"Lida wait!" I heard him calling my name, desperately trying to get me to listen. I continued walking, quickly making my way towards my old home. I only got faster as I neared the familiar stairs leading to the room on my left. I bolted in my room, slamming and locking the door behind me. As I took a deep breath I looked around my room and saw that it was the same as I had left it three years before. Right down to the placement of the stuffed animals resting on the corner shelf, and the quotes thumb tacked neatly to my walls. I walked over to the shelf and picked up a familiar worn puppy.

The tears began to fall as I held him close to my chest. I allowed a sob to escape my lips as my tears soaked the small toy. I quickly turned around, placing the stuffed dog on back on the shelf as I heard my door creak open. I looked up to see Louis standing in my doorway with a few silent tears falling down his cheeks. I guess nobody fixed my door lock since I was gone.

"Lida," his voice sounded soft and slightly hurt. He walked cautiously to where I sat on the floor and placed a tentative hand on my shoulder. Immediately, I stood and walked to a chair placed in the opposite corner of my room.

"Lida," he pleaded again. "Please, just let me explain." I turned my head and looked out my window, clutching my knees under my chin. When I didn't respond he let out a shaky sigh as he closed my door behind him. More and more tears fell as I sat, not even bothering to wipe them away. I knew there wasn't a point, more were just going to come. I stayed in my spot for a little while longer before I realized something. Paparazzi will do anything for a good story. Even if that includes photoshopping, making assumptions, using old photos, and most of all. Lying. Plus my mom isn't always one to watch whole stories, especially if it includes someone she's not interested in. I put my face in my hands ashamed, why was I so stupid. Of course nothing happened. I should have just heard him out. I pulled myself together and slowly made my way out of my room and down the stairs. I stopped short however when I heard hushed voices from around the corner. I heard the angry, hushed whisper of my sister Ashley. I decided to listen in.

"Listen here, buddy," Oh no. Not buddy. Buddy's when shit does down. Take it easy on him Ashley! "That is my little sister your dealing with. While she can get angry so can I, and you don't want to have to deal with me. As that girls walking diary, I know things, and have seen sides of her you could only dream of seeing. I've been there for all her childhood crushes, her first boyfriend, her first date, her first kiss. And every heartbreak that has followed. I've been her shoulder to cry on, she is the world to me and you better hope these are just rumor if you ever want to have kids." I heard Louis's breath hitch and I had to stifle a laugh. Ashley's voice soften slightly as she continued.

"It takes a lot for Lida to admit her feelings for someone. Mush less go out with them after only one day. That's right when I see a magazine with my sister's face plastered all over the cover, I pick it up. I don't know what Lida sees in you, but you have to be pretty fucking special. She has given you her trust, so don't abuse it. Don't blow your chances." Damn she can give a speech. Not a child friendly speech but a good one. Then Louis's usually playful tone spoke up quietly and serious.

"I understand," he began quietly. "I understand how much she means to you all. I understand that she puts on a strong face and a smile to hide how fragile she really is. I know what she's been through in the past year. I know that the publicity will be hard for her and so will the traveling that comes with my job. I know that the punk she used to date is didn't deserve her. I know that I don't deserve her either. But most importantly, I know that I would give anything up to make her happy. I would put my life over hers in a heartbeat." Damn, Louis knows how to give a speech too. Instead of responding Ashley placed her hand on his shoulder and nodded.

She began to walk my way, I took a step back. When she spotted me she smiled and shook her head. She walked towards me and leaned in, whispering in my ear.

"Take it easy on him. He seems legit to me, I think you found a keeper." She winked and walk the rest of the way up the stairs. I took a deep breath and walked the rest of the way down the stairs. I walked up to him and hugged from behind mumbling apologies into his spine.

"I'm so sorry! I should have heard you out!" I said embarrassed. "I just jump to conclusions too quickly, we all do!"

"No worries, love," he spoke as he turned around, returning my embrace. "I probably would have assumed the same thing."

We stood there trying to prove who was more sorry (it was me) when I remembered that I was supposed to meet Sarah for dinner today.

"Het Lou?" He hummed in response, setting his forehead on mine. "Wanna meet Sarah today?" He lifted his head with an excited expression. I laughed and grabbed his hand pulling him to the car and jumping in the driver's seat.

"Before you say anything, you drive all the way here," I snapped. "I'm driving in town so no complaints." We laugh lightly as he jumped in next to in the passenger's seat. He grabbed my hand as we rode to town peacefully. The silence wasn't awkward, it was peaceful. Very.

I had to break the silence when we began to pull into the small diner. "Okay. A few things you should know about Sarah before you meet her."

Notes

I AM SO SO SO SO SO SORRY!!! I decided to do a quick chapter. I know I said I'd update once a day but I kinda got my internet taken away. So.. oops. I don't have school today so I'm going to try and update again. Hope you had a happy halloween, I has a devil with my friend, not that anyone cares, but whatever. Sucky chapter but at least we know what happens. I still don't quite know who the girl is going to be but they're at peace.
Afternoonynoon Lovelies!!