Summer (A 1D Love Story)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6- Sophie’s POV

I could feel the tension in the air. Zoe’s breathing became fast and uneven, a sign of anxiousness. Something was wrong. I had to get her out of the situation.

“Sorry to break up with introductions, but I really have to use the bathroom.” I say. Liam nods, and points toward a door across the hall. “Accompany me, Zo?” She agrees, and I rush her into the room.

“What just happened?” I punch her lightly in the arm. Her bottom lip quivers, and I become more serious. “Zoe? Honey, what happened?” Her blank stare at the floor remains, and I am at a loss at what to do.

I walk back outside, and the boys are mumbling on a couch near the front door. I give a quick smile, and start improvising. “Well, I’m Sophie... the friend of the, friend who you’re... uh, friends, with...” I say, stuttering over my words. I struggle to make eye contact with one of the boys, who decides to get up and leave while i’m speaking. His brown curls bounce on his way out. A worried look spreads across my face, this is not going well.

“Alright, well.” Liam asserts himself before the situation gets worse. “It’s going to be a bit of a tight fit as far as sleeping arrangements go, but you can put your stuff in Harry’s room. He’ll be bunking on the couch.”

“Harry?”  I bite my lip.

“Oh, yeah, of course! Roll call, boys!” He jokes. The rest of them sit up comically straight and shout their names all at once. My eyes widen and I’m overwhelmed, but I can’t help but laugh.

“Sorry, again,” an Irish accent says. I look towards the voice and I see an adorable blond-haired, blue-eyed boy. “I’m Niall,” he continues, and points at the rest of the guys in turn, “Louis, Zayn, and... Harry just left...” He rolls his eyes. “Louis, go check on curly.”

Louis walks off in the same direction Harry had gone, in a way that his suspenders bunched up at the end. I remember Zoe still having a freak panic attack in the bathroom, and I ask where she’ll be sleeping.

“With you, if that’s alright.” Niall says.

“Or if it’s not, she can sleep with me!” Zayn adds, winking. I snicker.

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” I retort. “Well, we’ll be off to bed now. See you guys in the morning. What time should we wake up?”

“Anytime before noon.” Liam answers.

“Or 1.” Niall adds.

“Or 2.” Chuckles Zayn.

“Alright, alright! I’ve gotta get settled now, as does Zoe. Nighty boys.” I give them a quick wave, and shuffle off to the bathroom door. The knob shocks me. The door opens, just as I am pushing it forward. Zoe’s face appears at the door, who was already coming towards me.

“Oh, hey...” Zoe says, Looking at her feet.

“You ready to come out?” She nods, and I grab our stuff while we walk to Harry’s bedroom. On our way in, he shuffles out and has to share the doorway with Zoe for a second. His lips form a tight line. She’s frozen and I can feel the awkwardness. I grab her arm and usher her into the room. The door slams. Just before going to bed, I give Zoe’s Mom a quick call to let her know that we’ve made it to Liam’s place safely.