The Way Things Change

Chapter 10

*Kate’s POV*

When I woke up I felt the pain. But I didn’t care. It felt good to be in pain. It would keep the thoughts away. I didn’t want to move, but I turned around anyway and fell asleep again. I woke up again when the pain got unbearable. I grunted, slowly opening my eyes. Liam sat next to my bed, watching me. I shut my eyes quickly, hoping he would think I was still asleep.

“Hey” he said softly. “How are you feeling?” I opened my eyes in defeat, he knew I was awake. “Do you need your painkillers?” I nodded slightly. He helped me get up to a sitting position, handing me the pills and giving me some water.

“Are you hungry?” I looked at him with tired eyes. I just wanted to sleep, than I didn’t have to think. I lay down again closing my eyes. After a while I heard him leave and I felt my body relax. I dozed of again.

The day went on. When I couldn’t lie in my bed anymore, I went to sit on the windowsill. I pulled my legs up to my chest and rested my head on my knees. I wrapped my arms around my legs. I was sitting there, deep in thought and I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Niall standing next to me.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just thought you might want to eat. So I brought you something.”

That is when I noticed that he was holding a plate. He smiles at me. “Can I sit with you for a while?” I didn’t reply. He went to sit opposite me anyway.

“Louis’ girlfriend Eleanor is coming to visit today and she is going to stay for the rest of the weekend.” He told me. I really didn’t care. I wasn’t planning on going downstairs just yet. I stared out of the window. “Okay, I see you’re not in the mood to talk. That’s okay. I’ll leave the food here for you. Please eat something.”

He left me alone. I didn’t want to eat. I wasn’t hungry. I just kept sitting there staring out of the window. My room was kept dark by the white curtains, so nobody was able to see me. But I could see out, even thought it wasn’t a clear image. I sat watching the boys goofing around in the garden. I was jealous. That was all I wanted. Friends. But every time I let them in, they let me down.

I got tired and went to bed. Shutting everything out yet again.

I woke up by somebody shaking me. I opened my eyes. “Good morning” I heard Zayn’s voice. “We were wondering if you would join us for breakfast.” I looked at him with a blank expression. I shook my head, winced and took in a sharp breath. My rib was killing me. Zayn looked at me with worry. He left for a second, returning with a glass of water. “Here” he said, handing me my painkillers and some water. I took it, turned my back to him and went back to sleep.

***

I woke up with a scream. I had a bad dream.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you” a female voice said. I didn’t recognize it. I looked over to where the voice was coming from. It was difficult to get my eyes to focus in the dark room. I saw a female body sitting on the windowsill. How long had she been there? I couldn’t see her features, which really annoyed me.

“I just thought I should introduce myself.” Her voice was very sweet. “I’m Eleanor, Louis’ girlfriend.”

“Kate” I answered.

She laughed. What was so funny? Was my name a joke to her? “I already knew that. Well it’s nice to finally meet you.” She sounded genuinely happy. “The boys have already told me a bit about you. And I’m sorry again, I didn’t want to bother you, but I thought it would be weird if I didn’t introduce myself.” I stayed quiet.

“Well I guess I’ll see you around” she chirped. I could tell she was a good match with Louis. She was just as carefree and obliviously happy.