Unexpected Love

Chapter Nine

Eleanor had text me. 'Hey Louis, I hope you're doing well? I'm going to be staying here for a bit longer, but I'll see you soon, promise xx'. I missed her so much. Eleanor and I had been together since I was 18, she was my first proper girlfriend and not being with her was so difficult. I thought about texting her every day for the first few weeks, but I knew that would make things worse, so instead I got on with my day to day life without her. But now here she was, instigating the conversation, and I found myself wanting to run away from it. It had been almost a month since she left, and I was getting used to my own company. My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I tried to think of what to say to her, or if I should say anything at all. I decided not to overthink it and just type 'it's nice to hear from you, thank you for reaching out. See you soon.'

Harry and I had talked a lot since Eleanor left, he made me feel better about things and less alone. Every time we video called, I smiled seeing his face. The way his dimples would pop when he laughed at my rubbish jokes meant I couldn't help but want to spend more time with him. I'd organised a house party for him to celebrate finishing his placement and had invited Zayn, Liam and Niall, he'd also invited some of his other friends and so had I, making this the perfect opportunity for us all to drink lots of alcohol and celebrate being young.

It was a Saturday night and the night of the party. The house was all set up and the playlists were ready to go. I hadn't seen Harry since I went to Manchester and I was so excited to see him and the boys again. I went upstairs to get ready, deciding to wear a black shirt with black skinny jeans and my favourite pair of black and white Vans. I couldn't wait to get the party started.

The music was blaring through the speakers, and I could see Harry from across the room. He was dancing with Niall and Liam and some of his childhood friends, alcohol bottles in their hands, pretending they were the only people in the world. Suddenly he looked over at me, a smirk growing on his lips, as he gestured for me to join him. I rolled my eyes, making my way across the room, sipping my beer as I tried no to bump into the other people who there to enjoy themselves. The music was so loud that Harry had to shout for me to hear him. "Dance with me!" he yelled, causing Liam to laugh at the volume. I didn't even try to say no, I knew that Harry wouldn't let me, so I just joined in with him, moving to the music and trying to enjoy myself. As the party died down, the five of us ended up crashing on the sofas. Niall and Liam on one sofa, Harry and I on the other, and Zayn laying on the floor, trying to stop the room from spinning. Harry's head was resting on my shoulder, his curls against my neck. "I had a good time tonight, thanks Lou" he said, moving his head slightly to look up at me. I smiled down at him, noticing how his green eyes were looking tired.

"Me too, Haz," I replied, "it's nice to see you again."

"You two are so cute!" Niall exclaimed, causing Harry to flip the bird at him. I laughed, reaching for my drink.

"To Harry, completing his placement and being one step closer to his dream!" I said, lifting my glass into the air with one hand and ruffling his hair with the other. The others copied me, toasting to our friend. We were all getting along so well, it was nice to be able to sit in a room with four friends and enjoy our time together. Niall's voice knocked me out of my trance.

"So, boys, what the relationship gossip?" he asked, rubbing his hands together and looking around at each of us. I looked down, trying to avoid eye contact with any of the boys.

"I hate being single!" Zayn moaned, his hand thumping the floor as he pretended to cry, causing a slight laugh from Liam.

"Anyone catch your eye tonight?" Niall inquired, raising his eyebrows in Zayn's direction.

"Maybe," Zayn mumbled, "we swapped numbers and she was hot, but I don't know..." he trailed off. Knowing Zayn, he'd be texting her pretty soon.

"What about you?" Niall asked Liam, nudging him in the ribs.

"I'm happy with my girl," Liam grinned. Niall made a sad face, sticking his bottom lip out. "But I'll always have time for my Nialler!" Liam laughed, ruffling the Irish lad's hair. I felt Harry let out a deep sigh, so I asked him what was wrong.

"Nothing, Lou, just thinking," he mumbled, putting his arm over my stomach.

"I'm enjoying being single!" Niall chimed, a smile evident on his face.

"I miss El," I muttered, squeezing my eyes closed. I felt Harry's head lift off my shoulder, and the space he left behind suddenly felt cold and empty. I noticed my cheeks turning red and my eyes beginning to fill with tears. I pushed Harry away from me, standing up and running up the stairs to my room. I closed the door behind me and jumped into bed, the feeling of being cocooned in the covers took over my body and I tried to hold in my emotions. I felt the bedroom door open and the bed dipped slightly as someone sat down next to me.

"It's okay, Lou. It's just me," Harry said gently, rubbing the area of the covers where my back was. "I'm here for you, we all are. I know you miss her, and I wish I could take that pain away." That was it. I couldn't hold my emotions in any longer and I let out a sob, my body shaking as I cried. Harry moved the duvet off me, scooping me up and letting me cry into his chest. His hand moved gently up and down my back, keeping me calm as I cried. I heard Zayn pop his head through the door, asking if I was okay, and Harry replied that I would be. Harry continued shushing me, playing with my hair and rubbing my back until I cried myself to sleep wrapped in his arms.

The first time all the boys have been in the same room! Don't forget to vote and comment!