Turdy Seven (A Heleanor Fanfiction)

Chapter 3

   Louis made it to the corner of Eleanor's street and pulled out his phone.  His stomach turned at the sight of Eleanor on his lock screen. He quickly dialed for a cab. He could easily have called someone to come pick him up, but he already felt embarrassed as it was. He didn't need people finding out about his fight with his girlfriend.

   Once he arrived in front of the hotel he felt somewhat relieved. He had expected paparazzi and fans to be waiting outside, but they were nowhere to be found. Of course not, it was four in the morning he realized as he took a look at his watch. Everyone that had been there when they dropped off the guys a couple hours ago were gone. He strolled through the lobby, which was empty except for the lady at the front desk taking the night shift. Louis gave her a small nod that she did not return.

   As soon as he stepped into the elevator he realized he had no idea what rooms the other guys were staying in. He didn't have a hotel room of his own because he always stayed with Eleanor when the band visited Manchester.

   Louis pulled out his phone again. He couldn't call Liam because he had his girlfriend with him. He wouldn't call Zayn because he would be annoyed at him for waking him up and Louis didn't need anymore drama tonight. And he definitely couldn't call Harry. That left him with Niall.

   His fingers quickly pulled up Niall's name on his contact list and dialed. As he waited for him to pick up, Louis hoped he wouldn't be asked too many questions on why he had suddenly turned up on Niall's doorstep in the middle of the night. It took a few tries and right when Louis was about to give up a raspy deep voice finally answered the call.

   "Hello?" Niall mumbled, his voice sounded exhausted and his Irish accent was strong.

   "Hey Niall, I'm coming up. What's your room number?" Louis spoke quickly, not wanting to be asked any questions. There was a pause for a few seconds.

   "Uh...who is this?" Niall slurred. Louis suddenly felt a tinge of guilt. The poor guy was probably so exhausted that he hadn't even bothered to glance at the caller id.

   "It's Louis. What room are you in?" Louis asked again trying not to sound impatient.

   "Oh,uh, hey Lou. Lemme check," Niall said as he made his way into the hallway to look at his room number on the wall next to the door. "It's 3070. I think we're on the turd floor, or maybe fourt. I think turd, but maybe the fi-"

   "It's alright I'll find it," Louis hung up before Niall could gather his thoughts enough to question him.

   Luckily the room was on the third floor and took minutes to find. Louis was thankful Niall had left the door open for him to come in. He didn't want to risk knocking and being heard by anyone staying on the floor. He was close to everyone he worked with and he trusted them, but he didn't need everyone knowing about his relationship issues. That would only complicate his plans with Eleanor even more.

   Once inside the dark hotel room Louis dropped his bag on the floor. Niall was standing by the window having a drink of water. The two boys stared at each other for a moment. Niall clearly wanted an explanation, but he wouldn't be getting one.

   "I don't wanna talk about it," Louis simply said.

   "Alright," Niall sighed, "there's no couch, so I guess we're spooning." He gestured toward the queen sized bed with his thumb as he passed by Louis to set his empty glass on the desk behind him.

   Louis was finally able to smile with Niall's comment. He could always rely on the guys to make him feel better and take a hint when he wasn't in the mood to talk about something.

   Niall plopped back onto the bed, lying on his stomach with his arms wrapped around his pillow. Seconds later Louis could hear him snoring. Instead of joining him, Louis made his way to the bathroom and was startled when he switched the light on. His reflection in the mirror showed a very tired young man who could barely keep his eyes open and had dark circles underneath them. His patchy stubble had already started to grow in since the last time he shaved. He hadn't slept at all during the eight hour flight and it was now nearing 4:30 in the morning. All the fighting had added stress to the whole situation too. He was a mess.

   Louis then decided that he would make himself look presentable in the morning so he could go back to Eleanor's house to apologize. That seemed like the most effective option at the moment. Louis thought he just needed to give her some space for the night and then continue with his plan to keep her as his girlfriend, to keep her in love with him. He wouldn't give up this easily.

   After showering and brushing his teeth he lied down on the bed next to his band mate. His wet hair soaked the pillow underneath his head. His body was relaxed but his mind was far from it. All he could think of was his girl. All he could focus his mind on was Eleanor. He needed to make this work. He didn't even want to begin to imagine what life would be like without her. He needed her more than she realized. She made him feel... right. No one had ever done that for him, and the idea of losing her was enough to drive him insane. Insane enough to go to great lengths to maintain his relationship.

   The light peaked through the hideously patterned curtains of Niall's hotel room, hitting Louis' closed eyes. He fluttered his eyelids and groaned, turning his body over to face away from the light. He caught a look at the alarm clock on the nightstand that read 9:32 am. He got up and made his way back into the bathroom he had been in only a few hours ago. He tried not to make any noise as he left Niall in his peaceful slumber.

   Louis started his grooming session with his thin beard. He had dug out all his toiletries from the only bag he had with him and layed them down on the bathroom countertop. He carefully shaved off the facial hair, making him look younger. He brushed his teeth and brushed through his hair leaving it unstyled the way he knew Eleanor liked it. He decided to wash his face one last time and he was finished. He had barely slept four hours, but the entire process had left him refreshed and a bit more confident. He was ready to go see her now.

   Throughout the cab ride Louis thought of what he would say to Eleanor when he saw her. He knew he needed to be himself, but the better version of himself. The one that made her laugh and knew just what sweet things to say in order to win her heart. Not the version that got jealous and made ridiculous conclusions about his best friend and his girlfriend. He needed to be the Louis that Eleanor had fallen for no more than two years ago when they first met.

   Louis remembered the day. The first day he'd layed his eyes on the girl, he had no idea would change him. The girl that would make him come to terms with the real him that he found so difficult to show. She had allowed for Louis to reveal the way he truly was to her. She meant everything to him, even if he had a funny way of showing it.

   Louis had left Niall asleep on the bed, where he would most likely remain for a few more hours. Nobody had seen Louis come or go apart from Niall. Louis quickly got out his phone and sent Niall a text to ensure no one would find out about last nights events.

*dont tell anyone I didn't stay with Eleanor last night. Ok?*

   As soon as he had hit send, the cab came to a stop in front of Eleanor's house. Louis payed the driver and stepped out. He took in deep breath and stepped up to the green front door. His knock was a bit shaky.

   When the door was finally opened it wasn't Eleanor's puffy red eyes signifying that she had been crying that surprised Louis. It was the sight of his curly haired best friend standing behind her.