We Made It |L.T|

Chapter Twenty-two

September 18th

Late last night, Louis received a text message from his sister asking him to an outdoors barbecue. It was only this morning that Louis noticed it. It made him wake me up and ask if it was okay if we left. I didn't protest because I knew it was his sister, even though he hasn't told his family anything about me. I was, however, understandably anxious and afraid to meet them. He had said, "Sounds good," in response. He didn't inform them he was with someone, much less a wife they were unaware of, so I wasn't really sure I wanted to go. I felt like I was going to be in a place where I didn't belong, and I wanted to make a good first impression. Nevertheless, I got up and prepared some fruit salad and chicken dip to go. 

Louis had assured me that there was nothing I needed to take. However, this is coming from a man's viewpoint, not a female one. Choosing to ignore him, I preoccupied myself with keeping my mind off the possibility that his family would not approve of my being with their brother. Which I could absolutely understand. 

Now as Louis drove into the drive with a few more cars than I anticipated. My heart started to pound and I started to lose control of my breathing, to the point of a panic attack. As Louis turned off the ignition of the engine of his silver Range Rover. He turned to me and saw that I had worked myself up. 

"Don't worry, my dear, They're going to love you as much as I do." Louis's hand caressed my thigh and gave it a light squeeze, doing his best to console me. But he was aware of the outcome of my panic attacks. So he got out of the driver's seat as quickly as possible, swung the door open and forcefully shut it. I began to struggle for air as he hurried around the car. 

Without displaying any symptoms of impatience or frustration, Louis opened my door, grabbed the fruit salad bowl off of my lap, and put it down quickly by my feet. He unbuckled me quickly and yanked me out into his warm, comforting hug. "Calm down, my love. "I'm right here." He rocked us back and forth, cooing and kissing my temple. 

He could see that my pale skin was caused by the panic episode because I was having trouble breathing. I raised my hand and laid it over his heart. His heartbeat had a soft rhythm that I could feel. He guided me through some easy breathing techniques. He even cracked awful Dad jokes that he thought were amusing as he whispered comforting words in my ear. Which caused my face to smile, revealing my dimples. "There we go, there's my pretty girl." He praised his thumb, which was stroking the back of my head. While I dabbed at the stray tears on my cheek. I sighed, my heart slowing its mile-long sprint as my lungs finally managed to function correctly. 

Both my vision and my head were no longer light, allowing me to completely take in my surroundings. Warm enough for shorts and a jumper, the weather was pleasant even with the sun hidden behind some clouds. I dressed accordingly. I wore a crimson jumper that I tucked in loosely with black jean shorts that reached my mid-thighs. Louis, on the other hand, was dressed in denim shorts, a graphic T-shirt, and a denim jacket. 

"You got a pretty bow in your hair." He spoke gently, distracting me from whatever state I could have fallen into. I grinned as he gently tugged at my wavy hair, giving it a half-up look. He bent down and nudged our noses together. I felt so much better right away when he grinned, knowing he had caught my interest.

Louis used his thumb to wipe my nose while I let out a few sniffles. Using his pants to wipe it off, not even caring. "Feel better?" He inquired, holding onto my elbow with his hand while grabbing the chicken dip and fruit salad. I nodded, unsure of my voice. However, Louis, who gave me the once-over, wasn't entirely convinced. "You still seem a bit shaky." As he used his elbow to force the door shut, he gestured.