When Worlds Collide

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Liam drove me straight to the airport. We got on a flight back to Minnesota, since that’s where the rest of the guys are. Liam says that they were only allowed for one boy to go, and they all decided Liam would be the best choice.

I sleep most of the flight, feeling exhausted over the past two days’ events. What with Felix, and the idea of revenge… it’s definitely taking a toll on me. During the flight I had gotten multiple worried texts and calls from Andy and Ashley. I ignore most of them, but I do text Andy to let him know that I'm safe and with Liam so that they doesn’t call the cops for missing person or something. They both continue to call and text me, asking where I am and why I left. I don’t answer them any further.

Instead of going straight to the cabin with the rest of the guys, Liam decides that it would be a good idea for us to stop at a hotel first. It’s not a really big or fancy hotel, but it’s not too crummy either. I stand by the counter next to Liam as he books us a one-night stay.

“We only have one room available…” the woman behind the counter tells us. She's got cropped short pink hair and red eyes, probably from contacts. Her name tag says Venom. I smile, liking her already. There were a few like Venom at the signings… my smile slowly fades as my thoughts drift towards Andy again.

“That’s fine, we can share,” Liam assures her.

“It’s only got one bed…” Venom says, looking somewhat apologetic.

“Oh, that’s fine. Right, Liam?” I ask, glad for there to be a reason to share a bed. I don’t want to sleep alone… Liam studies me before nodding at Venom. They continue the booking as I space out. I'm not really thinking about anything, I'm just studying the lobby. There are four orange couches, a fireplace, an old-timey rug, and plenty of decorative plants. The couches look new yet ancient at the same time, as does the rug. The fireplace looks cozy, and I wonder if the plants are real…

Just as I'm about to touch the nearest one, I feel a hand on my shoulder. It’s Liam.

“Come on, Lou. Let’s go,” he smiles at me and I return it sadly. He leads me to an elevator, and presses the five. For an inconspicuous hotel, it’s sure big...

I entertain myself with silly thoughts about the hotel looking like a one-roomed house on the outside, but being big as a castle on the inside as we ascend.

We walk I silence to our room. Just as Venom said, there's one bed, along with a TV, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and a closet. I walk over to the bed and sit down, staring at my feet. “Lou?” Liam asks softly, walking over to me. I nod, looking towards him. He sits down next to me and holds on to my hand comfortingly. “What happened?”

I take a deep breath, and explain my thoughts to him. The entire time he's quiet, eyes trained on me. Half way through my explanation I start crying again, but I keep talking. When I'm finished I let the tears flow without even trying to stop them. Liam pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me and rubbing soothing circles on my back.

“Lou, I'm so sorry…” he tells me. I look up at him. His features are blurry, but I can tell he's smiling sadly. “Are you sure, though?”

I nod. There's no other explanation. How could someone I had been so horrible to ever love me? It makes sense this way. I'm just glad that I got the time with him that I did, even if it wasn’t real.

“Liam?” I ask, looking down into my lap.

“Yeah, Lou?” I close my eyes, preparing for the embarrassing question I'm about to ask.

“Do you… do you still… like me like me?” I ask, biting my lip and waiting for his answer.

“Of course I do, Lou. I still love you,” he sounds confused, so I look up at him again. He’s smiling at me, with a kind ‘duh’ expression.