Teenage Runaway

Chapter 23

Liam, blinded by his sudden rage, pounded on Louis's front door. Louis promptly opened the door.

"Why, hello, Liam! Wasn't quite expecting it to be you on my door step at this hour." Louis said, half-attempting to hide the touch of sarcasm in his voice.

"Do you know what you've done? Taylor and I have been fighting non-stop these past two weeks! Over something, someone, as insignificant as you!"

"Liam, I understand that you're angry, but I'd rather you come inside to release your fury rather than creating a scene for my neighbors, yours too, might I add."

Liam, growing irritated at Louis's calmness, reluctantly followed him inside, where Louis led them to a plainly decorated living room.

"Now, Liam, what is it that you would like to discuss?"

"How could you kiss her? How could you do that to me?" Liam yelled.

"I told you, I was drunk. I barely remember it and I'm sure Taylor would like to forget it as well. I said I was sorry and I can't go back in time and undo it so you're going to have to forgive me. This isn't worth losing the past six years of friendship over."

"I can't get over the fact that you—"

"Liam, you've been livid over this for two weeks. Two weeks. I've apologized, I'm sure Taylor has apologized even though none of it was her fault. It's time to get over it."

"I can't believe that you think that—oh my god, you're right." Louis smirked as Liam admitted it. "I've been mad about this for so long that I didn't even stop to realize that it's not Taylor's fault at all." He glanced at Louis, who was still smirking. "Thanks, mate."

"I do what I can," Louis smiled.

"So, can I um, crash here? It's really late and I—"

"Of course. Do you want to rent a movie? Or ice cream? I've got lots of ice cream."

And just like that, they were back to being Louis and Liam.

"Did I miss something?" Harry asked the two sleeping men when he returned home early the next morning. Louis was sleeping upright in the lounge chair, his head being held up with his hand, a thin line of drool seeping out of his gaping and Liam was grumbling to himself in his sleep on the couch.

"Shh," Louis grumbled. "The baby is sleeping." 

Harry smiled, not knowing whether Louis was talking about himself or Liam, who was now stretching out on the couch. 

"What time is it?" Liam said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "I've got to get home, Taylor is probably worried sick." He got up and slipped his shoes on. "Tommo," He said, as Louis cracked open one eye to look at him. "I'll be watching you."

"Whatever you say," Louis said, waving him off.

Contrary to Liam's belief, Taylor was not worried. She had expected to wake up as she did--in an empty bed. She got up to get herself and Bentley ready to go pick Sam up from the airport. She had hoped that Liam would make an appearance home before she left for Heathrow, but he didn't. Uncertain of where she stood with Liam, she left their home, leaving her sleeping mother alone in her slumber.

***

"You've gotten so big!" Taylor said when she saw Sam, hugging her. "Oh, Niall, haven't you heard of sunscreen?"