Saving Liam

Budding Relationships

"Have everything packed?" Mom asked, for only the umpteenth time now.

"Yes mom. Stop asking me that. I need to head to the church. We are all taking a bus to the airport."

"I saw you talking to that boy yesterday. Is he coming?" She asked. Was she seriously spying on me?

"No mom. He just moved in yesterday but Colin is going." I said.

"Colin? Colin Glendale? From middle school?" The lack of trust in her voice could send me off the edge and to blow up again.

"Yes, him." I am so sick of her telling me who I can and can't hang out with. I'm seventeen years old!

"You be careful with him. I know this is a church related ordeal but that boy is trouble." Mom shook her head.

"Did you know that Liam is full of drama too? Everyone has a story and is going through something, mom." I had a bit of an attitude but she needed to hear it.

"Oh! I didn't hear that! You can stay away from him too." She said it like it was an order.

"I'm not your dog. I'm your daughter." I slammed my suitcase onto the table.

I stunned her because she almost jumped out of her skin.

"Lose the attitude or you don't go to Haiti." She scolded.

"I am seventeen years old and I have never had a boyfriend or kissed a boy. I am going to Haiti whether you like it or not and I will talk to Colin if I do so please too and when I get back, I'll make sure to talk to Liam. Maybe even invite him over!" I yanked the suitcase off the table and put it on the ground, pulling up the handle.

"What does kissing or dating boys have anything to do with this?" She asked, bewildered.

"I'm listing my lack of freedom. All because of you. It's one thing to be caring and responsible but I am not going to die because I have a boyfriend!" And with that, I rolled my suitcase out the door.

She chased after me, screaming my name like a lunatic. I walked to church with my suitcase in tow, not caring how stupid I looked.

I met up with Colin at the church and sat next to him on the bus on the way to the airport.

"I'm so glad I get to go on this trip and spend it with my favorite people." I kind of blurted out, not realizing that Colin would probably add to that or question me.

"Me too." He slung his arm around my shoulder and I died a little inside. At first, It felt wrong but then I remembered the fight I had with my mom and instead decided to snuggle close to Colin.

He played with my hair and traced circles on my back, sending shivers down my spine.

"This is going to be the best trip ever." He kissed my forehead. It shocked me for a second but I relaxed soon after.

"I agree." I took his arm that was slung over my shoulder and intertwined our fingers together. He was a little confused at first but smiled after.

"Promise me, we won't fight again and leave each other hanging again?" I whispered.

"I see your parents finally gave in to boys." He laughed.

"No, they didn't. I don't care anymore. I can't keep waiting for something that I can have right now." I turned to look him in the eyes so he knew I was serious and meant it.

He didn't say anything, instead he kissed me softly on the lips.

"I'm so proud of you, for standing up for yourself and standing your ground." He whispered, kissing me again.

"And I promise, I won't leave you." He brought me closer to him.

"Good." Was all I said and fell asleep against his chest.

We boarded the plane and I sat next to Colin, claiming the window seat. Mary Lynn sat next to Colin who sat in the middle.

"So are you guys like a thing now?" Mary Lynn asked, in a semi-disgusted voice.

"Yes. We've always been one, just now it's official." I looked into his beautiful blue eyes and melted.

"Okay, that is the cutest thing I've seen all day!" Claire turned around from the seat in front of us.

"But when we get to Haiti, the kids are our primary focus! You can lovey dovey it back at home!" Claire said. I laughed and Colin blushed.

"Jeez Claire, I can feel the heat radiating off of him. Keep your comments to yourself." Mary Lynn joked which only caused Colin to blush even harder.

"It's okay babe." I clutched onto his arm.

"It's cool and please do, call me that more often." He whispered into my ear which sent down another round of shivers down my back.

~~~~~

When we arrived to Haiti, we checked into our hotel rooms. I was sharing a room with Mary Lynn and Claire.

"Who's sleeping where, ladies?" Claire asked, as she set her suitcase down.

"I'll take the trundle." Mary Lynn said, walking over to the pull out couch.

"Pick a bed Melody." Claire said.

I chose the one farthest from the door. Claire would have to be the one closest to the door. I was never a fan of those beds. I was always afraid of an intruder breaking in. Stupid horror movies!

I plopped down onto the bed, literally. I got my stuff situated and then took a seat on the edge of my bed so I could chat with Mary Lynn.

"Mary Lynn." I whispered.

"Yeah? And call me Mary. My parents just liked the Lynn part so they didn't give me a middle name. I prefer just Mary though." She said.

I nodded my head before continuing on. "I want in on Liam's drama." I said. I never thought I would want to gossip about the new kid in town but I'm ready to do what real teenagers do.

"Yay! I was hoping you would eventually want to talk about him." She clapped her hands together and made herself comfortable on the couch like this was some sleepover or something but it kind of was.

"So. Liam Aiden Gates was born to Michael and Sara Gates. Michael is Harrison's son. Liam is seventeen years old and all his life, he's had to listen to his parent's bicker since the day he was born. Liam thought that he was a mistake. He's tried everything you can imagine." She took a pause and I wanted to hear more!

"Wait. What do you mean by that?" I asked, suddenly my old concerned self becoming curious.

"He's depressed." Mary's voice got quieter.

"Depressed?" My voice dropped an octave. My insides knotted up and I was suddenly terrified for her next words.

"Hey babe." Colin came walking into our room, without even knocking.

"COLIN! We could of been naked!" Claire scolded him.

"Sorry." He said, without blushing this time. He plopped a seat next to me and slung an arm around my frozen state.

"Melody?" He shook my shoulder.

"Mel?" He shook my leg this time. Mary began to shake me too. I could hear them, I was just thinking. This boy needs help. Maybe I can give it to him.

"I have to save him!" I shouted, standing up quickly from the couch.

"Who?" Colin asked. He looked at Mary for an answer but I blurted it out before she could speak.

"Liam."