Careless Whisper

VIII

It's been only two days into Harry's house arrest and it's already too much for Louis. Just a few short kisses in the boys' toilet is not enough for him. He misses Harry terribly. Anne is so mad that she even brushes him off on the phone and he can't even talk to Harry there. Louis sits at his desk at home, his head resting on his arms, and dark thoughts take hold of him. If he can hardly bear to be without Harry for just a few days now, how's it going to be when he goes to study in London in the summer after graduating?

Louis just got the letter of acceptance from the university today, and even though he's so happy about it, he can't fully enjoy it. Just the thought of having to leave Harry here and not seeing him every day leaves him in despair. He can't stop himself and begins to cry softly. The sobs make his body twitch and he gets so worked up that he thinks he'll never be able to stop. He loves Harry too much, still 100% sure he's the love of his life. Every time he's about to calm down, a new wave of sadness washes over him until Jay enters his room and wordlessly pulls him to her chest. In his mother's arms he only feels smaller and more helpless and he sobs loudly. Jay leads him to his bed where they sit next to each other and she rubs his arm up and down comfortingly. Louis buries his face in her shoulder, his heart is so heavy.

"Want to talk about it, Boo?" she asks softly. Louis can't even answer anymore, the feelings are choking his throat. Just the great love for Harry himself, then the longing for him and five more days to endure and of course the fear of the future.

"Is it because you can't see Harry this week? Although I have to mention again it was a very stupid action on your part..." Jay says, but meanwhile no longer angry with him. She used to do crazy things herself when she was young, her most beautiful dilemma is sitting crying in her arms next to her.

"It's all mum...everything," Louis sniffs.

"Tell me, what's all Louis? Maybe I can give you some motherly advice," Jay asks, stroking his arms soothingly over and over again and slowly it has an effect and Louis manages to utter whole sentences again. He tells her everything that's on his mind. Jay nods silently at his worries and thoughts.

"...and of course I will also move to a foreign city, all alone. You're my best friend mum. How am I supposed to endure it without you?" and new tears gather in his eyes.

"That's what happens when you grow up. But you will make new friends at the university and your old mother will soon be forgotten," she says jokingly.

"Never" is the only answer Louis whispers.

"I really believe in you and Harry. Your love for him is so strong, and yes...it's definitely going to be tough, but eventually you find a rhythm and ways to see each other. And every date will be special. See it as a chance for your relationship to grow."

"Do you really think so? I'm so scared that I might lose him because of this. Mum...I love him so much," Louis says softly.

"I'm sure he loves you just as much. Try to be positive about the future," Jay says while lovingly tossing his hair.

"I'll try... thank you for always being there for me," Louis whispers and snuggles a little tighter in the motherly embrace. Shortly thereafter, she leaves the room and Louis, tired from all that crying, falls asleep on his bed.

ꨄ

The next morning, when Louis and Harry meet during the break, he tells him about his acceptance at the university. Harry gives Louis a quick hug, so it would still pass as a best friend touch, and says with a grin,

"I'm so proud of you my Lou. Congratulations."

Louis just shrugs, his mouth twisting into a sad expression.