My Habit from This Town

26) Cry me a river

Song for this chapter is Cry Me A River by Frank Sinatra (or Liam's audition)

**Louis' P.O.V**

I think I believe Ethan. As much as I want to believe Harry, he lied to me. But Ethan told me. He even put the blame on himself. I didn't even have to talk to him first. He was just so open about everything that happened.

I moved out of the room we shared. I can't deal with it knowing he is right there. I need space. But I have a feeling I won't get it.

"Louis. Please. Stop pushing me away!" Harry begs, coming into my room later that night. "What do you mean he "told you the truth"? I did tell you the truth! How could you believe him over me? You've known me longer! You know what he is like! Please Louis. You have to believe me!" He is practically on his knees at this point. I can't look at him right now.

"Cry me a river." I sassily say as I push past him. "It's dinner time. Don't bother sitting with me. It won't end well." And I just walk off. I feel awful. I hope he doesn't listen to me. As much as I hate to admit it, I need him with me when I eat. I still struggle and it is so calming to have him there. As mad as I am with him, I do still need him.

Luckily, he ignores what I tell him and he sits nexts to me.

"I'm not stupid Louis. I know you need me here. And you know it to. Please don't move." He whispers in my ear. I don't move, because he's right, but I don't talk to him either. I socialise with everyone else around the table, but act as if he isn't there. I finish before him and leave early. I glance at him as I leave and I can tell he is heartbroken. I am too.

He was right. I have known him longer. I do know what Ethan is like. But he lied to me. I don't know what to believe so I reside in my room for the rest of the night. I message Niall and Liam loads, and they send me pictures of baby Delilah back. They really help.

To Harry:
Come to my room. We need to talk.

Seconds later, he is in my room. He shuts the door and sits on the desk chair.

"I'm not saying I believe you. But I'm not saying I don't. Tomorrow, we are meeting with Ethan and we are talking this out. I have to know the truth for my own mental sanity. Okay?" He nods.

"Of course. I promise you, I'm telling the truth though. Okay?"

"Whatever. Get some sleep and meet me at the front door at 11:30 on the dot. Night." I tell him.

———————

Harry is at the door before me the next day. I can tell he is worked up and just wants to settle this. This gives me more faith in him. Why would he be so eager if he was lying?

We arrive at Subway to meet Ethan. I'm getting nervous but I know it's got to be done. Then I see him. With another boy.

"Who's he?" I whisper to Harry, who seems to have a strange look in his eyes, that's a mix of anger, heartbreak and confusion.

"That's Nick." He responds. I know who Nick is. Harry told me.

Ethan smiles and waves at me. I suddenly feel a wave of disgust run over me. I didn't know why.

"Ethan. Nick? Please sit." I invite them. Before anyone can start talking, I begin. "I just want to know the truth. I don't care who it comes from. I just have to know. I've heard two very different stories and I need to know the truth. Ok?"

"I told you the truth. I promise. Ethan, if you have any good bone in you, you will tell Louis that you lied. Please?" Harry stated. I look at Ethan. He had absolutely no emotion change. What did that mean?

"I told Louis the truth Harry. I pressured you into kissing me, yes. But you did kiss back! If you have any respect for him, you would just tell him." Great. None of this helped. It just made me more confused and all I had was a six-inch sub to help. I needed more to get through this whole ordeal.

"I'm getting cookies and drinks. Who wants what?" I say, seemingly randomly but I know it's just to get away from them all. They give me their orders and I get up. And so does Nick.

"I'll help you." He smiles sweetly. I don't know what to feel anymore, so I just accept the help.

As we are lining up, I glance over at Harry and Ethan, who seem to be in deep conversation. My thoughts are interrupted by Nick.

"He's telling you the truth, you know?" He starts. "And he's threatening him right now. You seem like a nice lad. I just want to help." He says, thinking he's helpful. But which way round did he mean?

"Who's doing what?" I ask.

"Ethan. He's threatening Harry. I bet you that as soon as we go back, Harry will admit to kissing Ethan. Even though he didn't." Was this boy really helping me? Well, I guess I would soon find out.

"Why are you helping me?" I ask, ruder than I meant it to.

"Cause I love Ethan. And he can't get over Harry. He thinks that Harry will eventually run back to him if he isn't with you. But I want Ethan for myself. If Harry's taken, then he may actually see me as a human and not a prop in his "Harry games". You don't have to believe me, but if Harry admits it, you know what really happened." Nick states and started ordering.

We got back to the table and I spoke. "Anyone have anything new to say?" I ask, hoping Nick was right. I glance at Harry. He speaks.

"Ethan was right. I kissed him back. I'm sorry I lied to you." He says. He doesn't meet me in the eyes, but I can tell what's happened. Thanks to Nick. I storm out, which a normal person would, but it's only to get away from Ethan. I give Nick a thankful look and hope that Harry follows me.

I get back to the car and see Harry running behind me. I stop.

"Louis. Please. List-" He begins. I stop him by crashing my lips onto his.

When I pull back, I simply say "Nick told me everything.", turn around get in the car and start it, waiting for Harry to get it. I'm still hurt that he lied, but I think I can look past it.