Touch of the Heart (Louis Tomlinson Fan Fiction)

Chapter 8

*Charlotte's POV*

(5 1/2 months later)

After all the buzz over the shooting had died down, Mandy and I moved to an apartment closer to the Mancini home. So that way, if any trouble arose we would have family support basically around the corner. Also, after Louis and the rest of One Direction left to finish their world tour, things had pretty much gone back to normal. Besides the occasional phone call and text messages Mandy received from Harry, we had pretty much cut off all contact with One Direction.

We got new jobs at a new club, both of us as bartenders this time. And we had transferred to a smaller college that was more private. We had completely started over, but I always felt like something was missing. Like a part of me had left with him.

~ ~ ~

I looked down to check my phone, a habit that had grown over the past months. As if I expected an important call that would never come. I sighed and set the phone back down. I leaned back on the couch and closed my eyes. My fingers unconsciously traveled down to my leg to trace the scar from the bullet wound I had received that night.

"Mandy, hurry up! They are expecting us at the party!" I shouted to my cousin, trying to forget the memories that arose from touching the scar.

I would have left on my own, but Mandy had the keys to the Camaro. We were due to arrive at Lucas' birthday party in five minutes, but Mandy was taking her sweet ass time. Finally she walked out of her room and stood before me grinning. She wore a skin tight white dress that had rainbow pleats going up the sides. She looked absolutely stunning, with her long dark curls flowing down her back.

"That's hot," I blurted out, looking her up and down.

"Thank you, you look sexy yourself," she added winking.

I myself was wearing a gray lace two piece dress, that was casual, yet very cute from what Mandy told me earlier. We headed out of the apartment, and to the car. Thanks to Mandy we were late so we really had to get going.

"Did Nick say if Jake was going?" Mandy asked nervously, on the way there.

"I didn't ask, but I doubt he'll go. He never shows up to these things anymore," I said, trying to reassure the jittery Mandy.

Mandy bit her lip, but said nothing. We made it to the house and she drove up the long driveway. I caught her eyeing each of the cars, most likely making sure that his wasn't there.

"Will you stop worrying and park already, I want to go in," I protested.

She finally pulled up next to Nick's SUV and parked the Camaro. We got out and walked in through the back gate to where the party was being held in the gardens out back.

"Happy Birthday!" Mandy cheered as soon as she saw her brother.

She hugged and kissed both of his cheeks. He held on to her for a moment longer and whispered into her ear. I barely managed to catch what he said,

"Jake is here, avoid the terrace," he warned.

*Mandy's POV*

I nodded stiffly and turned to Charlotte with a forced smile on my face.

"Shall we go get a drink?" Charlotte asked me in an attempt to distract me.

I nodded and we both walked over to the bar that had been set up in the backyard. Drinks in hand we went to go mingle with the relatives and old friends. After sometime I lost track of where Charlotte was so I wandered around on my own. I spotted her talking to Nick near the entrance to the terrace, and at that exact moment Jake walked out of the house with his son Mason. I froze, and stood there wide-eyed. To my horror he caught sight of me and walked over to where I stood.