Louis Partridge Imagines

1. Please Pretend

It was late at night. The streets were empty besides the occasional passing of cars here and there. Usually I would be with one of my friends, and usually I wouldn't be out this late. However, all my friends were busy and I lost track of time reading at the 24hr coffee shop. I checked my watch- "1:23" My parents were out of town, so technically I didn't have to me home at the moment, but it was chilly outside and I wanted to get into the comfort of my own home.

I looked across the street at the gloomy, empty shops, when something behind me caught my eye. I looked back- it was a tall, dark, hooded figure. The vacancy of the streets made me think the man was following me, but I needed to be sure. I turned the next corner, and sure enough he did as well. Then, at the next block I made a left, and he did the same. I grew anxious and panicked. My mind started to race, and my pace began to quicken. My strides grew longer and frantically I started to jog. I searched the streets for an escape route, a dim light shined ahead from the next block reading, "24hr Convince Store." I picked up my pace even more, and as I looked back the man sped up as well, getting even closer.

My shaking hands pushed the cool metal bar and a bell rang as I entered the shop. Glancing at the front desk, my heart sank as nobody stood behind it. I quickly walked into an isle as I heard the shop's bell ring once again knowing the man had entered the shop behind me. Just then, the sound of shuffling came from the isle further towards the back of the quick shop, and I glanced over the shelves to see the very top of someone's dark brown hair. I walked through the isle and turned the corner into the next, meeting eyes with a tall boy with fluffy hair whom looked to be about my age. I walked towards him, glancing around looking for the mysterious man who was following me. He followed me and stood at the end of the isle.

"Hey, love," I blurted out.

The boy furrowed his eyebrows and looked at me confused.

Please get the hint. Please, Please, Please. I bit my lip anxiously, my eyes becoming watery and flickered my eyes to the man behind me. His eyes seemed to soften.

"Hello, darling. What are you doing here at this hour?" His charming British accent greeted me, as he smiled softy.

I couldn't respond, my mouth wouldn't move and my hands trembled from fear.

Suddenly, he wrapped his strong arms around my waist and brought me closer to him into a warm, comforting hug. The store bell rung once again, and we let each other go. I looked behind me then glanced all around making sure than man was gone. As I continued to look above the shelves, the boy said, "He's gone. Are you alright?"

"I think so. Thank you," my voice slightly quivering and my eyes still watery.

"What are you doing out so late anyways?" The boy said concerned as his brown eyes looked deep into mine.

"I just lost track of time while I was out. I'm sorry for involving you in that, I just didn't know what to do. He was following me and then I saw you and-" I rambled.

"Hey, it's no problem. I'm just glad you're ok," he gently interrupted, grazing my arm with his hand. "I'm Louis by the way," He smiled lightly.

"Y/N," I said, softly smiling back.

"Let me walk you home."

"No, it's ok, you don't have to," I muttered looking at the ground. He's already helped me so much. I don't want to be a burden.

"Please Y/N. I don't want you to get hurt. For all we know, that man could be waiting for you to leave this store," Louis pleaded.

"Ok... Thank you," I replied, looking down at my still shaking hands.

Louis seemed to notice and delicately grabbed my hand. We both looked up, our eyes meeting. He smiled and led me out of the store.