Deception

Chapter: Twenty One

Chapter Twenty One

"It's okay Britt, I'm here," Louis had promised me as he held me in his arms.

I'd wanted to pull away because I was too distraught and because he had helped to end the lives of the girls I'd just dreamed about. I knew what had happened with Charles was probably what made me have the nightmare, but it was frightening nonetheless. It seemed and felt so real.

"What happened?" He demanded. "A nightmare?"

I'd nodded my head because I couldn't say a word and he'd helped me get back in my bed. It was a good thing I'd ended up sleeping alone tonight. Everyone seemed to think I needed my rest and privacy, and clearly, they were right. I hadn't woken anyone up, so that was a good thing. There was just one question I now had. Just what was Louis doing here and how'd he get in here?

"Louis, what are you doing here?"

"Just checking on you, but don't worry about that now. Just get some sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

"Are you sleeping?"

"I'll take the couch." He spoke, leaving the room.

I hadn't remembered falling asleep after that, but apparently, I had. When I woke up the next morning, it was just a little after seven and no one else seemed to be up. When I headed downstairs, I found that Louis was awake. Greeting him with a smile, I sat beside him on the couch.

"Good morning. I see you're awake," he chuckled slightly.

"And so are you. So why did you come to check on us last night? A vision?"

"No, honestly, I just wanted to see how you all were. I wouldn't have broken into your house, but I heard your screaming. Super hearing and all that. No one else did, so I'm glad I did. You won't let Niles or Liam comfort you after all. Not that I blame you, but you'll have to talk, eventually."

"We talked a little yesterday."

"Arguing doesn't count small fry."

"How was Charles?"

"I assume he was fine. I figured out where he lived and took him home. I'd assume he's awake by now unless he's sleeping in. I guess I would if I knew just what I'd been through."

"Did you get him in bed?"

"Yep, tucked him in just like he was a little sport. Made sure he was real comfy. I bet I could beat all of them at being daddies."

"Daddy Louis, huh?"

"Does that sound so hard to believe?"

"Not at all."

"What am I talking about? Most of them have been dads and I haven't. Now Zeke probably never will be, but you never know. Especially not if he keeps messing things up with Lily. He told me they broke up. Anyway, that all can be discussed later, I suppose. Charles was fine.

"I hope he'll be okay," I frowned.

"He knows what happened now. At least thinks he does. He'll have to grieve Amelia. You never truly get over it, but it becomes easier. That's what he'll have to do now."

"I'm sorry for him, but I'm glad he'll live."

"Yes, he doesn't even realize how close he came to death. I'd be up early for sure. He did seem like a swell guy."

"He did."

"You were going to make Liam go right through you if he'd decided to kill him, wouldn't you?"

"I told you I didn't want any more death. None of us wanted to see that."

"Lucky for you, Liam wouldn't have thrown you out of the way. Seen it happen before and it's not a fun ride."