Starting Over (Being Edited)

Chapter 8 - All Kinds Of Trouble

Sofia’s P.O.V

            “So yeah, that’s what I think.” Zayn mumbled, grasping my hand. “I want to be here for you.”

            “Thank you so much Zayn. This means a lot to me.” I said, pulling him in for a hug. I understand what Louis meant about how Zayn's the one they all turn to. I feel like I'm going to be turning to him a lot for help.

            “NO PLEASE!  Let me finish!” I heard Lou’s voice carry up the stairs. I immediately freeze.

            “What the hell is going on?” I said under my breath.

            “What is there to finish? The least you could have done was to simply text me, or gotten someone else to! But to leave me standing there? In the pouring rain? Making me look like a complete arse, all alone, asking ‘Is Louis here?’ and getting blank pity stares in return! Just tell me what’s going on? Are...are you cheating on me?” A girl’s voice echoed throughout the house.

            “No, no, no way babe. It’s just that my sister’s come home to live here and things aren’t going as smoothly as possible. I need to be here for her right now. You understand, don’t you?” I hear the pleading in Louis’ voice, and know this will not be ending well.

            “I do, but, but, maybe we should you know...take a break for awhile, until things with your sister have been figured out. You obviously need to be here for her, more than you need to be here for me. I’ll see you around Louis.” After a few minutes of scuffling and voices I can’t make sense of, I hear a door slam. Then all that’s left is Louis’ crying.

            “What have I done?” I gasp. I break out of Zayn’s grasp and run out of the room. But before I can make it down the stairs, I feel myself in his grip again.

            “Hold on Sofia. This probably isn’t the best time. Just, let him be right now, imagine how you would feel if you were him.”

            “Yeah, I, I guess.” I swallow. All that I can hear are Louis’ tears getting louder and louder. What the fuck have I done?

Harry’s P.O.V

 I give a quick glance towards Kath, who is already walking slowly towards Louis.

           “Lou?” She whispers.

        “Why? What did I do? Why did she leave? Why?” Louis mumbles, tears running down his face.

            “Come on Lou. Let’s make you a cup of tea.” I say as I pull Louis up off the floor.

            “Why don’t you give Emma a call, Kath?” I mention, Louis nods and lies down on the couch. “She usually knows what to do in these situations.”

*TWO HOURS LATER*

  Niall’s P.O.V

 “You’ve done all you can love. Why don’t you get some sleep?” I tell Emma.

            “Yeah, I guess so. I just, don’t like seeing him like this.” She sighs, shutting Lou’s door behind us as we walk out of the room.

            “I know, I know.”

            “Why don’t you guys stay over here for the night?” Harry suggests. “Then you don’t have to drive home.”

            “I don’t know...” Emma yawns.

            “Look, you’re too tired to drive. Niall and I’ll set up the sleeping bags in the living room, and you can go home in the morning, after you’re refreshed.”

            “Yeah....I guess that could work.” Her speech interrupted by a yawn.

            “Come on.” I grab her hand and lead her onto the couch. “You rest. Harry’ll make the tea, and Zayn and I’ll grab the sleeping bags.” She just nods, and stretches out on the couch.

I head over to the closet, Zayn not far behind.

            “So how’s Sofia?" I knew this all started because something was up with Sofia, but no one was telling me.

            “She’s fine, just sleeping, I think. I know she’s been having a tough time with a few things.” I simply nod and grab the extra pillows. I can tell this sleepover, won’t be full of laughs and fun times like they usually are.

 Kath’s P.O.V

 “Hey Harry?” I call into the kitchen. “Do you mind if I go to sleep? I’m really tired, and it’s been a long day.” He turns around sharply.

            “Yeah, of course.” He slowly makes his way over to me.

            “Are you ok?” He whispers, his face inches from mine. I gaze into his deep, gorgeous green eyes. He leans into me, and I feel his breath on my nose.

            “Uh Harry?” A voice from the other room calls. I immediately back away and book it up the stairs, run into my room and slam the door. I fall to the floor and the tears begin to slide down my face. I hear footsteps come running up the stairs, and then a calming voice calling through the door.

            “Kath? Can I come in? Please?” Harry whispers. I do nothing, and he slowly opens the door.

            “Oh Kath.” He whispers. “What’s wrong?” He walks over to me and sits beside me, wrapping his arms around me.

            “I just...I can’t do this. It’s too soon.” The tears begin to fall harder, and my breathing staggers.

            “Don’t worry, I’m here love. I’m here.” I lean my head on his chest and let my wall come tumbling down.

 Zayn’s P.O.V

 All I can hear is Emma’s heavy breathing from beside me. Niall’s probably asleep, and then there’s me, struggling to lie still.

            “Man, stop rolling around.” Niall groans. “All this noise you’re making is keeping me from  my sleep.”

            “Sorry. I just got a lot on my mind.” I mumble. Niall sighs heavily and turns to face me.

            “Wanna talk about it then?” He asks, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

            “You sure? Don’t you wanna sleep?”

            “Nah...with you making so much racket, I’d never be able to sleep anyways.” We both sit up, and I stretch my legs out in front of me.

            “Well, you remember Rachel right?” I ask hesitantly.

            “Yeah, of course I do mate. She was awful to you.”

            “You’ll never believe it. She’s just texted me again tonight, asking me to forgive her.”

            “What the fu-“ Niall says a little too loud.

            “Shhhhhh!” I point towards Emma, who is sleeping peacefully beside us.

            “What do you mean again? Tell me you’re not going to let her back into your life?” He whispers.

            “I don’t know.” I sigh. And I really don’t. I remember how she hurt me, it was awful, and it broke my heart. But I still remember all the good times we had. Doesn’t that count for something? We sit in silence, the only sound the clock on the mantel ticking away. A noise from the stairs alarms us both.

            “What was that?” Niall peers into the darkness.

            “It’s me.” Sofia whispers. “I found this.” As she comes into the light, I see her holding a note. It’s from Louis.

            “He’s gone.” She cries.