Twenty-Nine Dolls [H.S. AU]

6. Callie - 2012

Like a bullet 

to your heart...

2012

I didn't bother trying anymore. I was sitting there, watching him huskily breathe with all his might, controlling his anger. His bottom lip was delicately placed between his fingers as his solemn gaze didn't leave mine. What surprised me the most was that he didn't question my departure. He just brought me here and the rope was burning against my wrists. My ankles were attached to the legs of this chair. I was all too familiar with the situation I was in.

"I'm going to leave now. Either you sleep or I knock you out. It's completely your choice. I'll be out for a while so..." Mr Styles nervously looked around himself and ran a shaky hand through his hair. "Sleep, just sleep. I don't want to hurt you."

With that, he left me to my own devices. Tears were pointless at that point. Shadows settled on the place that he left as I watched the emptiness that filled the room. I couldn't make out what it was but however much I wanted him to let me go, the idea of him leaving me was painful. It was probably my selfish need to be in control of the situation but whatever it was, it was killing me. Closing my eyes and blocking out the world, memories of the nights came back. The nights where Conor and I would lay on the grass, aimlessly looking up to the sky. We enjoyed the cliche setting as it provided so much peace.

"Sometimes don't you look at the stars and think they're just beautiful." I'd ask him, intertwining my fingers with his. To my surprise, he'd shake his head solemnly as a deep sigh escaped his lips.

"Everything is more appreciated when it's dead." He stated, fixating his gaze upon the lights above us.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I know you didn't, but that's the harsh reality of it. If I die tomorrow, all those assholes that gave me shit would pretend I was their best friends, all those bitches that fucked me over-" He'd speak the truth but my timid mind couldn't handle his curses. I'd shuffle over to him during his rant and whisper in his ear.

"You're swearing too much."

"I'm sorry, but you get what I'm trying to say, right?" It would be the first time he'd properly look at me during that whole evening. His eyes seeking some truth in my soul. I'd never imagine being so lost and in love with a troubled soul, despite our youth.

"I do."

The sound of clattering and doors slamming became audible as the inconsiderate man woke me from my fantasies. I felt his hands on my bare, cold, damp knees as he shook me back to complete consciousness. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes and watched his concerned features soften.

"Callie?" He whispered, his hands moving to rest on my shoulders, "Oh good, you're alive."

"How could I kill myself?" I rolled my eye causing him to chuckle and leave for a second. When the sound of his returning footsteps were to be heard, a soft parchment was delicately placed on my shoulders, immediately making me ooze into its comfort and warmth.

"That's a good question." He smiled, coming into my vision and putting some gift-wrapped boxes onto my lap.

"What's that?" I looked down to them.

"Merry Christmas." He smiled, revealing each dimple. Coming forward, he wrapped his arms around me in what I thought was an embrace but he hands untied my own. I didn't have the energy to hit him and run again, so I gave in and brought my hands on top of the boxes. There were no words to illustrate my thoughts. I couldn't begin to express my concern and excitement. He probably bought them but I recognised the paper so well. Moreover, it was Christmas already? My mind was a whirlwind.