabbed me and slung his arm around my shoulder.
"Uh, yeah, sure why not," I said, laughing a bit. To be quite frank, I was scared out of my mind. I had to make the most amazing impression and one side of my head was covered in dry blood.
"Can I wash up first? I don't wanna walk over with dry blood and scare the poor woman," I asked, speaking on my thoughts.
"Yeah no problem. Gives me more time to talk to this charming lady." Harry grabbed her hand and gave it a light kiss. I could hear my grandmum giggle.
"Jesus you're a flirt," I laughed, "I'll be down in about 15 minutes."
I ran upstairs to my room and grabbed another flannel and a long sleeved gray shirt. I collected a couple more items and made my way to the bathroom.
I turned on the shower and stripped quickly, grimacing at my appearance.
All down my arms were hundreds tiny cuts, some bright red from being fresh, some a fading peach colour from being another part of my past. I looked at my thighs and saw the same thing. My skin was like a canvas of pain, just painted with memories that I wanted to forget.
I shook my head and stepped into the shower, wincing at the pain I felt as the warm water ran over the gash in my head. I washed it carefully and watched the water turn a light pink as the blood cascaded down my body and made its way down the drain. The scene was familiar, and it made me nauseous.
I gave myself a quick wash and stepped out, drying my hair and body, seeing the towel was blotchy with blood. I tossed it into the hamper and pulled open the mirror, grabbing a bottle of pain medication from it. I shook a couple pills into my palm and took them with a gentle toss.
I pulled on my clothes, making sure every inch of my body was covered, and made my way back to my room. I tossed everything I gathered earlier into the gym bag that I used for football practice and closed the door quietly behind me.
I started to walk downstairs, and heard the two of them talking in hushed voices.
"I understand. I'll take care of him. I really, really care about him, and would give him the world if I could. I know you don't like to trust people, but I'm different from other guys, I promise. If not, feel free to beat me to death with that cane over there," I heard Harry joke.
"I am trusting you Harry. He's been through more than you can understand, and I don't need anyone adding to it. You better take care of him. I just want him to be happy, and I think you're the one to do it. Don't take this conversation for granted."
"Never."
I finally made my way down the rest of the stairs, and walked out into the living room area.
"Ready to go handsome?" Harry asked, smiling at me.
"Yeah," I nodded, slinging my gym bag over my shoulder.
"Hey let me carry that for you," he said, sliding the bag down my arm.
"Alright Louis, be good. Make sure you call me if you're staying over, and call me before you go to sleep hear me?" She asked sternly.
"Of course grandmum," I smiled, walking over to her and planting a kiss on her cheek. She smiled and pulled me into a warm embrace.
I let go and looked into her eyes, letting her ruffle my hair before I walked over to Harry.
"Have fun boys, love you!" She called.
"Love you too," I said, pulling my shoes out the basket, and then handed Harry his.
I grabbed my key from my pocket and locked the door behind me. Harry took my hand in his and looked up at me.
"Your Nan is a quite charming lady. I like her a lot."
"She is great. I love her more than anything in the world. She's given me everything. I don't know how I would have survived in this world without her," I said quietly.
Harry kissed me on the forehead and started to lead me down the street.
"I live in a little house too, and work in a bakery, so don't be surprised if my house smells sickly sweet," he chuckled.
I nodded at him and we continued to walk down the street, taking a left and making small talk along the way. The sun had gone down for the most part, leaving the sky with a dark blue hue tinted with a light fuchsia colour.
"The sky looks really pretty Harry," I said, looking upward as we walked.
"It really does. I wish I had my camera on me so I could take a picture. I love taking pictures of the sky and stuff."
He seemed to drift off in his own little word, speaking passionately about the pictures he had taken before.
The conversation came to and end as we walked up the drive way to what I assumed to be the entrance of his house.
I stood there frozen, overwhelmed with fear.
"Hey," he said, taking my hand, "There's no reason to be afraid. She's going to love you. I promise," he said assuringly, opening the door.
"HOOOOOOLA," he yelled, kicking off his shoes and tossing them in a crate.
"Is that you Harry?" I heard a soft voice call.
"Yes, Harry Styles has come home indeed Mama Twist!"
I took off my shoes and put them in the crate with Harry's.
A tall woman came out from around the corner.
"Ah you've brought company. And cute company at that. Who's your friend dear?"
"This is the fabulous Louis Tomlinson," he said with enthusiasm, bringing me to his side.
I looked up sheepishly and offered a wave.
"There's no room for shyness in this house boy. Come on over here. Harry's told me a lot about you like the little stalker he is," she laughed.
"Hey, I do it out of love," he called.
"More like lust," she looked at him, taking a hold of my hand and giving in a firm squeeze.
"I'm his mum, as you can probably tell. I don't like the whole, 'Ms. So and So' stuff, so just call me Mama Twist."
She gave me the warmest smile, and pulled me into a tight hug.
"Gosh, I know where Harry gets this from," I choked feeling the life being squeezed out of me.
"We're a very touchy-feely kind of folk, so I guess you're going to have to get used to that. I see he has a gym bag, and knowing how lazy he is, I'm assuming it's yours. Are you going to grace this household with your presence and stay the night Louis?"
"Uh, yes if that's alright," I said, feeling extremely shy and out of my element.
"Of course it is. I've been waiting to meet you anyways. Well, go take a seat in the living room and get comfy. Harry, why don't you go with him and I'll take that bag up to your room hm?"
"Yeah sure mum," he said, giving me a nod in the direction of the living room.
I sat down on the couch and sat next to me and gave me a goofy grin. I smiled back and looked down at my lap. I played with my hands, shifting uncomfortably, not quite knowing what to say or do. This was a whole new ball game for me, and I could tell it was going to be an interesting night.
Yes an interesting night indeed.
(It wasn't as bad as I intended. A couple edits, but it worked. QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER: Do you guys wear shoes in your houses? I don't, I wear slippers but not sneakers. I had been questioned on it as to why my characters put their shoes away before they enter the house... yeah. Happy reading!)
Erin.xx