14 days with you - Larry

DAY 2

I wake up entirely alone in our room. I spend a good ten minutes doing nothing, eyes locked with the ceiling until I find the strength to crawl down. It really was a miracle I made it up here last night, especially after the dizziness Louis brought on, but at least Liam and Zayn were displeased, a bit more annoyed than they had right to be. I was properly pleased, though, effectively getting them back for their insufferable selfishness. They had it coming, I reason, mainly because they're outright assholes.

I head into the bathroom to do what I need to before I get into a pair of shorts and slip outside. Liam and Zayn are lying on the sun-chairs, holding hands between them while they chat quietly. I almost crack a smile, simply because this kind of affection is a lot cuter than their inappropriate touching. And yet I suppose I wouldn't mind some of that myself, wandering hands in public. I understand the appeal, but I'm probably not going to admit it out loud—not unless I find someone who's into it as well.

"Morning, love," Mum says, smiling when I come out. "I'm just about to pick up some breakfast if you wanna come with me."

"Might as well."

There's quite the collection of shops, all with modern exteriors that have replaced the cozy look from before everything was renewed. Mum and I head into the supermarket, not soon enough to get a wide collection of bread, but we select between what's left before we continue to the juice. I convince her to buy a glass of Nutella before I wander around the shop while she finds whatever else we need. I meet her by the register where I snatch a couple of lollipops that she doesn't notice I've taken until she's already paid for them—not that she says anything about it.

"I know you're having a hard time with Liam, but—"

"I'm not gonna talk about this again."

"I just don't understand what you have against each other. He's as lovely as you are."

"Maybe there's too much loveliness."

Her silence is usually a sign of surrender. And I know we're never through with this conversation, but I'm not sure what to tell her once she refuses to let it go, because it's not easy to explain why Liam and I aren't getting along—we just aren't.

I eat in silence once we get back, letting my mind wander as I consider how soon Louis is going to track me down. I have no clue how he's going to manage it, but I hope he has some magical sense of direction when it comes to my whereabouts.

Liam and Zayn head inside to change, then come back outside so they can excuse themselves and head to the pool. I briefly pray to whoever is up there—if anyone is—that someone pees in whatever pool they choose to swim in.

"Do you wanna come to the beach with us, honey?"

I sigh as I look at Mum. "I guess so."

I change into my swim-shorts and put on sunscreen, being responsible rather than stupid. I help Mum pack a bag so we can get going, heading in the same direction as I did last night. I guide us straight ahead until we reach the nearest entrance—gate 6—to the beach.

Mum brings her sandals into her hand instead of wearing them as we walk down the wooden pathway. I know I've partially made a mistake by not wearing shoes—it's not an issue until the asphalt is too hot, but there's no way it won't be when we're heading back again.

I smile to myself as soon as my eyes accidentally land on the group of boys who are playing football by the goals between gates 5 and 6. "Found you."

Louis is grinning when he kicks the ball towards his opponents' goal, letting himself collapse in the sand once it goes in. He picks himself up to get the bottle of water that's placed by the goal, eyes meeting mine when he puts it to his lips. He breaks into a smile, but I can hardly catch my breath when I look at him.