when we were eighteen - book one ✔️

Chapter One

LOUIS // OCTOBER 2016
Song of the Chapter: The One That Got Away by Katy Perry

Louis was back home in Doncaster after six full years in San Diego.

He was moving back with his friend, Niall, and his wife, Jade. The trio had met back at college, Niall was from Ireland and Jade was from South Shields. And seeing that they were all from the U.K., they stuck together all throughout college.

When they graduated in June, Jade wanted to move to a quiet city, some where her and Niall could settle down in the future. Niall didn't want to go to Ireland, so Louis throughout Doncaster. Niall and Jade did their research and agreed with him. They ended up finding a small house for rent and Louis was going to stay with them until he found a job and a place of his own.

When Louis told his mum that he was moving back, she was furious. She had remarried and had twins with her new husband, Dan. She wanted all seven of her children to be with her, but Louis was stubborn. He never liked San Diego, it was never a home to him. It took her awhile to get used to it, but Jay supported the move.

And a few weeks ago, Louis broke down. He unblocked Anne Styles from Facebook and messaged her. It was a simple message. All he wrote was, "Hi Anne, I'm moving back to Doncaster in a couple of weeks. I miss you and Gem, and was wondering if you'd like to meet once I'm settled. Hope all is well. Love, Louis."

Anne responded almost immediately, "Louis, you're always welcome here! Message me the day you'll be back and I'll arrange a dinner for the three of us. Much love, Anne."

Louis and her planned to have dinner at her house the night he arrived, which he was taking a cab to at the moment. The boy literally dumped all his stuff off at the hotel, seeing as the final papers for the rental were still in process. and caught a taxi to make it on time.

Now, Louis's leg could not stop bouncing as the car turned onto his old street. He knew Anne wouldn't allow him to be there, but he was risking all of his progress by showing up here. The driver stopped in front of the Styles' house and Louis couldn't breathe.

He paid the man his fare and exited the cab. The car pulled away immediately, leaving Louis all alone. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door. Memories of the first time he did this rolling in the back of his head.

He imagined Harry, six years older, swinging open the door like he did that afternoon they met. A sad smile spread over Louis's face at the thought. Gemma, however, opened the door.

Gemma had definitely changed. Last time he saw her, she was was gothed out with smoky black eyeliner and dark colored clothing. Now, she was wearing bright clothes and makeup, she resembled Louis of a flower child. Her eyes widened when she saw Louis and grasped him tightly to her in a warm hug.

"Louis," she said breathlessly. "I can't believe you're here."

"Neither can I. How are you, Gem?" Louis asked, hugging her back tightly.

"I've been good, love. Come in, Mum is just finishing up dinner for you," Gemma said, letting him go and stepping aside. Louis stepped into the house, and it felt like a time portal. Nothing had changed. It made Louis's chest hurt, an ache that he was far too familiar with unfortunately.

—-

MARCH 2010: Harry and Louis were sitting on the couch, watching a movie.

Louis was starting to fall asleep and Harry was running his thumb on the exposed skin on Louis's waist. Harry shifted sightly on the couch, making Louis open his eyes to see what was going on. Their faces were so close to each other's that it felt like the air between them was sucked away, causing Louis to breathe in a sharp breath.