A Way to Yesterday

Chapter 28- Distractions

Cara's POV: 

Past. 

"Yes mom. I know. We went over this last semester," I say into the phone. I had just arrived back in town and was getting out of my car. 

"Okay. Just make sure your classes are correct and you have everything you need," she reminds me again. 

"I know," I go around to the back of the car and take out my suitcase. I set it on the floor and pull up the handle. "Mom I just got home and I have to carry my bags upstairs so I'll call you tonight okay?" 

"Okay honey. I'll talk to you later. I love and miss you already," she says. 

"Love you too. Bye," I say and end the call. I shove my phone back in my pocket and rush inside and out of the cold. I try and call Liam in the elevator to let him know I'm back but he doesn't answer so I leave a voicemail. 

Last time we talked on the phone was about a week ago. After the whole incident on Christmas I was worried about him. He seemed distant. When he called me that night I offered to come back that night but he protested. He said he would just stay until a few days before the semester started. 

I dig my key out of my bag and open the door. I slam the door and notice that my apartment wasn't freezing cold like it should have been. I put my suitcase down and move quietly to the thermostat. I curse under my breath when I realize it's on. I probably forgot to turn it completely off when I left. 

A squeak from my bedroom makes me jump. My heart beats fast in my chest and my breath catches in fear. I reach out and grab the umbrella I kept in the rack by the door. I move slowly towards my room. The door is cracked and the light is on. I listen for more movement. I push open the door slowly and raise the umbrella over my head. I swing as hard and fast as I can at the person standing by my bed. 

"Ow. What the..." he turns around and I prepare to swing again. Until I notice that it's just Liam. 

"Liam?" I shout. I cover my mouth and drop the umbrella. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was you," I quickly apologize. He holds his head and winces. 

"No it's my fault. I should've warned you," He says. 

"What the hell are you doing here anyway?" 

"I wanted to surprise you when you got back. So I came home last night and found a way in," he answers. 

"Oh. Well don't do that. I thought you were a murderer or something," I say. 

"I'm sorry. I was just trying to be romantic," he says. 

"It's okay. You just really scared me. I'm sorry for hitting you," I say. He smiles and closes the distance between us. He wraps his arms around me and kisses my forehead. 

"It's okay. I missed you," he mutters and holds me for a moment. 

"I missed you too. I wish I could have been there with you," I say. A sad look crosses his face but its gone a second later. He hugs me tighter and I rest my head on his chest. I could feel how broken he was inside. He loved his parents and the fact that they don't love each other anymore was tearing him apart. 

He lets me go and gives me a sad smile. He moves to the bed and sits down. 

"Liam. Are you okay?" I ask quietly. He bites his lip and shakes his head. I sit beside him and take his hand. He squeezes my hand. "If you need to talk about it you can." He shakes his head. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. But I do want to show you something," he says. He lets go of my hand and gets up from the bed. He moves to his suitcase in the corner and opens it. He digs around a little and then returns to the bed with a box in his hand. 

"What's that?" I ask. It was a plain wooden box with a metal latch on it. He sits down again and stares at the box. 

"My dad gave this to me. He told me that when he passes away he wants me to give this to my mom," he sad in a grim tone. 

"What's in it?" I ask. He flicks up the latch and pulls open the lid. Inside is a picture, a necklace, a key, and a piece of paper. 

"These are his memories of when they first fell in love," he answers. 

"I don't understand. If he kept these things then what changed?" I ask. He shrugs. 

"I wish I knew," he says. He sighs and turns to look at me. "Cara. Can you do me a favor?" 

"Of course. Anything," I respond immediately. 

"I want you to hold onto this," he says. My eyes widen and I shake my head. 

"Liam. I can't. Your dad gave that to you," I protest automatically. He shakes his head and pushes the box towards me. 

"I know but listen. I can't hold onto it right now. Not while they're preparing to get a divorce and sell the house I grew up in. This is just a terrible reminder that my parents don't love each other anymore," he said. 

"Are you sure?" I ask. He nods. 

"I'm positive," he assures me. I take the box and close the lid. 

"I'll keep it safe," I promise.

"Thank you," he says and kisses my cheek. I take the box to my closet and set it on the shelf.  I turn back to him and his eyes meet mine. The look in his eyes breaks my heart. I can't stand to see him this way. "Well since you're home now I should probably get going. I don't want to spoil anything with my mood." 

"You can stay Liam. I don't mind. Besides you shouldn't have to go through this alone," I say. He nods slowly. "Do you wanna watch a movie or something? It might be a good distraction."

"Sure," he says and I get up and search through my movies. I ask him what he's in the mood for but he doesn't really answer. I figure that a romance won't help at all right now so that eliminates about 80% of my movies. So I settle for Finding Nemo. I make a quick run to the kitchen for some hot chocolate. 

I climb back on the bed and lean against the headboard. Liam lies back next to me as the movie starts. I sip from my mug and internally debate snuggling up to him. He doesn't seem to be paying much attention to the movie. I'm not sure if I should do something or leave him to his thoughts. 

I was so caught up in my internal debate that I didn't realize that he had fallen asleep. He looked peaceful, like his dreams were the perfect distraction. I stop the movie quietly leave the room. I crack the door behind me and do what I can to prepare for classes in Monday.