Stand.

Lost In Thought

With one final directed turn, we pulled in front of his house. Almost immediately the door opened and a middle aged woman and two young girls walked out. How did they even know he was here? How did they do that? He looked at me expectantly as his family stood at the door waiting.

"I'm not leaving till you are." He said simply.

"You won't do that." I said confidently

"Watch me. I can be stubborn." He said, with a clear challenge in his eyes.

"So can I." I said, with a ghost of a grin. This game was only fun if two people played it.

We sat staring at each other, waiting for the other to cower. Suddenly a voice interrupted both of us. We turned to see an old lady, who I assume was her grandma, calling Louis to come in fast. Louis turned and looked at me with an innocent face instead.

"Are you going to make my Nana stand there like that? She's old you know. Not that strong." My face faltered for a second.

"Screw you." I mumbled and turned to open the door and walk out. He opened his door and I heard him wince a little. I smiled a little. I got out and took out his bag from the back seat and went around to him. When he managed to get out slowly, trying to supress his pain, I stood there looking at him.

"Is the pain too much?" I said, trying to mask my genuine concern with a smug smile. We started walking to the door, his good hand laced into mine; he was probably looking for support. I gripped my hand around his.

"Please.  I play football; I can handle a little injury." He said with a scoff, trying to hide his pain. I looked up to see an uneasy smile on his mom's face, when I followed her gaze, I realised she was looking at his plastered hand. I wanted to run in the other direction.

'Here you go ma'am. I know I borrowed your son and he hasn't seen you in months, but I have bought him back with just one injury. On the bright side you'll probably never have to see me again.'

I really did want to walk away, but it was too late. His entire family was smiling at me now. With natural courtesy, I smiled back. When we walked up to them, Louis smiled at his mom. She gave him a frown and spoke, "Another injury Louis? How careless can a grown man get?" His mom said with genuine concern. Louis just smiled sheepishly. She then turned to look at me, I subconsciously gripped his hand tighter, and he gave me a reassuring squeeze. She then smiled at me apologetically.

"He's always causing trouble, ask anyone. I hope it wasn't too much a bother?" She asked me with a smile.

"No, not at all. He slipped in my shower; it was my responsibility to get him to where he needs to be. It's my fault for getting him late really." I blabbered away. Louis coughed, making me blush a little.

"She's trying to be nice mum. I just slipped in the shower because I was lost in thought." He said, gently brushing his hand on my back. The casual gesture adeptly hidden from spectators. I gave him a quick glance as everyone turned to walk into the house, he smiled mysteriously.