We Made It |L.T|

Chapter Twelve

August 14th

Naturally, I kept Louis up at an unpleasant hour last night because of my ongoing nightmare; it's the same every night, but I wake up later and later and gradually reveal the whole nightmare. I wake up drenched in my own perspiration, Louis having to get out of bed every time to find a washcloth to wipe away my sweat and tears. But Louis didn't have to; instead, he just decided to wash my damp skin with a soap that had a calming scent. He opted to assist me in putting on one of his fresh jumpers and a pair of black boxers. Because I reluctantly gave in to his desire to show me that he cared.

He would run the washcloth over my arms, legs, chest, and stomach, his rough hands softly caressing my skin. Before going back to sleep, he wanted to make sure I was clean and comfortable, whether that meant spooning me or putting my face in his stomach.

He would follow me in whatever position I wished to sleep in, his arms wrapping around my body, his hands making shapes over my back to lull me to sleep; fighting sleep so the nightmare wouldn't repeat itself was more difficult. When his hands would travel up my back and shoulders, messaging the stiff muscles that had been frozen. Louis would speak nothing into my ears or sing gently to relieve the tension in the dark bedroom.

Whether he had to go to the studio or had interviews, he would still hold me while he fought off his own sleep. In order for me to go to sleep before him in case I woke up in a panic. My eyelids would flutter shut, letting sleep take over my entire body, while his lips would gently and soothingly press kisses to my forehead.

Louis texted me to say he would be home in an hour and a half, and I simply replied, "Okay," while I stood in the kitchen preparing dinner for when he got home. A few difficulties were caused by Freddie, who was upstairs taking a much-needed snooze because he was a little grumpy when he got up this morning. But none of them are worth carrying a grudge against.

While the pot of chicken corn soup was simmering on the stove, I stood at the island counter and chopped carrots thoroughly to add to it. I spooned the finely chopped carrots into the shining black saucepan, humming to myself in silence. I whisked the soup, incorporating the carrots with the remaining components.

I was startled out of my moment of calm when the doorbell rang, but I still turned the burner down low because the soup was almost finished. I walked toward the massive entrance, wondering who might be there. Despite Louis's lack of mention of company tonight, I answered the door and saw a really attractive woman who was taller than me.

She smiled politely, before speaking up. "Hello, is Louis home?"

"No, ma'am he isn't, but he'll be home in about an hour or so." I looked at the woman's frame and spoke in a timid voice. "Was it urgent?" My voice was inquiring. "No." She gave me a smile after saying so and shook her brown hair. "Oh my God, please excuse my manners. Freddie's mother, Briana Jungwirth, " She welcomed and apologized once more for her rudeness.

"It's nice to meet you. I am Athens." Accepting her hello in return and moving aside to let her in. With some hesitation, she moved closer to offer a silent thank you. "How about a cup of coffee? Freddie's currently taking a nap," I scrambled, not sure why she was there. No, I wasn't hateful; I was just perplexed.

"Coffee would be nice, but I can't stay long." Briana graciously consented, and together we headed toward the kitchen. She moved the purse that was hanging over her shoulder, went to a bar stool, and sat down, setting her purse down by her feet.

I approached the coffee maker, switched it on, and let the water warm up as I retrieved mugs from the cupboard above the pricey and complicated coffee maker. We both became silent as we realized how unfamiliar we both were to each other. I didn't want to say the wrong thing or cross any lines. But I knew I couldn't have a decent conversation with anyone, no matter how hard I tried to talk. I can hardly communicate with Louis.