The Brunette

Chapter 42

(Harry's pov): I watch Bella's taxi disappear in a sea of cars. I turn and go back into the building, up to the sixth floor. I take my time walking down the hall, thinking things over.

Bella...

or Louis?

I stand in front of Louis's door, hands in my pocket. It takes me a minute to knock on the door. It opens to reveal a sick looking Niall. "Oh, its you." He says, disgust clear in his voice. I sigh. I forgot Niall lives here. "Niall, lovely to see you again." I muster the most convincing smile possible. "Likewise." He spits out, crossing his arms. "What do you want?" He asks, not bothering to mask the hostility in his voice.

"Actually, I want to apologize for my actions. I know what Ive done is wrong and I take complete responsibility for everything. Do you forgive me?" I say, clenching my fists. This is for both Louis and Bella. Niall smirks, "Are you sure you're sorry?" He seemed to be enjoying himself. I press my lips together in a thin line.

"Im very sorry." I repeat. He chuckles, leaning on the door frame. "I don't believe you." He says, grinning evilly. Im doing this for Bella and Louis. "What can I do to prove to you Im sorry?" I ask, smile reappearing. Niall thinks it over, "Break up with Bella." He answers. "Other than that." I say behind gritted teeth.

I want to punch him so bad.

But I can't do anything to him without Louis and Bella getting mad at me.

Im powerless against him.

"Then just promise me something." He says, suddenly serious. "What?" I ask nervously. "Never hurt Bella again. Ever. If you do, you have to break up with her and tell me." He states evenly. I nod immediately, "Im not planning on hurting her ever again. You have my word." I reply truthfully. He nods solemnly in understanding.

"Is Louis here? I need to talk to him." I say, remembering what I came here for. "Sure, knock yourself out. He won't talk to me." He mutters. He goes inside, leaving me standing in the doorway. I go in, closing the door behind me.

Niall sprawls on the couch, bag of chips in hand as he continues his movie. I stop before I go into the hall, "Niall," I call quietly. He looks up. "We're cool right?" I ask cautiously. I couldn't keep fighting with him if I wanted to keep dating Bella and being Louis's friend. He hesitates before nodding slowly, "Yeah."

"We're cool." He says, looking back at the screen. I want to say something else but I decide not to. I go into the hall and stop at Louis's door, having second thoughts.

What if I become weak again?

What if we kiss?

What if I like it better than kissing Bella?

I force myself to knock on the wooden door. There's no answer. "Louis? Are you in there?" I call through the door. Still no reply. I turn the knob slowly, cracking the door open an inch. The room is pitch black and I immediately inhale the scent of his sweet cologne. "Louis? Are you ok?" I ask, stepping through the doorway. Light from the hallway seeps inside, illuminating the inside of the dismal room.

I see the outline of Louis's sleeping form in his bed, his steady breathing making the thin blanket rise and fall. I close the door and sit on the floor by his head, careful not to make a sound. His face is turned towards me, clutching his pillow tightly.

I stroke his hair lightly, not wanting him to wake up any more. I trace his jaw, feeling him shudder under my touch. He stirs in his sleep, moving closer to me. I take my hand away, scared he'll wake up and find me touching his face. Im not supposed to like him. I have a girlfriend.