Diana [Liam Payne Fan Fiction]

5: Stay

"We can't all stay here" a voice whispered, stirring me from my sleep.

"Well, what do you suggest we do?" a more assertive, louder voice questioned. "Take shifts?"

"It is my room, after all! And besides, I'm more responsible than all of you put together!" the first voice retaliated, his tone rising with every word he spoke.

By now I was conscious enough to be curious. I cracked one eye open, then two, then lifted my head.

"Hey, Megan," Liam greeted, but it was really a sign to end the argument between him and the other boys, who stood cross-armed around my bed.

"Woah," I exclaimed. "Back off, bodyguards!"

The five boys laughed good-naturedly and each took a few steps back, unfolding their arms. I let a small, shy smile escape my lips, something I hadn't done in a long time. It felt great, but I instantly regretted it.

"Sorry if we woke you up," Harry apologized, sincerely embarrassed.

"It's fine," I answered in a monotone voice. I didn't need to look weak or emotional in front of these guys. "I need to get up anyways. What time is it?"

"About ten 'til noon," Niall said, checking his cell phone.

"Awesome," I mumbled, stretching my arms. As I put my feet on the floor, I felt an ache in the pit of my stomach. "Is there any place I can get some food around here? I'm starving."

"Yeah!" everyone exclaimed. Louis straightened up and motioned to the door, wearing a childish grin. "Follow us!" He bounded out the door, the other guys following.

I moved at a snail's pace through the bedroom door and into a connecting kitchen and living area. The sink was piled high with dirty cups and bowls. Judging from the contents of the counter-top and remnants of food in the dishes, I guessed the boys had eaten cereal this morning.

"As you can see, we have a variety of gourmet dishes to chose from," Louis said with mock politeness, motioning to the multiple cereal boxes on the counter while Niall giggled at him.

"Or we can order lunch if you want," Liam cut in.

"Cereal's fine, thanks," I said, grabbing a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I felt everyone's eyes on me as I poured milk into my bowl. I struggled using one hand, but I managed. It's not like I was going to ask for help. Settling for the far corner of the dinner table, I slid into a chair and immediately the others fell into place in the surrounding chairs. I lifted an eyebrow at them and shook my head, trying to hide my smile.

No. Don't get attached. Just focus on surviving and getting out of here.

Obeying the logic in my head (at least I thought that's what it was), I turned my expression stone cold and avoided eye contact with anyone. I felt a pang of sadness trying to ignore the boys' friendliness, but I quickly got over it when I reminded myself of the last boy who had been friendly to me...

"So," Louis coughed, breaking the awkward silence that I'd forgotten existed, "what are everyone's plans for today?"

"I could really go for a shower," I mumbled, trying to remember the last time I'd had one.

"Oh, sure!" the guys piped up. "No problem!"

"Thanks," I said under my breath, still refusing to look at anyone.

"Just a sec," Liam said, jumping up from the table. "Louis, go find Lou."

"LOU!" Louis yelled, running out of the door and into the hallway.

"Who's Lou?" I asked, staring at the door where Louis had unexpectedly left.

"Well, I thought you might like a change of clothes," Liam said. I allowed myself to turn and look at him and saw color rushing up his cheeks. "You know, since those are probably dirty. Not that you're dirty, of course. Just the clothes. I'm guessing."