The Exchange

Chapter 21

"You getting up?" I ask, reaching over and turning off my alarm clock. Louis lies in bed looking up at me but sits up comfortably when I ask, answering my question.

Louis has been spending the past few nights with me and I don't mind it at all. I like having him around but I hope he can say the same for me.

I get up and steal a look at my uniform hanging on the door for today. Everything seems to be ready for the day ahead. I turn around and begin making my bed. Louis stretches his arms as I pull up the blankets, tuck and fold them.

"I'll make the tea." He announces. He heads to the kitchen in his robe and leaves me to get ready for school.

I put on my uniform and inspect it in the mirror. I actually don't find it too bad now that I've worn it a few times and it can be kind of cute. Thankfully accessories are not banned from the school.

I put a sparkly beaded bracelet, a blue bangle, a thin white beaded one and a small, hot pink, blingy bracelet on my right hand. I reach for my brown belt and hook it onto my skirt, and then ponytail my hair and add a sparkly silver barette. Pleased with my look I head to the washroom. to put on makeup.

Nude brown on my lid with a slightly darker colour in the crease is the most natural I can get. A quick swipe of bronzer on my cheeks and nose takes me 30 seconds which is all I have to spare in my mad dash to school.

I grab my bag, turn out the light and head to the kitchen to get something to eat. Harry and Louis are both awake and sipping tea at the table.

"Morning!" Harry says cheerily.

"Morning!" I reply pouring some cereal into a bowl. The time says 7:50 so I'm right on time.

I add a few strawberries to my cereal and sit down at the table with the boys.

"So what's in store for today?" I ask eating my breakfast.

"Another meeting and then something else. You?" Harry replies. I no longer feel any type of fear in the morning or at night since the incident but sometimes it creeps to the back of my mind. I've gotten better at pushing away any reminders though.

"Just classes." I reply biting a strawberry. You can't get any better than fresh fruit for breakfast.

"Tea for the road, Mira?" Louis asks calmly as he walks towards the sink.

"It's okay, I can get it." I say fully aware I have enough time. I finish my cereal quickly and throw my bowl into the dishwasher. I throw a tea bag into a to-go mug and run to brush my teeth while it steeps.

Hump day. The middle of the week. Wednesday. Only one day until one day until Friday. I'm not complaining though. I don't mind school that much and there is always something different since I'm still fairly new.

I brush my teeth quickly but thoroughly and rinse. Then I march back to the kitchen, remove my teabag, throw on the top, grab my school bag, and head out the door with a quick good-bye to Harry and Lou.

I breathe in the sweet, fall air and hop down the steps. The leaves are just hinting at changing colour and woodland animals begin preparations for the cold that is bound to come. It can still pass for not quite fall yet but the air tells a different story. The scent of autumn is coming. Personally, I love autumn. I just find it so beautiful with it's gorgeous colours and nature landing at your feet, it's just the cold that gets me.

I head in the direction of the field across the street, behind the school. A five minute walk usually but I usually take my to think and prepare future plans.

The last few days I have been thinking about Louis. Waking up next to him every morning feels great but something just makes me feel like I shouldn't be doing this. He has a girlfriend the he loves dearly, but it's not like we're doing anything. He said himself he likes to cuddle, and Eleanor doesn't. It doesn't feel wrong but is it considered wrong? It's harmless and innocent and there isnt any romantic feeling linked to it. It feels okay so it must be okay.