Running Bases With You

Chapter 35

*Louis' POV*

I walk out of the quiet studio into the main parking lot to get in my car. It's been one hell of a day, and all I wanna do now is go home and lie down. But I can't do that. Not on Annabeth's birthday. Or should I say, my girlfriend's birthday.

A smile appears on my face. Even after the long day I've had, the lone thought of her brightens my down mood.

The drive to Annabeth's flat is quick and quiet, the normal sound of music nowhere to be heard. When I arrive, I knock on her door and wait anxiously for someone to open it so I can get out of this god awful weather.

The lock on the door clicks and to my surprise, Niall is standing on the other side when it opens.

"Niall?" I say out of surprise. "What are you doing here?"

He looks almost as shocked as I am, his mouth opening and closing repeatedly, but no words coming out.

"Well?" I raise an eyebrow.

"I, uh, I took Annabeth to her physical therapy today. We've just been hanging out for the day since Talia is working. What are you doing here?" Niall asks, fumbling with his words a little.

"I came to see my girlfriend. For her birthday. Is that okay, or..."

"Yeah! Sorry! I'm just-"

"Lou?"

Annabeth stands behind Niall, a blanket wrapped around her as she rubs her eyes sleepily.

"Hey, love. Mind if I come in? It's kinda cold out here." I rub my arms to prove my point.

"Yeah, of course. Niall, move." She pushes him out of the way teasingly, him just rolling his eyes.

I step inside and shut the door quickly behind me. I turn to my girlfriend and give her a small smile, opening my arms up.

"Aren't you gunna give me a hug?" I smile knowingly.

"Hmm..." She pretends to think about it. "Let me think about that and get back to you." She smirks.

I shake my head and run towards her, picking her up in my arms and spinning her around. She bursts into loud giggles, squirming around in my arms.

I put her back down and kiss her cheek, looking down into her eyes. "How was your day, my love?"

Annabeth sighs, laying her head on my chest momentarily. "It was... It was a day."

I scrunch my eyebrows together in concern. "That bad, huh?"

She stays silent momentarily before replying. "Yeah, you could say that."

I step away, laying my hands on her shoulders. "Well, how about we fix up a few cups of hot tea and you tell me all about it?"

Annabeth looks at the floor, avoiding my gaze. "What about Niall? We can't just leave him all by himself."

"It's alright, I can make him leave." I shrug, smirking lightly.

Annabeth smacks my chest, rolling her eyes. "No! That's rude."

I rub the spot on my chest, fighting a smile. "Okay, then what do you suggest?"

"I suggest that I make a cup of tea for all of us, we all relax in the living room, and watch a nice film. How's that sound?" Annabeth smiles.

I sigh dramatically. "Hmm, I guess it'll do. I was hoping to have you all to myself tonight, but... I guess I can make an exception just this once."

She scoffs, fighting a growing smile. "Yeah, yeah.."

Annabeth turns and walks away, going to the kitchen to make tea. I walk into the living room, where Niall is seated on the couch watching an old football match. I sit down next to him, sighing contently.