~Louis~

The subtle chatter in the room turned almost silent when she walked in. And somehow I knew it was her. All the gentleman took their eyes off their ladies, and turned to the unknown beauty who had walked into the room like she owned it. Each craved to learn her name, the men so they could experience the pleasure of having it roll off their lips, and the women so they could gossip about her undeniable beauty later.

The best part of it all? She was oblivious. She was oblivious to the admirers and to the envy rolling off of the strangers.

Finally, she looked at me. Her eyes were rimmed with red, though it was concealed with the unneeded makeup. Once again, her fragile arms were wrapped up, splotched with red. I frowned, though it could've been mistaken for a scowl. What has she gotten herself into this time?!

I moved my feet, wanting to meet her half way so she would have a strong arm to guide her lost feet, but stopped when I realized that she already had an accomplice, as did I. Though my own seemed to be just as interested in Maci as I was.

"Her gown..." I heard her breath behind me. I smirked, knowing that despite Chloe's distaste for Maci, she could not deny her own envy.

I looked behind me, looking at my audience. Chloe was deep in thought, trying to figure out something, Sophia was eager to meet the anonymous angel, and Sam's face paled at the sight of her former best friend. Each of my mates leered at me sadly. They knew that tonight I would not be taking the right girl home with me, but rather the one I was closest with would.

Finally, Harold had brought her over. Her eyes skimmed over everyone, laying on me for a mere second. Her smile was blinding. But insincere.

Soon everyone had been acquainted, and we sat in a deafening silence as everyone around us resumed their conversations. The air was as thick with tension as it was expensive perfume and cologne. My eyes kept wandering to Maci, whom was paying with the bland green pieces of lettuce. Her own eyes flickered confusedly to Sam.

I wanted to speak, to be the chipper lad I was once, relieving tension and overcoming awkwardness, but I couldn't. The right words wouldn't make their way down to my lips. I would only speak words that are better left unsaid.

With great strength, I also had to refrain myself from dragging Harry out by his neck from the way he would be with her. Constantly stroking her injured arm, and whispering sweet things into her ear, making her blush. When the anger subsided, it was only a grieving.

I don't know when it all fell apart, but if it hadn't, I would've been the one doing that. I would be the one to successfully bring that shining smile onto her face. I would be the one to make her crinkle her nose when I kissed it. And I would be the one to keep her safe from all the harmful things that seem to follow her.

"Lou?" I was shaken out of my thoughts when I heard my name being called.

I blinked a few times to see a smiling Chloe trying to get my attention.

"I'm sorry. What?" I asked.

Chloe merely chuckled, and looked at our company with eyes saying 'Can you believe him?'. "A little bit out of it now, aren't we dear?" She mused. I offered a weak smile. "I said, tell everyone about our plans for Paris." She batted her thickly coated lashes, and parted her painted lips into a menacing smile. Her silver eyes flickered to Maci, who continued to take interest in the salad before her.

When I said nothing, she continued. "Lou booked us flights for Paris, a romantic getaway, really. I've seen photographs of the hotel, and it's simply breathtaking! It looks out perfectly at the Eiffel Tower, and the lights of the city…" her bubbly voice trailed off, becoming nonexistent entirely. I wasn't interested in what she had to say any longer.

"How are you feeling, Maci?" I blurted. The shock of what I said flashed through my mind. Word vomit, the worst kind of illness.

Her own shock registered in her eyes as she raised them up to me. Her eyes were wide, and suddenly the hazel was being hidden behind an array of liquid.

Shit.

Quickly, she blinked them away, a grin taking place on her face. The feeling of being observed, as if she were living under the watchful eye of scientists and she was a mouse, snaps her into the protected, classy form. It is when she turns off all other emotions, and puts her best smile on. She's a crowd pleaser. Even if it means hurting herself along the way.

"Coming along quite nicely. It's been nice outside of the hospital. Dreadful things, hospitals." She smiled warmly at me, and took a swig of the glittering golden liquid beside her.

"And why would you ever need to be in the hospital?" Sam asked alarmed. I sighed, and shut my eyes closed, wishing this would all go away.

When I reopened them, I saw Maci smiling demonically. Her eyes were flaming with fires brighter than the pits of hell. She pinned them on her once best friend, who was shifting uncomfortably from the intense gaze. Maci didn't answer her for a while, taunting her with the knowledge she was obviously withholding. No one bothered to interrupt her. Niall began to look uncomfortable himself, and placed a secure arm around Sam. Probably hoping to protect her from the nearly visible lasers pouring out of Maci's eyes.

"Because, darling, I was raped." Everyone stared at her, their mouth agape at her bluntness. She flashed an innocent smile. Maci grabbed her champagne, and downed it, throwing her head back. I watched as the bitter liquid travelled down her throat, and sent chills down her arms.

Sam paled, and quickly excused herself from the table, Niall following quickly behind her. Zayn and Perrie shared uncertain gazes, and Liam and Sophia followed quickly behind Niall, leaving. Soon it was only me, Harry, Chloe, and Maci.

She refused to meet my gaze. But it didn't stop me from staring at her, willing her to look up.

"Well, Harold. Let's dance." She said in finality. He jumped up, obeying her orders, and took her hand. I watched with a wrenching heart as his hands moved to her waist, and her own were placed securely around his neck. They swayed effortlessly, in perfect sync. Her eyes never stayed locked on his, however. They were roaming all over in search.

Finally, she met my hungry eyes, and let them linger. I do not know what cam over me, but soon I was dragging Chloe by hand onto the glossy wooden floor, and capturing her into my arms. We moved together, her eyes looking up at me with a happiness that I did not return. My happiness was in the arms of another man.

Growing frustrated, Chloe removed a hand from behind my neck, and forced me to look at her. "We are dancing, Louis. Look at me." She pleaded. Slightly, guilt settled into my heart, and I nodded my head. Maci was exactly right. My intense feelings for her did not excuse the shit boyfriend I was being to Chloe.

I looked into her eyes, searching for anything. Chloe was kind, and gentle when she wasn't acting like the stuck up high matinence person she thought she needed to be. But that's just the thing, how could I ever be in a relationship with someone who doesn't even know who they are? Or rather someone who lies to themselves about who they are.

"May I cut in?" Words sliced through my thoughts, and I turned to see a grinning Harry. I shot him a confused look, which he returned with a look saying 'This is your chance. Don't fuck up.' I nodded, and gently placed Chloe's hand in his. Chloe looked less than pleased, but went along with it.

They drifted off, leaving me with Maci. I looked at her uncertainly, and she was smiling. "Take my hand, Louis." Her words were soft, but they were loud in my ears. A smile erupted onto my face, and I took her into my arms instantly. The noise around us quieted, while we stayed locked in our own bubble. Her fragile arms gripped my neck tightly, and my strong arms were returning the gesture. I was afraid that if I ever released her, or let my grip loosen slightly, she would disappear. She had definitely earned the name I had once used for her.

I twirled her, and let her loose so she spun gracefully across the floor. Her gown swiveled around her. I followed her, but not to a point where I stole her light. I was merely the blue sky that complimented her rays of shine.

I caught her in my arms as she slowed, and dipped her to the ground. Maci's long brown locks touched the ground, and her long neck was exposed. All I wanted was to place butterfly kisses over the exposed skin, but I swallowed the need. Slowly and mockingly, she rose back up, and sank her body into mine. Her chest pressed firmly against mine, and her breath hit my neck.

"I love this song.." She whispered against me. I finally took notice of the tune, and grinned when I realized what it was. She had her head placed softly on my shoulder, giving me full access to her ear.

I leaned closer, and joined the band in singing. "Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I can't help, falling in love with you. Shall I stay? Would it be a sin? If I can't help falling in love with you." I whispered each word into her ear, making sure that she understood that I was not just singing along. I was delivering a message to her that could only be received through song.

"Like a river flows, surely to the sea, darling, so it goes, something's are meant to be. Take my hand, take my whole life too… For I, can't help falling in love with you." She sniffled quietly beside me, and leant into me further. With her right hand placed in my left, and her left hand placed on my shoulder, we oscillated slowly, taking our own precious time.

"Some things are meant to be. Take my hand! Take my whole, my whole life too. For I, can't help falling in love with you. For I, can't help falling in love with you…" The soft melody ended, and so did our beautiful moment. In a rush, Maci detached herself from me, and looked up at me with sad eyes.

Her lips touched the corner of my mouth briefly, before she stepped back. "Thank you…" She whispered.

I held her hand as long as I could, but it didn't last long because she was pulling away from me. "Maci!" I pleaded. She stopped in her tracks, her back facing me, our hands just barely linked. My heart beat faster than deemed human with anxiety. I willed her to stay, willed her to come back to me. But because she has a mind of her own, she ignored my silent cries and walked away. Again.

I watched her disappear through the wide magnificent door. Suddenly, Chloe was beside me.

"Louis.. I hate saying this because I hate her, but don't let her get away. I've always been told that when a man truly loves a woman, it's obvious. Not in his words, but in his eyes. And tonight you basically confirmed that. Perhaps that is why I hate her. I craved more than anything to get that sort of reaction from you, going to extreme lengths and never getting anything, but all she has to do is walk into a room. So go get her. Don't ruin your chances of a happy ending." I looked at her awestruck, completely amazed by her words.

"I really hope you get what you deserve, Chloe. You deserve way better than me." She finally looked up at me, and weakly smiled. I kissed her temple.

Chloe laughed, and pushed me towards the door. "Off you go, lover boy. Your Cinderella is waiting." Sending her one last look of appreciation, I bolted off after the hazel eyed gem. My legs flared in protest, but I ignored it. I needed to find her before she was gone.

Several people threw shouts of protest at me as I pressed through the thick crowd, but I wasn't too bothered by it. I stormed out of the building and into the crisp fresh air. It filled my lungs, sending waves of pleasure throughout me.

My eyes scavenged for her whilst my mind prayed for her.

But she was nowhere to be seen.

An unbelieving laugh left my dry lips. Of course! Of course I'm too late! Because our odd are never in our favor.

Well one thing's for certain: Maci had truly lived up to the name Cinderella. Except unlike the the fairytale, she didn't leave anything behind. Nothing expect for her lingering smell on my coat, and the lasting memory of her lips on mine. It was as if she had disappeared from the earth.

I threw my hands up in the air, exasperated and worn from tonight. And just as I was about to reenter the now seemingly malicious building, I stopped dead in my tracks.

"Maci?"

Notes

Helllloooo :) AH I LOVE THIS CHAPTER SO MUCH. Who knew Chloe had a heart?

I hope it was worth the wait, lovelies!

As you know the song for each chapter is "Distance" by Christina Perri, but the song the band plays is "Can't Help Falling in Love" many people have covered it, Elvis being the original, but I envisioned the Michael Buble version.

I don't know when the next chapter will be up, but hopefully next weekend. I might try to update "Picture Perfect" this week.

Thank you for all your support! :)

Follow me on twitter: @mareeeesssaaa If you want me to follow back, just tell me :)

Love you!

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~M