It's Better In Black & White ✎ n.h.

Chapter 20

Derek's POV

I had lost complete control over my temper and over my fist. I beat the hell out of that international pop asshole. I don't regret beating him to a pulp. I regret the fact that Paige saw me do it. The fear in her eyes before she closed them thinking I would strike her, that was what made me sick. I had made her scare of me, I had made her fear me. All I ever wanted was to love her and protect her and keep her close to me and I had failed. I became a monster in front of her. A being so horrendous that I knew she would never love me again in this lifetime. I had lost her and I had lost her forever. It was my fault, not anyone else's. As much as I would love to blame her, or the Irish guy, or the curly haired one, I couldn't. I wouldn't. Because I knew it was all on me. Paige made it clear, she had stopped having feelings for me a long time ago, before coming to this stupid trip.

I wonder how much we would have lasted if she hadn't come here. Would she had dumped me faster or would it take her longer because there was no guy waiting for her?

I think deep down I knew the real answer but I didn't want to accept it to myself. In London or in America, I would have lost the only girl I have ever loved. The girl that I have always put before anyone and everyone, including myself because I loved her that much.

Now, that everything was said and done, there was only one thing left for me to do...

Niall's POV

As soon as the lads had told me what happened to Harry, concern settled on my shoulders in the form of weight. Louis had been the first one to find out, because Paul called him. He stopped long enough to tell Liam and then left. Liam told Zayn and they both came to tell me. We drove to the hospital as quickly as we could. It wasn't easy though, the media had found out and outside of the hotel was chaos. Paparazzi and hectic fans had surrounded the building. We had to push our way through to get to the car, where Paul was waiting for us. 

It was agonizing, not being able to go as fast as we wanted. Traffic was slow and heavy. Frustration was getting the best of me.

Harry, my best friend was in critical condition. Apparently there was a violent encounter with Paige's boy- sorry, ex boyfriend. After the break up, the jerk had taken out his anger on my best friend and now he was in a hospital bed. I couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible. Harry had been protecting Paige because I wasn't there to do it, I'm sure of it.

Once we got to the hospital, we basically jumped out of the SUV that Paul was driving and ran inside the building. We rushed to the front desk to ask about Harry.

"Ma'am, can you tell us in what room is Harry Styles?" I asked anxiously. She smiled and nodded while she begun looking for his info in her computer, but a familiar face appeared beside us.

"He's in room 303" Louis replied. The lady behind the desk smiled and agreed with Louis.

"How is he, Louis?" I asked while we took the elevator to the third floor.

"You'll have to see for yourself" he said quietly. 

A bad feeling settled on my stomach but I took deep breaths, and tried to hope for the best. 

When we were standing in front of the door to Harry's room I froze. What if he's in bad condition? I couldn't help feeling like this is all my fault and I felt like the worst friend in the world.

"Niall, you need to go in. He wants to see all of you, but especially you" Louis said in a whisper. I bit my lip and pushed the door open. 

Paige was seating on a chair next to Harry's bed and holding his hand in between hers. Tears stains ran down her cheeks and when she looked up at me more tears threatened to fall. It broke my heart.