Against One's Wishes

Chapter 11

"It's something that Harry's really passionate about," Louis is telling his father that Friday as they are heading to Broadway with Meredith for Harry's play.

"All I can say is I'll see what we can do," William tells Louis, "I will do my best to help you get his family here. He needs them here."

Louis finds himself smiling at his father like he never has before. "Thank you so much. He really misses them... and I know he'd never forgive himself if something happened to them, dad."

William nods, Meredith only smiling at him. He finally sighs and looks back at Louis, "Monday morning I'll go in and see what they can do to get them here, alright? Maybe it won't be too difficult. Shouldn't be."

"Thank you," Louis' smile widens even more. "I can't wait to tell Harry."

Meredith grins at Louis as the car is coming to a stop in front of the theatre.

The driver opens the door for them once again and Louis steps out first, almost hurrying inside; he can't wait to see Harry in this play... he can't wait to see him at all.

They take their box seats again in the balcony and Louis lights a cigarette while his dad and Mr. Jones are talking.

"You and Harry have gotten pretty close," Meredith leans over to Louis and says with a smile.

Louis slowly nods, not making eye contact with her, "we have actually. He's absolutely brilliant."

"I always thought so myself," Meredith sighs with a grin as she's looking around at the crowded theatre. "He always had a way of doing things his own way."

Louis hits his cigarette and blows out the hit slowly before he's looking back at Meredith, wondering if she knows about Harry after all.

"What do you mean?" Louis asks and pretends to be dumbfounded.

"Well," Meredith shrugs, "he's just always had such a lively spirit that no one could ever bring down. His positive attitude on life, the way he believes..."

Louis stares at her until she finally glances back at him. She smiles and says softly, "he's an amazing person... and he's very lucky to have you."

Louis isn't sure what to say to her; somehow, he just knows that she knows... but what can he say with his father directly beside her.

He nods and finally looks back at the stage as the play begins.

And once again, Louis watches Harry's every move onstage; he listens to the way he says his lines, laughs along with the dialogue, and even snorts without meaning to when Harry is kissing the actress onstage.

When the play ends, they receive a standing ovation once more, and Harry looks directly at Louis' box seat and blows a kiss before waving.

"Aww, he blew you a kiss, Meredith," William is quick to say with a smile.

Meredith only nods, smiling at Louis next to her. But Louis doesn't look back at her.

He gets up quickly and tells the both of them he's heading backstage. When he does, he sees Harry a few feet away talking to one of his cast members.

But when Harry turns and sees Louis waiting on him, his smile widens.

"Great performance," Louis grins as he's walking to Harry. "You did amazing."

"Thank you," Harry smiles and gently squeezes Louis' shoulder before whispering, "I really want to hug you right now."

"Hug me," Louis quietly says back.