My Shining Star

It’s been three years since the last time I saw my best friend. He told me one day that he was going to audition for the X Factor and I was really happy for him. Little did I know that the last time I was going to see him, for a very long time, was that day.

He auditioned and got to boot camp, but he didn’t make the cut. He called me pretty upset, but then he had to go because they were calling him back. Next thing I knew, he called me again the most excited I’d ever heard him. They put him in a group instead with four other guys around his age. They got through to the live shows and named themselves One Direction.

They may not have won the whole thing, but they got third place and Simon gave them a record deal anyway. Since then, they went on an X Factor tour and two tours of their own. I’m really happy for them…but I really miss my Louis. Their second tour is still going on but they have a little bit of a break so he’s coming home for a bit! I can’t wait to see him again, I miss him so much.

The thing is…besides him being my best friend, I’ve always secretly had a thing for him. I’ve wanted to tell him for the longest time, but I never had the guts to. I finally did have the guts that day when he told me he was auditioning for X Factor. But I didn’t get to tell him because he just told me he was going, hugged me, said he’d keep in touch, and he left.

I’ve been holding back telling him for three years and now I finally get to tell him how I really feel when I see him again! I’m so nervous I’m shaking and my heart is beating a mile a minute. I’m at the airport right now waiting for him. He should be getting here any time now.

People have started walking out of his gate so the plane is here. I’m looking for him, but there are so many people. All of a sudden I hear screaming girls. …found him!

I’m looking in his direction so I hope he spots me. Oh my gosh he sees me! He looks so happy. “Sammi!?” he says from across the airport.

“Louis!!” I say with excitement.

He shouts to me, “Come here, love!!” I run to him, us never taking our eyes off of each other. When I get close enough I jump into his arms and I feel myself being lifted off the ground.

“How are you? I haven’t seen you for ages!” he asks.

“I’ve been all right...but I’ve really missed you.”

“Awh I missed you too. Hey do you maybe want to grab a bite to eat? I’m starved.”

“Yeah sure let’s go to Nandos. I bet you’ve missed it.” I say.

“Yeah, but not as much as I’ve missed my boo boo!” he says side-hugging me. He’s called me boo boo since we were little kids. Even though we’re grown up now, he still insists on calling me that after all these years. But I liked it, it was cute.

We got in my car and drove to the restaurant. We were sitting at our table at Nandos eating, and catching up on things and I knew that I had to tell him while we were here alone with no one to interfere. But it was proving to be harder than I thought. Every time I was about to tell him that I had to tell him something, he would start talking about something else. I think I’ll try again.

“Um…Louis? Can I talk to you about something?”

“Yeah sure. What is it, boo boo?” he asks concerned seeing the serious look on my face. Oh no…I’m blanking. I had this perfect way I was gonna tell him and now it’s gone! His phone started ringing breaking the awkward silence. Thank goodness.

“Okay…while you think about that, I’m going to answer this call..” He got out his phone to see who it was and his face immediately lit up. …who was it?

“Helloooo? Who could this be?...ha I know it’s you El. How are you, love?...I miss you too, babe. Can I text you later? I’m catching up with my bestie at the moment…” he says winking at me making me melt. “Okay…bye love. …I love you too.” He hangs up.

Gathering up all my courage, I say “Louis…I have to tell you something.”

“I have to tell you something too…”

“Ok you first.”

“I don’t know if you heard this any time while I was away, but I have a girlfriend! Her name is Eleanor. We’ve been dating for over a year now. And we’re really happy!”

“…oh…that’s great Boobear. I’m happy for you.”

“Anyway, what did you want to tell me?” he asks. My heart was shattered. This past year that I foolishly thought he may like me too, he was boyfriend to some chick named Eleanor! It’s taking everything I have not to cry right now.

“Nothing…I just hope that you and Eleanor are happy together and I wish nothing but the best for you two…”

“Aaaawh thanks boo boo! Let’s go back to your place and watch a movie.” The whole car ride home, all I could think about was how I had lost my chance with the only guy I’ve ever liked.

Where do I go from here? Do I keep being best friends with someone who I know will never like me back? Do I meet his girlfriend and resist the urge to punch her in the face every time they touch? Should I tell him how I really feel in the hopes that he’ll realize he feels the same and dump Eleanor? All of these questions are running through my brain…and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking right now…

Notes