"So let me get this straight." Niall began, eyeing down Louis, then looking to me in sympathy.

"You're not pregnant, and moptop over there has claimed you as his own property because I will never treat you as well as he obviously has." he sarcastically snickered at the last comment.

"Yes, and no. Louis is just protective... he cares about me. That's all. He doesn't hate you."

"I wouldn't go that far..." Louis mumbled to himself, just loud enough for us to hear.

"Well hey, I'm not your biggest fan either, so bugger off." Niall growled back. I was sick of them constantly shooting remarks back and forth to each other, and I just wanted it all to stop.

"The next line that's thrown out, you guys are going too. Keep your mouths shut and ignore yourselves if you honestly can't stand each other." I was beginning to fume, almost feeling my face heat up. Neither boy said a word, and I proceeded.

"Louis, I need to talk to Niall in privacy a bit... could you go in the other room?" I asked as nicely as I could, hoping he would have some time to cool down in there.

"Sure." he sighed, probably feeling the lesser man as I dismissed him. When the click of a door was heard, Niall spoke up.

"How can that thing be your best friend? He's quite immature."

"Like I said Niall, he's just very caring. Like a brother. We've come close since I've met him, don't be hard on him. He really does mean well."

"For you, I won't kill him. But that's probably the best I can do." he glared after the direction Louis walked off in. I sighed, changing the subject back.

"I know it's not the best news, but upon receiving the information I just discovered, I'm on an emotional coaster right now. I know that you care too, and that you are a great guy. I just don't think we should continue on until things have patched up."

I awaited a response, but he just looked at me for further explanation.

"I mean, I had already been planning how to tell everyone and how to make a lifestyle change so big to fit another little person in. I was frantic. I just need some time to take a breath, get back into the swing of things. Forget about what almost was. You know?"

"Yeah. I know."

"Nothing against you, because you're still a very big part of my life, right?" I smiled a bit, reassuring him.

"Right. See you around, then." he smiled back, but it was obvious he meant nothing by it. I walked him to the door, seeing he chose to leave. No goodbyes were said beyond that, and all there was really left to do was get Louis out.

I quietly turned the knob on my bedroom door, and saw Louis looking down on a picture I had framed, previously on my night stand.

"Lou? He left." I stepped in, letting him know the coast was clear.

"Oh, yeah, alright. Em, who are they?" he asked, clearly focused on the old photo. I walked over, wondering which he decided to observe.

I smiled at the picture, yet choked up as I named each one.

"That's my mum and dad, the girl is my sister, Lee." I swallowed, embarrassed by the sudden cracks of my voice.

"What... where are they? Did they die?" he asked bluntly, curiosity getting the best of his brain.

"Yes, uhm, that's a long story. Maybe another time." I spoke quickly, turning back towards the door in a hurry.

"Oh, Em I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that, it's obviously personal. I'm such an idiot."

"No no it's ok. Let's just... well, you want to go to the diner? My shift starts a bit later. We can talk there until I'm on duty."

"Em, why do you work so much? You're a senior, this is supposed to be the carefree year of everyone's life. I always feel bad, you're caught up in serving silly groups of boys large chili chips." I giggled at his comment and grabbed my coat as we got ready to go.

"It'll look great on my resume. I bet yours is empty!" I stuck out my tongue, and he chuckled.

"I suppose it is. But I dream big, you should too."

"Trust me, I do. But your big and my big are two different bigs." I stepped out, a strong wind whipping my hair around my head, causing me to pull my scarf up around my face.

"And what's your definition?" he asked, shutting the door behind him.

"Just being able to make it by."