In The Middle

Chapter 7: No Mistake

Sophie’s P.O.V.

            I checked my phone again. Still nothing. I figured Harry was going to call or at least text me after the dance. Maybe I should have. I guess I wanted him to do it first, though. Well, I guess I’ll see him at school today. Then I can decide whether or not to be worried. I just hope he’s not mad at me about the Eleanor thing. Especially after that kiss.

            When lunchtime came around, Harry took his usual seat next to me. “Hey, Harry.” “Hey, Sophie.” “Harry, I’ve been meaning to apologize about Saturday. I didn’t want to leave, just so you know. I was having a lot of fun with you,” I said, trying to be careful with my words. “It’s fine. Obviously I would’ve rather spent the rest of the night with you, but I’ll take what I can get,” said Harry, smiling. “Maybe we should hang out some time,” I suggested. “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “Friday would be good for me.” “Me too,” I replied. “It’s a date, then,” said Harry.

 Harry’s P.O.V.

            I should’ve been excited with all of the progress I’d been making with Sophie, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the Louis incident. I decided to talk to Louis about it all on another walk and hopefully gain some insight. I wasn’t sure whether it was a good idea or not, but I didn’t know who else to talk to; who else wouldn’t judge me about it.

            “Well hey there, friend,” said Louis, looking oddly cheerful. I mumbled back a “hey”. “So where would you like to start?” asked Louis. “I don’t know. I guess the kiss seems like a good spot,” I replied. “Louis, I’d never thought of you that way before. I’d never thought of any guy that way before, you know? But…I think I might have felt something when we…uh…” “Snogged?” asked Louis, clearly teasing me. “Can you please be a bit more serious about this? You really messed with my head when you did that,” I said, feeling a bit resentful. “Sorry, Harry. And sometimes it takes time to figure that out about yourself. Took me long enough,” said Louis. “No. I’m not gay. I know that I like girls. Especially Sophie,” I said defensively. “Well, then I guess that makes you bisexual,” he said. My face got hot and I looked to the ground. Me? Bisexual? I couldn’t jump to that conclusion just yet.

            “Kiss me,” I said to Louis. He looked shocked but then laughed. “I thought I never was supposed to try that again. I promised you,” he said snidely. It was a dumb idea, but I needed to figure this out. What other way could I see whether I truly liked boys? “Damn it, Louis, shut up and kiss me. I need to know,” I said. “If you insist,” he said, then grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me to his lips. I let myself get into it a bit. I started working my tongue in and pulling myself closer. Louis moved his lips onto my cheek, then down my neck, and back up to my lips again. It sent shivers down my spine. Finally, I pulled away. I waited for a sassy remark from Louis, but he just looked and me and smiled.

            “Well,” said Louis, breaking the silence, “what do you think?” “I’m not entirely sure. But I’m sure enough.” Louis gazed at me expectantly. “I’m bi,” I said, feeling a weight lift off of my shoulders. “So what does that mean for us?” asked Louis. “Look, I’m thankful you helped me figure this out. But I like Sophie. I really, really do,” I told him. Louis’s mood turned bitter. “Harry, I know you felt something just now. You can’t deny that. You can’t deny who you are.” I was taken aback by his directness. “Louis, I admitted that I’m attracted to boys, too. But I’m bi. I’m just as attracted to girls.” “Whatever you say, Harry,” said Louis, turning to leave. “But let’s see what Sophie thinks of you making out with me.” My stomach dropped. “You wouldn’t!” I yelled out. But, Louis didn’t respond; he only kept walking.