The Exception (Narry)

nineteen

January 14th

Time felt like it was standing still.

I hated not knowing anything. Anne would occasionally give me sad looks from the hallway as I sat patiently in the seat. My ma was asleep on the chair next to me. She was exhausted to say the least and frankly so was I.

I hated hospitals. All the white walls and the smell of disinfectant seemed to put me on edge. Especially when it's your loved one who is suffering.

"Still nothing?" I asked Anne who only shook her head sadly once again.

"I'm sorry Niall" She whispered as she crossed her arms over her chest, looking through the window of what was Harry's room. 

I wanted be with him so badly. Sitting next to him, holding his hand as I talked to him. Even if he wasn't registering anything, I just wanted to talk to him. But no, I wasn't allowed. Anne wasn't even allowed. I could feel Anne's anxiousness; how has she done this so many times? 

I felt my ma stir beside me before she awoke, rubbing her eyes. 

"Niall, dear, can you call Karen and ask her to come pick me up?" I wanted to say no. I wanted my ma here with me. But she needed to rest. 

I picked up the phone and dialed Karen's number, after a few rings her voice spoke through the phone. 

"Maura, what's wrong?" She asked, assuming something was wrong since it was so early in the morning. 

"Hi Karen, It's Niall. Um, do you think you could maybe come pick up ma from the hospital?" I asked quietly "Harry's not doing too well and she needs rest" 

"Of course! I'll be there as soon as" She replied. 

I didn't bother replying back, instead hanging up.

"She's on her way" I mumbled quietly and my Ma nodded.

It didn't take long till Karen came in, Liam following closely behind. My ma and Karen embraced in a hug.

"I brought Liam to keep Niall company" Karen smiled at me sympathetically.

"What a good idea" My ma's smile was small.

Liam stood nervously behind his Ma, his hands shoved in the pockets of his sweats. I didn't want his company, I wanted Harry's.

"Take care love" Ma kissed my forehead quickly before exiting with Anne leaving Liam and I alone.

"I hope Harry will be okay" Liam spoke first, his voice was barely above a whisper. I nodded once.

"Look , Niall, I'm sorry for being a dipshit when we were younger but I want you to know that I'll always be here for you" He placed his hand on my upper arm, smiling gently.

"I just want Harry" I mumbled. I could feel the tears brimming in the corner of my eyes.

"I know, Ni, I know" Liam's arms wrapped around me, embracing me with warmth. Usually I wouldn't hesitate to push him away but I didn't have the physical or mental energy. It also was nice for someone to just hold me and not asking me how I was coping.

"Let's go for a walk" Liam suggested.

"No" I replied almost instantly.

"It'll be good for you Ni to get out and take your mind off of things" Liam's eyes softened "I'm sure Harry wouldn't want you sitting around and waiting for him"

"I don't know" I mumbled.

"And I'm almost positive Anne will update you if something happens"

Liam's offer was tempting. I knew Harry probably didn't want me sitting around and waiting for him. And I'm sure Anne would update me. I didn't know if it was the right idea but I stood up and soon found myself walking next to Liam.

The wind was cold against my cheeks and only faded lamp posts lit the sidewalk. Liam and I walked in silence. I didn't know what to say to him and it was nice to enjoy the quietness. Liam walked with his hands still in his pockets, looking around as he walked next to me, keeping a slight distance.

"How's school?" Liam asked quietly.

"Fine" I mumbled, shrugging my shoulders.

"Relax Ni, Harry will be fine" Liam placed a hand on my shoulder squeezing gently. I turned my head to him, frowning deeply.

"Relax? My boyfriend is in fucking hospital and I don't know whether or not he is going to live" I could feel the anger boiling up inside of me. "Don't pretend that we are friends either because we most defiantly not. Last time I checked you stopped being my friend because you were a homophobic prick who cared more about your fucking reputation then your best friend" 

Liam stood before me shocked. I knew he didn't know what to say. 

"Your so called mates always gave me a hard time about my sexuality whilst you just stood there and watched. Because you know what Liam you're a coward! A fucking coward!" 

I could feel the tears fall down my cheeks as I shook with anger. 

"Harry was the first one to notice me and actually care for my feelings. He loved me when you couldn't even be my friend. All I wanted was a friend. And now in return the one person who makes me the happiest I've ever been might be taken away from me in moments so don't fucking tell me that he'll be okay because you are an asshole!" 

I didn't look back as I started to run. I just wanted to get away from reality because the truth is reality is a fucking bitch. Liam thinks he knows me but I'm not the same fourteen year old boy who was desperately in love with his best friend. 

Distracted by my thoughts I almost didn't realize my phone buzzing in my hand. My heart dropped to my stomach as I read the contact name, Anne. I quickly swiped the answer button and brought my phone to my ear. 

"Niall" Her voice was soft, I could tell she was hurting "Harry's gotten worse"

HIII, SO IM SORRY IF THIS WAS BAD BUT I TRIED, I REALLY DID :((

ANYWAY COMMENT AND VOTE AND STUFF.