I turned around, to continue walking when he called out, “Weren't you walking the other way?”
My cheeks reddened. Merlin. I turned back around, still embarrassed. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” I asked rather infuriated.

Louis' eyes glanced downward to the floor, as if the carpet had the answer. He took a deep breath, trying to find a way to explain. I hoped it was one heck of a good explanation.

The blood running down my arms froze as he brought my fingers to his lips. In a hushed voice, he spoke, “I thank Merlin everyday, that I met you.”

He bit his lip, running a hand through his dark hair, “How's your mother doing?”
“She's doing okay,” I quietly answered, hoping the touchy subject would be dropped.

Yeah, right. I was not stupid, and I knew something was wrong. I sighed, sitting on the edge of the couch. “Louis, please be honest with me. I was honest with you and I trust you. You can trust me.”

I knew he was worried but I could not help feeling a little hurt that he hadn’t thought to ask me to go with him. I pulled away from him and said with an edge of hurt to my voice, “Well when you figure it out, just let me know.”

He placed my hand near his heart, my palm feeling the warmth of his skin and the rhythmic beating beneath. His warm hand loosely covered mine, his thumb rubbing my smooth skin in a circular motion.

 
“Stephie, you need to try.” My mother touched my head, stroking my hair.

 Louis bit his lip, sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch. “I have hurt you one too many times, Stephanie.”