Rose Petals

02

-Liam's P.O.V-
I was full of rage when I saw Ashton Irwin push a small girl to the floor.

I had a no bully tolerance. People didn't bully me anymore because they have learned to respect me, but I can understand the pain of being bullied. I spent my middle school years in fear but now I was strong. Whenever I saw someone being bullied I acted and stopped it.

Most of the bullies at this school have stopped hurting other people. Most people say they have learned their lessons but I know they were just too afraid to deal with me.

Ashton was the one bully I still had problems with. He was relentless, always hurting people just to spite me. He did have a high reputation at the school but most people hated him.  Ashton was an annoying little prick.

"Ah look who it is. Liam fucking Payne, here to save the day." Ashton snickered. His friends stayed silent and looked at me with fear.

"Ashton it would be much appreciated if you would keep your mouth shut. When you talk you tend to annoy everyone in the school." I said sharply.

There was a laugh from a blue eyed boy standing near Ashton. His hands were clenched fists and he looked ready to attack. I recognized him as Niall Horan, one of the only irish people in our school. Also he was my locker mate and he was overall a fun person to chat with.

"Shut up you stupid blond." Ashton snarled taking a step towards Niall.

Niall's blue eyes narrowed and he glared at Ashton. Even I was a bit frightened by the look Niall gave the Australian prick.

"You are seriously asking to get beat up Ashton. Offend me all you want, I know I can beat the shit out of, but if you bother Niall's friend ever again I will make your life a living hell." I spoke stepping closer to Aston.

Ashton chucked and put his hands up in surrender. As he walked passed me he said "This isn't over Payne." He left the classroom his groups of friends following quickly.

I sighed and scratched the back of my neck. I turned and saw Niall helping up his friend up. The girl was small and had a short blond hair. She was fixing her beanie as Niall talked to her in a low voice.

I cleared my throat and stepped towards Niall and the girl. "Uhm are you okay?"

Niall looked up at me and gave me a small smile. When the girl turned around I lost my breath for a second.

The girl was absolutely gorgeous. She had short blond hair that framed her heart shaped face perfectly. Her olive skin tone complimented her pale green eyes. She was overall stunning, and I couldn't understand how I have never noticed this girl before.

"I-I'm fine." She said in a soft voice.

"I'm Liam by the way. I don't think we have met." I said sticking out my hand, and giving her a charming smile.

"I-I'm L-Lacey, nice t-to meet y-you." Lacey stuttered placing her petite hand in mine. Her hand fit perfectly in mine.

"Are you sure you are alright love?" I asked causing her cheeks to tint pink. I chuckled loving the effect my words had on her.

"P-positive. T-thank you b-by the way." She said giving me a small smile.

"No problem.  Ashton is a prick. Next time he bothers you let me know." I offered.

"Thanks Mate." Niall spoke.

I looked up to meet his blue gaze. He was watching me interact with Lacey carefully. It was like he was making sure I wouldn't hurt her. I never knew Niall was this protective over people.

"Anytime Niall. How long has Ashton been bothering the both of you?" I asked curiously.

"He has been bothering Lacey for years." Niall's eyes darkened.

"H-honestly it's f-fine. I'm used to it b-by now." Lacey spoke up stepping back towards Niall. Niall put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder soothingly.

"No one deserves to be treated badly. When does he usually bother you?" I asked angrily.

"L-lunch." Lacey shrunk back into Niall startled by the harshness of my tone.

I softened up. "Why don't the both you come and sit with me and my friends at lunch. We wouldn't mind."

Niall smiled and looked at Lacey. She looked down at her shoes and seemed to be thinking about my offer. "I-I don't want to b-bother you."

"It's not a bother love. I wouldn't have offered if it was." I smiled. She looked up at me and grinned, and then let her eyes wander back to the floor.

"Thanks Liam. We will see you at lunch." Niall said brightly, leading Lacey and him to their seat.

I continued to gaze at Lacey's retreating form. The girl was interesting to say the least. I wondered what happened to make her so nervous around people. Sure bullying does that to you, but there was something very different about her.

I shrugged and sat down, pulling out my notes. I'll have to go focus on Lacey at a later time.