Taken by One Direction

Chapter 24: Breakdown

I woke up feeling like the room was spinning. I was still in the front room, but no longer standing on my two feet. I was lying on my back, on the floor, but someone's strong arms were supporting my waist.

I slowly blinked my eyes open, trying to get the room to stand still. There were a few heads leaning over me and brushing various parts of my body (my forehead, my forearms, my cheeks).

"What the fuck happened Lou?" Liam's concerned voice demanded, still not aware that I was awake.

"I have no idea. She just rolled her eyes back and collapsed." He whined as his face came into view.

"Louis." I whispered, letting him know that I was awake. His eyes widened and his hands rushed up to cup my chin.

"Ohmygosh! Katie, are you alright?" He gasped. I just moaned and tried to prop myself up on my elbows. The other boys backed away to give me space, but Louis stayed in my face.

"Help me up." I whimpered as my head started to pound. Louis looked uncertain and furrowed his brow in concentration.

"I don't think that is a good idea. Maybe you should rest..."

"Louis. Help me up." I demanded with slightly more strength. He still didn't look agreeable with me, but didn't argue and helped pull me to my feet.

I almost stumble. Almost. I knew I would never hear the end of it if I actually fell. The boys wouldn't stop obsessing over me.

"What happened?" Louis asked me as he helped me over to the booth. Harry and Niall stepped aside to make room for me.

"I- I dunno. I just... I can't do this." I whispered as I collapsed my head into my hands. Louis slid in next to me and rubbed my back soothingly.

"How are you feeling? Are you dizzy? You were only out for about a minute, but still."

"No. I'm fine." I tried to convince him. Obviously it didn't work.

"Do you want to explain what that whole thing was? I mean, are you dehydrated? Are you sick? Are you upset? Is there a reason you passed out?" Louis's questions were urgent and rushed, but I could tell that each and every one of the boys were thinking the same exact thing. It was clear in their eyes.

"I-I don't know. I just... I can't do this!" I exclaimed throwing my hands up in the air. Louis slides out, leaving me alone in the booth, to tower over me. He tilts my head up so that I am forced to look him in the eyes.

"Why do you keep saying that? What do you mean 'you can't do this'?" He demanded, but with a soft voice and soft eyes. I could feel four other pairs of eyes bore into me, but at this point his were the only ones that mattered.

"THIS! Louis, what the fuck do you think I'm talking about? I'm talking about this life I am FORCED to live. I want to go outside. I want to be in New York. I want to go home." I hear my own voice crack as it breaks and the tears start to flow.

Louis's mouth hardens into a straight line, but his eyes display obvious hurt.

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but there is nothing we can do." He takes a step away from me and looks away. The other boys all look down with guilt written in clear across their faces.

Oh god. Is this my new life? Of course it is. I had already accepted that fact. But I mean, would I live like this until I died? Never seeing the day... Never seeing my family... Never being free.

"Oh god, I have to get out." I muttered under my breath so none of the boys would hear. I quickly propel myself over to the door, which was locked, and desperately claw at it and bang on it.