broken strings. ➳ payne. [slow updates]

Chapter Nine. - A Hint of Truth

Third Person's POV

As the newly found friends made their way home, both their heads were consumed with the thoughts of what had occurred during the day. Louis was intrigued with the girl his best friend fancied; he understood Liam's liking to her and found himself liking her as well. But it wasn't a romantic liking; he just enjoyed her personality, sass, and somewhat confusing mind. He knew that when the whole situation got sorted out, he would be finding himself having many laughs with her.

Aurora also enjoyed Louis' company today. She was smiling to herself the whole way home. She had feared he would become annoying and try to reason with her as to why she should accept Liam's apology and move on and be friends, but he didn't. She was internally thanking him for that her whole way home.

But as she drew closer to her building, she knew she was going to get an earful and at least twenty questions as to her whereabouts today. She was going to have to explain some things to Austin, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to tell him the whole truth or not.

As her mind was trying to figure out a lie, if that was the way she wanted to go, Louis had arrived back at Liam's home. He twisted the handle before pushing the door open and being surrounded by light chatter and the smell of something wonderful.

He walked down the small hall until he reached the room where he had heard the chatter. The boys and Liam's parents were seated around the table, conversing in something that was joyful. They were all consumed by what they were talking about that they did not realize Louis had returned. It was only after Louis made a slight cough did their heads perk up to look at him.

"I'm sorry to interrupt the conversation, there's just no room for me to sit and be a part of this." He said, his words swirled with a joking and amused tone.

"Sorry dear. Have a seat. There's some left over lasagna probably still warm in the tray. Would you like some?" Karen asked, standing up and walking towards the stove, already knowing Louis' answer.

"I would love some. Thank you Karen." Louis said, while taking the seat that she had just left. He noticed that Liam's father also stood up from the table before excusing himself to relax in the family room.

Karen served Louis a plate before joining her husband in the other room.

Louis started eating as his friends watched his every move. He knew why they were staring at him, they wanted information about the encounter. But Louis wanted to eat, he hadn't done so since breakfast earlier in the day. After he had taken many bites from the delicious meal, he let his head move to face his friends, his eyes wide and cheeks puffed full with food. He mumbled out a "what" before swallowing. He knew far to well what they wanted, but he wanted someone to ask.

"Well... How was it? I see we made the right choice by sending you as you are still alive." Harry said, slightly amused, but still curious.

"It was alright." Louis shrugged his shoulders as he said this, knowing he had to be careful what he said, as he told Aurora that the conversations were to be kept secret.

"Alright? That's all you have to say about the encounter?" Liam said, getting slightly agitated that his best friend was not cooperating with him.

"Relax mate. She's okay. She was very sensitive about talking about your friendship with her, why it ended, etc. and she was also sensitive about her boyfriend. She also avoided the question of her family, but I didn't say anything about that, as it was the last thing I asked her and we had been out for a while.

I asked her about her favorite movie and she gave me such a complicated answer, it was amazing what that girl came up with. And then she just asked about me because she doesn't follow us that much, understandably I guess." Louis said.