When I'm Gone

Kate's POV

I haven't seen Louis in two weeks. We had an amazing time in Barcelona and when we returned, it was like we instantly split up. I mean, we talk on the phone, text, snap back and forth, and face time when he's free. It's hard though when he's in LA, its an eight hour time difference. So when Louis goes to bed is usually the only time we can chat because he goes to bed so late that I've already been awake for hours.

Its hard, but we were technically just friends still. I mean we were a little more then friends obviously but I didn't want to put a label on it until he was around just a little more. And we haven't really talked about it except that one night.

Today was the big day. Thanksgiving. I don't know why I wanted to celebrate it here in London but Thanksgiving was always one of my favorite holidays. Everyone getting together for food, conversation, and of course football. Their might be a game on tv if I can find it but I'm not extremely disappointed about it. Louis told me that only Harry knew a bit about the game anyway and he stayed in LA so he wouldn't be joining us.

Olivia was in school today so it was a perfect day for me to cook. I had made apple pie and pumpkin pie yesterday so that was finished. I set the rolls up to raise this morning, the turkey had been defrosting for 24 hours and was already in the oven, so I just waited. I didn't need to peel potatoes just yet and things just didn't need to be made for a few hours.

Sometimes having the money that I do was a blessing and a curse. I know that sounds stupid, but I didn't have to work if I didn't want to so sometimes things just got boring. Before Olivia went to school I was busy with her and the cancer so I was occupied. Now that she's better and in school, it opened up my world to free time.

So there I sat organizing mittens, hats, and gift cards into piles. The last three years Olivia and I made these little bundles that we gave to homeless people before the cold really hit. Just something small that I wanted to do. It wasn't much but I just wanted to do something.

It's nice to be alone and in the quiet at times. But I do miss a crazy house filled with noise and laughter. James always made everyone laugh. Since we lived in our home town, people were always stopping by to visit us. My parents, his parents, his sister, our friends and their kids, it was always fun. When he died, people kept coming over for a while but as time went on, they slowly stopped.

Can I stop over yet?

I peek over at my phone and see that Louis text me and I just got a little jumpy. Good jumpy. I quickly type a response.

Yes, house is quiet, please do.

I wait not even five minutes before I hear him knocking on the door once before coming in. I smile before I even see him.

“Hello gorgeous.” He tells me as I stand and face him for a bone crushing hug, literally lifting me off the floor. I forgot how much I actually missed him. Hiding my head in his neck and just taking the moment in.

“Hi.” I just don't want to let him go but eventually he pulls away, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“How are you?” He inches his head closer and connects our lips, just slightly with aggression and I realized that I really missed him, bringing my hands to his neck and hair, keeping him close as we move together.

A clearing throat only pulls us away and I look behind to see Niall awkwardly waiting for us to stop, putting his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels.

“Niall!” I smile at him and let go of Louis.

“Hi Kate. Lou here told me that you're making dinner so I signed up to eat it.” He laughs and his laugh is one that you can't not laugh along with .

“Yes! Thank you for coming.” I walk over to him and give him a quick hug, Niall really does give the best hugs. “I need some help pealing potatoes in a little bit anyway.” I shrug my shoulders.

“So, I like the new house.” Niall walks into the living room, looking around.

“Ah, yes! I forgot, you've never been here, come on, I'll give you a tour. Louis, can you start a fire please?” I ask and all he does is nod and smile so I know he'll help.

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“So Louis is at home?” Olivia swings her legs sitting in her car seat.

“Yes ma'am. And Niall, Liam, Sophia, Dottie, and Zayn. You remember them?” I catch her eye in the review mirror as she's looking all around.

“Yesss.” She drags out her word and I know she doesn't remember them. It's been a really long time since we've seen them, minus Dottie, we see her at least once a week. I've never even met Sophia but Louis swears up and down she's the sweetest girl.

I left everyone at my house to go pick up Olivia from school. Louis asked to come with me but I told him I need him to peel the potatoes and keep an eye on the house instead. Plus I just like building up the anticipation, Olivia loves Louis and I just love catching their meetings.

I pull in to the drive and notice our house hasn't been burned down so that's always a good sign. I silently smile as I help Olivia out and she literally spins around till we get inside, our house lively with noise. Olivia drops her bag and starts yelling for Louis.

“Olivia!” He yells and she kicks her shoes off running around the dinning room into the entry way where he's standing with open arms. This sight will always make me smile. “You remember Niall, Liam, and Zayn?” Louis takes over for me, pointing to each one and Olivia is suddenly shy as she hides slightly behind him. “And this is Sophia, Liam's girlfriend.”

“Hi Olivia.” Sophia gets down on her knees to shake Olivia's hand, which she extends for only a moment then retreats back behind Louis.

“Olivia, let's get you out of your uniform, yeah?” I suggest to her as we race up the steps leaving everyone behind.

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When we come down the steps, everyone is seated in the living room, chatting away. Olivia races down and practically jumps on Louis' lap, she is so in love.

“Louis, what is this?” Louis is wearing a short sleeved shirt and I don't think she's ever noticed his tattoos.

“Those are tattoos.” He explains as she points to them and tries to scratch them off.

“Why do you have them?” Everyone's conversation stills as they wait for Louis. I know Zayn and Louis both have plenty of tattoos.

“Because I like them, so I had someone drawl them on me.” He tries to explain in the simplest terms.

“But can you take them off?”

“Not really easily.” Everyone lets out a laugh.

“You only like black? What about green?” She squints and pulls at his arms, looking all around them.

“Well that,” He adjusts his posture. “Is so you can color them in for me.” I'm sure my eyes along with Olivia's eyes are wide.

“I can color on you?” She's getting excited and antsy.

“No, I don't think that's a good idea Olivia.” I intervene quickly so she doesn't get her hopes up.

“No, it's okay Kate, you have any markers Olivia?” I can't believe he's letting her do this. Olivia all but jumps from his lap and races up the steps to get her markers, I swear missing the last three steps with her box. She sits next to Louis as he pulls his sleeves up and she starts coloring in his tattoos, Louis continuing conversation with everyone as if nothing is happening. I shake my head and pull myself up from the support of the door frame and start to head to the kitchen.

Louis catches my attention and sends me a wink, I roll my eyes but blow him a kiss. What a man.

Notes

Kind of nice to get back into the swing of things. :)

How cute is Louis and Olivia? I love writing about them. A little funny, when I started writing this story, I didn't think it would actually line up (for the most part) with the actual Thanksgiving.

Would love to hear from you all, I've missed your comments! :)

Happy Thursday!

xoxox