Polar Opposites

Chapter 40

Song for this chapter: 'To Build a Home' by The Cinematic Orchestra

I stand in my kitchen drinking a cup of coffee, still pulling bobby pins from my hair. I was too tired to shower after Harry left, and literally unzipped from my dress and slept in my tights and strapless bra.

I threw my bathrobe on to come down stairs, not wanting to awkwardly run into Niall. He came home an hour or so after I did, and went straight to his room.

I texted Louis to come over, but I assume he's still sleeping. It's just after 9 am, and I'm not remotely mad that I only got about 5 hours of sleep. Harry didn't ask to stay over, and I didn't offer. We ate pizza and talked about graduation. We didn't drink any champagne, but I hid it in my room possibly for another night. He walked home after a bit, kissing me goodnight and promising to text me in the morning.

I don't remind him I changed my number, as I'm sure he'll get it one way or another.

I walk up to my bedroom, pulling out a tshirt and sweatpants from my dresser, as well as a sports bra and panties. I don't plan on dressing to impress after prom. The amount of time and money spent on one night is silly, but it was a night to remember.

I cringe at the black color on the bottom of my feet, and don't bother savoring the cheap pair of leggings, throwing them in the trash before jumping into the shower. The hot water feels nice, hitting my sore shoulders from the cold air last night. I stay in there longer than I expected, when Niall hurries me for the third time as well as Lou's voice lingering in the halls.

I walk out dressed and my hair in a towel, throwing the towel in the hamper and leaving the door open to allow Niall to go in.

I quickly swipe deodorant on, pushing my feet into my slippers and throwing my hair into a messy bun. The kitchen is vacant other than Lou sitting at the bar, avoiding eye contact as he slurps his cereal and scrolls through his phone. I playfully ruffle his hair as I walk past him, grabbing a bowl and sitting across from him, pouring Cheerios into my bowl.

He looks up at me, smirking with a mouth full of milk. I want to lean across the table and push his cheeks together, but I know he'd make me clean up the mess.

"So, how was prom?" I look up from my bowl to find him smirking.

"You had something to do with that?" He smirks, nodding his head with satisfaction.

I'm a little upset with him for hiding this from me, and slightly surprised he would helpbsomebody who hurt me so much.

"It was nice. I just don't know how I feel about it all.."

"What do you mean?" He leans against his stool, leaving his dirty bowl on the counter. His hair is a mess, and his shirt is oversized and worn out.

"I mean it was magical, and I can't explain how incredible it all felt..but can I forgive him for something, so easy? Am I being too easy on him? It's just hard to  trust somebody after doing something so incredibly heart shattering.." I let my cheerios float on the milk, most likely already soggy and inedible. Lou stops my hand from stirring my spoon, grabbing it and forcing me to look in his eyes.

"I wouldn't help him unless I agreed to it. I love you and would never set you up to ever be hurt like that again. He loves you Nic, I can see it." He gives me a shy smile, and I do the same.

Were interrupted when the doorbell rings, and I stand, making my way to the door just as Niall comes down.

I open the door to find Harry holding coffees and a box of donuts, a huge smile covering his face, that is soon removed when he see's my brother behind me.