LOU

Dinner was the usual chaos. Treena was trying to keep Thomas from launching peas across the table with his spoon, Dad was focused on the telly, and Mum was fussing over everyone's plates like we were all going to waste away if she didn't pile on an extra serving of mashed potatoes.

"Honestly, Thomas," Treena muttered, grabbing the spoon out of his hand before he could send another green missile flying. "Can't you just eat like a normal human being?"

Thomas grinned, his mischievous brown eyes sparkling. "But it's fun, Mum!"

I bit back a laugh, watching the two of them from my spot at the end of the table. It was strange, really, how normal everything seemed here-like the last few weeks hadn't turned my entire life upside down. But the illusion of normality didn't last long.

"Right, so," Treena began, cutting into the quiet as she wiped down Thomas's face with a napkin, "Lou, have you decided what you'll do about the Traynors yet?"

My fork froze halfway to my mouth. I should've known this was coming. Treena had been dropping hints for days, but until now, she hadn't pressed the issue. I put down my fork, feeling the weight of everyone's attention shift toward me. Of course, they wanted to know what was happening between Will and me. Treena was still in uni, and of course, things fell on me to help Dad with our expenses.

"I don't know, Treen," I muttered, my appetite suddenly gone. "I haven't really thought about it."

Mum hovered over Grandad's plate and finally turned around, her expression unreadable. But I could see the tension in her jaw, the way her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at me.

"Well, you can't avoid it forever," Treena said, her tone light, though I could hear the seriousness behind it. "I mean, you're not exactly employed anymore, right? If you're spending all this time with Will..."

"Will," Mum interrupted, her voice sharp. "Of course, it's about Will Traynor."

The air in the room shifted, and the comfortable chaos of dinner was suddenly replaced by something heavier and tense. I could feel the weight of her disapproval settling over me like a blanket.

"Mum," I started, trying to keep my tone calm, "it's not like that."

"Isn't it?" Mum shot back, folding her arms across her chest. "You're running yourself ragged over that man, and for what? He's already caused enough trouble in this family."

I clenched my jaw, my hands balling into fists under the table. "He's not trying to cause trouble."

"Oh, really?" Mum's voice was rising now, her eyes flashing with anger and concern. "What about the press? Hounding us day and night because of him? What about the gossip down at the shops? I can't go anywhere without someone asking about my daughter andWill are still talking about what he was going to do to himself."

"It's none of their business," I snapped, my voice trembling with the effort to stay calm. "It's not their life. It's mine and Will's."

Mum shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "You've thrown your life away for him, Lou. I don't know what else to call it."

"It's not like that," I said again, but the words felt hollow, even to me.

"Isn't it?" Mum pressed, stepping closer. "You've been wrapped up in his world for months now. What happens next, Lou? What happens when he... when he makes his decision again?"

"Mum," Treena cut in, her voice quieter but firm. "Let's not do this right now. Especially in front of Tom."

"What's going on?" Tom's small voice drifted between us.

But Mum wasn't listening. Her eyes were locked on me, the tension between us thick enough to cut.

"I want to know, Louisa. I want to know where you stand." She took a deep breath, her expression softening just a little. "I don't want to lose you to this. You need to make a choice. Either you move on from all this, or you stay in that mess. But you can't have both."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. The room seemed too small, too quiet, and all I could hear was the sound of my own heartbeat thudding in my ears. Every word Mum said felt like a stone being placed on my chest, heavier and heavier until I wasn't sure if I could breathe. She didn't understand—how could she? Will wasn't just a burden or a choice I had to make. He was... everything. And I wasn't ready to lose him. Not again.

"I can't believe you're making me choose," I whispered, barely audible.

"I'm not making you do anything, love," Mum said softly, but there was an edge to her words. "I'm asking you to think about your future. To think about what you really want."

"I know what I want. I want Will in my life, and I want to be in his." I looked at my dad, pleading silently for him to help me, but he remained silent for once. "What about Dad? He still works at the castle. Are you making him choose?"

"That's different." She sniffed indignantly.

"How? He's still working for the Traynors. They're the reason why our lights are on, right?"

"Louisa!" Dad raised his voice. "I think that's enough for now."

Silence settled over the room like a heavy fog. Treena looked between us, her expression torn, but she said nothing. Even Thomas had gone quiet, sensing the shift in the air.

I pushed back from the table, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. I couldn't do this—not here, not now. Without a word, I stood up and walked out of the kitchen, the sound of Mum calling after me fading into the background as I headed for the stairs.

I needed space. I needed to think. But more than that, I needed to figure out what the hell I was going to do next.

"Lou?" Nathan's voice filled my ear.

"Hey, Nathan..." I chewed on my bottom lip before drawing in an unsteady breath. "Is Will still awake?"

I heard a shuffling sound on the other side of the phone before he spoke again. "Yeah, I just got him settled for the night. Do you want to speak to him?"

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "Yes."

"It's Lou," he said to Will.

"Clark?" My shoulders sagged at his voice even as my pulse sped up.

I almost hung up, second-guessing my decision to call him. He'd opened his door to me once before, but I wasn't sure if now was the right time to ask for his help. My mother had made it clear that I had to choose between them and Will. It wasn't fair. Will hadn't gone through with Switzerland, but somehow she couldn't get past it. Treen thinks she'll come around, but I'm not so sure. I know she isn't upset with Will—not really. She's upset about the way everything was handled, and she doesn't want me involved. But it's not as simple as walking away.

"Hi, Will." I paused, my tongue thick and heavy, unable to form the words.

"Is everything okay? Are you alright?"

"Yes. I mean, no. I mean, things are getting complicated here, and I was wondering if I could—if you'd be okay with me staying a few days at your place until I figure something out. I promise I won't be there long. It's just that—"

"Clark, slow down." Will's voice was calm, his words like a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to ramble." I paused, trying to gather my thoughts, but they felt scattered, like leaves in the wind. "It's just... things with my mum have gotten worse. She's not handling the situation well, and she's... she's forcing me to make a choice."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line. I could picture Will, his brow furrowed, processing what I was saying. I could hear the faint sound of the machines in the background, their steady rhythm a reminder of everything he'd been through, everything he was still going through.

"You don't have to explain," he said, his voice soft but firm. "If you need a place to stay, Clark, my door is always open. You know that."

Relief flooded through me, but it was tinged with guilt. I didn't want to impose on him, not now when he was dealing with so much. "I don't want to be a burden," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You're not a burden," Will said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Come here. Stay as long as you need."

I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. It wasn't just about having a place to stay. It was about the fact that he was still here, still someone I can lean , Will, what would I do without you?

"Thank you," I whispered. "I'll pack a few things and be there soon."

"Take your time," he said. "I'll be here."

As I hung up the phone, my heart felt a little lighter, knowing that I wasn't completely alone.

I yanked my oversized luggage from under the bed and flipped it open. There were a few pieces of my clothing left inside from the last time I had taken refuge at the annex. After that horrible day at the airport, I sent Treena and my dad to pack my things. I never expected that I'd ever be moving back there again. Something bubbled up inside me as I tossed in a few skirts and jumpers. I was moving back in with Will Traynor. We were going to be living together again.

I moved from the closet to the dresser, selecting some of my brightest and most unique outfits—clothes I knew would intrigue Will and hopefully make him smile.

"Knock, knock," Treena said before entering the room.

I looked up, an armful of underwear clutched to my chest. "Hey."

She moved a pile of blouses out of the way and sat on my bed. "So, you're really doing it?"

I stuffed the underwear in my suitcase. "Doing what?"

"Oh, don't be daft, Lou. You're choosing Will over us."

I paused my movements. "No, I'm not choosing Will over—Mum doesn't understand."

I don't think any of them really understood. Sometimes I don't even understand this connection I have with Will. Six months wasn't very long, but to me, it felt like a lifetime. In the entire seven years I dated Patrick, I didn't feel a fraction for him what I feel for Will. When I wasn't with him, it was like I was missing a piece of myself. Maybe I could have smoothed things over with Mum, but part of me didn't want to—especially if it meant I could be closer to Will.

"Look, Lou, I know we haven't always gotten along. But believe it or not, we care about you. I know you love Will, and right now, you're caught up in the moment. Just don't… don't lose yourself in him. I don't know if you'll be able to survive if he decides he would rather, ya know."

"Thanks a lot, Treen." I pulled a look.

Treena rolled her eyes. "Come on, you know what I mean, Lou. You were a wreck for days after you got back from that trip. Don't get me wrong, I hope it works out for you two. I just don't want to see you like that again."

I sat beside her on the bed, hesitating before resting my head on her shoulders. "Thanks, Treen. Really. I have to believe that things are going to work out. A few weeks ago, I thought I would be at Will's memorial."

Treena wrapped her arms around my shoulders. "I know. Funny how things change."

I nodded. "Funny that."

Treena sighed and picked at the pile of clothing on my bed. "Are you bringing those bumblebee tights?"