Bad Influence

81

Me and Eleanor took the tube to Oxford Circus so we could start our shopping in Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus as well. «So, where to first?» I asked. Eleanor looked around for a bit. «Ehm, how do you feel about going to TopShop and TopMan first. I need to buy a very cute top to my friend Lily.» Eleanor said. I nodded. «Works for me, I can buy something to Niall and Harry there.» I said. Eleanor nodded. «Do you think I have to buy gifts for the whole band?» She asked. I shook my head. «I don't think you have to, but we can go together on the gift to Harry and Niall.» I suggested. «Sounds like a plan.» Eleanor agreed as we started to walk towards TopShop. «So El, Louis tells me you're studying at the Manchester University. What are you studying?» I asked as we approached TopShop. «Sociology and politics. But I have time off now for Christmas.» Eleanor said. «Wow, Louis is for once dating a smart chick.» I said. Eleanor laughed. «I'm guessing his ex weren't the smartest?» She asked. «Oh she had good grades and all, she had to, considering she was the head cheerleader, but she was pretty dumb otherwise and a grade A bitch. She was too bossy and controlling when it came to Lou, and she broke his heart as soon as Lou lost his popularity and status as the football captain.» I explained. Eleanor nodded. «This may sound weird, but I was really stressed out when it came to going into a relationship with Louis. He is amazing and a total sweetheart, but I was just afraid of you no liking me, or the fans hating me, or that his bandmates would hate me.» Eleanor said. I gave her a reassuring smile. «You're doing great. And you truly are the most amazing girl that Louis have ever dated. And he's really into you, he doesn't stop talking about you. And I've been there with the fans, they hated that I dated Zayn, and I bet you they will hate it when me and Liam go public with our relationship because I'm Zayn's ex.» I told her. Eleanor nodded. «We're in this together, you know.» I added. Eleanor smiled. «That makes everything so much easier.» She told me.

We shopped for about three more hours before both of us decided that we needed some food. «Where do you want to go?» Eleanor asked. «It needs to be a place were they serve vegetarian food.» I said. «I didn't know you're vegetarian.» Eleanor said. I smiled a little. «Well, I am. I've been vegetarian for a few years now.» I told her. «I don't get how you could do that, it's sort of amazing.» Eleanor said. I smiled a little. «Thanks.» I told her. «Hey, how about that restaurant? They seem to serve all kinds of food.» I said after a while and pointed to a little restaurant that was almost hidden behind the huge buildings next to it. Eleanor nodded. «Works for me.» She told me before we both walked over to it. We got a table for two near the window. I always enjoyed sitting by the window, I liked looking at the busy streets outside, seeing people come and go, and also guess what their story was. There were never a quiet moment between me and El, despite not knowing each other that well. We both loved fashion and makeup, and we shared stories about Lou. I told her about our childhood, and how El would never meet our dad because Louis didn't talk to him. Eleanor thought that was sad, but I explained how Lou never truly forgave him for leaving mum and then just completely forgetting about his son. He remember me because I lived with him, but he stopped calling Louis after a while and were just some money in a Christmas card or birthday card for the next few years. «That's sad. Lou had gotten so much in his life that he didn't deserve. Just like Nikki, and you.» Eleanor said. I nodded. «Tell me about it. Louis has finally gotten back into his old self after what feels like years to me. I'm guessing he's told you about Brad.» I said. Eleanor nodded. «He was so weak and almost cried. His voice were trembling and it took forever for him to get the story out. I'm just sorry that Brad was your friend too. You both lost him, even though it was he who started attacking Lou.» Eleanor said. «Yeah, I hate Brad for that, but there still is a huge part of me that misses him, and I hate him even more for that. I wish I never cared for Brad the way I do.» I told her. Eleanor nodded. «I get what you mean.» She told me. I smiled as the waitress came over with the bill. We split it in half and got up. «I guess it's time go home and make sure the apartment isn't a mess.» I said. Eleanor laughed. «Louis's room is always a mess, let's be honest. He doesn't know what a vacuum is.» She said. I laughed with her. «Trust me, his room has never been clean, and it's been that way since we were small.» I added. Eleanor laughed even more. Her laugh were contagious, so I laughed with her. We didn't stop until we were outside the apartment.