Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 29: To be Happy

Before I could make my final destination to Louis, I had to stop by the flat and pick up a few things. I packed lightly, only grabbing a toothbrush and some lounge attire. By the time I get there it will be nightfall and I'd at least like to be in something comfortable if this goes wrong and have to sleep elsewhere. Hayden even packed a small bag for himself with Xzavier's clothes and we were quickly on our way again. I gave Hayden fair warning to not come in at any circumstance. I knew the two of them together wouldn't be productive in the slightest so I made him promise to stay in the car until I called him after everything was over; and if Louis engaged him, just to do whatever he said and move on. Now we were on our way to Louis; or where I hoped he was.

The trip was long. To think, I'd just been here hours ago just to start back from the beginning. Doncaster was the only place I hadn't searched and now that I look back, I couldn't have been more stupid. Of course he wouldn't be in London with all this chaos surrounding him; Louis must've gone back home. That's the only place I can think of that has a real chance. This was my last shot and if I couldn't find him there, maybe I could seek some guidance from his family; if they even accept me. I'm sure Louis' mum got the whole spiel of how I left so cruelly. In my defense, I hadn't known the full story at the time. Me nearly overdosing and then being in a comatose state, didn't leave room for much time for Louis to confess his true feelings beneath the alarming behavior he displayed at dinner. I can still remember the wildness in his eyes, the snarl on his lips and the mighty leap that took him across the table and onto Gabriel. That was when I escaped to the bathroom and the doubled medication caught up to me. My poor Louis must've been devastated by what he walked in on. Thinking that I really tried to kill my self; what thoughts must have ran through his head. The damn damsel who can't get her shit together ends it all. Pfft. What a show I put on.

Perhaps that's why he chose her over me. I bet their past arguments or disputes aren't nearly as haunting or tragic. Louis and I always found ourselves in some sort of mess because of me. I drove him apart from his friends, made him miss school, and most indignantly, broke his heart in exchange for my freedom. I thought escaping that house was the way to break free and really live; but I had never felt more alive than when I was with Louis. Since I left him and all of Doncaster behind, I'd been thrown into a whirlwind of tragedies and depression, with only my art gallery to keep me afloat this sea of sadness. Louis on the other has found true happiness despite what I truly think. When I first spotted his face at the gallery, I was stunned by his glow. With Eleanor around his arm, he looked lighter than air, not a care in the world when his eyes laid on her smile. At the moment, I began to hate her. Maybe out of spite or envy, but I hated her with all my being because in my head she had stolen everything I dreamed of. She had acquired something I fought for and lost years ago and was flaunting their love in my face. It was sickening... but he was so happy.

Could I even do that for him?

After some quiet time and a quick nap, Hayden's voice breaks through my conscience, awakening me. "Ms. Annette, we've arrived at the house." I peered out the window to the new surroundings. It was just like I remembered. The street lamps were glittering along the pavement, the sunset was tucked just behind the old shingles- ah yes, Louis' home.

"Stay in the car." I reminded him. Hayden nodded and remained stationery as I made my way to the door. The walk was the most nerve-wracking part. The anticipation built up inside me like heavy blocks on my chest; and for a good two minutes, I had to remind myself to breathe. 'Here goes nothing.' I told myself.

Two good knocks was all I could muster. Any more, and I probably would've fainted, weakened by my own anxiousness. I felt nauseated and if no one answered within the next five minutes I was bound to throw up in the lawn. I began to convince myself that this was a bad idea, that Louis would shoo me away and his family would eye me with disapproving looks and shun me as well. I don't think I could handle so much embarrassment and heartbreak in one sitting. As soon as I decided to quickly to run away, the knob twisted. I captured the last bit of air with a sharp breath and waited for the unexpected.