The ODD Couple

32. Back together

SASCHA

It was the end of November now and college had begun two weeks back. Things were going absolutely fine which somehow kept me on the edge. I wasn't used to having a smooth ride since the last few months. But I guess, the good run would continue because I was going to meet the boys again.

Yes!

Inspite of dad coming down, which I later realised was only because of the Derek issue, I was allowed one more short vacation lasting just a few days. I was so excited to meet all of them. Although Harry and I hadn't fully recovered from the aftershocks of what happened, we still managed to keep the decent conversations going. It wasn't the same with the others though.

Niall ensured I always ate without guilt while still learning the guitar. Louis just continued to keep me entertained with his hilarious jokes. And Liam, recovering from the breakup, seemed pretty chill and always looked out for me.

"Boys, guess who is back?"

Lou shouted out to the boys who were seated in Niall's room playing a video game. I wasn't much of a gamer so I wouldn't know. But they seemed intensely interested because none of them bothered listening to her. As they sat now, Harry and Niall were glaring at the screen whereas Liam and Louis triumphantly fist bumped each other. They were so much into it they didn't even realise we stood right there. Wow.

Lou and I had become a little close during my last visit. I was especially close to Lux, well because, she was such an adorable kid and I loved kids. Actually, I loved all of the crew's little ones. If I wasn't with the boys, you'd pretty much know where to find me.

Standing as we were now, Harry was the first to notice. It made me highly uncomfortable for some reason. He didn't smile. He wasn't even angry or serious. Honestly, I don't know what was on his mind right now. Niall noticed next. His mood changed from a grim to a joyous one and he came over and hugged me immediately.

Once the hugs and hellos were done, we sat down to have a few words with each other. Harry didn't hug me and I was fine with it. But when he chose to sit down right next to me, too close for comfort, I knew something was definitely up. Our shoulders almost brushed and he didn't seem to mind the proximity at all because he scooted closer so that every now and then, his arm brushed mine.

No one seemed to notice, and even if they did, they didn't say it. A few more people from the crew arrived. These were friends who'd already got news that I was here. The welcomes were so ecstatic and warm, I was overjoyed and overwhelmed.

"So, Saccharine I heard you like cats?"
Louis was one for names.

"Saccharine? Seriously Louis?"

"Just answer the question!"
Sometimes, he was also a burden.

"Yes. How do you know that?"
I remember Harry telling me that Louis kept tabs on people he felt like, but this was A-level stalking.

"Harry told us. He loves cats too!"
Oh.

"Yeah. And I've heard you love babies."
Everyone laughed at Liam's comment.

Thank heavens he always seemed to have my back. Louis' remark raised quite a few eyebrows. It doesn't help that most of them already think Harry and I are dating.

"Mate, I know a few of yours too. Should I let the cat out of the bag?"

Liam didn't find any humour in those words. Although his tone was jovial, I knew Louis could sometimes put people in a bad position. If Liam's glare was anything to go by, Louis must know something very important.

"Scratch all this. You guys, Sascha's here after so long. Chill out."
Daniel, my good friend from the crew, tried to calm the situation. I smiled at him while the temperature beside me dropped a couple degrees.