The 28th House

chapter 3

*Harry's POV*

I am sat at my kitchen table eating breakfast with my mum and sister.

"Mum told me about some new kid you've been driving around. What's he like? Anything like you?" My sister, Gemma, asks.

"He's nothing like me. He's so nerdy and it really pisses me off."

"Harry! Be nice." My mum snaps at me. I just roll my eyes at her.

"What's his name?" Gemma asks.

"Louis Tomlinson. Even sounds like a smart person name."

"Harry, don't make fun of him. Maybe if you focused on your grades more and not getting into fights at school like Louis does, then you will be able to keep going with school." Mum says.

"What?" I ask, panic in my voice. I didn't think my grades were that bad. I didn't know I was getting kicked out of school.

"Your principal called me yesterday and said that if your grades keep getting worse you will have to drop out." I put my head in my hands. I never wanted this to happen. I only ever wanted to help out my mum after all she's been through. "But you can stay in school on one condition."

My head shoots up, my pleading eyes meeting my mum's. "What is it?"

"You can get a tutor. I think Louis would be the perfect fit if he wants to be. His house is easy to get to and you already somewhat know each other."

"Absolutely not." My mum wants to punish me. I'd let anyone be my tutor, just not him. I can tell that things aren't going to end well. I can already feel myself liking him. If we become friends then all hell will break loose. I can already tell that Louis is a sweet, fragile person. I can tell that he's gay but I don't think others will be able to figure that out from school. All I know is that people can't know that my reputation is fake or they'll suspect I'm gay. I have to keep him away from me, even if that's being rude and mean to him.

"Think about it. It may be your only option." My mum finishes and walks out of the room. I look over at my sister and she is giving me the 'you better do it to make mum happy' look. I've always hated being the youngest child.

I hear my mum call out that she will be going next door in an hour to meet Louis' mum, Johanna, before I step outside into the cold to find Louis walking outside his house, towards my car.

As I walk towards my car, I decide that I won't smoke while driving Louis to school today.

I reach my car at the same time he does. "Hey." I say to Louis. I think he is surprised I actually spoke to him.

"Hey. Zayn isn't coming with us today?"

"Nah. He had soccer practice earlier so he went by himself. And that was only a one time thing." I say before smiling at him. Why am I smiling at him? I'm meant to be mean to him. I think he just has this effect on me.

"Okay. Do you play any sports?"

"I used to play soccer with Zayn but I got kicked off the team for fighting with another guy on my team."

"Sorry. That sucks." Louis says kindly. Even after all the rude things I've said to him, he's still willing to be nice to me and give me a shot.

"Yeah it does." I turn on the car and begin the journey to school.

"I've noticed that you are only rude to me when other people are around. Is it because of your reputation?" Louis asks.

I look over at him, furrowing my eyebrows. "You notice a lot of things." I simply reply.