Status Single (One Direction)

The Eiffel Tower

Chapter Thirteen

Charlotte's POV

Liam and I got into the taxi, and all I had to say was "Eiffel Tower".

I've always wanted to see the tower; since I was a little girl in Manchester. I was always such a girl as I dreamed about going to Paris with the love of my life, eating French foods, and having him kiss me on the Eiffel Tower. But instead, I was here with Liam Payne of One Direction.

The drive was quick and uneventful. We got out after paying the driver, and I looked up at the tower lit up in golden lights. A smile broke out on my face. I looked over at Liam, but he wasn't looking at the landmark. He was smiling at me.

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe I'm here!" I cried, "This is honestly my dream. You have no idea."

"It's gorgeous, isn't it?" he agreed.

I nodded and hurried to the stairs that lead up to the viewing area. Liam followed close behind me. I breathed in a sharp breath as soon as I stepped onto the metal balcony. It really is as gorgeous as I imagined.

I walked to the edge and placed my arms on the railing. I breathed in the cool air and closed my eyes. I felt Liam beside me, and heard him take in a breath. We stayed silent for a long time.

"We haven't talked much," Liam stated after a few long minutes, "I know you don't like me."

I didn't reply, and he let out a frustrated sigh. Liam was just trying to break the tension, and I was shooting him down.

"It's probably because of what Louis said at the awards," he continued, "I wouldn't blame you if our situations were reversed. I don't blame you now. But I'm not sure if blaming me is really the best solution."

I was surprised by his words, but I still refused to look at him. My eyes were open, and I just stared ahead.

"I heard Louis talking on the phone that morning. I know why Paris and Louis hate each other."

I finally turned to the boy in surprise, "You know? Why have you never told anyone?"

"It's not really my story to tell," he said, "But if it gives me a chance to be your friend, Char, I'll tell you everything."

I pursed my lips, but curiosity got the better of me. We all have our own secrets, but this one didn't seem too personal. Whenever we ask the Doncaster girl about Louis, she just ends up complaining more than answering our questions. It's not a secret, but it's not something Paris is likely to share.

"Alright, fine," I gave in, "If you tell me, I'll give you a second chance at a first impression."

Liam smiled, "Perfect. As for Louis and Paris, it's not too complicated. The met in grade school at a young age. They lived just down the street from each other, and their parents were good friends. But for some reason, Paris and Lou hated each other. It started with just not speaking, but then it grew worse. They pulled pranks on each other every other day, they called each other names, and I think Paris even gave Louis a black eye with one punch. That was all in primary school, though. Paris moved to Poole for a few years, and the two didn't speak again. That is, until Louis' mum heard that they were both in bands, and nominated for the same award."

I let out a small laugh, "That seems so childish, but exactly what Paris would do."

"Same with Louis," Liam agreed, "Those two aren't so different, really."

I thought about the two before giving him a small shrug, "They're not so similar either."

Liam sighed, "I don't get that."

"Get what?"

"How we're all so similar. It's almost as if Simon planned it out that way."

I turned back to the city and smiled, "I don't know. Maybe he has a master plan? A way to take over the world?"

Liam laughed, "If that happens, I wish you the best of luck."

"Don't worry. I'll protect you in the Simon Apocolypse."

"Thanks."

I laughed, and looked at him for a brief minute, before looking away again.

"I never hated you, Liam," I said suddenly, "The others - Callie and Natalie anyways - they don't hate you either. Sure, the little speech was hurtful, but it's in the past. We've all moved on. Mostly..."

"Why are you mad, then? Why do you ignore us?" Liam pressed desperately.

"Liam...you guys haven't made much of an effort either," I reminded him, and he seemed to shrink back in realization.

"You're...you're right. I guess we just thought that after Louis opened his big mouth, you would never forgive us."

I gave him a wink, "Never assume with Status Single."

Liam laughed and I looked up at the tower. It really was beautiful lit up like this.

"You know, when I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having my first kiss on the Eiffel Tower. Isn't that cute?" I said mindlessly, "It's a bit of a dead dream now, I guess. Even though the 'never been kissed' thing is sadly true."

Liam shook his head, "There's no such thing as a dead dream. I had that thought once too."

"At least for you it could happen. I kind of lack in the confidence supply," I sighed.

"It will happen, Charlotte."

"When?"

"How about tonight?"

I looked him straight in the eyes, and my breath hitched in my throat.

When I could finally speak, I sputtered, "Liam, we just became friends-"

"Exactly. It won't be weird or anything, because we're friends. Then you can have your dream."

"I-I don't know..."

"Come on, Char. You know you want to. It won't even mean anything."

I hesitated, before nodding slowly, "Alright...fine."

Liam smiled and leaned in, gently placing his lips against mine. I closed my eyes and felt his warm, soft lips that made me tingle. My heart fluttered like a bird trapped in my ribcage.

When I pulled away, I looked at his facial expression. He was smiling, but in a friendly way. As if it hadn't happened.

"See? Now you've had your first kiss," Liam whispered, and I felt my cheeks burn.

"Umm....thanks, I guess," I said softly, unable to meet his gaze. How did I let that happen? That shouldn't have happened. I don't like Liam like that. I barely like him at all! Why did I just kiss him? Rae is the player, not me.

"W-we should go," I said quickly. I didn't wait for his reply, I just ran, leaving everything - Liam, the kiss, and the memory - behind.