That Summer

Chapter 13

Liam must have kept us in the dressing room for at least an hour. By the time he was done ranting I was tired and wanted to go back to the hotel. “Where were you three?” Claire asked when we finally got to the others.

I linked our arms together. “Liam gave Harry and I the talk he promised.” I said quietly enough for only her to hear.

“How did that go?”

“It felt like I was getting a lecture from my father. When we get back to the hotel I’m going to take some pain relievers and then go to sleep.” I said rubbing my temples.

“I need your help picking out an outfit for my date with Zayn tonight!” Claire said. “And, you need to tell me what happened with Niall.”

I turned around and noticed that Niall wasn’t with us. “Where is he anyways?” I asked turning back to Claire.

“He left a little while ago. He said he was tired and that he just wanted to head back and get some rest. He didn’t look so good.”

I couldn’t help but frown at what Claire told me. I wanted to make him feel better but I knew time and space is what he needs right now, no matter how much I hated it.

When we finally made it back to the hotel, Claire dragged me up to our room and immediately started to tear apart her suitcase looking for something to wear on her date. I couldn’t help but laugh at how crazy this was making her. It had been a long time since I’ve seen Claire so excited and nervous about going out with a guy. After about an hour, Claire was finally ready, and just in time too, Zayn knocked on the door a few minutes afterwards.

I decided that I didn’t want to stay in the hotel room by myself so I decided that I would go out and wonder the city a bit. It was nice to be out and getting fresh air. It had been a while since I had a moment to myself.  It was dark by the time I made my way back to the hotel. “Elizabeth?” I heard someone say behind me. I turned around and saw Louis. “Out for a walk?” He asked stepping next to me.

I smiled weakly. “Yeah, I just needed some fresh air.”

“What’s wrong?” He asked taking hold of my arm and making me look at him. “I thought you were happy again. Did you and Claire get into a fight? Or did Harry make an ass of himself again?”

“Louis, you worry too much. I’m fine.” I tried giving him a reassuring smile and taking myself out of his grasp, walking into the elevator.

“Ugh.” He groaned while stepping into the elevator with me. “I really wish you would stop trying to lie to me about being happy. It doesn’t help either of us. I hate seeing you sad and lying isn’t good for you.”

“It’s complicated, Lou. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You can trust me, Liz. You’re my friend and you don’t look good with a frown on your face!”

I couldn’t help but smile a little. I turned to Louis and pulled him into a hug. “I’m sorry. I know I can trust you.”

He smiled brightly at me. “Now, tell me what I can do to make you feel better again!” He begged.

“Honestly, Lou, knowing that you care so much makes me feel better.”

“How about we have a movie night?” Louis suggested. “We can invite all the boys and it will be just like when we first met! Well, Zayn obviously won’t be able to join us since he’s out with Claire but four out of five won’t be bad!” I smiled at how happy Louis was at the idea. I knew he wouldn’t let me say no so I didn’t, I said yes.  “This is going to be great! Go get into some comfortable clothes and meet us back in my room in fifteen minutes!” Louis squealed getting off of the elevator and skipping off to his room.

I got to my door and when I got inside I saw Harry sitting on the bed. “Harry, hi.” I said taking off my jacket.

“How are you?” He asked standing up and pulling me into his arms.

“I’m alright. I got some fresh air and that helped.”

“Louis sent out a text informing everyone that we are meeting in his room for a movie marathon in a couple minutes. I assume that you’re coming as well?” Harry asked.

“Of course I am. It’s his way of trying to cheer me up. I owe it to him for not telling him what’s been going on.”

“This will be good. The boys have been missing spending time with you.”

“I’ve missed it too. I just hope that if Niall is there it won’t be too awkward.”

Harry pecked my lips and pressed our foreheads together. “Just don’t worry about it. Tonight will be fun. I promise.”

I smiled and pulled away from him. “Now get out so I can change! I’ll meet you at Louis’ in a few minutes.”

“Okay, okay! I’m going!” He laughed.

After I was dressed in a pair of sweats and a tank top I made my way out the door and down the hall to Louis’ room. I reached the door and saw the Niall had just arrived as well. He looked up at me but quickly looked back down, clearly not wanting to be standing near me. I knocked on the door and prayed that Louis’ or someone would open the door quickly. “Lizzy!” Louis greeted. “And Niall! You guys are just in time to help me stop Liam from putting in Toy Story three!” He said letting us in.

“You said I could choose the first movie since I was the first to show up!” Liam complained.

“And now I’ve changed my mind! You always have us watch one of the Toy Story movies!” Louis complained back.

“Oh come on, Lou! Just let him watch the movie.” I said sitting down on the couch next to Liam.

Louis rolled his eyes. “Fine. We can watch the movie.” He said sitting on the other side of me. “Come and sit down, Niall! Don’t stand there like a wall flower!” He patted the spot next to him. Niall did what he was told and took a seat, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

Harry arrived a few minutes later and we all managed to fit on the small couch to begin the movie marathon.  “We need popcorn!” Liam said during our scheduled bathroom break, well, Harry really had to pee and didn’t want to miss the movie. “Someone should go make some.” Liam said, hinting that he didn’t want to get up.

“Okay, okay. I’ll get up and make some!” I said standing up.

“Thank you, Lizzy!” Liam smiled.

“Why don’t you go help her, Niall. Food is your specialty.”

He stood up and shifted over to the kitchen area awkwardly behind me. “Can you find the bags of popcorn?” I asked, barely making my voice audible.  He nodded and began to open some cabinets and then handed me the box, making sure that our hands didn’t brush. “Thanks.”

 I put the popcorn in the microwave and we stood in an awkward silence. Soon the smell of popcorn filled the room and I saw Niall’s eyes light up a little. I couldn’t help but smile. He noticed me smiling at him and I could have sworn he gave me a small smile back. “Can you take it out while I get the bowl?” I asked.

 He nodded eagerly and took out the popcorn but managed to burn himself in the process. “Ow!” He yelped holding onto his finger.

I turned around and looked at him. “Are you okay?” I set the bowl down and walked toward him. “Let me see it.”  I took his hand off of his hurt finger and looked at it. I saw that it was bright red. Before I knew what I was doing I took his injured finger and pressed a light kiss onto the burn.  He looked up at me and we were locked in a stare. “Is it any better?” My voice was shaky.

“Yes,” He said just as shakily as me. “Thank you, Lizzy."