I decided to call Lottie on my way home and check on her. Apparently her mom had picked her up shortly after I left.

"Hey love, how are you?" I asked.

"I'm okay. Just annoyed. Apparently Harry's staying at Niall's until Lou gets over it.. which honestly, I don't think he will. Harry's going to stay away from him until Louis ALLOWS him to come back. It's so dumb." She huffed.

"Yeah well, they'll work it out. But how did you and Harry leave things?"

"He said we should hold off on anything until he can have a decent conversation with my annoying brother. Which I get. I can wait for him forever." I could hear the love in her voice and it broke my heart. Harry was a great guy, too nice to tell her the truth. It could never work between them. I knew it, he knew it, everyone knew it.. except for Lottie.

"Okay.. well I love you doll. Maybe I can come and see you this weekend?" I asked.

"Yes you totally should. My mom misses you."

I frowned and thought about the fact that I couldn't stand her brother right now. I didn't want to have to give up Lottie and his other sisters and his mum just because he's a prick. It wasn't fair."

"I miss her too. Talk to you soon babe."

"Mkay bye."

I rested my head against the cab window and groaned. This wasn't ever gonna get better.

---

I unlocked my door to my flat and stumbled in. Max, Tom, and Nathan were sitting on my couch playing video games. I refused to cry in front of them. I wouldn't.

"Hey Soph, up for some Mario Cart?" Tom asked. He knew it was my favorite game and probably hoped I wouldn't kick them out of my apartment.

"No thanks." I said numbly, walking past them and into my room.

I heard a knock at my door and screamed through the pillow I had shoved my face into, "Go away!!"

Of course, they ignored me. They all sat around my bed in silence.

"Sophia love, what are you going?" Tom asked.

"Attempting to suffocate myself in this pillow, which would be much easier if you all left." I said bluntly.

I looked up at the three boys as they stared blankly at me. Not moving for at least 10 seconds before attacking me. Kisses, tickling, screaming profanity. It was horrendous.

"STOP THE MADNESS!" I yelled through the laughter.

"There's our Sophie! I was worried we'd have to start singing 22!" Max said grinning.

I sat up in my bed and pulled the pillow to my chest. I knew I could probably lie my way out of this. But honestly, I didn't want to. These boys are family. I shouldn't have to keep lying about my problems with Louis just because they can't stand him. Whether or not he's perfect to me does not matter. They'll hate him anyway.

"Louis had a girl over tonight." I said quietly.

They all just sat there, waiting for me to continue.

"I guess I can't be mad at him. We aren't together anymore. I just thought he would wait more than 24 hours to move on. He was with the girl he kissed at the bar the other night when I uh... was with Nathan.." Nathan smirked and Tom smacked his leg, urging me to go on.

"I was going to tell him I loved him... he just sat there. He's so self centered. It's the Louis Tomlinson show 24/7. He's mad because I brought his sister home from Doncaster because she was scared about something and didn't tell him. Maybe you guys were right.."

I felt a hot tear fall from my face and I waited for the 'I told you so's and the 'i knew it's. But there wasn't any. Nathan grabbed my hand and pulled me onto his lap.

"I'm sorry he hurt you Sophia." Tom said quietly.

Max just looked down, not making any eye contact with me.

"I'm surprised you guys aren't excited about this" I mumbled.

"Excited? Sophia we love you. We could never be happy that you're hurt. I know we don't like him, but that doesn't mean we wanted him to hurt you. We were hoping he would prove us wrong. But he didn't. I'm sorry you thought that little of us.." Max said.

I looked around and smiled a little. Three of my favorite people ever were putting their feelings aside for me.

"I love you guys, thank you"

Nathan grinned and kissed my cheek, "Love you too Soph."

I looked at my brother and grinned, "Would it be horrible if I asked Connor to hang out tomorrow?"

His face lit up, "We have the award party tomorrow night. One Directions going to be there. I have three extra tickets. Bring him!" He urged.

"I don't even know if he'd want to! He's in law school!" I protested.

"Love, from what we've heard, this kid is in love with you. Has been for years. Max likes him too. He'd be an idiot not to go." Tom said.

I took out my phone and texted him

To: Connor Archibald
What are your plans for tomorrow night?

He responded almost instantly

From: Connor Archibald
Oh no, that's never good coming from you. Let me skip the foreplay here.. Why don't you tell me what I'm doing tomorrow night.

I grinned and gave everybody a wink.

To: Connor Archibald
You will be accompanying me to an award show after party. Wear a suit and make sure you look HOT.

From: Connor Archibald
Got it. Take it it didn't go well with the boy tonight?

To: Connor Archibald
No it didn't. He was with a chick. So you have to look hot as hell and help your favorite girl out ;)

From: Connor Archibald
Still haven't given up the scheming? I'll be over at 8

To: Connor Archibald
Old habits die hard!

Everyone was intently watching me, waiting for his answer.

"He'll be there" I said proudly.

If there was ever a guy to make Louis Tomlinson squirm, Connor Archibald was the one. And I was ready for my highschool hottie to help me beat the little narcissist at his own game.

Notes