Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 6: Beautiful

<LOUIS' POV>

I can feel the morning's light brimming through the windows, the concentrated heat adding warmth to my cheeks. I shift beneath the rays, turning over. The odd chill beneath the sheets draws me to open my eyes and see whats missing.

"Eleanor?" I call tiredly. She wasn't in the room; not a trace of her as her side of the bed was perfectly lined, tucked as if it hadn't been touched. I slowly arose, looking over to see if she was maybe in the bath or someplace close. She had never just disappeared. Our mornings were relatively the same; her, waking me up, me, seeing her by my side.

I staggered from our bed, listening out for her. I came across nothing as I neared the rec area. My office, as well as the other toilets, and her "special" room, were all desolate. Going down the spiral steps proved to be challenging but I made it in one piece. I was partially blinded by all the light coming from the windows; it was unusually bright this morning and I hated it. I desired darkness to give my poor eyes a break but I was given no mercy. Eleanor must've opened all the curtains when she woke up. At least now I know she's here.

"Eleanor!" I yell through the house. "Christ, just answer." I mutter bitterly.

I finally decided to check the yard, having some hope that she'd be outside enjoying the sunshine. It was usually cloudy and minimal sunshine but today I couldn't spot a single spot of white in the sky, totally clear. I contemplated whether or not I was even in London anymore, it reminded me more of when I visited the States. There, it seemed sunny all the time.

I creak open the door to our patio, looking past the pool to see if she was there. I didn't see her so I stepped out and started searching the area. Over in the corner, I spotted someone. Finally, Eleanor. She was turned around, still in my robe, and on the phone speaking with someone.

Any other time I would simply leave her be to finish; but an unexplained paranoia took over and I felt myself getting closer, making sure to be quiet so I could ease drop. Her body language made me curious of the context she was sharing. Her shoulders were tense, she was cradling her arm as the other held the phone. With the close proximity, I could hear her hushed voice, careful not to be loud in case anyone else was listening.

"I don't know whats going on with him," She exhausts, stress evident in her voice. "One minute he was tellin' me happy anniversary, then next he just freaked out and left me. Keenan, I haven't a clue what I've done." Her shaky voice gives out at the end, adding a sniffle to confirm that she was indeed crying. Worse of all, to that damned Keenan.

She pauses to listen to the other line, subtly shaking her head in agreement with whatever that arse was saying.

"I know, I know, but we've come so far." She sighs. "And things are different now."

I feel a pang of guilt as memories of my past behavior rekindle themselves. I wasn't the best companion; Keenan knew this, I knew this, but Eleanor was too blinded to see how unfit I was for her. Countless nights of abandoning her at different events, ridiculous fights, and the bi-polar tendencies regarding our relationship made up the first two years of us being together. We did well to hide it from our friends but behind closed doors, we were far from the "it couple" we are now.

"Well I can prove it to you." She says suddenly, breaking me from my thoughts. I duck behind one of the neighboring chairs when she begins to shift around. Luckily she doesn't catch me and continues talking.

"He called me in his sleep." She says matter-of-factly, proud with her minute piece of evidence. "I woke up early and caught him calling out Elly."

Elly? Oh shit...

"Short for Eleanor of course." She counters. "Just b'cause you've never heard it doesn't mean he doesn't call me it in private." I can hear the growing irritation in her voice. "He would never!"