Save ourselves- One Direction

Avery & Roxanne

Avery

I decided to tell the others the day after I had spoken to Harry. I didn't have high hopes that any of them would agree with me, but I had to at least try. I couldn't reconcile it with my conscience that I might have ended up getting away and leaving the others behind.

And who knows? Maybe once I had talked to the rest of the group and started planning, they would change their minds afterwards. But I also had to take the risk of being snitched on by them when I presented my idea to them.

Although I didn't think anyone in my group would do that because they wanted to gain credit with Hempton or anyone else. After all, the boys had also stood up for me when I wanted to help Linda. But if the shit hit the fan and Hempton threatened to do worse than beat the shit out of us, maybe one or two of them would change their minds again.

I hoped it wouldn't come to that, but some things had already happened in this camp that no one had expected.

While Daisy completely avoided us during the day and Liam seemed to be constantly sulking and giving Daisy sad looks, I thought about what I would say that night to convince the others.

I've never been one to give big convincing speeches. On TV, it always seemed inspiring, but I would never have thought of something like that. When I had to give speeches in front of my class, I always did it by instinct, because anything else seemed too forced.

Besides, if I practiced the speech, it might come across as if I wasn't convinced myself that it was the best idea.

However, if I didn't practice and worded anything wrong, the others might finally think I was nuts.

"Hey, Avery."

Liam suddenly appeared in front of me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Hey, how are the ribs?", I asked smiling softly.

"It still hurts pretty bad when I laugh and move, but it's getting better," he explained and I gave him a sympathetic smile.

So far I hadn't gotten to talk to Liam alone and thank him for defending me.

"Liam, I'm sorry I didn't talk to you before, but I wanted to thank you for trying to protect me with the other boys. And I'm sorry you got beaten up because of me," I said then with sincere regret.

Liam smiled sadly.

"You don't need to apologise, Avery. That goes without saying."

"No, Liam. It doesn't. I haven't been there two weeks and I didn't even really know you guys. And because of me, three of you ended up in the infirmary. I'm very grateful to you and the others for sticking up for me."

"You stood up for Linda and her baby. You showed that you are someone who can be counted on in the worst of circumstances, Avery. That makes you an important part of this group and that's why you've earned our support," Liam said sincerely.

He gave my shoulder a quick squeeze and I smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

Liam nodded, then suddenly looked at me very uncertainly.

"Do you have any idea how Daisy is doing?"

I tried to stifle a grin. So that was what he had actually come here for.

"I didn't talk to her much yesterday, but judging by her mood, she's been a lot better," I answered therefore.

He looked down.

"Didn't go so well in the conversation yesterday, did it?", I probed.

Liam mumbled something that sounded like agreement.