A Prankster's Love ~ Book #1 of 1D series

Chapter Four

Once at the hospital, Marla was the first one inside. She disappeared after asking the receptionist which room her grandfather was in.

Louis rushed up to the receptionist, “What room did that girl just go to?” He asked frantically.

"312." She answered as she looked through some paperwork.

Louis ran down the hall without even waiting for the rest of the boys, he frantically looked at the room numbers before coming to 312, he softly knocked on the open door before stepping inside and walking up to Marla.

The beeps on the heart monitor were slow and getting slower by the minute. She was sitting in the chair beside her grandfather's bed, holding his hand and gently rubbing his knuckles.

Louis placed a gentle hand on Marla’s shoulder without looking at her, his eyes on her grandfather, “Hello sir.”

He glanced over, a weak smile on his face, "Well, Marla, you didn't tell me you had a boyfriend!" He said, his voice raspy, yet still warm. 

Marla's cheeks flushed as she looked down at the ground.

Louis turned a bit red but chuckled, “Actually, I haven’t asked her out yet. I want to…but I was hoping you could share some wisdom with me, what do you do when you’re scared that while you have to go away for a while the person you like is going to leave you for someone else?” He asked softly.

He took a deep breath, pursing his lips slightly as he thought about it, "Well… I'd take the chance and tell them anyway, and make sure they know they're mine. Just like I did with my wife. She loved me so much that she said she'd wait for me.” 

Marla chuckled lightly, wiping her eyes.

Louis nodded with a small smile, “You and my friend Liam are a lot alike…he told me the same thing…minus the wife part.”

George laughed lightly, coughing at the end, "He must be a wise boy, then.”

Louis sighed, “He’s like the dad of the group, always keeping us in line…although I try to liven up all our lives by pulling pranks on everyone.”

"What is your name, son?” 

Marla spoke up, "His name is Louis Tomlinson.” 

George squeezed her hand lightly, "Louis, I need you to promise me something.”

“I will promise you anything within my power,” Louis smiled.

"You seem like a nice boy," He coughed into his fist and took a deep breath, "I want you to take good care of my Lala, you hear?”

“That I can do,” Louis’ smile brightened.

George looked over at Marla and kissed her hand lightly, "I love you, Lala." Tears were streaming down her cheeks, "I love you too…" He smiled as he let his arm come to rest beside him, his grip on her hand loosening.

“Thank you, sir,” Louis said softly as he buried his face in Marla’s hair from behind, trying to hide his tears.

The heart monitor let out a long buzzing noise as the elderly man let out his last breath. 

Marla burst out in tears, falling to her knees beside the bed.

Louis knelt down beside her and wrapped his arms around her as he cried along with her.

The news got to Shyla and it was like she broke down. She was unresponsive and just stared at the ground. 

After much crying, Marla fell asleep in Louis' arms, completely worn out from all the tears.