When Worlds Combine - A WWC Sequel

28; Smoothies, rude awakenings, and clothes

Violet

 

"Man, it's good to be back. It really is. New York is absolute madness. I mean, it's great, I love the place, but it can get too frantic sometimes. I like London because it's a city that's quiet. It's true what they say, New Yorknever sleeps."

I listen to Liam talk, smiling over my smoothie. It's nice to have him back and on talking terms with me, and it's nice hearing about his life. I have so many questions for him that I can't quite get them all out.

"But New York really is amazing. You should aim to go sometime in your lifetime, Vi, you'll love it. You have to experience it all. The lights, the people, everything. Everyday is a completely new day. It's just such a happening place." He chews on his sandwich in thought. "But you know, at the end of the day when you fall asleep to the sounds of sirens and the drunken yells, you can't help but feel how alone you actually are. You meet with people every day, possibly every night. I mean, you're always with people. But I have never felt so alone in my life. Does that make sense?"

I give him a half smile. "It makes perfect sense." I've felt the exact same way, and I didn't have to travel across the world to feel it.

He sighs, putting down his sandwich. "I've done some bad things, Vi."

My ears perk up. "W-What?"

"I'm not who I used to be. I've changed."

"That's okay, Liam. I've changed too. You're meant to."

He shakes his head, like something's bothering him. "You haven't changed, Violet. Hell, you'd be the only one who hasn't."

I frown, because that seems to get to me. Of course I had changed. I thought I had, at least. Hadn't I? "I've changed a lot, actually," I defend.

He gives me a playful smile. "Oh, come on. You're still the same old Violet I used to be best friends with! You're sensitive and stubborn and intelligent and organised and still in your comfort zone." He takes another bite from his sandwich. "It's so nice to see. I mean, when you're in a world where everything's constantly changing, it's really nice to see someone who hasn't changed one single bit. Who never, ever will." He grins.

I don't know what to say; mostly because I don't know how to react. Is that really what Liam thinks? If he thinks that, does everybody else? I thought I had left high school me behind. I thought I had changed massively! I know he thinks he's giving me a compliment, but it's anything but.

"I-I don't think that's true," I choke out. "You don't really know me much now."

"That's the thing that's so great!" He cries. "It's been, what, six months? Six months that I haven't seen you and it doesn't even matter."

My jaw locks. I'm frustrated with him but mostly upset. Upset because it's harsh, and upset because it's true. It's all true. He's completely right. I may have cut my hair and gotten a job, but really that's all. The only thing I have now that I didn't before is Zayn; and I barely have him anymore. Is that the reason? Is it all me? Is it because everyone around me is changing and I'm still stuck in the past?

Liam finishes his sandwich and dusts off his hands, leaning back. "That was great." He checks his expensive wristwatch, pulling up the sleeves of his suit jacket. "Oh, shit. I gotta run." He slides out from under the table we're sitting at and grabs his phone and keys.

"Where are you going?" I ask quickly.

"Meeting with the agency," he replies. His hair is styled perfectly and he's dressed immaculately in his tailored navy suit. "Thanks for lunch, we'll have to do it again sometime? It's really nice seeing you, Vi."