Things I Can't

Chapter 23

Harry

After Louis left, I ran a suprised hand over my bruising cheek and entered my car in a daze. This was Louis, the boy who, not even a week ago, took me to Venice. I was beginning to wonder if he had bipolar issues, but then again I had brought Tye into this situation when, in all honesty, I had no idea if he had anything to do with it or not. It was a selfish move on my part, and Louis' anger was more than likely fueled by the wave of emotions that hit him all at once. So no, I wasn't mad at him for punching me, but I figured the two of us needed some time away from each other. We were like fire and water, always fighting, but always balancing the other out. I just hoped that this wouldn't be the last time I saw his face. I don't think I could live without him.

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Zayns pov

*flashback*

I was walking down the street, mumbling angry phrases when I first saw him. He had light red hair and a pale face, and wore a smirk that was vaguely familiar to me. He saw that I had dropped my wallet and bent over to retrieve it for me. "Maybe next time try dropping something of less value." Were the first nine words he'd spoken. I, being caught off guard, simply muttered a thank you, shrugging the red head off, but instead of leaving, he followed me down the sidewalk. I remember asking him what his problem was, and he answered with the truth. "My brother was sent to reform school." He'd said in a venomous tone. "By my fucking enemy too."

When I asked him who his ememy was, he sneered. "The Styles family."  Louis mentioned having four cousins, so by process of elimination, I guessed this was Tye. I decided not to voice my realization though, not in the mood for explaining things. "You obviously got a problem too--?"

"It's Zayn." I sighed, taking a puff of my cigarette. He gave me a look, so I took out my pack and handed him one as well.

"Well Zayn, what's got you down bro?" Tye questioned, taking out a lighter. I was actually enjoying this boys company but i'd never say that out loud.

"None of your god damn business." I replied, sending him a warning glare, but Tye persisted to ask about my troubles. I eventually cracked, stopping in my tracks to face him. "I hate everything Okay? Louis was my friend first and then Fucking Liam Payne comes along and I get left in the dust! For years I've had to deal with it, but I'm done! I'm done acting like I don't care! Why can't I be perfect like that fucking asshole! Louis never even noticed that he wasn't including me! And then he met Harry, who stole him away even more! I hate them!" I practically screamed, causing a few strangers to glance in my direction.

"Ah, so you know my cousin." Tye replied, a shit eating smirk growing on his lips. "I may be able to help you out there mate, come with me?" We had arrived at a red truck, which I later learned was Jeps until he was sent away. There was something unsettling about Tye, but he was giving me attention, so I ignored the sinking feeling bubbling in my stomach as I hopped into the vehicle.

"This better be good." I muttered, buckling my seatbelt.

"Oh it will be." Tye replied, his tone implying something more. "Trust me."

*end flashback*

I rolled my eyes as the now familiar truck pulled up in front of my house. I could just make out the shadowed figure of Tye sitting at the drivers seat. "You're late." I commented, shutting the door loudly.

"Now is that any way to talk to your Boyfriend?" Tye chastised, giving me a condescending look.

Yes, I was gay and there had been many times where I wished to bring the topic up, but I had always gotten interrupted by Liam.

"Hey Louis, can I talk to you? It's kinda important."

"Sorry Zayn, can I call you back? I'm out bowling with Liam."

Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I had no one to tell, so I kept it a secret for five years now, the only people aware being my sisters. "Sorry Tye." I said sarcastically, "it's hard to talk to you nicely when we're both on the cusp of being arrested."

"Oh shut up zen, you know I have a plan. You need to chill." I leaned back against my seat and lapsed into silence as Tye switched the radio on.

I never intended on killing Liam Payne. When Tye asked me if I wanted revenge, I easily agreed. At the time, I had no idea what that revenge entailed. He gave me one simple task, keep the target distracted; So I did. All day I made sure Liam was fully unaware of anything out of the ordinary, and I was truly excited for the outcome. Liam would finally get what he deserved. When I heard the shattering gunshot, I froze, all the feelings of excitement gone. Niall had asked me in a desperate whisper 'what was that?' I went outside to find Liam's lifeless body laying in an old shed. Of course, I did what any human with a hint of a conscious would do. I cried.

After the ambulance came to pick Liam up, I found Tye perched on a tree branch. "What the fuck Tye!?" I yelled, still a bit shaken up from what had happened. It was at that moment that I started to see Tye's true colors. It terrified me, but somehow I couldn't get myself to turn him in. Tye, although he was psychotic, had been there for me. He had shown me love, and despite his messed up motives, we were perfect for each other. He kept me happy, and I helped him with his dirty work. A nice compromise.

So no, I never meant to take Liam's life, and I felt guilty as hell, but it gave me a sense of power. After all those years of being pushed to the shadows, I finally got my chance in the sun and in the end, I ultimately got the last word. The underdog takes the crown this time.

"So what do we do now?" I asked, having enough of the silence. Tye turned the radio down and pulled into a long, narrow driveway.

"We track our next victim." he answered as if any of this wasn't out of the ordinary. I gulped, knowing who the next victim was but not wanting to say it. "That curly shit isn't going to know what's coming for him. Lou might kill me, but that's what he gets for dating a Styles."

I almost felt bad for Harry. The poor boy hadn't done anything wrong. From what I had seen, he was a cool guy. He was smart, funny, and a bit on the awkward side. Though I never had a conversation with him, he seemed okay. "Are you sure you want to kill Harry?"

"Zayn?" Tye said in a quiet voice, "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. The Styles family deserves to die." With that, he pecked my cheek and led me inside an abandoned bungalow that we'd been using for a home the past few weeks.

Louis' pov

I held the rectangular paper against my heart, willing myself not to cry. It was a picture I found. An old picture, barely in color, of Liam and I at his family's lake house. We were young, maybe nine or ten with swimming trunks on and wet hair. I had my arm thrown precariously around his shoulder, while he gave me bunny ears. In the background, you could see Zayn eating at the picnic table, glancing at us. The picture reminded me of the good days, before any of this had happened. It tugged at my heart, reminding me that things would probably never be the Same again.

What I wanted more than ever right now was one of Harry's hugs. I wanted to feel him wrap his Strong arms around me and pull me onto his lap, engulfing me in his unique scent and a cloud of warmth. He'd card his fingers through my tangled hair and assure me that everything is okay. I yearned his touch more than anything, but Harry wasn't here and he wouldn't he here. I'd chased him away like everyone else.

I hesitantly crawled over to the window, in hopes of seeing him one last time, but what I saw was much better. Harry too was peeking through his blinds. I caught a glimpse of his eyes and gave a small smile. It might've been my imagination, but I could've sworn I saw him smile and wave back before closing his window and shutting off his lamp.

That, in itself was enough to get me to sleep, though my dreams were still plagued with nightmares. Nightmares of loosing the most important thing to me. Harry.