The Kids Aren't Alright (Shiver Spin-Off)

Chapter Thirty-Five (O.M.)

Chapter Thirty-Five

My heart is a ghost town

A.J. ended up falling asleep again, his head against my chest as I continued to stroke his hair. I was half tempted to fall asleep myself, but A.J.'s dad came in. He was panting, almost as if he had been running. A confused look was on his face when he entered the room before fading.

"When did you get here?" He pants out, standing up straight before leaning against the wall.

"Couple hours ago? I'm not really sure." I shrugged, moving a little so that I could get off the bed without disturbing Alex. Harry just nods his head, still trying to catch his breath.

"How's he doing?"

"He seems to be doing alright... I don't really know if I'm being honest... he hasn't really said much about what's going on..." I find myself saying, sneaking a glance at A.J. who was still fast asleep. Harry gives a small nod before walking over to A.J.

"He's a lot like his mum where that's concerned... He's pretty good at pretending. It scares me sometimes." Harry says quietly, almost as if it was more to himself than it was to me. I wasn't quite sure what to say for a moment, a confused look on my face as I looked at him. 

"Why?" I asked.

"I almost lost Niall because he never told me how he really was feeling... and I don't want to even think about my son going through the same thing. I know this is a lot to ask of you Oliver... mainly due to the fact that Alexander hasn't exactly been the kindest of people to you lately... but I want you to promise me that you'll be there for him when he needs someone. I know he acts like he doesn't need anyone... that he can do this all on his own... Maybe he can... but I don't want to even risk the chance that he can't... I guess what I'm trying to ask here... Take care of him." Harry gives me a sad smile as he looks at me. I just stare at him, shuffling on my feet a little because I wasn't sure what to say.

I didn't know if I could make that promise.

I didn't know if A.J. was going to let me make that promise...

"I'll try my best." I find myself saying, glancing at Alex who was still sound asleep. The room fell into a somewhat comfortable silence for a few minutes. I was half tempted to crawl back onto the bed with A.J., but I knew that Harry wasn't going to let me. I let out a small sigh before sitting down on the couch that sat against the wall. I leaned against the back of it, closing my eyes in hopes of catching up on some sleep... but of course my phone decides to go off at that moment. I took the damn thing out of my pocket, dread filling the pit of my stomach as I saw it was my dad. With a little hesitancy, I answered the phone.

"Oliver James Payne-Malik, where the hell are you?!" Dad yelled into my ear, making me flinch a little.

"Hello to you too Dad..." I said sarcastically, standing up from the couch before walking out of the hospital room. Dad was pissed at me and I didn't want to risk waking up Alex... He needed the sleep. 

"Do you know how many times I've tried to call you?! You're in so much trouble when you get home, I hope you f ucking realize that." 

"Dad, I'm not nine anymore. I'm twenty-one... I can leave the house without your permission." I rolled my eyes, leaning against the wall outside the room while I listened to Dad rant on the other end. 

"You're still living in my house. Where are you Oliver?" He sounded a littler calmer now, I wasn't really sure if that was a good thing or not... 

"I'm at the hospital." I say quietly, letting out a groan when he started to freak out again. Why couldn't Pa just call me? He was far calmer and nicer. 

"Why are you at the hospital?! I swear to God, Oliver, if you did something stupid enough to wi-" 

"I'm here because Alex is here. I found out what happened and he needed me. Are you satisfied now?" 

"How'd you find out?" Dad's voice is quiet now, barely over a whisper as he speaks. I let out a small sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. 

"Does it matter?" 

"No... It doesn't... How is he?" 

"He's holding on... I don't really know how he's doing... So far all he's done is sleep and cry." I whispered, looking towards the door for a second. I couldn't see into the room, not that it really mattered. Dad and I talked for a little while, but he had to go take Olivia to her ballet practice. After he hung up, I found myself still standing in the hallway. I let out a very long sigh before sliding down the wall. I couldn't go back into the room right now and I didn't know why. 

So I just sat on the hallway floor, waiting until I felt like I could go back inside. 

"Excuse me, but is this A.J.'s room?" A familiar voice asked. I looked up from the floor to be met with the sight of a vase full of flowers. I arched an eyebrow at that, wondering who in gods name would be bringing him flowers.

But when he moved the flowers, I knew exactly why.

"What are you doing here Ray?"

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Hello shitty ending to a chapter.

What eveeeeeeen

Anyways, sorry for disappearing again. I like to do that apparently.

It was just another crazy week, I had to help my parents with our Fourth of July party and shit...

so yeah

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Connie xx