The Butterfly Effect

13. Not So Fast

Sitting in Intro to Psychology listening to the my professor lecture us on the difference between fixed and flexible personality traits was making me lose my attention. Imagine that. This is one of those classes that everyone needs to graduate – core classes they call them.

"Hey, congrats on your win!"

I looked behind me and saw that someone from the other frat was poking me in the back. His name was Hunter and I've seen him before, no doubt. His chestnut eyes are hard to forget and you can tell he spends hours on his morning grooming technique, always making sure that each strand of hair is gelled up into a fade. Typical.

"Thanks," I whisper.

"Heard your girl was with Malik and Payne last night. She made our president cry, you know," he stated coldly.

"Not surprised. Olivia is a savage," I shrug. What does this have to do with me?

"Just saying, she needs to be careful. Once you're on Liam's bad side, you kinda become a target for disaster..." he turn slight in his seat, closing the conversation.

Was that a threat or what? I can't tell. He sounded sincere enough. Oh well. I needed to listen to this lecture for finals.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that evening, the cool, crisp air began to hit my back as I strolled down East Main to eat at a newly opened pizzeria with Olivia and Niall. My stomach was fixated on this firebrick oven feta, spinach, and olive pizza with pesto sauce.

"No way!" Niall groaned. "Double decker pepperoni. Always have to go with a classic, right Liv?"

"I mean....you can't be wrong," she giggled, putting her lips on Niall's straw and drinking from it, eyeing him sexy-like.

I debated telling her what Hunter said but it was really worth a waste of breathe. I just don't want her to hurt Niall. She seems confused these days like she is running from something.

"So you talk to Louis lately?" She asked giving Niall his drink back.

"He left a voice mail a couple weeks ago. He told me he was sorry if he scared me and that he was out of the hospital. I didn't return his call," I pondered as to why I didn't.

"Probably for the best, Mate. He was heavy." Niall retorted. "There is dark and mysterious and then there's....that,."

"Yeah, you're right," I forced myself to laugh.

I wish I could tell them how I was really feeling. I worried about Louis, how he must feel in that apartment all alone. Did he try and kill himself again? I just don't know, and even though Niall is right...I still think about him.

We sat like that for an hour or so, eating our pizza and laughing. With finals coming up, we all were stressed and this was a nice release for all of us.

"I'm stuffed now!" Niall groaned, standing up and leaving the table.

"Me too!" Olivia complained. One thing to note about her: not even a little pizza is going to keep her from being loud and attention seeking though. She took off running, grabbing ahold of the lamppost and twirling around with one arm, laughing as she fell on her ass.

I watched as Niall stared at her. His hands were in his jeans and he kinda just stood there, like the world had stopped. I nudged him, encouraging to help her off the ground and be a gentleman.

"Thanks Ni," she smiled warmly at him.

"No...problem," he blushed.

I wish I could give him the spill that we cannot date in our inner circle. What if things didn't work out? It would make things totally awkward and we'd have to go our separate ways because I wouldn't be able to choose sides.

But then I look at Niall and he appears so happy, I just can't.

"Guys, guys!" I yelp. "I know that guy!" I pulled them into a shadowy part of the side of the pizzeria. They gave me a confused look but followed nonetheless.

"He harasses Louis!" I exclaimed. "He won't leave him alone. Do you think he's waiting for him?!"

"Lad, it's none of your business. Come on, let's get back to the frat," Niall tugged on my arm but I quickly swatted his hand away, staying complacent and planting my feet.

Sure enough, there was Louis getting out of a fancy limo with a beautiful woman on his arm. I could feel my stomach churn as I analyzed him. I could tell his smile was not genuine. The light in his eyes did not flicker with the least bit of hope. --- He still looked gorgeous to me though. His suit fit him well.

"Thanks for the night!" The woman said kissing him on the cheek, slipping a $50 into the pocket of his suit jacket.

"Anytime. Glad you had fun!" Louis replied, half-heartedly, sighing as the woman walked away. He began to walk toward his car. I've seen it before. I know its his.

Just as he was opening the door, Leather Jacket man approached him.

"Who is she?"

"A client."

"Did you have sex with her?"

"No...but it's none of your business, Trevor." Louis barked annoyed. "Now if you excuse me, I need to go home."

"Not so fast!" He grabbed Louis' arm harshly. I saw Louis eyes gaze at the pavement, no longer looking confident. Trevor is slowly breaking him down into submission. "I'd hate you to lose your job because you get unsatisfactory rating, Louis. Wouldn't you?"

Louis inhaled, retrieving his pack of cigarettes from his pocket. "Not really....let's go."

I tried to lunge toward them but Niall grabbed my shoulder, holding me back. I watched as Louis and Trevor got into a taxi, headed toward his apartment I assume. Fuck, I gotta do something. Maybe not tonight but I will solve this.