certain things

25.

"You ready?" Gemma asked me as I zipped up my bag and I nodded, slinging it over my shoulder.

"Yeah," I said quietly and she offered me a smile, hooking her arm with mine.

We walked out of the room and once up at the front, I signed out and got my personal items, following Gemma out to her car. I smiled a little, happy to be out in fresh air, and climbed into the passenger seat. Gemma pulled out of the parking lot and I watched out the window as we got closer to the university apartments.

"Do you wanna go out to eat with Harry, Justin and Emily tonight?" I nodded, looking over at Gemma and she smiled, pulling into the parking lot of the apartments. "Are you excited to see Liam?"

"Yeah. I am just ready to sleep in my own bed." I forced a laugh and Gemma smiled, helping me with my bag.

We walked up the steps and I found my key, furrowing my eyebrows as I heard weird noises inside. Gemma cocked an eyebrow at me and I pushed my way inside. I stumbled over a pair of shoes and I looked down to see a black pair of heels. I heard a distinct moan and I knew it was Liam, tears filling my eyes.

"Fuck, Liam." I heard a familiar voice and my breath hitched. It was Adriana.

"Sam," Gemma said quietly and I shook her off, walking straight back to Liam's bedroom.

I took a second before shoving the door open, my heart sinking at the sight. Liam scrambled to push Adriana off of him and she scoffed, standing up from the bed. Liam's face fell when he saw me and he pulled a sheet over his bottom half. Adriana put her clothes on, smirking at me when I sniffled a little. Adriana left, brushing her shoulder with mine, and I never faltered my gaze on Liam's shocked face.

"Wow," I humorlessly laughed and Liam stood up, making the move to grab my arm.

"I didn't know you came back today." I shook my head and watched him tug boxers up his legs. "Sam,"

"You told me that nothing would change while I was gone." I stared him straight in the eye and a tear fell down my cheek. I didn't even bother to wipe it away. "I bet you two hooked up the second I left. Please tell me, Liam. Did you really think that I would never find out? I can barely even look at you." I took a step back when he reached out for me.

"We broke up." He stuttered.

"You promised." I practically shouted. "You fucking promised me that you wouldn't do anything. I trusted you."

"Sam, please." I shook my head, not listening to his pleads and backed out of the room.

"C'mon," I turned around, noticing Gemma watching our little encounter.

She grabbed onto my arm and I stumbled out of the room, following her back to the car. I numbly sat down and she pulled out of the lot. I finally figured out that she was taking me to her and Justin's apartment.

"I feel so stupid." I finally muttered and Gemma sighed, turning a corner.

"Don't you dare say that, Sam." She said, angrily. "He cheated. You aren't stupid. He's stupid for doing that to you. I swear, if you weren't here, I would go back and punch his beard right off his damn face." She huffed, making me smile a little.

"I mean, I know I had to break up with him and it wasn't fair, but Liam promised that he would wait." I mumbled, crossing my arms over my chest. "And he had to do it with Adriana. He knows exactly what she did to me in high school and he still chooses her. I just don't get it."

"Let's get you some tea." Gemma offered up a smile and I nodded, following her into her and Justin's apartment.

Justin came up to hug me and I went with Gemma to the tiny kitchen, sitting down at the counter. Justin came in with a confused look on his face and I just shook my head, not really wanting to talk about what happened. Gemma slid over a mug of tea and I mixed in a little bit of sugar and milk, slowly stirring them in. I took small sips and tugged at my sweater sleeves, not wanting them to see my scars.

"Why don't you stay with us for a couple nights?" Gemma leaned against the counter and I nodded, sending her a grateful smile.

"Thanks, Gem." I said quietly and she tugged me up from my sitting position.

"Guess who's here!" I smiled, standing up just as Harry and Emily came through the door.

Emily pulled me into the tightest hug ever, telling me that I can never scare her like that again. I nodded, pulling away with a sniffle and moved on to Harry. I buried my face in his chest, finding comfort in my step brother and he rubbed up and down my back, pulling back with a small smile.

"Where's Liam?" Harry furrowed his eyebrows and I fell silent, my face falling. "What's wrong?"

"He's a bit preoccupied." I vaguely replied and Emily frowned. "So where were you guys thinking for dinner?" I changed the subject.

"Harry and I found this really cute diner down the street." I nodded, grabbing my purse when everyone started heading towards the door.

"What's the matter with Liam?" Emily wondered as I got in the car with her and Harry.

"Um, when we walked in the door, there were high heels in the entry way. So, I went to his room and he was with Adriana." I trailed off and Emily gasped, spinning around in her seat to face me.

"That little fucker." She gaped and Harry frowned, looking at me in his rear view mirror.

"Do you want me to beat him up?" Harry asked with a laugh and I nodded.

"You and Gemma really are siblings. She threatened to punch him in the face." I laughed and he smiled.

"Are you okay?" Emily asked me seriously and I shrugged.

"I will be." I reassured and she eyed me warily before turning back to face the road. "How have you guys been? I never got the chance to talk to you while I was away."

"Good, just getting ready for Gemma's wedding." Harry said and I frowned. I completely forgot. "You're still her maid of honor, if you're wondering."

"I know, I just feel bad that I haven't been here." I trailed off.

"We want you to be okay, Sam. Even if it means going away for a while." Emily said and I sighed a little. I knew they were right, but it was hard to accept.