Running Bases With You

Chapter 36

*Annabeth's POV*

When I get back inside, Louis is standing by the door with his arms crossed.

"So. What's going on?" He questions as I slip off my shoes and throw them by the coat rack.

"Nothing?" I say, more so as a question than a sure statement.

"You don't sound too sure of yourself. Is there something I'm missing here, or..." He mumbles, sounding slightly irritated.

I feel my stomach twist.

Tell him Annabeth. Tell him now!

No! I'm not ready..

"Everything is fine." I clear my throat, trying to get my boyfriend to believe something that even I don't believe.

"Really? Then look me in the eye and say it again." He says sternly, trying to contain his growing irritation.

He's obviously not buying your bullshit Annabeth, just spill it already.

I look into his eyes and I can feel the tears pooling in my own. My throat grows tight and I'm not sure if I can repeat the lie a second time.

"E-Everything is fine." I state, my voice breaking. I mentally swear at myself. He's never going to let this go now.

"Annabeth..."

"Louis, please just... Just drop it. I really don't wanna talk about this right now. Please." I plead with him.

"You want me to drop it? So you could tell Niall, but you can't tell me? Oh. Okay then." Louis laughs sarcastically, and I can feel the guilt weighing down on my already heavy laden shoulders.

"Louis,...you don't understand." I say sadly, shaking my head.

"No, I understand just fine. It's okay, really. Maybe I should just go, it looks like you were having a good time with Niall anyway." Louis grabs his jacket from the coat rack.

I pause and think for a moment.

Wait a minute.

Is he... Jealous?

"Louis Tomlinson, are you jealous?" I smirk slightly, my mood changing already.

"What? No!" His voice raises an octave, cracking in the most adorable way.

Jeez Annabeth, you're already getting cheesy!

I roll my eyes and raise an eyebrow at him questioningly. "Really?"

Louis avoids making eye contact, setting his jacket back on the coat rack. My smile widens in triumph.

"So what if I am?"

I win.

"Aw Lou! There's no reason to be jealous, Niall is just a friend. You know that!" I giggle, taking a seat on the couch beside my pouting boyfriend.

"I know, I know! But I can't help but be jealous when you see him more than me. And you were together all day! How would I know he wasn't trying to make moves on you while I wasn't around?" Louis bites his lip, realizing how stupid he really sounds right now. Poor lad.

"Louis. Seriously, babe?" I say, then freeze.

I just called him babe. I've never called him babe before.... Oops.

"Babe?" Louis finally looks at me, a smile making it's way on his lips.

I look away, my cheeks flaming pink from embarrassment. "Uhh.."