25 Letters [h.s]

Letter 13

Louis and I were sitting across from each other, eyes glued on our menus. Although I was hungry, my mind had formed a couple dozen questions that felt trapped like water in a dam. I needed to know what the hell just happened.

The table was small for it was made for two people like us. I looked up from my menu, and something led me to belive that Louis wasn't scouring the brunch items either. His pointer finger nail was between his teeth, his brows furrowed like he was thinking up his next move. I moved my vision from the man in front of me to the people surrounding us. Everyone in bright colors that resembled spring, I couldn't help but notice me and Louis' uniform black outfits. Even though we were in a crowded room, it felt like we were closed off in our own bubble.

"Hello I'm Kathy, if you don't mind I'll be your waitress! Can I get any drinks to start you off?" Louis' head shot up, his eyes met mine briefly before looking over to Kathy.

"Yes, I'd like a coffee" He said, and I agreed telling her that's what I'd like also.

"Okay, how would you like that? Cream, sugars?"

"Black" Our voices harmonized in unison, Kathy nodded and informed us she'll be right back.

"The eggs here are fantastic." Louis said after she left, his eyes would not meet mine.

"Louis, what the hell. I deserve an explanation."

"Not much to say Anastasia, okay he's a friend!"

"That's not what I need an explanation on and you know that. Why wouldn't you deny that we were dating?"

"Hooking up." Louis' face was a dead give away that he wished he hadn't spoken to correct me.

"Both Louis, we aren't doing either. Why did you grab my hand and why don't you want your friends to know about our friendship. That's what it is Louis, it's a goddamn friendship." He was out of answers and I was out of questions.

"I can't say too much Ana, but I'm begging you. One day maybe it'll all make sense or it won't. Right now, today, this is our day. We are going to go shopping after we eat an amazing meal. We are going to throw a penny in the fountain in the mall when are walking around. You and I, Ana we are going to have fun together. Please, just today. Forget about everything because that is why I'm with you right now. To forget everything." Louis' voice was demanding like he was aching to believe the words that he spoke. So I believed him. I believed that we'd have fun today, if not for myself for Louis.

"Fine. Fine Louis, I'll give you today. Let's do whatever the hell you have planned, I'm in."

His lips formed a smile that made me happy to be with him.

//

After letting everything that had previously happened go, it was an enjoyable time with Louis. The meal was amazing just as Louis had promised and now we were inside the mall, weaving in and out of stores.

"Anastasia are you kidding me? We've been in almost every store in here and you haven't found a single shirt you like?" I shook my head no and continued to stroll down the mall with him.

"That's it, I want to pick out a shirt for you. You'll love it."

"How can you be so sure? What if I hate it?" I had to look up to him to meet his eyes. Instead of responding he laughed a little like I knew nothing. When it comes to fashion, I guess I don't and I know Louis knows how to dress to the nines so I shrugged my shoulders and gave him permission to dress me.

We ended up in the middle of a Saint Laurent store, my eyes barley glancing at the endless rows and rows of over priced fabric. Louis had a certain way of dressing, almost like James Bond. Louis' is the kind of guy you'd bring to your ex-husbands wedding. He carries himself in such a way that you know for a fact what he's wearing that day probably costed more than your entire wardrobe, even if it doesn't. It's not like he loves clothes, he just takes pride in what he uses to cover his body, and I respect that.