The Butterfly Effect

12. Gotta Stop Sometime

HARRY'S POV August 28, 2016

"You know, Harry, I think you're grounded," Niall said looking over at me for a moment before returning his eyes to the road. I shot him a confused look causing him to continue. "From the escort. He's troubled. You need to focus on your studies, the fraternity...I kinda miss my carefree and funny friend."

I tugged at my bottom lip, playing with it as I stared at the window. Maybe Niall is right. Maybe Louis is someone who just doesn't fit into my life.

"Yeah, I guess so...." I shrug.

"Besides, the annual fundraiser is coming up and we must beat Omega Psi Phi this year. Tired of that flamboyant Payne getting the bragging rights. How are they doing that? Phi Gamma Delta has twice the people they do!" Niall gripes. I continue to listen to his rant, well, my ears hear it but my brain is just not interested in that.

My mind wanders to another set of blue eyes. Niall's are pretty, sure, but they don't give me the same feeling Louis does. Please don't ask me to describe it because I'm just not sure what it is. No, I am not claiming to love him. God. *Eye roll* I just...it's almost a bittersweet feeling like I want to get to know him better but it's almost like putting your hand on a stove burning, gambling if its hot or not.

I don't think I'm cut out for this kind of drama. I am going to listen to Niall and not reach out to Louis. I wish him well and hope that he'll make a recovery at the hospital and not try anymore overdoses but it just isn't my problem.

Exhausted, I walked into the frat house and removed my shirt. Nothing sounds better than a hot shower. My muscles ache, especially my neck. I know its tension.

I walk toward the bathroom but groan when I turn the knob and its locked. FUCK ME. Why can't anything go right? I guess I'll have to wait until the morning because my desire to sleep is increasing by the second anyway.

I open the door to my room to find Olivia stretched out on my mattress reading a magazine.

"Sup?" She asked flipping through the pages.

"Sleepy..." I groan. "You?" I asked sliding my jeans down my legs and getting under the covers. As much as I love her, I hope she leaves soon so I can get naked. I don't like itchy things touching my skin while I sleep.

"Can you believe this models with their unrealistic expectations? Skin and bones they are. How are you supposed to model a bra without boobs?" She says showing me the magazine.

"Ah, I don't know," I shrug, yawning.

"You look like you had a long day," she puts the magazine down and crawls closer to me, her head resting on my chest. I let my arm drape around her, platonically.

"I suppose I've had a long WEEK," I emphasize the word. "Naill says I should stop talking to him, that's he's a little too....wounded for me....."

I am hoping this is where she will give me her opinion. Olivia has a lot of good insight into people and perspective.

"What do you think?"

Thanks a lot, Olivia. The one time I want you to share something with me, you don't. I told you – nothing can go right today.

"Eh, he's fine when we hung-out, you know? He's quirky, interesting...gorgeous...but sure, it gets a little dark feeling around it at times."

"You want to know what I think?" She offers. BINGO. "I think some people are too broken as Niall said but you can't know that from just hanging out with him twice. I'd suggest you let him come to you. Right now, you're putting in all the effort...."

Damn. She's right.

I watch as she picks her phone, glancing at the clock. "Oh fuck, gotta go! I have a date with Liam and Zayn tonight..."

"Wait, what? Did you say?"

"Yes, Harry. A date with Liam AND Zayn. It's the 21nd Century. Stop being a prude, loverboy," she says punching my arm playfully. "And don't be Niall and lecture me that they're in your rivalry frat. I'm well aware but guess who isn't a part of your little frat at all? That would be me!'

"Nonsense! You're an honorary member," I chuckle.

"Even so....see ya!" She threw on her shoes and waved, shutting the door behind her.

Finally. I am free. Clothing off. Goodnight world.

LOUIS' POV

I woke up to fuzzy bright eyes hoovering over me. The doctors said they had to pump my stomach. Wonderful. I'll be ready to go home tomorrow. Even more wonderful. Nothing makes you want to live more than vomiting charcoal. Am I right?

I remember that Harry called an ambulance for me. Fuck. Should I thank him for saving me? Should I be thrilled that I woke up and have been given this awesome second chance that most people don't get?

That's sarcasm if you can't tell.

I carefully reach for my phone. It sucks being plugged up to all these tubes and wires.

Because of my profession, they did a full blood panel – even testing me for STD's and HIV. Isn't that a bit discriminatory? I hope they know that it's a part of my contract and fuck this shit. I'm leaving.

I grab ahold of the IV tube and tug harshly. A little blood squirts out but it doesn't hurt that much. I see my belongings in a little plastic bag by the bed. Great. They're folded neatly and freshed. Who brought these here? They kinda smell Earthly.

Harry.

He is quite charming. Much too good for me.

I put my clothes on, check the hallway for nurses, and walk out of the hospital. Well that was easier than expected.

To home I go. Yay me. Well fuck.

Maybe I should call Harry and apologize. I'm sure he's traumatized.

Ring....Ring.....Ring....

Hey, you reached Styles. Do your thing after the beep.

At the tone, please record your message. When you are finished recording, you may hang-up or press one for further options. BEEP.

"Um, Hey, Harry....it's Louis Tomlinson....I just wanted to say I'm sorry if I scared you or....somehow made you think what happened tonight was your fault. It's not....I just wanted you to know that. I hope to see you around sometime...FUCK SORRY. I'm never good at voicemails. I just wanted you to know I'm out if you ever wanna come over again sometimes.

Probably not...."

I continue ranting on the voicemail. Must be the pain meds they gave me. I better enjoy them while they last.