A Broken Dream (A One Direction Fanfiction)

Chapter Eight: Another Meeting

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Leah's POV

I strode along the dark sidewalk, terrified that at any moment something would pop out and kill me. Sunday rituals, aren't they grand? I finished work with $75 in my pocket. I get $7 and hour and I got a few tips from nicer customers. I worked in an 9 hour shift but I was lucky today and Don closed an hour early. It was 7:45 and getting dark by the minute.

I made my way home safely after five minutes. I slipped my way into the house and found my dad on the couch, waiting for me. His face was blank, the scariest emotion.

"Where were you?" He whispered nearly in audibly.

"W-work." I stuttered out. It was terrifying, him being quiet I mean.

"Why the hell wouldn't you tell me?" I started seeing the rage bowl in his blood and I shrank near the doorway.

"I-I didn't want to disturb you. You were asleep... And I already cleaned the house and I didn't think you'd want me here when you had company..." My breathing became unsteady when he stood up and walked towards me menacingly.

"She... Stood... Me... Up." He raised his hand and it came down hard on my cheek. I'd have to hide that bruise tomorrow, not that anyone would care.

He threw my shoulders against the walls, sure to leave another bruise on my right bone. Then held my hips so hard I nearly cried.

"Go to your room and don't come out until tomorrow. But get me my vodka before you go." He released me and I hobbled away, an uneasy pain hitting me. I quickly handed him his vodka bottle from the top shelf and shuffled off to my room.

I set down my bag and took off my work clothes. I put on a tank top and pajama pants and settled myself on my bed with my laptop.

'harebear :D would like to Skype' I accepted quickly and hushed him before slipping out my window once again. I made it to the edge of the woods just 15 feet away from my home and sat down on an abandon tree stump I had discovered years ago.

"Leah!" I smiled brightly and waved at him. That's when another face popped up behind Harry, and another, and another, and another, and another!

"H-hi?" I didn't realize who the faces belonged to until I mentally face palmed.

"Oh! Louis, Niall, of course Harry, Liam, and Zayn!" I pointed each one out and they settled into seats in front of the camera.

"Hi! We're One Direction!" I giggled at them and covered my mouth at the awfully ugly smile plastered to it. Ugh, who would want to see me smile? No one Leah!

"Well, I can cross that off my bucket list. It's nice to meet you boys!" Louis gave me a small wave.

"So you're the lovely Leah we've heard so much about. I see why you like her Harry!" Liam spoke. Harry blushed, but I just rolled my eyes.

"Harold must be talking about a different Leah who is actually lovely. I'm not lovely at all..." The last part came out as a mumble.

"Hey! My name is not Harold!" Harry defended himself but the other boys were just in shock.

"But you seem lovely." Niall tried to coax me to change, but I hadn't.

"Everyone changes their minds, you'll see." I proceeded before anyone could butt in.

"And Harry, why would you bring the fantastic five to meet me?" They all turned silent and their smiles disappeared. My expression changed to one of pure confusion.

"Well... Um... I may have let it slip... That you...um...and your dad... I'm so sorry!" Harry covered his face and the other boys stayed serious. No, this couldn't be happening.

"Dammit... This is why I don't let people in..." I whispered to myself.

"Did he do those bruises too?" Liam finally spoke up. I turned my head to see the full extent of damage. I was right.

"And why is your cheek red? Did he smack you?" I held a hand to my still burning cheek.

"No! Well, yes but-but I didn't tell him where I was going and I was late and I should've been home to finish cleaning and make his dinner, it's fine! Everything's fine, I deserved it, it doesn't matter!" I rushed through my words.

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Stay beautiful,

Brittany