Half-Truths [hs, mc, zm, nh, lt +]

Chapter Fifteen

*Michael's POV*

I watch as Trish and her friend run off to the bathroom, a hint of a smile on my face.

"Who's Trish's friend again?" I ask, turning back to Niall. He looks questionable as to why I'm asking.

"Emma, why?" He's hesitant, I know it.

"I was just asking, calm down. I don't want your girl." I put my hands up, telling him to back off.

"Good." He says shortly. He looks out the window, smiling about something. I immediately know why he's so happy.

"You got laid last night." I say, smirking at him. His face goes tomato red.

"Wh-what?!" He stutters. I know he's wondering how I know.

"Niall Horan got laid!" I say, proud. He buries his face in his hands, embarrassed.

"Keep your voice down Michael!" He yells at me. I chuckle.

"Fine. With who?" I lean forward, lowering my voice.

"I'm not telling you." He states. I grin.

"Emma?"

"MICHAEL!"

"What?!"

I reach over and pull Trish's plushy over to me. I wonder why she likes this thing so much.

"I wonder why Jay likes that octopus so much." Niall says exactly what I'm thinking.

"I dunno, it's kind of cute." I say, inspecting it.

I play around with it for a little bit. Now I see why she likes it so much.

"Hey Michael?" Niall's voice breaks through my trance. I look up and at him.

"Yeah?" I ask, wondering what he wants from me now.

"I need another favour from you." He tells me. I nod slowly, urging him to continue.

"I need you to also protect Jay. I want you to be her comfort person. Don't replace Emma, though. Those two have a bond stronger than Jay's parents." Niall's blue eyes stare into mine. I listen to what he's saying, taking in the order.

"When Emma's not available to talk, I want her to run to you. Protect that girl, Michael. Her boyfriend's a shitty ass person." He finishes. I nod.

"Will do." I say. Niall gives me a thumbs up and turns to look back out the window.

I look down at my phone, scrolling through apps.

I hear Emma and Trish come back, and I look up. My gaze immediately goes to Trish. Something tells me that she's going to be a tough one to look after. I mean, have you seen who raised her?

"Who took Bean?" Trish asks, worriedly looking around for the octopus plushy I still had.

"Oh me, sorry." I respond. I slide the plushy back to her and she happily takes it. Emma just rolls her eyes.

"T, your a child. It's a plushy!" She exclaims, pointing at the octopus known as Bean.

"I'm 21, I'm not a child." She counters. Emma sighs.

"Sure, T." That's all she says in return. Trish frowns a little, but is soon distracted by her plushy. She doesn't notice I'm looking at her.

She seems so innocent right now, with her octopus. I know well she's anything but.

I smile as I watch her, happily toying around with her octopus. She lets out a little giggle, and my smile widens. I'm not sure how someone could hurt a person as pure as her.

She looks up and meets my gaze, and I give her a wave. She returns the wave, thankfully. I look down at my phone, distracting myself.

"Michael?" I look up as Trish calls my name. Even her voice sounds nice.

"Yes?" I make eye contact again. I don't think she likes making eye contact with people.

"You were staring." She says, smiling a little.

"I know." I answer. I earn a little laugh from her, but that's all.

"Alright, we're gonna head out." Emma says, gesturing to Trish.

"I thought you were leaving with me?" Niall asks, confused. I look between the three of them.

"Yeah Trish said she didn't want to go back to the hospital yet, so I'm taking her shopping." Emma responds, nudging Trish.

Trish gives a half smile but doesn't respond. It must be hard having a boyfriend in the hospital that won't wake up. I feel bad for her.

"Oh alright." Niall says. He gives them a wave and they head out the door, going to Trish's car.

"So how do you like them?" Niall turns to me, intent on knowing the answer.

"Emma seems like a fun person to party with." I say, turning to give Niall my full attention.

"She is." He agrees. I nod.

"Seems fun." I say, laughing a little.

"What about Jay?" Niall tilts his head, waiting for my answer. I pause for a bit, trying to find the words.

"She's hot as fuck, for one." I chuckle. Niall gives me a look of fake offence.

"She's like my little sister!" He glares at me, and I shrug.

"Just saying." I respond.

"What else?" He questions.

"She seems like the type of person that tricks you into believing she's the most innocent, happiest person in the world and then once you piss her off it's over for you." I look past Niall and out the window, watching as Trish's car drives past.

"Yeah that sounds like her. She killed a guy two years ago because he said he didn't like her parents." He states. My eyes widen a bit.

"She did?" I didn't know if I should believe it or not. No wonder Zayn likes her.

"Mhm. Emmy- Emma helped." Niall says.

"Damn." The conversation comes to an end, and I'm at a loss of what to say.

I haven't spoken to this man in years, I'm not sure we have many things in common anymore.

"I'm going to head out, Niall." I say, standing up. He nods, but doesn't get up.

"Alright. I have another person coming in 20 minutes, so I have to stay." He says in response. I grab my phone from off the table.

I give him a goodbye, and disappear out the door.

As soon as I get into my car, my phone pings. I look down to check who messaged me.

Unknown:
Hey, it's Trish. Niall texted me your number. I had a good time at lunch today.

I smile at the text, add her to my contacts and reply.

To: Bean
From: Me
Hey, me too. It was nice meeting you.

I press send, and put my phone down. I reverse out of the parking spot, then drive off.

I have to protect a girl who was born not just into fame, but into a world full of bad people who will stop at nothing just to see others fall.

Her boyfriend is one of them.