Only You {h.s}

Chapter Nineteen

"Where the hell were you last night?"

My eyes immediately widen. I have no idea what is going on. Louis looks like he's all but ripped his hair out.

"Allie's," I say with a shaky voice. I figure the shorter the answer, the better.

"That's funny. Because when I went there this morning to get you, Allie's mother said you weren't there. And that you hadn't been there since yesterday evening," he smiles sardonically.

I can feel my heart rate increasing. Why does this have to happen now? I had a perfect night and a perfect morning – after my nightmare, that is. I can't just be happy.

"So now let me ask you again. Where the hell were you last night?" He says angrily.

"O-Out," I stutter.

"Out? You were out? That's all you have to say to me?"

He's getting very close to yelling and it makes me flinch a little. He obviously doesn't notice because he takes a step toward me. I instinctively take one step back.

"Y-Yeah. What's the b-big deal?" I try to say nonchalantly, but fail miserably.

"You can't just go somewhere without telling me! You could've gotten hurt! You could've –"

Louis stops abruptly. His eyes stay fixated a little lower than at mine. I look down trying to find what he is staring at and my heart plummets out of my chest.

A hickey.

Louis moves the hair off of my neck while I stand there, shaking. His fists ball up in anger and he shakes his head at me, still gazing at the mark.

"You were with a boy?" he seethes. I stay completely still.

"You snuck off to be with a boy? Because you haven't gone through enough? You just think it's okay to run off with any jackass out there? Unbelievable."

His words anger me. He's acting like I need to just stay home and isolate myself because of Zayn, because of my past. He thinks I just go off with any guy that wants it. Does he really think I'm that easy?

"I can do what I want," I say quietly. Louis snaps his head up and narrows his eyes at me.

"What?"

"I'm 18," I clear my throat, "I can do what I want. I don't need your permission," I say, finding some confidence. Harry and I's conversation from the night before plays back in my mind.

Louis looks taken aback by this. I've never really stood up to him before. Then again, I didn't have much of a reason to. I had always agreed with him, always trusted his words and never doubted his judgment.

This time is different. This time I need to make my own choices. He has been an amazing big brother and an amazing friend to me, but I need this freedom.

"That's a load of shit, Mer. What has gotten into you all of a sudden?"

"Nothing has "gotten into me". I'm just sick of being treated like a child!"

By this point, the volume of my voice matches his. We've been taking small steps closer to the living room.

"You think I treat you like a child? Really? Who was there for you after mom and dad basically kicked you out? Hmm? Who was there to pick up the pieces? Who was there for you after Mr. Ca-"

"Don't you dare fucking say his name!" I shout, pointing my finger at Louis. He knows I can't stand hearing it. Tears start crawling down my face, but he doesn't notice, or care.