Flaws and Sins - Clouis Modern AU

Chapter 17 - Pressure

Setting:

A cold drive in Louis's car as he made his way from Ericson towards his home, then out to a new location that'll come up very often later on😏

Notes:

This is kind of a pivotal chapter for Louis (I know, again🙄) but this time I'm experimenting with a new writing concept for me (I think): flashbacks! There's an absolutely adorable flashback in this chapter that I know y'all will love, so there's that.

Don't worry, Clem will eventually get her fair share of minor tragedies as well, so don't fret😉 (don't freak out).

Anyway, loads of cursing to come, plus some more background and fluff, but I think that's about it, so enjoy!

Monday, November 2nd 2020, 4:51 P.M.

Louis stood there emotionless while staring at the exit of the parking lot where he last saw his brunette girlfriend drive away, his hands crumpled in his pockets, himself feeling painstakingly empty. He was struck with a heavy feeling of loneliness as his stomach curled in disgust at what he had to do next, which was to drive home and face the wrath of his parents, more specifically the pure rage etching from his dad.

After a couple more minutes of blank staring, he finally worked up the courage to turn around and walk towards his car, his left hand shuffling in his pocket for his keys. Solemnly, Louis unlocked his car and got in, closing the door and taking one large, deep breath.

A sudden thought stormed his mind as soon as he finished calming down: he wanted to snatch Clem from wherever she was and drive them as far away as he could from San Diego, taking them far away from all of their problems and worries.

He wouldn't have to deal with his parents' burden over his future, and she wouldn't have to worry about her many responsibilities as the perfect only child everyone thought she was. Ultimately, running away from all of that would be a win-win situation for the both of them, as the weight from their shoulders would be lifted and never be put upon them forever.

They'd drive along the coastline, Louis thought, enjoying every second of the sea breeze next to them as they headed up north on a long, bittersweet one-way road trip. Convertible top down, radio blaring, hands in the wind, and wide smiles from face to face. No worries, no problems, just the two of them enjoying life with each other's company.

Of course, that'd be a dream to the both of them, and a dream is all it will remain, as running away wasn't quite as simple as that, especially for the both of them.

Besides, they both had goals in their life, and as their senior year went on, their individual envisions for their futures became clearer and clearer. Clem wanted to travel the world and become a journalist, while Louis wanted to play basketball professionally. Both career paths would most likely keep them separated all around the country and even the world, but as long as Clem was happy with her life, Louis would be happy too.

With the thought of her still fresh in his mind, his focus wandered back to their very first intimate moment they shared just a little bit earlier. He was certainly confused at Clem's strange change of heart, as most couples save their special moments for much later on, as in adulthood, but he definitely wasn't complaining.