Through the Dark | LT

Chapter 21

Louis and I sat on the couch, watching SkySports as Manchester United took on Arsenal. I was an avid Manchester United fan, and Louis was, surprisingly, okay with that. I cuddled up to my best friend, and he put his arm around me protectively. "Lou?" I asked, looking up at him. "Yes, love?" He replied, looking down at me. "Thank you. For everything." I couldn't continue, because tears threatened to gather in my eyes. Louis just tugged me closer to him, rocking me slowly as he said softly, "There's no need to thank me, Meg. I'm your bestfriend. I'm here for you no matter what... And I always will be." I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. Louis rubbed circles on my back, and I layed my head on his shoulder.

Since I'd been staying with the boys, I had moved Universities and had been taking five classes, with one three-hour session each week. Louis and I had more time to spend together, and I loved that. "Meg..." He trailed, rubbing his hand up and down my arm as I leaned against his shoulder. I looked up at him, eyes gleaming with excitement, wanting to know what he was going to say. "I'm so proud of you." He hugged me to him again. I knew that he wasn't talking about my football career or my presenting gig, but the fact that I had been clean for sixth months. I smiled up at him. "I think it's about time I take a large step in the right direction... But I need you to help me take that step."

Louis nodded, happy to help me. I loved that about him. He would do whatever he could to cheer me up and keep me from getting down. He was always there for me, no matter what. I grabbed Louis' hand lightly, and I guided him into the bathroom that we shared. I rustled through the medicine cabinet as he had his arm snaked around my waist lightly. He knew what I was looking for. I finally found my red box, and I untied it, wincing in pain as the memories flashed back.

Louis noticed that I was becoming vulnerable, and he turned me around towards him, his face inches from mine. "Listen to me, Megan." He said lovingly, but with a forceable edge. "You can do this. It'll all be gone once you do this. I'm right here with you every step of the way. I always will be. You can do this." I took a deep breath, returning to the red box.

I opened it, wincing yet again as I saw the blades of different shapes and sizes. Louis' grip around me tightened, and tears grazed my eyes. I opened the toilet seat lid, and dumped all of the blades into the bowl. I inhaled deeply, the painful flashbacks overwhelming me. Louis snaked his hand into mine and whispered into my ear, "You can do this, Meg." I gripped his hand tightly, and pushed my hand down on the flush lever. The blades that had cut into not only my skin, but my self esteem, my desire to live, and my happiness were being flushed out of my life, once and for all.

As they disappeared, I stared blankly into the toilet bowl. Louis squeezed my hand and turned me around, a sincere smile spread across his face. "I am SO proud of you." He said, hugging me tightly to him. I immediately wrapped my arms around him, hugging him for dear life. "Thank you..." Was all I managed to whisper through my hoarse voice. Louis looked down at me, his eyes gleaming with pride.

"No matter how tough these last few years were for you, you just proved that you're tougher."