Something Great

Chapter 4

Kristel's POV

Almost a week into the semester, and with Liam, everyday was like the first. We barely saw him in the days that followed. Only a few glimpses of him in the parking lot or in the hallway where his locker was.

It was already Friday. Our first Friday back. Louis and I had agreed not to approach him, and I could tell that Louis himself wasn't alright with this agreement.

We were having lunch with Vanessa in the cafeteria, and guess who suddenly decided to show up.

"Can I join you guys?"

I couldn't help but smile.

"Of course, Liam!" I told him.

He sat down beside Louis, and ruffled Louis's hair as he did so.

"How're ya, mate? Sorry, we haven't been able to talk lately."

Louis looked at him suspiciously, then chuckled.

"What've ya been up to? Even with your other friends, we don't see you much anymore." Louis said.

"Yeah, Liam, we barely see you at all." Vanessa added.

"Nothing, really. Just wanted to be alone for a bit." Liam said, giving a reassuring smile.

"A bit?! A bit?! Some 'bit' this is, huh, mate?" Louis said sarcastically.

"Louis really missed you these past few days, Liam." I said jokingly.

But I meant it. I know my guy best friend missed his.

"Well, I missed him too." Liam chuckled. "And I missed you ladies as well. So, you guys wanna hang out after school? It's Friday anyway. Party at my place, just us?" He asked.

"Nope! Girls' night out at my place." Vanessa told him.

"Oh... Louis?"

"We've got a lot of catching up to do." Louis said, smiling.

Louis's POV

After school, we all met in the parking lot. The girls said goodbye and headed off to Vanessa's place. I, on the other hand, sat shotgun in Liam's car and was to stay at his place for the night.

We arrived at his place and Nicola greeted us. She went straight to her room after that.

Liam and I always stay in the attic bedroom when I sleep over. It wasn't just an entertainment room, it was like our hideout.

"Welcome back to HQ, Agent." Liam said, smiling.

"It's great to be back." I told him in turn.

I haven't been in here for almost a year. Liam preferred to spend time outdoors.

"Remember when we first furnished this place?" Liam said to me.

"You bet. We were, what, eight? It's been years."

We played some videogames, then went to our bunks. Liam slept on the upper bunk.

I was lying still on mine,scanning the room for nothing in particular,when Liam suddenly said,

"So, mate, how are you and Kristel?"

"What?? Oh... Well, she really missed you these past few days. Same with me. But she was really worried. Said she couldn't stop thinking about you." I told him, laughing little.

"Oh... Wait, what?!" He interjected.

I laughed and he joined me, but then he said,

"No, I mean, what's new between you two?"

I could imagine his teasing face and could hear him chuckling, so I threw a pillow up at him.

He laughed again and threw it back at me.

"But, seriously, mate. Do you still like her?"

He did sound serious.

"Of course, I do. She's my bestfriend." I told him.

"No. I mean, 'like' like her." he said.

"You mean, that major crush I had on her back in fifth grade?"

"Yeah..."

He was laughing so hard, I could've sworn his bunk was shaking at the time.

"Hey hey hey, give me a break will ya? Before you crack yourself up, too." I chuckled. "Honestly, mate, I'm not really sure. I've gotten so used to having her around that I don't really feel the way one usually does when around his crush. The trying-to-be-cool-but-usually-messing-up thing."

Liam and I haven't really talked about this for a long time as well. Though he's known it ever since my crush on her started.

"Well, mate, if you need some help from the master of awesomeness, you can always ask me." he joked.

"Don't worry, mate. You'll be the one I'll ask for help from when I'll need any. But she sees me as a brother. I don't want things to get awkward." I told him.

"Have it your way then." he said with a yawn. "G'night, Louis."

"Night."

I had the feeling that things were almost back to normal. Except for the fact that I hadn't gotten the chance to ask him again what was up with him this week. I guess I'll just have to ask him tomorrow.

I lay awake long after saying good night, and I knew Liam was fast asleep. I was still thinking about what I just told him.

Kristel sees me as a brother. When I first had this crush on her, we were ten. I was exactly the type of guy I told Liam about. I usually looked funny. But Kristel never seemed to notice my crush on her.

It had been years, and I've grown mature. I don't make a fool of myself much anymore while trying to act cool. But I still felt the same way. I still feel the same way. I still think she's really beautiful. She's beautiful, kind, charming, and fun to be with. She always has been.

But do I tell her? I'd be risking our friendship. But if I just keep quiet, I will forever be one of her brothers. As much as I'm comfortable with it, and she is too, I can't help but wish there would be more to us than just this.

Despite all those thoughts filling me, I drifted to sleep.