Extraordinary

Chapter 25: Get Up and Run

Chapter 25: Get Up and Run

When I opened my eyes, I panicked a little. I wasn’t in my own bed, my own flat, and someone’s arm was draped across me.  I started to jerk a little until I remembered what happened last night.  Louis had a nightmare that I died so I drove all the way here just to comfort him. Never expected for me to do this.   

He was holding me really tight against his chest, his arm across my side with his hand lying gently on the bed.  I took a look closer at his tattoos, the huge (what I thought was huge) bird covering his forearm.  My fingers automatically graze across it, tracing the lines and feathers. It was a fascinating tattoo to look at. 

We needed to get up now, the cuddle, or whatever we are doing time, is over.  I looked over at his nightstand, my phone and deck of cards sitting in a neat stack right on top. If I could just move my arm close enough…. 

I slowly reached my hand out for the phone, fingers barely grazing it. I swear if I let this phone fall I’ll be stuck her for a while. 

But I don’t drop it, I’m able to get a firm grip on it and bring it closer.  When I almost have it back on the bed, Louis’ grip tightens across my chest, pulling me even closer.  By then I could almost swear we were spooning. I feel his head nuzzle into the back of my neck, then breathe out a long sigh.

I put my phone on the bed, clicking it on and checking the time first. Noon. It is exactly noon.  Half of my day, just like that, was spent with “cuddling” with Louis.  So-- I guess I’m okay with it.

But my fun time cuddling was over, I needed to get him to wake up.  I try to turn over, but that only makes him bring me even closer.

“No love, don’t leave me yet,” he muttered. I feel flattered for a moment, just special that I was being needed right now. 

“I’m not leaving Louis, but we do need to get up, it’s already pass noon,” I return.  He sighs and reaches his arm back, and suddenly I miss the presence. I sit up as well and look at him.  He already looks better, not as pale or shaking.  He looks up at me, the full color back in his eyes.

“You okay?” I ask. He nods an actual reassuring nod.

“I can’t thank you enough for this,” he answers, eyes sparkling in the process.  I give him a small smile.

“I’ll be there for you any time Louis, you’re one of my greatest friends I have and I wouldn’t want anything bringing you down, especially anything traumatizing,” I reassure him. His smile drops when I say best friend.

“You’re one of my greatest friends too,” his smile returns again. “And I would do exactly the same for you, anytime, no matter what,” No one, not even Pat, has been that considerate and caring of me to say that. I look down, the heat already rising in my cheeks. 

“Now what?” he asks.  

I ponder for a moment.  I’m sure he doesn’t want me to leave again, so I guess I could just hang out for a couple hours or so. It wouldn’t hurt. But then I had to get home and actually be productive. Wait, I can be productive with Louis too. Right?  I get up off his bed and walk over to what I’m supposing is his closet and turn around.

“Get dressed,” I order. He gives me a questioning look.

“What?” he says. 

“You heard me, get dressed in your gym clothes. We’re going on a run,”

“What?” he repeats, a bit taken back.  

“Gym clothes, now, we’re getting some well-needed energy,” I point my index-finger at him, then gesture it toward the closet. He holds his hands up and laughs.

“Okay, okay, I’ll be ready you little sass-master,”

****************************

I ended up wearing what I had to bed and borrowing a pair of his tennis-shoes, which surprisingly fit and looked pretty good on me.  He suggested we run to my place and back, a total of about 4 miles.               Luckily for us being the football players, that wasn’t a bad distance at all.  Usually I’d just do a 5k for a run.

“What made you think of doing this?” he asks, about halfway to my flat.  I shrug.

“I guess I just felt like a run,” I answer. “I’m not interrupting your plans of today right?”

“No, not at all, I didn’t have any major plans for today anyways,” he responds. For some reason I don’t believe him.

“Are you sure? Nothing stressing you out today?” he shakes his head.

“Nope, rehearsals start tomorrow, two matches next week, and this will definitely help with the training,” he gestures to us running. I nod while another thought comes into my head.

“What day are you having your next match? Would you mind if I came and watched? I haven’t been to a football match in forever,” I say.

“Sure! I could always use a little more support, especially before another long tour,” he replies enthusiastically.

“How long?” I blurt out. Oh why would you ask that? Stupid, stupid, he wouldn’t want to reveal--

“Six months,” he replies sadly.  For some reason, I’m completely distraught and sad about his answer.

Six months.  In two weeks, where I’d be coaching, I wouldn’t see him for six months.  We’d be stuck in this stupid friend zone for six freaking months. That would surely suck.  Hopefully he won’t have any nightmares, I wouldn’t be able to just drive over and comfort him.  I didn’t even realize we made it to my flat’s building. I stop and move in front of him, facing him.

“Well, I’m up for anything until you take off, anything you want to do before even more stress kicks in,” I say. He smiles.

“I’ll have to think on that,” he ponders. “First match is on Wednesday next week, if you want to come,” I smile and nod, accepting his invitation to come.  

“I’d love that, now I order you to run the entire way back to your flat,” He sighs dramatically.

“All the way?” he complains.

“All the way,” I confirm.  “Now go, I’ll try to text you later, say hi to Harry for me,” He smiles again and turns around, leaving in a jog.  I keep watching him run until he’s just a small speck in the distance.  Then I turn around and start walking up to my flat, trying my best to leave any thoughts of Louis out of my head.

A.N.: Poor Lola and Louis will be separated without even being together. That sucks. Oh well, she'll get over it. Maybe.  Yeah, it was kind of a filler chapter. Sorry for that. And yes, I told you things will start speeding up and they really haven't, so I apologize for that as well.  To be honest, things probably won't start speeding up for two more chapters. Two matches, two chapters. I shall make them both as interesting as possible, unless I get really really inspired next week. Until then, may the odds be ever in your favor and go for it, you've got nothing to lose. -Cookie