The Truth

eighteen

*Louis*

After leaving Alexia and Harry in the kitchen, I retreat back into my room to call Eleanor. She answers on the first ring. "Did they buy that we fought?" she says frantically.

"Yeah. It's working. What's next?" I ask.

"Lose your phone some where," she says. "Ask to borrow his to call it. Watch him type in the passcode, memorize it. Text it to me. I'll handle it from there."

"What's your plan?" I ask.

"Ali mentioned she has an appointment with her shrink. Afterwards, Charlie and Riley meet her for breakfast. We'll need Harry's phone to send a text to her saying the car is outside. I'm taking her shopping and then dropping her off for her appointment. You and I volunteer to bring her the car instead. You follow me in your car, with Niall." El explains.

"When did Niall get in the car?" I reply.

"You are inviting him to try a new place for dinner. The place they eat is off the beaten path, so no need to be worried about pictures," she replies. "You pick him up, and you follow me to the restaurant. She comes out for her van, Niall sees her. She has to tell him."

"Okay one thing," I sigh. "Why not just volunteer in the first place to bring her the car? Skip the whole Harry's phone thing."

"Aha! I thought this might come up. Ali still doesn't trust my driving, especially with bigger vehicles, like a van. The idea of me driving her van is not something she'll approve of. She trusts Harry to drive. I've thought this through. My plan is foolproof."

"I love you," I chuckle happily. "I've gotta go hide my phone now."

"I love you too. I'll be over in a few minutes," she replies. "Act awkward when I'm there by the way."

"I will politely snub you in the best way," I chuckle and say goodbye. After hanging up, I tuck my phone away under my mattress and go out to where Harry is sat listening to Ali talk.

"Harry? Can I borrow your phone? I can't find mine, and I need to call it," I say.

"Sure," he replies and reaches into his pocket. Instead of keying in the passcode, he simply hands me the phone. "7243."

"Thanks," I reply, trying not to be giddy. I go through the motions of finding my phone and thank Harry. I immediately text the code to Eleanor. The scene is set, and I patiently wait for the events to unfold.

*Alexia*

My phone beeps from my bag, pulling my attention away from Harry. "El is on her way up. I should probably get dressed." A knock on the door erupts in the flat, and I answer.

"You're not dressed?" El scoffs.

"I got distracted," I reply coyly, starting towards the bedroom where my clothes are.

"I take it you're the distraction," I hear Eleanor chuckle before I close the door. I quickly pull on the dress I had in my overnight bag, followed by my shoes. Once I am satisfied with my I walk out to say goodbye. I notice Eleanor shoving something into her purse while Harry is busy cleaning up.

"Ready?" she asks, a bit nervously.

"You okay?" I ask.

"I just want to get out of here. I'll explain in the car," she replies. She grabs onto my wrist and starts to pull me out of the flat, but Harry grabs my other arm. He pecks me on the cheek and smiles.