If You Only Knew

Chapter 24

The next few months flew by in a whirlwind of memories. Louis and I spent a romantic Valentine's Day in a blanket fort, playing board games and binge-watching our favorite movies. I couldn't believe my luck. Then, when my play was opening, Louis surprised me by showing up to the first night with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. He even came to three more shows, sitting in the front row each time, supporting me through every line I delivered. 

Louis's team ended up winning the finals, and I made sure to attend every single game, cheering him on from the stands. Friday nights became our sacred tradition, where Niall, Liam, Zayn, Louis, and I would spend the evening together, sharing laughs, snacks, and stories—an unspoken understanding that nothing could break this bond we had. Louis and I went on countless dates, each one better than the last, making memories we would cherish forever.

Now, it's June, and graduation was only three weeks away. I had already received my acceptance letter to a university in Manchester and couldn't help but feel both excited and nervous. Louis, however, was still waiting to hear back. The suspense was eating him alive, and I could sense the anxiety in his messages.

Hazzie Baby 💚 💚
Louis: Babe!
Louis: Love!
Louis: Hazza!

Hazzie Baby 💚 💚
Me: Yes, Lou?

Louis: My letter came in from uni!

Me: What does it say?!

Louis: I don't know, I'm too nervous! Please, please, please come over here and open it with me. I'm scared.

Hazzie Baby 💚 💚
Me: Baby, you've got nothing to worry about. You're going to get in. But yes, I'll be right there. I'll be there in five!

Louis: Thank you, babe! I love you!

Hazzie Baby 💚 💚
Me: I love you more!

I shoved my phone in my pocket, laced up my shoes, and rushed out to my car. The anticipation had my stomach twisting, but I knew Louis would be fine.

"Lou! I'm here!" I called out as I entered his house.

"I'm upstairs in my room, Haz," Louis shouted down.

I made my way up the stairs, my heart pounding a little faster with each step.

"Hi, baby. You ready?" I asked, entering his room, where Louis was pacing nervously by the bed.

"I'm nervous, H. What if I don't get in? This is my dream... but also, I don't know if I can be away from you for four years. You'll be in Manchester, and I'd be in London." Louis's voice dropped, the weight of his worries pressing down on him.

I walked over and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay to be nervous, Lou. Even if we went to school 5000 miles apart, across different time zones, we'd make it work. You and me, babe, we're forever. Remember that promise you made? The one with the ring I wear every day? The one you said would one day be replaced with an engagement ring?" I smiled softly, hoping to ease his nerves.

Louis gazed into my eyes, his hands trembling slightly. "No matter what, we'll be okay?"

"No matter what it says, we'll be okay. Always."

"Well, here goes nothing..." Louis muttered, taking a deep breath as he carefully tore open the envelope. The silence between us stretched, and I watched his face for any hint of what was to come. But as he read the letter, his expression faltered, and a frown began to form.

"Well? What does it say?" I asked, unable to hold back my curiosity.

"I-I'm so sorry, Haz..." Louis's voice wavered, and my heart sank.