A Step Away From Falling ➸ h.s. [Needs Editing]

Chapter 5: Let Him See it Himself

Louis' POV

Stalling. I'm a pro at stalling.

My gaze traveled around the room while I gulped down another glass of some heavy alcohol drink. I felt a burning sensation down my throat as I swallowed the liquid and felt my insides on fire. 

Oh wicked rum, what do you do to me?, I thought bitterly.

Self destructs me, that's what it does. But I couldn't see beyond the great happy feelings it was giving me at the moment; it almost made what I was about to do, bearable. 

Harry's my best friend, therefore, I would do anything for him.

But...

Helen is my friend too... and she was probably the nicest-sweetest person I have ever known; deceiving her felt like the most atrocious thing I could ever do.

Maybe I should leave. Tell Harry I couldn't do it or something... Yeah, I'll do that- My internal monologue was interrupted by a cheery, definitely tipsy female voice.

"Hey Louis!" Helen greeted me and gave me a quick hug.

"Whazzup my gorgeous Helen" I said all flirtatiously. 

At this she rolled her eyes at me but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips.

Her usually long straight brown hair was in light waves down her back. She was wearing a polka dot crop top, a short jean skirt and black boots with low heels.

My friend Helen actually looked... Hot.

"Trying to impress someone?" I asked in a joking matter, while wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.

I saw a glimpse of nervousness in her eyes and that's when I realized that I had, unintentionally, hit a nerve.

Hmm... but my train of thought was interrupted by the sight of a silver heart necklace hanging from Helen's neck.

"Ooh that's pretty! I hadn't seen it before" I said, taking the piece of jewelry with my hand and realizing it was a bit heavier than it looks.

"Yeah... Harry um, he gave it to me for my birthday" she seemed flustered at having to reveal that small fact to me and after a moment, somehow everything fell into place in my head.

Helen's POV

Oh crap. Louis knows... I could see it in his face.

What do I do? What do I say?

"So Harry gave this to you?" he asked, still studying the silver encrusted heart with his fingers.

I nodded, annoyed at how stupid I was being. Didn't I take countless of drama classes and acting lessons? I should be using every single thing I learned at this moment!

Louis sighed deeply before muttering something about 'this was easier than I thought'.

What was easier than he thought? What is he talking about?

There was a weird silence between us and somehow I knew what his next words would be.

I had to think of something... and fast!

That's when he finally talked, breaking the silence -well, technically it was quiet just between us two, because obviously there was a party going on around us.

"You're in love with Harry" he said it slowly, the words slurring slightly.

The scent of alcohol hit my nostrils and I knew Louis had been drinking, and a lot. Not that I'm free of charge, I even felt a little lightheaded from the shots I had consumed in a drinking competition.