Thirty-Two

“Are you ready?” Louis asked and I nodded while looking down. I stood up and moved the chair back to its place, grabbing my backpack. I pulled on the sleeves of his hoodie again, almost like I could be swallowed by it. 


I walked out of the door and he followed. I made my way to the teachers parking, holding open the door for Louis. He unlocked his car and I climbed in the passenger seat, then noticed Kassidy walking over to the car. She started talking to Louis for a second. I saw her glance at me and frown for a split second, which made me roll my eyes. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it, but Louis wouldn’t tell her no if she asked for a ride and I couldn’t force him to either.


Louis got in, and Kassidy did as well in the back seat. “Thank you, Mr. Tomlinson,” she gushed with a smile, ignoring me altogether.


“Yeah, no problem.” We started driving and I tapped my fingers on my thigh, just wanting to be at Louis’ already. “Where do you live?”


“Aren't we dropping off Harry first?” She asked. Louis glanced at me and I bit my lip to keep myself from saying anything even though in my head I was screaming bitch. Obviously he’s dropping her off first. If for nothing else as to not get accused of sleeping with her.


“I'm going to Niall's, and he's closer to Tomlinson’s house,” I said after a second. It was actually a total lie because Niall lived on the other side of town, but she didn't know that. Kassidy huffed quietly but nodded and told Louis how to get to her house.


 She kept talking the whole time about improving her grade by staying after class for a private tutoring session, which Louis kept denying in kind ways. He would glance at me to see how I was taking it every so often, and I forced a smile or just stared straight ahead. It got to the point that I had to actually block her annoying voice to keep myself calm. 


I wanted to kill her. I looked back out the window and balled my fist as she started asking about the tutoring sessions again, biting my lip to keep myself from snapping at her. If I could, I would have told her off for trying all that while I'm right there, but I can't. I mean, it's pathetic they're trying so hard with him anyways.


“Bye, Mr. Tomlinson,” she said in a flirty tone before closing the door. I didn't say or do anything until we were about three blocks from her house.


“Haz?” Louis asked quietly. I looked over at him. “You okay, love?”


“She just made me mad,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I'm sorry.” I was trying to work on the whole jealousy thing, especially with girls at school. I can't get us caught because I snap at school.


He put his hand on my thigh, squeezing it gently. “Don’t be sorry, baby. Sometimes I wonder how you don't say anything.”


“Losing you,” I said simply, finally turning to look at him fully while he drove. “That's the only thing that keeps my filter in place usually. I love you,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “You're mine and I love you and no one else is allowed you.”


He smiled widely, shaking his head. “I love you too, Hazzy.”


“I'm not being dramatic, right?” I asked quietly. “I don't want to be annoying,” I added on when Louis gave me a confused look.


“You're perfectly fine, Haz.” Louis drug his fingers up and down my thigh lazily. “Plans for spring break?” 


“None, why?” I asked, hoping it would be another offer to see his family. I missed that whole week of Christmas where there was no hiding. Plus I loved his family and wanted to be able to see them. The girls have been missing Louis a lot, too, so it would make sense for it to be an offer to go.


“Mom's been dying to have you over again,” Louis said, making my grin break free fully. “I figured spring break would be the best time.”


“I'll tell my parents I have plans,” I said with a grin, my mood beginning to lighten. “I wanna see her too.”


“We can Skype her tonight if you want,” Louis offered, and I nodded my head excitedly, grinning widely. “I'm starting to question whether you love me or my family.”


“You got me, it's totally them, ” I joked. “I love you.”


“I love you, baby,” he said as he pulled into his driveway.


I grabbed my bag and took his keys while he grabbed his stuff from the car so I could unlock his house. I hurried inside because the wind and the clouds spelled storm. I silently prayed for one not to happen because they terrified me. I kicked off my shoes and set my bag just inside his room like usual. By then Louis was in the house with the door closed, putting everything away. 


“Laptop,” he said while heading to the kitchen. I nodded and went to grab it, carrying it to the living room and sitting down on the couch. Louis came back in with sodas and grapes, sitting next to me and getting onto his Skype account. He clicked onto his mom's contact and adjusted the camera so we both fit on screen.
   
“Hey Louis,” Johannah greeted, then saw me and smiled wider. “Hello, Harry.”
   
“Hi,” I waved.
   
“Hey, Mom,” Louis greeted. “Thought we'd call and say hi. Harry missed you.” I blushed lightly and Louis grinned.
   
“I miss you, Harry. Has Louis talked to you about spring break?” She asked.
   
“Yeah,” I said with a nod. “As of now the plan is me coming.”
   
“Great. So tell me, what's new?” She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling.
   
“Harry turns eighteen tomorrow,” Louis said, then leaned down to kiss my neck. “And I have the best plan for Valentine's day.”
   
“Happy birthday, Harry.” Johannah said. I smiled. “And are you two planning on being together on Valentine's day as well?”
   
I nodded my head. “Yeah.”
   
“That's good -” the call dropped and Louis frowned, trying to reconnect it. I listened to the heavy wind, flinching at the howls it made. The power went out right after, and I clung to Louis. 


“Hey, its okay,” Louis said. “Just the power.”


“I know,” I said, trying to keep myself calm. “I'm okay.” I didn't move away from him and I forced myself to keep my breathing even.


“Haz, baby,” Louis said softly. “Hey, it's okay. Why are you scared?”


I took a deep breath and let it out. “My older sister Gemma died in a car crash during a storm. The other driver… neither could see the other and… I've hated storms ever since I was a kid, but they terrify me now.”


Louis kissed my head and rubbed his hand up and down my arm. “Its okay, love. I'm staying here, okay?”


“I wouldn't let you leave,” I admitted. 


Louis chuckled. “I figured.”


I smiled a little, then slowly released my death grip on him, exhaling slowly. “What're we doing tomorrow?” I asked.


“Well I guess I can tell you some of the plan,” Louis teased, his hand pausing on my upper arm. “Or should I? Would that even be fun?”


I rolled my eyes. “Don't be mean,” I whined.


“Eh, I think I'll keep it a surprise. It wouldn't be an amazing surprise if I told you.”


“You spoil me,” I mumbled tiredly against him.


“I told you, I'm going to forever.” Louis kept me distracted without making it obvious that it was his goal. I don’t know what I did to deserve Louis, but I will always love him.

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