EXCHANGED

Chapter 19- All Set

(Lou's POV)

I eventually managed myself to not be bashful as usual and accept Chase's offer. He beamed excitedly and opened broadly the door for my entrance. "Thanks, Chase... b-but maybe I'd have to... to borrow H-Helen's clothes for... tonight and tomorrow... cause-", I muttered as he cut my sentence with a chuckle. "Yeah... I know that, Lou.", he said as I stepped in.

After I took a shower and slipped on Helen's pyjamas, I hesitated. Certainly, I didn't like the thought of the owner of the place to sleep on the couch and I to comfortably and dreamily drift to slumber in his bed. That's completely twisted.

I glanced over to Chase who now was peacefully laying on his said couch. I neared him a bit, checking if he was still awake. Fortunately, he still was.

I sighed and sat down on the foam. "Chase...", I called as he turned around to overlook me. "Yes?" "I think I should be the one over there on the couch...", I softly said. He sighed and laughed. "Wh-Why?", he asked. "This bed might be more comfortable for you.""Hey... it's okay...", he says as I accepted anyway.

I threw myself down the bed and pulled the blanket over me. My mind drifted in thoughts as I stared blankly at the ceiling.

How should I actually explain to Jesse? Did she really mean that she'd never want to see us again? I don't want that because I don't want to be apart from her and yet I have no words to convince her that I won't cause any trouble.

"Lou...", Chase called as my thoughts vanished and my vision now focused on Chase. "Yes?", I answered as he sighed. "I'm sorry for not being there to take you away from Max... if I was there, We should have all got along well...", he apologized. I felt pity for him. He hasn't done anything wrong yet he is the one apologizing. "Chase... it's okay, and you don't even have to apologize. It's alright...", I replied as he nodded his head. "Wh-what are we supposed to tell Jesse?", he asked as I yawned. "I'll just try to convince her...", I mumbled. "G-good night, Chase...", I instantly said. "Good night, Lou. I know it's gonna be fine. "

• • •

(Lou's POV)

I mentally awakened in an unclear dream. I, apparently, was in a darkened room with no ends. Although, a faint glow seemed to be shimmering in some end of a tunnel. It was extremely chilly and the coldness was everywhere. I had no idea what was occurring here...but I felt the need to reach the light. So I sped. Running...panting.... I zoomed, closer...closer... I heard someone angrily calling for me so I ran. I felt like I was going to get into trouble. But as I was about three inches away.... snap... I awakened, eventually in the real world.

I breathed heavily, blankets thrown over me and the air conditioner still turned on. I shivered, glancing around. I overlooked to my side, seeing Chase wasn't on the couch anymore. I sat up, rubbing eyes and yawning, stretching my arms high up.

I cracked up a light morning beam before one frustrated groan. I just recalled I had this Jesse-Max problem. Damn.

I jumped out of the bed and folded the covers, sleepily. I paced slowly to the bathroom doors and stared blankly at myself on the mirror. I groaned and splashed water on my face (just like in these blasted advertisements -_-) sending droplets flying past me. I grumbled once again and stepped to the shower room.

• • •

(Chase's POV)

The sound of cooking pancakes brought pleasure to my ears as I flipped them to the other untouched side. Just to smell the sweet, caky aroma of this recipe sent chills down my spine.

God, I love pancakes, don't I?

I smiled to myself as I transferred the now freshly cooked pancakes and placed them gently on a tidy tray. I covered the tray to make sure the relaxing heat wouldn't escape.

I had to prepare a great day for this beautiful girl and If she's happy, I'm happy too. She's going through a lot of obstacles in life and I promise to help her get through them. This awesome, lovely girl is Lou and I wished to be with her for life.

I plodded up the stairs to our room to tell her I prepared breakfast. Apparently, she was in the shower so I silently waited, sitting on the bed. (Not in a stalker type way)

I layed for a while, my sight focused on the ceiling as the world of reality slowly faded. Lou was in my mind. Her perfect brown, wavy hair that stopped at her shoulders in a layered manner stunned me. Her soft hands that would blow me away when she holds me. And her irresistible eyes caught me speechless each time I stared at it - "Argh! Oh my God, Chase!", Lou squeaked, rushing back inside the shower room.

I hopped and turned away, falling off the bed. Blood rushed to my cheeks as I averted my vision from her towel-wrapped body. "Damn it, Chase... you're like some creeper or something...", she said,a few minutes after. "You don't need to hide now.", she retorted as I straightened up, scratching the back of my head. "I... I'm sorry. But I cooked some pancakes and... yeah", I muttered as she giggled, wiping the ends of her hair. "That's okay, Chase...", she mumbled, tapping my nose and trodding downstairs.

I chewed on my lower lip, following. She plopped herself down on the chair by the welcoming pancakes. She grinned excitedly as I sat across her. I uncovered the pancakes as the heat scattered throughout. She hungrily licked her lips and evidently, her mouth was stuffed.

"Fact. I love pancakes. Okay. Now finish your food cause we have to find Jesse and sort crap out.", she spoke, fixing her hair into a messy, adorable bun.