Uncovered

Chapter 14

I woke up to find that Izzy still wasn't back. As this was a reoccurring event, i wasn't too worried. I switched on the light and let my eyes adjust before grabbing my phone from my bedside table to text Izzy:

'I'm gonna go kayaking today so i'll see ya later, don't have too much fun ;)'

I pressed send, imagining Izzy's embarrassment when she reads it. I then realised it was incredibly lame and regretted sending it, oh well. I yawned and stretched my arms out wide before pulling on some waterproof Nike leggings and a thermal fleece. It was going to be freezing on the water today, not that i cared, but if i turned up without at least two layers my mum would have a fit.

I texted my dad to tell him i was coming for a few hours as i now had 4 weeks until the trial. I packed my rucksack and walked out of the room locking the door behind me. I walked round the corner of the building and out to my car where, suprise suprise, Louis was waiting for me.

"What do you want now?" I sighed, real tired of his shit.

"Where are you going?" he questioned, lowering his eyebrows. His eyes suddenly became cloudy and it looked as if he was staring right through me. I clicked my fingers in front of his face and he shook his head to snap back to reality. I raised my eyebrows as if to ask what that was all about, but he didn't pick up on it. Either that or he didn't want to explain.

"Where are you going?" he repeated, this time with more urgency in his voice.

"I'm just going to see my parents"

"What? Why? Can't you go some other time?"

"No, I need to do some more kayak runs before my trial. I have to go today" I replied trying to sound forceful.

"You can't go"

"Excuse me? Who are you to tell me what i can or can't do. Now if you don't mind, i have a train to catch" I tried to sidestep him to get into my car but he just followed my lead and threw out his arms so i couldn't get past.

"No please, you can't. Not today" he pleaded.

"Why? I don't understand. I'm just taking the train to-"

"Can't you do this another time? I really just wanna....hang out"

"Hang out? Really? Can't we do that another time?"

"No it...it has to be today. Just today. Plus you said you'd help me study, we could do that"

"Louis" i huffed, "I have to go kayaking"

"No you don't, you have a month until your trial. That's plenty of time, just please stay here today. Stay with me"

"How do you know when my trial is?" i asked him, positive that i hadn't mentioned it.

"You told me" he replied sharply.

"No i didn't, i'd remember"

"Well, i heard you talking to someone about it. Does that even matter though? You're avoiding my point because you know i'm right"

"Louis, I-"

"Please. Stay. Just today" there was a look of deep concern molded into his face, and i just couldn't say no.

"Fine" I sighed, again. "What do you wanna do?" i asked.

"Can we go somewhere and just talk?" he answered quietly. He shifted his weight from foot to foot anxiously awaiting my answer.

"Sure, i'll just text my dad that my car broke down on the way to the train station"

I knew i should be annoyed at him, or maybe even angry, but there was just something about him. I can't explain it, i'm pretty sure i have a strong dislike for this guy but at the same time, i don't.

Ugh. That makes no sense, but honestly i'm so confused. I just can't seem to say no. Louis followed me in the direction of my room, assuming that that was where he wanted to talk. The door was still locked when i got there, meaning Izzy had not yet returned. I pulled my key out and fiddled with the lock until it clicked. I stepped into the room and threw my bag on the floor.

"Make yourself comfy" i told him, "I'm just gonna go change"

I grabbed some jeans plus my uni hoodie and crossed the room into the bathroom to get out of my slightly uncomfortable clothes. I wandered back into the room brushing my hair out of its ponytail to find Louis in exactly the same place. I sat on my bed and gestured to Izzy's.

"You can sit if you want" i told him. He nodded curtly and placed himself onto the bed opposite. "I don't suppose you've seen Izzy around, i think she went home with that Harry guy. He's your friend, right?"

I saw his eyes flicker away from me and back again. "I don't know sorry" he finally said. I didn't believe him but i knew there was no point pressing the matter.

We sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes, his eyes frantically darting around the room. I stared at him the whole time, just trying to understand him. Who was he really?

"Why did you kiss me and then leave?" i blurted out figuring i had to start somewhere.

"What?" he asked as if he hadn't heard me.

"You know what i said, please can you just answer the question" i replied, my voice growing louder.

"I don't know, it just felt like the right thing to do at the time"

"At the time? What's that supposed to mean? You regret it?"

"No, i don't regret it, i just.." he stopped mid sentence.

"You just what?"

"I just didn't think it through, ok? Anything that you do with me will have consequences"

"Then why did you make me stay here with you? Surely this has consequences too" i was now half shouting at him, but not loud enough that someone would come in to ask what was happening.

"You just don't understand" he said, rising from the bed.

"You keep saying that, but you never explain. Make me understand, tell me what you mean" I replied, also standing up so that he wasn't towering over me. 

"I'm trying to keep you safe" he whispered as if someone was listening in.

"From what?" i asked, trying to match his gentle tone.

He sighed in frustration, running his fingers through his hair. "I shouldn't even be here, i need to go"

"What? No! You made me stay here with you, you can't just leave" 

"I'll come back later, i promise. It's just...I have to do something" he said. His face was scrunched up in confusion and his fists were clenched. "I'm sorry" he whispered, stepping closer. He brushed his lips against my cheek as i closed my eyes, relishing in the familiar contact. But then his lips were gone, and so was he.