If You Only Knew

Chapter 25

The next three weeks seemed to blur by, time slipping through our fingers faster than I could catch it. Yet, in the midst of everything, Louis and I had finally found a rhythm that felt right. We were learning each other's unspoken needs, finding ways to communicate more honestly, more openly. The vulnerability that had once scared me felt like an anchor between us, and with every conversation, I felt my love for him deepen.

Our late-night talks became a sacred space where we shared our fears and insecurities. I found myself opening up in ways I never thought I could, and Louis... he did the same. We talked about our anxieties, our dreams, and the moments when we felt unsure, but most of all, we held each other when words weren't enough. The process of laying bare our hearts wasn't always easy, but it strengthened the bond between us in ways I never expected. We became more attuned to one another, sensing the small changes in our moods, knowing how to offer comfort without needing to ask.

Louis's father hadn't made an appearance since that heavy conversation three weeks ago. His number had been blocked, the walls between them rebuilt. There were still moments when I could feel the lingering tension in Louis's body, the subtle tremors of fear, but those moments were becoming fewer. Louis had started seeing a therapist, working through the anxiety that seemed to weigh him down whenever he thought of his father. Slowly, he was learning how to breathe through those moments, how to stand tall in the face of his fears, and how to let go of what he couldn't control.

It wasn't all healing, though. The stress of finals loomed over us both like a storm cloud, the pressure of wrapping up our high school careers weighing heavy on our shoulders. But somehow, we made it through. Together, we navigated the chaos of exams, the endless late nights of studying, and the creeping doubts. When we received our final grades, we breathed a collective sigh of relief. We had done it. We had passed every test—academic and emotional—side by side, stronger for it.

And then, two days ago, prom came. I had always imagined what prom would be like, but nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind of emotions I felt that night. Louis and I had been out since the New Year, and the support we'd received from our friends and classmates was overwhelming. So, walking into the gym, hand in hand with Louis, was like stepping into a dream. It wasn't just the dazzling decorations or the music that filled the air; it was the sense of pride, the quiet joy that filled me every time I looked at him.

The night was filled with laughter and joy, but the moment that stole my breath away was when they announced us as prom kings. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at Louis, his face lit up with surprise and excitement. He pulled me into a tight embrace, and I knew, in that moment, that everything we'd been through had led us here—to this moment of pure happiness. We had made it. Together.

After the dance, we decided to get away for a while, to have a night just for the two of us, away from the world and our families. Louis, ever the romantic, had made arrangements for a hotel room—a sanctuary for just the two of us. The moment we stepped inside, I was taken aback by how beautiful it was. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, leading to a bathtub filled with more petals, the soft scent of roses filling the air. A bottle of champagne sat on the edge of the tub, accompanied by a tray of chocolates. Louis had thought of everything, and in that moment, I felt like the luckiest person in the world.

We shared a bath, the warmth of the water soothing our tired muscles, and the intimacy of the moment made everything feel slow and tender. The soft glow of the candlelight flickered around us, casting shadows on the walls as we held each other, whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears. It was a different kind of intimacy, one that felt deeper, more connected than any moment we'd shared before.

After the bath, Louis carried me to the bed, his hands gentle yet firm, and we made love in the most intimate way. It wasn't hurried or rushed; it was slow, deliberate, and filled with love. Each touch, each kiss, was a promise—an unspoken vow that we would always be there for each other. As we tangled in the sheets, our hearts beating in time with one another, I realized that I had fallen even deeper in love with him. I didn't think it was possible, but in that moment, my love for Louis felt like an ocean, vast and unending, and I was completely submerged.