TROUBLE

Chapter 42 "Real fear"

 

She sighed, “He…he had to talk to some people after his race.” I could tell by the way she couldn’t hold eye contact with me that she probably should’ve told me that. “He’s not hurt or anything, they just wanted to talk to him.”

“About what?”

“I…I don’t think—”

“Al please!” I begged, tears threatening to spill over. “Please just tell me!” She hesitated looking down at the sink. “Please…” I whispered, my emotion taking all the strength from my voice.

“They…they had to talk with him about Jeremy…” My heart dropped; even the mention of his name brought back the time he inflicted on me. “I’m so sorry Aubri”

“Why…what do they have to say about Jeremy? He left, didn’t he?” My breathing started to pick up as I spoke. The panic was taking over me, and I just couldn’t stop it. “Harry told me he was going to leave"..

“I—I don’t know, Aubri. I thought he left too.”

What is going on?! For God’s sake!

I pulled Al into a hug, because at the moment, I just needed to have the feeling of someone’s arms around me. She was probably thinking I’m some kind of emotional freak, but I was proved wrong when her hand rubbed my back soothingly as she told me it was going to be alright. I didn’t believe her of course, but I hugged her tight as I tried to collect myself before I went back out to the show. 

——

“Is he coming to pick me up?” I asked Louis. Is it wrong for me to not be completely into this after party right now? I don’t think so. When you find out that your boyfriend is being spoken about your abusive ex, it’s not unthinkable to not be in the party mood. 

“No, Zayn and Al will give you a ride home, love.”

I fiddled with the ends of my hair as I looked around the room, feeling paranoid that someone was watching me “Will he be home when I get there?”

He looked at his watch, “He should be.” I nodded, “Listen, you have to relax. You don’t have anything to worry about. He’s fine.”

Bullshit. “Did he tell you that?” I snapped.

“No. He didn’t tell me anything.”

“Does he know you’re here?”

“Yeah, he told us earlier to come if we could.”

“Everyone is here but him…” I whispered quietly. I didn’t expect Louis to hear me, but he did. He put and arm around me, trying to comfort me, but it wasn’t working. I just want Harry. “I want to go home, where’s Zayn?”

He snorted, “Probably shagging Al in the bathroom.” I groaned, annoyed and frustrated, before resting my head on his shoulder. “Just stay for the rest of the party; have fun! Then you can yell at Harry when you get home.”

I turned my head and looked him in the eyes. I’d learned over time that Louis didn’t do well when being asked things while you stared at him seriously; he breaks under the eye contact. “Louis…is he okay?” He stared back at me for a long second, saying nothing. “Louis.” He shifted uncomfortably, probably noticing I was growing impatient with his silence.

“He was when we left.” That’s all he said before getting up and walking away from me. What’s that even supposed to mean?

——

“You could stay with us for the night if you like.”

“No.” The car slowed in front of my house and I practically ripped the car door open before running up the front steps. I dug through my purse for my key and jammed it in the door. I heard Zayn and Al say a faint goodbye from the car right as I opened the door and slipped into the house.