Worth it?

Worth it? Part 3

After their little walk and a whole lot of unexpected bonding, Louis and Hattie made their way back to the laundry room to collect their clothes. No one had their phones on them at the time, so they had no idea what had already started unfolding online. They each headed to their rooms like nothing had happened. By 5 PM, it was time for supper at the DH.

As Hattie was walking toward the dining hall, guess who she bumped into again? Louis. So naturally, they walked together. Ooooooooh, it was ALL eyes on them.

Every table, every corner of the hall noticed. The whispering started immediately. Hattie and Louis both noticed the attention and gave each other that look like, "You seeing this too?" But neither said a word. When they reached the hall, they went their separate ways, Louis to his crew (The Big Five), and Hattie to her table where Bella and Eunice were already waiting.

As soon as Hattie sat down, Eunice leaned in( eyes wide).

Eunice: Spill the tea, right now! (banging the table softly)

Hattie: Huh? What are you even talking about? (Concerned and shrugging shoulders)

Bella grabbed her phone and turned the screen to Hattie.

Bella: Go to Insta. Check the school confession page. Now.

Hattie opened her phone and… BOOM! There it was. The post. The picture of her leaning on Louis’ shoulder, under the tree, looking like a full blown couple on a romantic date.

She tried to explain it away, but her friends weren’t having it. The picture said everything, and even though Hattie swore nothing happened, the image made it look like everything did. Meanwhile, on the other side of DH, Louis? Chill. Too chill. The post didn’t bother him one bit. If anything, he seemed to be enjoying the attention.

But things weren’t so chill for long. After dinner, Louis got a call from his girlfriend, Mia. She was fuming.

Mia: What the f**k is that, Louis?! How am I supposed to feel?! The least you could’ve done is telling me the truth! (shouting, shaking)

Louis: Stop shouting at me. (smooth tone and looking around)

Mia: Who the hell do you think you are? You act like a b***h and then try to tell me how to feel?

Louis: I said don’t shout. (chilled)

Mia: Are you guys dating? (Looking at him straight in the eyes)

Louis: What are you even talking about?

Mia: Louis, stop playing dumb, please.

Louis: Is this about the IG post?

Mia: It’s about everything! The walk, the damn photo, the way you two looked at each other!

Louis: I’m not dating Hattie. We only did laundry together.

Mia: Does that even sound believable to you? You came to the DH together! (clapping and fuming)

Louis: One of the machines was broken. We decided to combine our clothes.

Mia: Do I look stupid to you?

Louis: Go check the machines yourself. (annoyed)

Mia: You two were cozy! Eating ice cream, playing all lovey dovey, lying on each other like it’s some kind of date.

Louis: That’s not true. I’d never do that to you, Mia. You know I love you. (pulls her closer)

You know Chichi and Bee they stir up drama for fun. It’s not what it looks like.

Mia: Louis, I know you. And you know I know you.

Louis: It’s getting cold. Let’s go talk in my room. I don’t want you to catch a cold. (grabbing her ass and kissed on the forehead)

The rest was history.

Back in the girls’ hostel, Eunice was still on Hattie’s case.

Eunice: So… you’re telling us you two didn’t even kiss?

Hattie: No! Come on, guys.

Bella: You know he has a girlfriend, right?

Eunice: He ain’t married though. Chill.

Bella: Still… you know how he is.

Eunice: If he came to you, would you have said no?

Bella: (pauses )…Obviously not.

Eunice: Then shhh.

Hattie: Guys, can we drop the topic? Please.

Eunice: Nah, girl. Tomorrow, you are the headline. Better get used to it.

Hattie: (sighs) Goodnight, guys. (heads to bed)

Bella: You’re gonna need that energy tomorrow.

Eunice: Yeah, store it, my sister.

They all laughed, teasing her as the room slowly dimmed, and one by one, they drifted off to sleep… but the drama was far from over.