Ripped Away (A Harry Styles Fan Fiction)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

The next morning, Harry drove back to the hospital to check up on Louis. And, hopefully, get some information about the accident.

When he arrived, the nurses informed him that Louis was doing just fine, and that he’d be able to take him home soon. They warned him, however, that Louis’ memory was a bit messed up, and so he should take it easy with the questions.

He took a mental note of it as he entered the room.

Louis was lounging in his bed watching some cartoons. He had a bowl of chili in his hands. When he noticed Harry walk in, his expression was heart-meltingly overjoyed.

“Hey, you’re here! It’s so early, why aren’t you sleeping in?”

Harry gave him a look. “Really, Lou? You’re in the hospital and you expect me to be able to sleep?”

Louis took a spoonful of chili before answering, “Duh, I’m fine, you know.”

Smiling, Harry sat down on the side of the bed, facing Louis. “I’m gonna take you home soon.”

“Ooh…settle down big fella, you haven’t even bought me a drink yet.” Louis joked.

Laughing, Harry gently elbowed his legs. “You haven’t changed.”

Lou frowned at him before looking back down at his chili to take another bite. “Why would I have changed?”

Harry stared at his friend, now realizing what he’d said. His smile disappeared.

Louis noticed. “Hey, nothing’s different. I’m fine. I’m still your best friend. No worries.”

“I know.” Harry replied. “I guess I’m just scared.”

“Why would you be scared?”

Harry paused and lowered his eyes before whispering, “I’m scared that I’ll lose you.”

Louis reached over and held his hand. “It’s okay, mate. I’m not that easy to get rid of.” He smiled his childish grin before eating more chili.

Harry returned the smile. He was so relieved to see Louis healthy, and more importantly, alive. And he still joked around, despite his condition. Not even head trauma or broken ribs could impair Louis Tomlinson’s sense of humor.

“So, I’m not supposed to question you, but I have to ask. Do you remember anything about the accident?”

Louis didn’t take his eyes off his chili as he shook his head. “Nah, can’t remember a thing. Doctors told me it was a hit-and-run, so I guess that’s it.”

Insisting that there must be more, Harry went on: “How far back can you remember?”

Lou took a moment to think. “Hmm… Well, I definitely remember the funeral, but after that it’s all fuzzy. I don’t even remember coming back home.”

Harry thought for a brief moment how convenient it was that Louis couldn’t remember anything, for whoever was responsible.

Louis took Harry’s thoughtful silence as an opportunity to ask his burning question. “Why did I leave the house by myself?”

“Uhm, well, I’m not really sure. See, we were all at the table together eating breakfast. I’d just received a call from management, and you were really upset about something, and when I asked about it you just said that everything was fine, but I knew it wasn’t. And then you basically just got up and left. I was worried about you, so I followed you, and found you lying in the street unconscious.” Harry finished quickly, not wanting to dwell on the memory of Louis’ near-dead body.