Double Act (A One Direction Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirty Two: Goodbyes

Double Act - Chapter 32

~~ Lara's P.O.V ~~

No. No that couldn't be right.

I must have heard wrong! They had counted the votes wrong! Something must be wrong here! I was asleep, another dream in which it is not Liv and I going home this time, but Four Life. I wouldn't be able to go on without Dylan. Or Ollie. Or the others. I just couldn't.

The four lads trudged off after their interview with Dermot rather gloomily. Dylan looked like he was in a trance, and as he walked towards us I ran out on to the stage and wrapped my arms around my best friend. I rested my head against his chest and listened to his heartbeat as his own arms wrapped around the small of my back. He quickly realised that we were still on stage and walked me back in to the wings, out of sight from cameras and phones.

"I'm so sorry, Dyl," I whispered in his ear. He didn't reply, but I could tell that he was on the verge of tears as his grip on my sides tightened.

Eventually he pulled away, and he looked at me for a few moments. "It isn't your fault," he said finally, looking at the floor as he spoke as tears pooled in his eyes. "You shouldn't be sorry,"

I shrugged. "I know, I just... am,"

He blinked, and in one rushed movement he darted forward and kissed me. It wasn't long, just a peck really, but it was enough to send my mind exploding in to questions. I stepped back, staring at him with wide eyes. No. He didn't. He couldn't ...

Dylan searched my eyes for a reaction, but I didn't know what kind to give him. Instead, I stayed silent and thought. About the consequences of my next action and about the possibilities I could create right then.

I liked Dylan. A lot. But as a friend. Being his girlfriend, going out with him would be great, because in a way I did love him. He was cute, funny and clever and everything I would want in a boy. But that's just it. I would want him. I would, if I wasn't in love with someone else.

My mind wandered to Louis, and somehow I found myself picturing his face where Dylan's was. I couldn't lead Dylan on like that. I just couldn't.

I didn't reply to Dylan's silent question. Instead I reached out and took one of his hands in mine. I linked our fingers together and gazed at him kindly, his own gaze fixed on our hands. He sighed, and I knew that he knew what I meant by that.

"I'm sorry, Dyla-"

"It's him, isn't it?"

I frowned. "What?" I asked, even though I was almost certain of what he was talking about.

Dylan frowned, his eyes not moving from our linked hands. "It's Louis. You love him, don't you?"

He lifted his head and stared me in the face, his pained look breaking my heart in to a million pieces. I already knew that he wasn't looking for an answer. "I know, Lara. There's no point lying now,"

"Dylan, I am so sorry, but I just couldn't lead you on. You'll find someone a billion times better than me. But I love someone else and I can't just stop," I shook my head sadly, wishing my words weren't true.

Dylan didn't appear to be listening. "I'm sorry for kissing you, and I'm sorry for liking you in a way you don't like me," his voice cracked. "I have to go and pack now. See you around," he let go of my hand, leaving it feeling cold.

And he left.

I stood there, dazed. No one else was around and it felt like I was falling from a great height. I was just protecting my friend's feelings and instead I break his heart. I felt like I was a horrible person, and yet deep down I knew I had done the right thing.