Young & Beautiful

puffy. Her long hair is catching in the wind as she stands beside the car, the moon glowing above
the cold lights of the hospital.
It hadn’t taken them long to get here, and Louis can’t help but be a bit extremely thankful that his
mum was as calm about everything as she was. Even when he shook her awake, his heartbeat in
his mouth and his hands rougher than he meant, jerky and cold, she’d merely switched on her
light, sat up, listened, and nodded. She’d wrapped a jacket around her nightgown, plucked the
keys off of the counter, and waited for Louis expectantly at the door after waking Charlotte, telling
her to watch the girls, to call Stan if she needed.
Louis didn’t like it, didn’t like leaving like that, but he had to. He had to go and all he could do
was hug his little sister without an explanation as he ambled out the door; and now they’re here
after a silent drive, the moon high in the sky, his mum shivering in the wind, his bag slung over his
shoulder, and his jacket open and rumpled.
And he doesn’t want to go inside.
“No, it’s fine,” he finally responds, voice scratchy. He’s solemn, terrified. Biting the insides of his
lips and avoiding his mum’s gaze.
The wind whips past them as they stand, awkward.
“And they can’t find Niall?” she asks after a moment, hugging her sides.
“I guess,” he shrugs, hollow. “At least, that’s what Rory said.”
He needs to suck it up and go inside.
“You’re sure you don’t need me?” she asks, one last time, unsure.
Louis is thankful for it. Niall really has, somehow, miraculously, improved her character.
Niall.
His stomach twists.
“Yeah. I don’t think Zayn would—“ he cuts off, swallowing.
This is all so bizarre.
She nods, silent, clearly uncomfortable.
“Call us and the girls when everything’s okay. Don’t forget about us,” she adds with a weak
smile.
A prickle of annoyance settles inside him at the request but it’s only momentary before he attempts
a smile in return.
“Couldn’t if I tried, could I?” he tries to joke.
She merely stares at him in response, searchingly, worriedly.
The wind whips by.
“Good luck,” she says at last, stepping towards him after hesitating, wrapping him up in her arms.
He feels her press her lips to his hair, her hands gripping him tightly.