The Story of us

Chapter Twenty-One: Reconciled

Liam Payne was never really one to mind other people's business. Ever since his parents had died, he'd been mostly on his own, growing up and finding his own way through self-discovery and experience. It was probably one of the reasons why he was so private-minded and closed, only ever speaking with purpose. Even with 1D, his oldest and closest friends, he was still guarded and reserved. It frustrated the other guys sometimes, but then that was normal. With five boys as different from each other as they were, there was bound to be conflict and a difference in opinion.

1D were really the only people Liam actually cared about; it had always been the five of them, through thick and thin, and he had never given thought to it ever being any different.

Liam sighed, laying his head back against the car seat. There was conflict again; Niall was acting completely out of character, purposely dangling Layla in front of Zayn, and of course Zayn was responding in kind. He understood Zayn's reaction at least, but that still didn't stop Liam from being annoyed with the lot of them. Even Harry and Louis was starting to get on his nerves.

Everyone thinks it's all fun and games in 1D... I'd like to see them live a day in our life, he thought idly as the streets slipped past. His brown eyes gazed out of the window, narrowed pensively in a frown. Liam sat up straighter when he noticed a familiar figure sitting by herself in the city square, shoulders hunched.

As the car swiftly travelled past this scene, Liam pondered upon it curiously. He knew who it was; she was Layla's friend, the loyal, slightly fierce one who seemed perpetually happy. He remembered when he, Harry and Louis went to talk to her by her car about Layla and Zayn. She'd immediately grown defensive, telling them haughtily that it was none of their business to interfere in their relationship.

Her bright and steadfast aura had mystified Liam the first time he'd spoken to her; she seemed to exude energy and passion from her very being, all without conscious thought or effort.

So what could possibly cause Danielle Peazer to sit alone outside, looking completely defeated?

Liam contemplated this, trying to reconcile the sudden curiosity and even more unexpected concern that had sprung up inside him. It was none of his business, after all, he told himself almost rebukingly. But still... Liam moved uncomfortably, unable to ignore the strange obligation he felt.

At last, he called out resignedly, "Stop the car."

As the car came to a stop, Liam climbed out and moved towards the city square. It was getting late; the sun was already starting to set. He paused uncertainly, watching as she sat slumped on the bench, silent tears sliding down her light-tanned face. This image was so strikingly different to her usual countenance that his lips curved.

"Hey," Liam called out, and she looked up, confusion and dismay mingled on her face.

"What - what are you doing here?" the biracial honey blonde curly haired girl sniffed.

Liam continued to look at her amusedly. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he replied, "Aren't you a little too old to be crying on the streets?"

At this, Danielle looked away, appearing to think about that as more tears welled up in her eyes. Liam felt a strange desire to laugh at this endearing, childish image - but the desire vanished the instant she started to wail out loud, her sobs doubling. He blinked in alarm; well, that had certainly backfired.

"Hey - hey - " he started to say, moving towards her.

"What did he do to her?"

"Tut, tut, what a young man. He looks so refined, too."

Other people were casting disapproving glances at Liam as they walked past, glancing over when they heard Danielle's wailing. He winced, thinking, This is what I get for minding other people's business. "It's not my fault," he said solemnly as a couple went by, looking reprovingly at him. Her wails grew louder and he cringed.