The night air felt warm and alive as I stood by the door, my pulse still racing from everything that had just happened. When I opened it, I nearly collapsed with relief — it wasn't my parents, thank God.
It was Beth Cunningham — Louis's sister.
"Hi, Laranie," she said, a worried crease across her brow.
"Hey, Beth. How are you doing?" I tried to sound calm, but my voice came out a little shaky.
"Oh, nothing much. By any chance, have you seen Louis anywhere?"
I froze for a moment, my mind racing. "No… why do you ask?"
"Well, he left home without telling anyone, and I thought he might've said something to you."
I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "Sorry, he hasn't told me anything. But I'll call him and find out where he is."
"Why don't you call him now?" she asked, suspicious but concerned.
I forced a laugh. "My phone died, and I was just about to put it on charge."
Beth frowned. "I could give you mine. He won't answer my calls, maybe he'll pick up if it's you."
I felt a bead of sweat run down my neck. "Don't worry, trust me, I'll call him."
"Okay, I guess so," she sighed. "Good night, but don't forget."
"Good night, Beth."
When she walked away, I closed the door and leaned against it, exhaling a long breath. My heart was still pounding as I made my way back upstairs.
Louis was lying on my bed, half-covered, looking at me with that calm, confident expression that always melted me.
"Louis, I thought you were hiding in the bathroom," I whispered.
"I got tired of waiting in there," he said, sitting up, his eyes soft. "So I decided to wait for you here."
"It was your sister," I said quietly. "She was looking for you."
"I don't care," he murmured.
"What if it was my parents?"
"I'd tell them the truth — that I love you, and nothing can change that."
His voice was low, steady, and dangerously convincing. I blushed despite myself.
"Anyway," I said, smiling nervously, "I told her my phone had died, so she wouldn't suspect anything."
"That's why I love you," he said, standing and pulling me into his arms. "You always protect me."
I felt the warmth of his body against mine, the kind of closeness that made me forget everything else. His fingers brushed my chin as he whispered, "You're my angel, Laranie. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You're my prince charming," I whispered back. "My knight in shining armor."
He smiled and kissed me deeply. The world seemed to fall away until it was just us — the quiet hum of the night, the rhythm of our breaths, and the feeling that maybe love wasn't supposed to make sense at all.
When we finally pulled apart, it was 10:00 p.m. The spell broke with the sudden sound of a knock at the door. My heart leapt.
"My parents!" I gasped.
Louis froze. "What do I do?"
"Go through the window, into the backyard," I said quickly.
He kissed me once more, gently this time. "I love you, Laranie."
"I love you too. Now go!"
He winked at me before slipping out through the window just as I hurried to open the door. My parents and brothers stood there, looking exhausted but happy to be home.
"Welcome back," I said, smiling as naturally as I could.
We talked for a few minutes before they all went to bathe, and I headed to the kitchen to serve dinner. My hands were trembling slightly as I moved around the house, trying to act normal.
When everything was settled and quiet, I went to my room and pulled out my phone. I'd promised Jeremy I'd call.
The phone rang once before he picked up. "Hello?"
"Hey, Jeremy," I said softly.
"Laranie, I thought you weren't going to call me," he said with a small laugh.
"I was just busy. When Louis left, I had to arrange things for my parents and brothers."
"It's okay," he said gently. "I'm just glad you called."
"I'll miss you when you go to France," I said, my voice catching.
"I'd do anything for you, Laranie," he said. "Are your parents home?"
"Yes."
"I wanted to come over, but maybe you can visit me tomorrow?"
"That would be perfect. What time?"
"Ten in the morning. I'll make breakfast."
"It's settled then," I said, smiling. "All day at your place."
"I'll be waiting for you, my sweet love."
"I'll be there," I whispered. "Good night, Jeremy."
"I love you."
"I love you too," I said, my heart aching in a way I couldn't describe.
As soon as I hung up, my phone rang again — Louis. I hesitated for a moment, then answered.
"Hi, Louis."
"Hey, beautiful. I miss you already."
"You just left a few minutes ago," I teased.
"That doesn't mean I can't miss your smile… or your warmth."
I blushed, smiling into the phone. "Are you home now?"
"Yeah. Have your parents said anything?"
"Not yet. They're in bed, and I'm in my room."
"I wish I could be there with you," he murmured.
"What would you do if you were?" I asked, half-joking.
"I'd hold you close, kiss you goodnight, and never let you go."
His words made my chest tighten. "That could be arranged," I whispered.
"How?"
"When everyone's asleep, maybe I could call you," I said softly.
"That's why I love you, my angel," he said, his voice low and warm.
When we hung up, I set the phone down and stared at the ceiling.
My heart was tearing itself in two.
Jeremy — the boy who had always been there since high school, steady and kind.
Louis — the one who made my world spin in ways I couldn't explain.
I couldn't play both of them. It wasn't right.
As I drifted off to sleep, I knew what I had to do.
It was time to choose.
And deep down, I already knew who my heart belonged to.
Jeremy.