certain things

2.

I fluttered my eyes open and squinted at the light streaming through my window. I sat up in bed and ran a hand through my hair, looking around. Cameron was gone which was nothing new but it still made me frown. I threw the covers off my body and climbed out of bed, throwing a sweater and jeans on. I stretched my sore limbs and left my room, padding to the kitchen. I noticed Liam sitting at the counter, drinking coffee and scrolling through something on his phone.

"Morning." I said quietly and he looked up from his phone.

"Mornin'" He mumbled, returning his attention to the device in front of him.

I frowned and grabbed a black mug from the cabinet. I poured the steaming coffee in and grabbed some sugar and cream, mixing them in. I sat down next to Liam and his gaze never left Twitter.

"My mom called yesterday." I spoke up and Liam started coughing, the coffee in his mouth spilling back into the mug.

"What?" He asked, his coughing finally ceasing. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You were a little preoccupied." I said, motioning to the hickey that adorned the base of his throat.

"Could say the same for you." He mumbled, probably thinking that I couldn't hear him.

"At least I don't just sleep around. I'm in a steady relationship so it's normal to have sex." I snapped and got up to put my empty mug in the sink.

"You call that a steady relationship?" Liam exasperated and I raised my eyebrows in question. "Sam, how many dates have you been on with him? And a date is not driving around and pulling over to fuck in the backseat." I was at a loss for words. "Exactly."

"So? There's nothing wrong with that." I stammered and he just rolled his eyes.

"He's using you and I'm not just saying that, Sam. Okay? You're my best friend and I am just looking out for you." Liam raised his voice and I kept quiet, knowing he was right. "Here, he left this for you." He handed me a cream paper with my name on the front. I immediately unfolded it and began reading.

Sam,

First of all, I'm sorry. I can't keep pretending that I'm happy in this relationship. To be honest, I've never really loved you like you loved me. I hope you can move past this. Please don't contact me again.

-Cam

I gasped a little, reading his harsh words, and sat the note back down on the counter. I looked up at Liam and he just had his arms crossed over his chest. He walked over to me and sighed, slinging an arm over my shoulders. I leaned into my best friend and sniffled, not daring to let a tear fall.

"Let's get you some breakfast." Liam suggested quietly and I nodded, slipping into my vans.

We walked out of the apartment and he locked the door behind us, leading me to his car. I numbly sat in the passenger seat, not bothering to buckle up as he pulled out of the lot. Liam drove to the familiar diner that I have been a million times. He found a parking spot and we got out, walking to our usual booth in the corner. I scanned the menu, even though I always get the same thing, and Liam eyed me warily.

"What can I get you two?" Dana, the old waitress asked, and we smiled at her.

"Just the usual." Liam answered for both of us and Dana nodded, leaving us. "What did your mum want?"

"I hung up before she could actually have a conversation with me." I mumbled, toying with the spoon handle in my coffee.

"Are you okay?" He asked after a while and I shrugged. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I wasted a whole year of my life on him." I whispered, finally meeting his eye. "Go ahead and say it. I bet you're dying to."

"Say what?" I rolled my eyes at his confusion.

"Tell me that you told me so. I mean, you were right." I trailed off and picked at my freshly delivered hamburger.

"I really want to, but I'm not." Liam said, taking a bite of his burger. "I know how you get when you're sad and I don't want to add anything to the load." I barely understood him because his mouth was full.

I kept quiet, not feeling the need to reply. We ate in silence and my thoughts were everywhere. I trusted Cameron with so much and he just breaks up with me in a note. I couldn't be more thankful for a friend like Liam, though. Ever since we were little, he has been my rock and vice versa.

During high school, we always stood up for each other. When he would get picked on or I got teased, we were always there for each other. I remember when I went through an especially tough time, I locked myself in my room and refused to speak to anyone. Except Liam. He came over and I finally broke down. He held me as I cried and spent the night to make sure that I was okay.

"Sam," I blinked and Liam was snapping his fingers in front of my face. "Did you hear me?"

"No, what?" I sighed, dipping a french fry in ketchup.

"Wanna go to a party later tonight?" I nodded. I only go to parties to get free alcohol. "My mum wants us to come visit soon."

"It's almost Christmas; why don't we just go then?" I suggested and Liam nodded, finishing off his food.

"My Mum keeps texting me because she misses you." I smiled a little at the thought and pushed my plate to the edge of the table. "Apparently Harry misses you a bunch."

"Yeah, he keeps begging me to come home for a weekend."

I laughed and leaned back in the booth, taking a sip of coffee. Liam smiled and took a big gulp of his soda, crossing his arms over his chest. I swallowed hard at the way his muscles flexed in his arms and shook the thoughts from my head. Liam's my best friend. I shouldn't think of him like that.