certain things

28.

I slowly opened my eyes, immediately noticing that I was on the floor. Liam wasn't laid out next to me like he was last night. I sat up, taking the blanket I was covered in with me and rubbing my forehead. I grabbed my clothes and put them on, standing up from the hard floor. I quietly left the library and almost screamed when Gemma stopped me in the hallway.

She gave me a look and I looked down, nodding. Gemma sighed and wrapped her arm around my shoulders and giving me a hug. I sniffled and pulled back, making my way downstairs to the kitchen. Karen gave me a smile and handed me a plate full of bacon, eggs, and toast. I sat down at the counter and picked at my food.

Footsteps came down the stairs and I turned around to see Liam. He didn't even give me a second glance. Tears filled my eyes and I looked up, noticing Emily and Gemma staring at me. They motioned to the stairs and I followed them up to the bathroom. They sat me down on the covered toilet and Emily pulled out her makeup bag. She began covering the bruises on my neck and I felt a tear fall down my face. Gemma sighed and I pulled my knees to my chest.

"I'm so stupid." I whispered, barely getting my words out.

"You aren't stupid." Emily said and helped me up.

"He won't even look at me." I whimpered. "I give myself up so easily every time and just get let down. I don't get it. I feel so used."

Gemma hugged me and more tears spilled down my cheeks, onto her sweater. Emily hugged me too and I cried to my best friends. It seems I do this a lot. I pulled back and hiccuped, wiping underneath my eyes, not wanting to be so emotional.

"I thought he was telling the truth last night. He told me he loved me and that he wanted to be back together. I believed him is the worst part. He uses me for sex and drops me just like that." I sat myself down on the edge of the tub and buried my face in my hands. "Um, I need to go pack my bag."

I stood up and left the bathroom, trying to control my emotions, and went to the bedroom, getting my bag out. I started packing clothes in and continuously wiped my cheeks to get the tears off. The door opened and I assumed it was Gemma so I kept quiet, keeping my eyes on the shirt I was folding.

"Sam," My breath hitched and I realized it was Liam.

"Go away, Liam." I mumbled, zipping up my suitcase. "You sit there and cry about how you miss me and how you can barely function but then you leave. I don't get it, Liam. Please explain your logic because I am thoroughly confused."

"I got scared." I rolled my eyes at his poor excuse and began to walk out of the room but Liam grabbed my arm. "I felt like I forced you into sleeping with me last night."

"Why would you think that?" I sighed, rubbing my eyes out of tiredness.

"You told me that you didn't want to get back together and then I came and kissed you. I thought you just went with it because you felt bad. I'm sorry." Liam said and I sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at him across the room.

"Trust me, I wouldn't have gone with it if I didn't want to get back together." I slightly laughed and he sat down next to me. "You know, I'm scared too. I think we both just need to trust each other more."

"You are very right." Liam laughed. "What do you say we start over?"

"Sounds good to me." I said quietly and Liam smiled, grabbing my hand and intertwining our fingers.

"Samantha Haynes," Liam said, getting down on one knee in front of me. "Will you please go on a date with me tomorrow night?"

"Liam Payne," I laughed, trying to match his fake seriousness. "I would be honored."

Liam smiled and tackled me back onto the bed, making me laugh and he just kissed me. I pulled back and tangled my fingers in his short hair, looking up into his brown eyes. Liam gave me one small kiss before standing and hoisting me up from the twin bed. I grabbed my bag and followed him downstairs, noticing Gemma and Emily watching with smiles, along with everyone else.

"Well, finally." Harry spoke up and I felt my cheeks get hot, my gaze falling to the floor.

"Do you wanna get going?" Liam asked me and I nodded. "I'm gonna ride with Sam." Liam told Karen and she nodded, giving us both hugs.

We left the cabin and Liam put our bags in my car while I started it up, turning on the heat. He got in the passenger seat and I pulled out of the garage, getting on the highway. I began driving towards London and Liam and I sat in a comfortable silence, his taking my hand from across the center console. I smiled a little to myself and he turned the radio up, singing along to some Ed Sheeran song.

"Will you stay at the apartment tonight?" He asked and I hesitated. "No funny business."

"I don't want to rush this and have it get messed up again." I said quietly after a few minutes and Liam frowned. "I just think we should take it slow."

"I get it." Liam reassured and I offered a small smile. "But, I will be picking you up tomorrow at five and taking you on the best date of your life."

"Whatever you say, Liam." I laughed a little and he pouted. "I'm sure it will be wonderful."

"Oh trust me, it will."