Saving His Rep

Hello

Over the past couple of weeks Liam has been skipping meetings, rushing out of events, and canceling our dates. I’m starting to get really worried about him. I walked up to his front door and went to ring the doorbell, but he opened the door at the same time.

“Oh. Athena. Hey!” He said before pecking my lips.

“Hey!” I said smiling. “Can we talk?” I asked looking up at him.

“I was just on my way out. Can it wait?” He asked biting his lip.

“I’ve waited too long, if I don’t get this out now I may never do it.” I said playing with my fingers.

“Sounds serious. You’re not breaking up with me are you?” He asked with a sudden worried look.

“No, of course not.” I said shaking my head.

“Oh. Ok. Well, come in.” He said stepping out of the way so I could enter his house. I grabbed a seat on his couch before patting the seat next to me. He sat down before taking my hands.

“What’s up?” He asked squeezing my hands gently.

“I’m worried about you.” I said looking him in the eyes.

“You’re worried about me?” He asked confused. I nodded my head. “Why?” He asked tilting his head.

“You’ve seemed really distant lately and you’ve been acting differently. I just want to know if everything is ok.” I said biting my lip.

“Yea. Everything’s fine.” He said nodding. I could tell he was lying.

“Don’t lie to me Liam.” I said pulling my hand away from him.

“Why do you think I’m lying to you?” He asked moving his hand to my knee.

“Because I know when you’re lying!” I said surely.

“I’m not lying. Everything is fine.” He said nodding.

“No, everything is not fine. Just tell me what’s wrong.” I said.

“Ugh! Why won’t you just believe me? Everything is fine! Perfectly fucking fine!” He yelled while getting up. He began to pace and ran his fingers through his hair. I let him walk around for a little while before talking.

“You see, this is how I know something is wrong.” I said gently.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m handling it!” He said not looking at me.

“What are you handling?” I asked softly. He didn’t answer me. “Liam.” I said he bit his lip before answering me.

“Everything. I’m handling everything.” He replied slowly.

“What is everything?” I asked shifting in my seat.

“I can’t tell you!” He said shaking his head.

“Why?” I asked tilting my head.

“Because no one knows. No one!” He said stopping his pacing.

“You can tell me anything.” I said getting up and walking to him. “Anything.” I said lifting his head for his eyes to meet mine.

“It’s my dad.” He said slowly. “He has cancer.” He added in a mere whisper with sad eyes. I stood there in shock for a little while. 

“For how long?” I asked grabbing his hand.

“1 year, 10 month, and 14 days.” He said quietly.

“Is that where you were going when I came?” I asked softly. He simply

nodded.

“Then let’s go.” I said taking his hand and pulling him towards the door.