Half of the Story

Chapter Two: When one door opens

Dakota watched as the door flew open. Hitting her squarely in the chin as she took a step into it. The door a nice thick oak as she fell back and landed on the floor. Her books and papers throw about around her. At least I left my laptop at home today, she thought as the boy from behind the door apologized and began to pick up her papers.

"Oh god. I am so sorry. I didn't even see you coming." He held out a few papers, including her latest drawing.

A breath caught in her throat as she took them. Between the accent and the gentle blue eyes looking back at her, Dakota wasn't sure being mad right now as the best option.

"I'm okay, I'm clumsy. Honestly the fact that this hasn't happened before is a shock to me too."

She grabbed the papers, making sure to throw them between the pages of a history book as she wiped her chin checking for blood. A small smear of red across her fingertip confirmed it.

"You're bleeding!" He reached over and grabbed her wrist, holding it away from her face as a look of concern flashed over him. "Let me take you to the infirmary, please it's the least I can do."

She didn't have the heart to say no to him. Letting him pull her up, wrapping a protective arm around her waist as they walked.

"Really you don't have to, I am okay. I've had worse running in the morning alone." Dakota could have melted feeling his chest brushing into her side. The warmth radiating off of him. The walk out of the building and towards the clinic almost seemed like a dream she never wanted to wake up from.

"So, what's your name? I have to know who I'm going to file the assault charges against when this is over." She looked over at him as they sat in the crowded waiting room.

The honey that flowed from his lips could have cured the worlds population as he looked over at her. "Louis, but if it's for an official report you can put down Harry Styles."

"Oh, is that how they do things in England? Do you all get villain personas?"

"In Doncaster they do but, not the rest of England," He slipped a hand absentmindedly as he moved closer, " Besides, Harry filled out my name once so it serves him right."

The rest of the time waiting flew by as the pair talked. Dakota even managed to cause him to laugh a few more times before her name was called and she had to endure the cold hands of the nurse applying a swab and band aid. After promising to be more careful she walked out to watch as Louis stood outside the window smoking. Almost perfect...

She walked out and grinned, "You know those cause cancer right?"

He finished his drag and threw it down, stepping on it and holding his hands out, "I know but, I hear doors are what you need to really watch out for. They sneak up on you."

Dakota could have died as he finished the sentence and gave her a quick wink.

"Yeah, I've heard something like that recently. Thankfully my attack was a minor incident but now they want to put the poor door down. I'm starting a petition to stop it. I'm sure the local coffee house will get behind me." She flashing him a quick smile before remembering that he also hung out around there. Holding her books closer to her chest and looking around awkwardly.

"Oh that's right, you hang out down the way. Would you like to join me for a cup later, to make up for the door thing of course. I don't want to force you to hang out by the piano with me."

They parted ways exchanging numbers and agreeing to meet tomorrow for a quick cup. It wasn't until she ran into the cafe that she believed it even happened. Practically falling into the chair across from Callie.

"Okay, Tea." She pulled her phone and showed Callie the number in her phone. "You know how I've been single for literal centuries?"

"It's been like six months, but keep going." Callie threw a grape into her mouth as Dakota put her phone away.

"Okay so I was walking to class today and I wasn't paying attention while walking and I ended up getting hit right in the face full force with the door. " She cackled thinking about it again.

"Oh my god, Dakota," Callie joined her as they both laughed, "But what's that have to do with being single?"

"Well the guy that hit me felt bad for smacking me with a whole ass door and he offered to walk me to the clinic. On the way, we were talking and he was super charming and he's so cute, Callie. Jesus, he's so cute. He's got these tattoos and he has an accent! Anyway, he asked me if I wanted to go get coffee with him tomorrow to make up for almost breaking my nose. He gave me his number too." She stopped watching as her best friend took in all the information.

"That's really exciting, D. He sounds like your soulmate." Callie laughed again as Dakota smack her arm.

"Okay well, I just wanted to tell you my story before I have to go to my next class. Then I have to go to work on a project at the library. Boring. Do you want to meet back here at like 6:30 for dinner?" She stood, pulling her shirt back down around her jeans.

"Sounds good, have fun and text me when you're on your way back."

Dakota nodded and rubbed Callie's back as she left. Hoping that her roommate would find someone like Louis one day too.