my london boy // louis partridge

ch. 4

TW!! - mention of self harm, body dysmorphia, and harassment.

IMPORTANT-

I just want to clear some things up that I forgot to include in the story earlier. Grace and Josie got to London at the beginning of July so they have the whole summer to get comfortable before school starts. Also, if you live in England could you please give me some classes that you guys take in 6th form. (also correct me if i'm wrong on that!) I am trying to make this story as realistic as possible so if I had some input it could really help! Hope you enjoy Ch 4!

Grace's pov;

The smell of assorted breakfast foods wafts through my nose as I flutter my eyes open.

Oh. My. God.

I'm actually in London.

I sit up, reach across my bed and pick up my phone checking the time. 9:55. Hm, not too late. I roll over and let my legs hang off the side of the bed while I check all my notifications. My mom texted me letting me know her and dad would be out for the day but would be back in time for us to all go out to dinner together. I responded with a quick thumbs up emoji and hopped out of bed.

 I walked over to the full body mirror in the corner of the room and observed myself. My sweatpants dangled from my legs while my tank top hugged my upper body tightly. I have never been fully confident in myself. Everyday people tell me how "gorgeous" I am or how "they wish they were me", yet I still can't see what they see. A year ago I was a victim of harassment and body shaming. The hurtful words that came out of people's mouths drove me to do a lot of bad things that I am ashamed of. I promised myself I would never let myself get to that point ever again, and I have kept my promise so far.

I shrugged my shoulders and let out a sigh as I brushed the bad memories out of my mind. I grabbed a claw clip and threw my hair up, pulling out my loose curtain bangs. I like putting my hair up in the morning, it helps wake me up.

"Hey Josie, are you awake yet." I glanced across the room recognizing her empty bed. When has she ever gotten up before I have?

Giggles from the kitchen echo down the hallway. There she is.  I thought.

I made my way down the hallway, rubbing my tired eyes when I recognized the place the smells were coming from. Hunter was standing at the stove, flipping pancakes with a mini apron tied around his waist. I almost died laughing at the sight of it. Josie was also enjoying it, standing behind Hunter and recording his failed attempts to flip a pancake without a spatula.

"Good morning sunshine." Josie said as she engulfed me in a hug. She always smelled so comforting, if that makes sense. "Hunter and I are making breakfast this morning." 

Hunter chuckled. 

"We? You haven't done anything to help but laugh and criticize me." He said, smirking at Josie. 

"Um, excuse me sir I think you're forgetting the fact that I helped butter the pan and I helped stir the pancake mix so don't even try." She raised her hand up, shoving it in Hunter's direction and slumped down into one of the chairs at the table. I giggled as I walked over to the fridge and poured myself a small cup of orange juice. I glanced over at Hunter. I had only known him for one day but I felt so comfortable around him. There was something about him that was so welcoming. My thoughts were completely interrupted by a familiar voice. 

"Hi guys." I turned around greeted by a warm smile from Louis. 

"Where were you?" Josie asked with mild disgust written across her face. He looked sweaty.

"Oh, I just went on a quick run." He responded, breathing quite heavily. 

He was wearing sweats and white t-shirt that hugged his upper body nicely. His chest rising out of pattern as he ran his fingers through his semi-sweaty hair. He looked good.

 "Smells amazing in here guys. What's to eat?" His words quickly brought me back to reality. My eyes darted to the floor and my hand to the back of my neck hoping he didn't catch me staring. Louis walked over to the stove, grabbed a piece of bacon and shoved it into his mouth. "Delicious." His words jumbled because of his full mouth.

Then a sudden surge of confidence took over me.

"Manners Louis Partridge." I said in a strict tone as I fought the smirk that was drawing across my lips. He looked up at me with a goofy grin and then stuck out his tongue.  

"Anyways, I'm going to take a  shower I'll be back in time to eat." Louis half yelled as he ran to the bathroom.

After around 20 minutes of Hunter and I arguing about how crispy eggs should be and Josie figuring out how to set our little table, it was finally time to eat. Hunter dove right in, scooping everything he could fit into his mouth all at once. Josie munched on her food while chuckling at Hunters antics. 

"Dang couldn't even wait for me." Louis complained as he made his plate of food and sat down next to me at the table. He too inhaled his food and within minutes his plate was empty.

"How do you guys eat so quickly without choking?"

"I don't know." Louis responded. "But what I do know is that you're not eating your bacon so I'm going to take that." He shoved the slice of meat into his mouth, chewing it with a grin.

"Hey." I slapped his arm lightly. "How do you know I wasn't going to eat that."

"Because it has been sitting on your plate for 20 minutes, duh." He reached over and grabbed his phone while he placed one of his feet on the edge of my chair. 

After breakfast was all cleaned up, we hung out in the living room. Josie and I decided today would be a rest day for us until we had to go out tonight with my parents. Louis and Hunter agreed that they would stay home as well because of the crappy weather outside.

"Plus, we should get to know each other more, considering we are going to be living with each other all year." Hunter mentioned.

"Yes definitely." Louis responded. I glanced up at him and admired him for the second time today. I didn't even realize how good he looked with his wet hair hanging over his eyes and framing the sides of his face. How his shampoo scent wafted through the air as he walked past you. He really was gorgeous. 

Wait Grace you just met him yesterday and you are roommates, you need to stop. I thought to myself. Plus he probably already has a girlfriend.

"How about we play a game or two? Like two truths and I lie?" Josie offered.

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement as we started to play the game. The rest of the day was full of laughter, games and smiles. I really opened up and got along with these people, which doesn't happen often. I'm more confident and happier than I've been in a while.

I love it here already.

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word count - 1299

A/N-

I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! Please let me know if there are any errors I would be more than happy to fix them. 

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I appreciate you all so much! 

You are loved <3