Toxic Truth

28

ZELLA

Outside Liam's house I contemplate ten times whether I should talk to Liam today or some other day.

It is Isabella's highschool dance today and she asked me if I could come over and help her get ready. I of course said yes, since we had also talked about this before and planned out her look. I wasn't backing out now just because I broke up with her brother.

Since she invited me over I had assumed that Liam had no problem with this. If he doesn't mind and neither does she then I'm more than happy to stay in contact with Isabella.

It's 3 pm so Liam would probably not be at home because he comes back from his office at night or later in the evening.

If I get time to talk to Liam when Isabella's gone then I'll talk to him or else I'll do it some other day. I don't want to ruin Isabella's day and make it about me.

Gathering up the courage, I ring the bell and wait patiently outside.

Someone opens the door and my breath hitches in my throat.

It's Liam.

My mouth falls open and I snap it shut quickly. "Hi! I uh..I didn't you'd be here today."

He smiles slightly and steps aside to let me in. "I took a day off for Isabella."

I nod in understanding. I should've thought about that, obviously Liam would be there for her first dance to see if she needs something. He would never miss something that's important to her.

And that thought warms my heart.

"Isa's waiting for you upstairs in her room," He points upwards with his thumb, and then pushes his hands in his pocket as if he doesn't know what to do with them.

"Okay, thanks." I give him a smile and make my way upstairs.

When I go into her room, the first thing I see is a highly cluttered room that is in a desperate need of being cleaned.

The second thing I notice is a highly anxious Isabella pacing around.

"Hey, hey." I quickly make her stop and ask, "What's going on?"

"I don't know!" She groans. "Nothing's working out, I don't know how I'll look today and I'm so scared."

"First of all sit down and take a deep breath," Holding her shoulders, I guide her to the bed and make her sit. "You'll look amazing today, trust me I know what to do and it's just a highschool dance you'll be fine. You even have a date for tonight so you don't even have to worry about going alone."

She takes a deep breath and gives me an embarrassed smile. "I know I'm just really nervous."

"I get it, it's okay to feel that way. Just calm down now so we can start. We don't want you to get late tonight," I smile and squeeze her hand.

Five minutes later, I start getting her ready. I show her the hair and make up inspiration I'm going with and start with the makeup when she agrees with the look.

After getting doing the makeup, I wait for her to change and come out of the washroom. A gasp leaves my mouth when she emerges from inside.

Her burgundy dress which is held by thin straps on her shoulder, reaches the ground with a slit going up till her mid thigh.

"You look gorgeous Isa!"

"Thank you," She blushes.

"Come on let's do you hair now," I tell her to sit in front of her vanity again and start with her hair. Pinning up the front pieces of her hair, I let the rest of them down with loose curls.

"You're done," I chirp. "You look amazing!"

"Thank you so much! You're literally the best," She stands up and gives me a hug.

Patting her back, I say. "No need to thank me, I'm always here for you."

Someone knocks at the door and Isabella tells them to come in. Liam pokes his head in first and then steps inside.

His movements slow down when he sees Isabella fully and a wistful look takes over his face. He approaches her slowly and smiles.

"You look amazing Isa."

"Thank you," she whispers and holds his hand. "I'm nervous."

"Don't be, you'll be fine trust me." He places a kiss on her forehead and whispers some comforting words in her ear.

The sight melts my heart and I feel my eyes misting up from the emotions.

I turn around and blink quickly to get rid of the tears. I don't even know why I'm getting so emotional.

"Alex will be here soon too," Isabella says and I turn around just in time to see a sour expression on Liam's face.

"He's already here, he's waiting downstairs." He mutters.

She gapes at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was about to, that's why I came here. Don't worry about it so much it's not a big deal." He rolls his eyes and a small chuckle leaves me. He's not happy that his baby sister has a date.

"You're impossible." She rolls her eyes and moves forward. "I'm going downstairs to meet him, I'll wait for you there."

She tells him and rushes out of the door, leaving me and Liam behind alone.

Liam breaks the silence first. "Thank you for helping her today, it means a lot to her."

"No need to thank me, I'm more than happy to help her anytime." I say sincerely and he nods.

The silence starts getting awkward and I shift from one foot to another.

"I have to go downstairs to take their pictures," Liam says.

"Oh yeah of course, I'll leave too." I pick up my bag from the bed.

"You're leaving?" He asks and frowns.

"Yeah."

He keeps looking at me for a second and then shakes his head. "Yeah okay, I'll see you out."

He motions for me to walk out first and then follows me. When we're in the hallway he suddenly grasps my hand from behind.

I spin around and he steps closer.

"Stay," He murmurs.

Surprise washes over me and I don't answer. I just keep staring at him, not understanding what's going on.

"Stay, please. I need to talk to you." He says again and I decide that I'll gather up the courage to talk to him today, which is why I find myself nodding.

"Alright."

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