Through The Dark (Liam Payne)

Chapter 26

I watch Liam pull away in his car. Agnes offers to drive me. On the way to the restaurant, I call Joe and tell him to meet us there. I'm worried for Liam. Obviously Josh is not the harmless guy I thought he was. I'm sure Liam could take him in a fair fight, however I don't trust Josh to fight fair.

We arrive across the street from the restaurant at the same time as Joe. I see Liam confronting Josh. As I start to run across the street, Joe grabs me. "No young lady, you are staying here." He has another officer come and hold me in place. He can tell by the look in my eye that if not restrained, I'll be right by Liam's side.

"Joe, please." I plead.

"I'm sorry, Alexis. I don't want you getting hurt." Joe says.

I turn to see Josh throw a punch at Liam, which he gracefully blocks. In turn he hits Josh so hard it sends him backwards into the wall behind him. I can barely hear Liam yelling at Josh. "Lexi was never yours, and will never be yours. Stay the hell away from her!"

Josh replies. "She's just using you to make me jealous."

I hear Liam yell. "You are insane!" Before throwing another punch.

Somehow Josh manages to get a blow past Liam and it connects with Liam's jaw. Seeing his head whip back at the impact hurts my heart.

I watch helplessly as the officer holds me back. It pains me to see Liam in danger. My first instinct is to run to him and try to protect him. I know nothing about fighting, but I do know I would throw myself in front of him, to protect him from harm.

For a moment I am lost in my thoughts. How on earth, in this short time, have I gone from thinking a guy in a band was hot, to being willing to protect him with my life if necessary?

I come back from my thoughts as I see Joe heading across the street. I watch as Joe purposely lets Liam get in one more punch before separating them.

The other officer puts Josh in handcuffs and takes him to the car. I quickly look at his face to see the damage Liam has done to him. Making sure not to make eye contact with him.

I run up to Liam. "Are you alright?"

He doesn't answer me. Instead he asks Joe. "So he's not getting out, correct?"

"No way, Liam. He's got the charges regarding Alexis and an assault charge now. I saw him throw the first punch at you. He won't be out anytime soon." Joe replies.

Liam looks at me. I don't recognize the look in his eyes. I put one arm around his waist and touch his face with my other hand. He closes his eyes briefly. "You're bleeding." I take the edge of my shirt and put it on his mouth where it's bleeding.

Liam doesn't put his arms around me like I thought he would. He runs his hand through my hair and kisses my forehead. He doesn't look me in the eye as he says. "I have to go, Lexi."

I look at him confused. "What? Why? Where? Liam, please."

He turns and walks quickly to his car. I try to follow him but Joe stops me. "Give him some time, Alexis. It's a guy thing." Joe says.

"I need to know he's ok." I say.

"He's just been through a lot of emotions. Give him a little time alone." Joe says as he waves Agnes over.

"Why don't you take her home, Agnes? I'll personally make sure Josh doesn't go anywhere." Joe says.

I reluctantly agree, and back at the hotel I stand by the front door watching for Liam's car. I've sent him texts asking him if he's alright. No response.

Agnes brings me a cup of tea and a chair. "If you insist on waiting here you might as well be comfy."

I take a sip of tea, then look down at my shirt. Liam's blood is still on the hem. I touch it and feel the warm tears rolling down my cheeks. Agnes rubs my back. "What happened, Sweetie?"

"I'm not sure, Agnes. Liam was acting strange when I went over to him after the fight. He kissed me on the forehead and then said he had to go. I just don't understand. Did I do something wrong, Agnes?"

"I don't think so, Sweetie. I'm sure he was just dealing with a lot of emotions all at once." She says.

I nod. "That's what Joe said." I wipe away my tears. "I was feeling a lot of emotions too. All I could think during the fight was that I needed Liam to be ok. Agnes, I would have jumped between them to protect him if necessary."

Agnes smiles. "I know you would have, Lexi."

I look up at her. "How did this happen so quickly, Agnes? I mean how do I go from listening to him singing in a band, to wanting to protect him with my life?"

Agnes grins at me.

"What?" I ask.

"Alexis, my dear, whether you've realized it or not yet, you are in love." She tells me with a smile.

I sigh. I know this. I just hadn't let my mind go there yet...to where my heart has already been.

The hotel phone rings and Agnes goes to answer it. I look at my phone. No replies from Liam. I call him, rubbing my hand on my leg, anxiously waiting for him to answer. It goes to voicemail instead.

"Liam, I'm sorry if I did anything wrong. Please let me know that you are ok. I'm worried about you...I miss you."

I hang up and look out the window.