Simply Love [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

 

Louis

 

November 8, 2013

 

Mornings at home were always interesting, always different. Shouts, being woken up by bony knees on stomachs and chests, no privacy, interesting messes, high-pitched voices and grumpy teenage girls. Then, of course, there’s a pregnant woman trying to keep it all under control. I’m more than willing to lend a hand. Dan’s already off at work – he works early – so it’s all up to mum and I, and an uncooperative Lottie.

I’m woken this morning by two sets of bony knees on my stomach. I immediately know who it is. Nobody else in this house would move with such energy at such a time.

“Daisy, Phoebe,” I groan, grabbing them both and pulling them down on either side of me. “Morning.”

“We’ve got school,” Daisy complains. “But mum says you’ve got something to tell us all tonight at dinner, so she’s cooking something nice for us all! It better be good!” I had told mum that I needed a family – minus Dan, just because I haven’t seen all that much of him – discussion, but I hadn’t told her what about.

“Well, it really depends on what your view of good is. Anyway, you guys had better get ready for school!” I pat their butts simultaneously.

“Not yet!” Phoebe protests, “It’s only 6:30! School doesn’t start until nine.” Nevertheless, they both jump from my bed and hurry out the door.

“Six thirty,” I grumble under my breath. “Jesus,” shaking my head, I figure I may as well go and see if anyone else bar the twins are awake.

Turns out the entire family is, not that I really count Lottie as awake. She’s half sleeping on the couch, half listening to something that Daisy’s talking about. I hear mum with Felicite in the kitchen, so I make my way into there.

“Morning, Lou.” Mum smiles at me. I smile back.

“Morning.” I reply, scratching my head. “Both of you.” Fliss looks up, her tired eyes brightening slightly.

“Morning, bro.” She grins and runs to hug me. Even though I got home two days ago, I’ve been given hugs every morning and night, tight ones at that, as if I’m going to fade away.

“How are you?” The thirteen year old shrugs.

“Tired, I guess. I was up half the night coughing.” I raise my eyebrows.

“She’s coming down with something,” mum explains. I frown and bring Fliss to my chest and hug her tight. “She’s staying home from school today. She literally got to sleep at – what time was it?”

“About three. I also had a headache and stuff. I feel pretty rotten.” Felicite explains.

“Oh, sweetheart.” I rub her back. “That’s terrible, you poor thing.”

“Yeah, but it’s okay, because mum says if it’s okay with you, you can look after me while mum goes into town to do the shopping and whatever else she has to do.” Fliss seems excited to be looked after by me.

“Sure thing.”

Once the girls are at school and mum’s left to go shopping, I end up cuddled on the couch with Fliss.