I'm Here

Chapter 21: Fight

I saw Louis outside on the bench. It was our usually place. “Hey, love. How was school?” Louis greeted me with a kiss.

“It was alright. Nothing too exciting, but we need to talk about something.” I said.

He nodded for me to continue. I was a bit nervous to tell him, but I knew I had to.

“Well, you know how I’m in the talent show with that guy?” Louis nodded. “Well, I don’t know how to say this, but—“

“Did you cheat on me?” Louis interrupted. Worry covered his features.

“What? No! I would never cheat on you! You know that.” I defended.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry. Continue…”

“Anyways, Jack told me today during rehearsals that he was in love with me.” I said quickly. I wanted to get this over with.

“He’s in love with you…” Louis quietly repeated. “Has he ever tried anything with you, Sophia?” He looked a bit angry.

I sat in silence because he has. I didn’t know how to say that though. Louis looked pissed. I decided that it would be better to spit it out. “Yes. He’s kissed me before.”

Louis tensed up. His hands balled up into fists. “What?” He was yelling. “When was this?” He was causing some people to stare because of his volume.

“It was awhile ago!”

“How long ago?” He asked, a bit softer than before.

“It was before we were official.”

“But while us seeing each other…”

I nodded and felt a tear fall down my cheek. I didn’t know if it was from Louis or from the guilt I kept locked inside. I soon realized it was the guilt.

“Why are you crying?” He asked, much sweeter. He cupped my face and wiped away the falling tears with his thumb.

“Because it’s my fault.” I admitted.

“No, it’s not. Please stop-“

“No,” I interrupted  him, “I kissed him back.” I started crying fully. I felt so bad for what I did and everything would be a lot better if I just rejected that kiss in the first place.

Louis was not pleased, but he didn’t show it. He just held his arms open for me. I filled up the space between us and cried into his shoulder. He rubbed his hand up and down my back.

“Shh.” He was trying to comfort me. “It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m not upset with you please don’t cry. Please don’t cry. I hate to see you upset.” He whispered into my ear.

“I’m just so sorry.” I said in between sobs. I felt worse about it than I should’ve had. I couldn’t help it, though. The tears kept falling and I felt terrible.

Louis kissed my head.

“Oh my god, Sophia!” I heard in the distance. I lifted my head from Louis’s shoulder and saw Jack running over towards Louis and me. “Are you okay? Why are you crying?”

“Hey, now’s not the time.” Louis said as coolly as he could.

“She’s my fucking friend. I have the right to see if she’s okay!” Jack immediately defended himself.

Louis stood up. His height was a slight disadvantage because Jack towered over him. He didn’t seem to care, though.

“I’m here, though. You don’t have to worry about her if I’m around, okay? Now, go home.” Louis said, trying to shoo him away.