The Exchange

Chapter 40

Harry, Louis and the other boys tried very hard to show they actually wanted me here, including suggesting more outings. Slowly, I began to trust what they said as the truth and eventually I actually believed again. Zayn brought Perrie back to the house once after that but I haven't seen Eleanor since New Years and it's been almost a month. I think Louis is trying really hard to keep us apart and he didn't talk to her for over a week after New Years. It took alot of convincing but I finally got him to call his girlfriend again. Every time I mention her he becomes stiff like he's paranoid though even though I told him not to be. I kind of suspect that keeping us away from each other has more to deal with than just New Years but maybe I'm wrong.

When we sleep he's tense also. I know he tries to relax but I don't feel the same with him at night anymore. I don't dream of him when I'm with another. It doesn't happen anymore. Sometimes when I can't sleep at night I think of all my nights with each boy. Every time I end thinking about sitting on Harry's lap on New Years. How it felt to hear his whispering voice and feel his arms and smell his scent. I always go back to that moment.

I saunter to the front of the store where I am with Austin and he opens up a cash, like always. He smiles as he scans my groceries and I glance over at the magazines. The first one that catches my eye is a British magazine that I'm unfamiliar with. I'm not sure why my gaze lands on that specific magazine. Maybe it's the bold lettering or the bright title. I stare at it for a moment and try to figure out why it stands out so prominently. Then I see my face.

"What?" I mutter picking up the magazine. It's unmistakably clear that that's my face. The whole picture is of Louis and I from before Christmas when we went shopping and he's holding my hand. We look romantic and casual like a regular couple. The headline states, 'Is Louis cheating?' and there are tons of comments around it.

"Of course not! he loves Eleanor."

"She's way ratchet."

"With her? no way?"

"Maybe, he seems interested." I think about putting it on the belt but I don't want Austin to notice it's me. I look from the cover to the pile of groceries Austin is continually scanning. I try to casually drop it amongst the groceries and search for the house credit card.

"Are you a fan?" Austin asks and I feel like I've been caught. In my moment of panic Austin doesn't even look at the cover, he sees the headline, scans it and moves on. "Don't worry. I don't judge."

I giggle and nod, feeling relief flood over me as he puts the magazine in my large fabric bag. I grab the handle and wait for him to say, "see you next week." and wink. Austin opens his mouth and I prepare my usual, "yeah, thanks again." and slight, school-girl giggle.

"Actually Mira," Austin begins and I stop. Did he see the picture? does he know? my heart pumps in fear. "I was wondering of you want to meet me at sweet dreams one day this week. You know, hang-out away from the store?" I think for a moment. He doesn't know?

This is great! I'm not caught!

"Oh yeah, sure." I say. Austin has been really sweet to me and I can actually call him a friend. I feel so much better now but the magazine is sticking out from the bag and all I can focus my brain on is the confusing picture on the front.

"Great, how about after school tomorrow?"

"Sure." I say and I grab the handle of the bag again.

"Okay, see you then." he winks.

"Can't wait." I reply giggling ,"thanks again for your help." I strut through the automatic doors fiercely. My mind is stuck on that stupid magazine. What is it all about? how did they get that picture?