The moment I had eagerly anticipated since the previous summer had arrived. There he was, Louis, the embodiment of countless daydreams and late-night fantasies. Yet, as he stood there, the world around me seemed to freeze, and a whirlwind of emotions blurred my senses. A simple smile and a greeting were all that stood between me and the reality of meeting Louis.
Millie, ever the composed friend, bridged the gap, walking confidently towards Louis and enveloping him in a quick hug. "Parker," he drawled out my name, a subtle emphasis on the 'errr.' My heart raced as he extended his arms. "Hi, Louis," I managed to stammer out, allowing myself to be enveloped in a hug that felt like a fleeting eternity. It took every ounce of self-control to release my grip, and, in that moment, I wished time could stand still.
Louis, seemingly unfazed, redirected our attention to his sisters, and we followed him to two unfamiliar faces in the doorway. "Millie and Issie, Millie and Parker. Parker and Millie, Issie and Millie," he orchestrated the introductions with a casual grace. Pleasantries exchanged, we were summoned to the dinner table, where I found myself strategically placed next to Louis. The universe had aligned, and my brother seized the opportunity to tease me mercilessly. Kicks under the table and mock laughter echoed my discomfort.
"So, Park, this is THE Louis? Interesting," Ryder, my brother, emphasized 'the' with a mischievous glint in his eye. A pang of embarrassment surged through me, but the now 19-year-old me acknowledged the hilarity in the situation. Louis chuckled, gracefully navigating the playful banter as he introduced himself to my siblings once again.
Amid the laughter and familial exchanges, dinner became a sanctuary. Parents delved into discussions about the excitement surrounding Millie and Louis, sparing me from further scrutiny. After the meal, Millie and I joined her mom to tidy up, and Louis tagged along, leading us to Millie's room where we could unwind.
In the cozy confines of Millie's room, the three of us settled into a familiar camaraderie, the air alive with laughter and shared memories. Louis, ever the affable presence, steered the conversation with a warmth that echoed the bonds we'd forged during our Roman adventure.
"So, what have you two been up to since Rome?" Louis inquired, a playful twinkle in his eyes as he settled onto Millie's plush chair.
Millie, always bubbling with enthusiasm, launched into a lively account of her endeavors, her words dancing through tales of auditions, script readings, and the whirlwind of the film industry. Her animated storytelling drew me in, and I couldn't help but marvel at her resilience and passion.
Louis, in turn, shared snippets of his experiences since we last met, providing glimpses into the intricacies of his own journey. His stories painted a vivid picture of life on set, punctuated with humorous anecdotes and genuine reflections on the challenges and joys of the acting world.
As the conversation meandered through topics, the room became a sanctuary of shared confidences. It was during these moments that I found the courage to open up about my burgeoning interest in music, a secret passion I hadn't shared with many. "You know," I began tentatively, "I've been messing around with some chords. Just a way to express what's going on up here," I added, tapping my temple with a smile.
Millie's eyes sparkled with intrigue, and Louis leaned forward, genuinely interested. "That's amazing, Parker! What kind of music are you into? What inspires your songs?" Louis inquired, his curiosity elevating the atmosphere.
Embarking on a journey of self-disclosure, I shared my musical influences, the stories behind my compositions, and the emotions woven into each note. Millie, ever the supportive friend, chimed in with encouraging remarks, her genuine interest evident in the way she hung onto every word.
The dialogue flowed effortlessly, creating an intimate space where vulnerabilities were embraced, and dreams were shared. Louis, with his easygoing demeanor, encouraged me to consider sharing my music. "Come on, Parker, you've got to let us hear what you've been working on. It's like a sneak peek into your soul," he said, his eyes reflecting a genuine eagerness.
My initial resistance softened, and a playful negotiation ensued, with Millie and Louis persistently urging me to unveil my musical creations. "Just a snippet, Parker. We won't judge, promise," Millie teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
As the room resonated with laughter and the exchange of stories, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. In this haven of friendship, where vulnerability was met with understanding, I realized that the bonds forged in Rome had grown into something deeper – a shared tapestry of dreams, fears, and the unwavering support that comes with true friendship.
As the night progressed, the inevitable arrived, signaling my return to the hotel and Louis to his home, with filming set to resume the next day. Goodbyes were said, and I retreated with my family. Restlessness gripped me that night; my excitement manifested in restless squirming, much to my sister's chagrin. Sleep did eventually claim me, only to be relinquished too soon with the arrival of the morning sun.
The subsequent weeks unfolded with my family exploring tourist attractions, while I embarked on a personal mission. I yearned for Louis to see beyond the surface, to fall in love with the essence of who I was. The departure brought a melancholy akin to the first time we parted ways, but this time, the bond had deepened. Louis and Millie had become more than just friends; they were my confidants, my best friends beside Maisy.
Daily conversations with Louis and Millie persisted, forming the backdrop of my routine. Facetime sessions became a lifeline, bridging the physical distance. My teenage days now followed a predictable rhythm – wake up, school, write songs, Facetime with Louis, sleep, and repeat. Louis, in all his glory, occupied the forefront of my thoughts, a magnetic force pulling me into the orbit of his world.
The anticipated release of the movie in April 2020 promised an opportunity for us to reunite. Louis extended an invitation to the premiere, a gesture that hinted at a date. However, fate had other plans, and the global upheaval caused by Covid thwarted our plans. Despite the setback, our daily conversations persisted, weaving a thread of connection across continents.
As my birthday approached, life threw a surprise my way. The morning sun bathed my room, and checking my phone confirmed the arrival of my birthday. Descending the stairs, I was greeted by an unexpected sight – a tall 17-year-old British boy engaged in conversation with my family. Reality blurred, and in my disbelief, I tripped over my own feet, descending the stairs with a thud that echoed through the room. Once again, Louis witnessed my less-than-graceful entrance, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was eternally destined to embarrass myself in his presence.
A/N - Another hour another chapter 😁 I'm banging this all out bc i have nothing else to do and ik im being repetitive but i can not wait to get in the mushy gushy loveeeee like idk its taking up all my brain space i dont know!!!!! lmk what you think love ya bye
