The Struggle •Unedited•

Chapter 26

•Louis•

My haircut was completed and my head felt much lighter. We sat in Harry's living room eating pizza that Liam had bought - well they ate pizza while I ate something that looked like some weird pasta thing that was full of protein and some other shit. It looked edible and somewhat good, but once I took a bite out of it, it tasted horrible. Elisabeth is being nice enough to sneak me a slice and I devour it in a a few minutes.

"Lis," Liam begins, "Since you got a ringside backstage pass thingy...what am I suppose to do with my extra press pass?"

The brunette reporter looks up from her cell phone and she frowns with a mouth full of food. Her head turns to face her best friend and she swallows.

"Oh shit," she mumbles, "Uhm, I don't know. I'm sorry, Liam,"

"It's fine," he shakes his head with a small smile, "I'd take the better offer, too,"

They exchange a warm, gentle smile and they return their attention to their food. My stomach grumbles and I look down at my shit meal. This is bullshit. I worked out hard for over a month, I'm allowed at least once decent meal.

Taking me out of my angry thoughts, I feel a tap on my thigh and I look up to see Elisabeth staring at me with wide eyes. My eyebrows furrow and I stare back wondering what she wants. Those brown eyes motion down and I feel something slimey touch the back of my hand. I jump slightly and she giggles quietly as I take the piece of pizza she just handed me.

As I nibble on the piece of heaven in secret, I look around to see if Harry isn't paying attention. And he's not. He's too busy talking to his girlfriend. Thank you, Nicole.

My eyes wonder around for a bit, but they stop at my son who is seated on the floor enjoying the food. My lips tug a small grin and - oh shit.

Who's gonna take care of my little one when all my time's taken up by the tourney?

"Mason," I gasp a little too loud.

Everyone turns to face me with puzzled glances, even my son turns his small head.

"Whatcha say?" Niall asks.

I quickly duck the pizza under the table and I cough slightly, trying to distract them from finding out that I have a slice.

"Um," I babble, "Who's gonna take care of Mason when we're doing things for the tournament?"

No one answers and it was completely obvious that no one has thought about it. It's not like I can bring him with me, even though I wish I could.

"I can watch him on Monday when you're at the exhibition match," Harry's girlfriend offers, "But for the rest of the week, I can't, I work,"

The tension in my muscles relax a tad, but now I'm the one confused. Exhibition match?

"Exhibition match?" I ask aloud, "Thank you so much, by the way,"

"Yeah, exhibition match," Harry answers, "Basically like a sparring match, just to make sure your capable of fighting and to make sure you can handle the hits,"

"Oh," is all I manage to say.

Suddenly, I feel a heavy hand on my shoulder.

"It's alright, Lou," Niall smiles, "You got this!"

I smile in return, "You really think so?" My eyes move to Elisabeth.

"Of course!" She answers for my best friend, "We all believe in you!"

Zayn gives me a reassuring smile and nod, followed by Liam and Nicole.

"You can do it, daddy!" Mason peeps as he stumbles onto his feet and runs towards me.