Completed Heart

Chapter 8: Realization

Chapter 8: Realization

I sat in the kitchen, munching on some crackers and reading a book for school. The boys went out to have some guy time. They probably went to a pub, and Liam didn't want his little sister to see him drinking because of their alcoholic mother.

She wasn't a bad person, just a broken one. My father was an alcoholic, but they were in love. His drinking led to problems, which became a lot worse once he found out he had lung cancer, from smoking. This was when I was three, and Liam had just turned seven. The cancer spread quickly. My mother had to spend a lot of time at the hospital, leaving the two of us alone a lot. She wore herself out going every night and working in the day. When he finally died, my mother was completely done. She quit her job and turned to alcohol. Her soul mate had died a slow and painful death and she couldn't bare it anymore.

Liam took over after that. He supported me and mum until he made it big, leaving me alone. He paid the bills, put money in our accounts and sent us monthly allowances, but he wasn't there when I needed him. When I was only 14 I had to deal with my alcoholic mother and her bed buddies.

Every time Liam left, I felt the same abandonment of the first time. I would never tell him that, though. He should be allowed to follow his dreams.

The kitchen door slammed open. My mother and some drunk stumbled in. Completely ignoring me, they went upstairs. I heard the door to her bedroom shut. I tried not to think of them and went back to what I was doing. About an hour later, the 'gentleman' my mother came in with left.

I waited exactly thirty minutes before going upstairs with toast, water and Alcohol-X. I lightly tapped on mum's door and entered the dark room. She was lying in bed, and sat up when I came in. I love my mum. I know that she loves me too, but it is just so difficult being the only adult in the house, or at least that is what it feels like when Liam isn't home.

She nibbled on her toast after taking the pill.

"Mum," I started. She looked up at me.

"Mum, you were gone for four days."

"I just stayed at a friend's house, honey. Mummy has to take care of her sick friends. I think I caught whatever my friend had. I am not feeling too well." Wow, an elaborate cover up. I rolled my eyes.

"Mum, I was worried. Something could have happened to you. You need to call me next time." I said patronizingly.

"Blah blah blah. You are such a bore," she whined, "Just like your brother was," she added fondly, which caught me off guard. Her mood changed quickly.

"Everyone left me. All the people important to me, left," she almost started to cry.

"What?"

"Your father died... He left me My parents are dead... They left me. My sister moved to Germany... She left me. Liam is all famous now... He left me. Everyone important to me is... is GONE!" She waved her arms frantically.

"Mum, I'm here. I'm not leaving." I whispered. I always got the sense that she favored Liam, but she never out right called me unimportant. I am only her last resort. She only puts up with me because she has no one else.

"Oh, yes. I guess you'll do." She laid back down on her pillow.

"He's home, mum. Liam came home on Thursday. He brought the lads with him." She sat up when I said this.

"My baby's home? Oh dear, I have to clean up." She ushered me out the door. I heard the shower start. Of course she would clean herself up for Liam, and I just have to see her usual drunk self.

I went back to my position in the kitchen. I think I sat there for like two hours before the boys came home. They came in and immediately went to the fridge.

Liam sat next to me, stuffing his face with some sort of chip. I turned to him.

"Can I have the car? My shift starts soon and I need to get going."

"Oooh warf?" He spit out some food.

"Eew, Liam, speak AFTER you swallow."

"Sorry, you work?"

"Yeah, at a diner. I'm a waitress."

"Well, we need the car. Can I drive you there and then pick you up?"

"Ok," I mumbled. Great I will look like a loser have my brother drive me to work.

"Oh," I started, "Mum's upstairs..." Liam turned to me, wide-eyed. He put down his food and walked upstairs. I heard someone tap on her door.

A half an hour later and Liam was still upstairs.

"I am going to be late for work!" I whined.

"I can drive you," Harry offered, "if you want."

"Or I can." Zayn offered, shooting Harry an apologetic look. Harry narrowed his eyes, but just nodded at Zayn.

"Whatever." Harry walked out of the room. I grabbed the keys and tossed them to Zayn. He followed me outside and climbed into the driver's seat. I climbed in the passenger's seat. I expected him to start the car and drive off, but instead he turned to me.

"Sorry if that made you feel awkward," he put a reassuring arm on my shoulder, "I just wanted to make sure that Harry doesn't, you know, it would ruin the band, ok. Not only that, he would ruin you too, love." I just nodded, he was looking out for me.

We drove to the diner. The whole ride there, he was asking me questions about myself, as if he generally cared. I found myself telling him a lot. He was easy to talk too, and when he teased me, I laughed. Things were simple with him. I liked having him as a friend.

"Alright, he we are, love. Have fun serving." He winked at me as I climbed out of the car. I waved to him and walked inside.