In The Middle

Chapter 8: Revealed

Sophie’s P.O.V.

            As Louis walked away from the lunch table, I tried to process what he had just told me. Why would Harry do that? I thought that our feelings for each other were mutual. He asked me to the dance, where we kissed, and we were planning on hanging out tomorrow. Everything was supposed to work out. I knew we weren’t official, but it still kind of felt like he cheated on me. I don’t understand why he’d go and snog someone else.

            Harry approached the lunch table. Like every day, he took his seat next to me. I didn’t acknowledge him. I was angry. “You okay, Sophie?” he asked. “Sure,” I replied dryly. “Actually, no, not really. Louis told me what you did, and I don’t know, I just thought we had something going on; I don’t understand,” I said in one breath. “Look, Sophie, I’m really sorry. It was a mistake. I just had some confusion and I wanted to figure it out. It didn’t mean anything when I kissed him, not like with you—“ “Him?” I asked, dumbfounded. “Louis. I mean, wait, he didn’t tell you?” asked Harry, clearly confused. “He said he saw you snogging someone the other day!” I exclaimed. “Are you saying that…it was Louis?” Harry’s face turned bright red and he stared at his hands, which were tense. “Harry,” I said softly, “are you gay?”

            He sighed. “I think I’m bisexual.” My heart was pounding. I wasn’t sure what to say or do. I wasn’t expecting this at all. I just froze up. “Sophie, please say something,” said Harry desperately. “I need time to think,” I said quickly, gathering my things and briskly walking out of the lunchroom.

 Harry’s P.O.V.

            As soon as I got home from school, I went to my room and locked the door. And, as much as I hate to admit this, I cried. I cried because I was born like this. I cried because Sophie would probably never want to talk to me again. I cried because it was all too much.

            I heard on knock the door. “Not right now, Mom,” I said, trying to pull myself together. Another knock. As I started to pull the door open, I said, “What is so important that—“ and paused. I did not expect to see that face. Louis.

            “Harry, I just—have you been crying?” he asked. I didn’t respond. “Harry, I’m sorry I’ve been such a dick. I never should’ve expected anything from you like that. And I never should’ve told Sophie. At least I didn’t say it was me, right?” I glared at him. “Well, she knows now,” feeling my body get tense. Louis frowned. “Shit, I’m sorry man. What did she say?” “That she needed to think,” I replied coldly. Then the tears came again. “It’s all your fault! I never once wondered whether I like guys before you! Then you just come into my life and turn it upside down. And now Sophie probably hates me. Or thinks I’m a freak like you!” Tears welled up in Louis’s eyes. “You really think of me that way?” he asked, oddly stoic. “What a fucking friend you are,” he said. Then, in a way I was becoming used to lately, he bolted out of the room, slamming the door behind him.