The Fighter

Chapter Thirteen

* Liam's P.O.V *

"Because Vanessa. I just don't want you with him." I say. It's true, but that's only half of the reason why.

"Well I want to hangout with Harry." she says, not looking me.

"Yeah, because making out with Harry while he's naked and you have no pants or a bra on is hanging out," I say louder than I intended.

"It doesn't matter to you who I want to be with." But it does. She runs off into the bathroom and I hear her lock it.

Why does Harry have to come between us? I want Vanessa. I want her more than Harry does. But Harry has a better chance at getting her.

A few hours pass and she's still on the bathroom. It's quiet, so I'm guessing she's asleep.

I grab the key from a dresser in my room and quietly unlock the door.

Vanessa is leaning against the bathtub. Her face is covered with her arms. Is she sleep?

I keep the light off and slowly make my way towards her.

"Go away," she cries quietly.

I ignore her and sit down beside her. I pull her into my arms.

"I'm sorry," I whisper into her ear. She doesn't speak.

"Do you still want to know the reason why I left you?" She nods.

I pull her into my lap and lay my chin on the top of her head.

"Okay. When I was younger, my mum and dad got into tons of arguments because my dad always came home late. One night my dad was drunk when he got back. He started throwing things and yelling at my mum. I tried to go help her but she told me to go to my room. I hid behind the corner so they couldn't see me. He slapped her and she fell to the ground. He started kicking and punching her. When he left I ran to my mum and she told me she's okay. She had blood everywhere and bruises. She got up but I had to help her walk. She sat me on her lap and made me promise never to hurt any women or leave marks on them." I hear her sniffling when I finished.

"You thought you hurt me?" She turns to face me. I nod as I wipe her tears with my thumbs.

"I thought I broke the promise."

"I'm sorry about your mom." She snuggles into my chest. I rock her until her breathing slows.

We've been in the bathroom for a few hours. She's asleep on my lap, but I don't want to wake her up. She's so beautiful and peaceful when she's asleep.

I push a few strings of her hair behind her ear. I begin to gently trace the features on her face with my index finger, careful not to wake her.

She scrunches her nose and I can't help but smile.

"Liam," she whispers.

"Yeah Vanessa?" I whisper back.

"I want to tell you about my childhood too," she keeps her eyes closed.

"When I was younger, I had two little sisters. We lived with my mom, and she had nobody to help her with us. I had to grow up quick since I was the oldest and I had to help my mom. She had a boyfriend. He was amazing until he moved in with us. He started abusing my mom in front of us, and he threatened us. He said he'd kill all of us if we told anyone. He'd abuse my sisters and I too. One day my sisters stayed the night at my aunts house, he wouldn't allow me to go with them. They didn't come back after two weeks. We found out my aunt called the police. About a week or two later a social worker and polices came to my house. They took me with them, but they never caught my moms boyfriend. I was only four when this happened." She starts crying again. My eyes start to water.

Come on Liam, don't cry.

"Vanessa..." I start to tell her I love her. But do I? I don't even know how love feels. It's only been about a month since we've met. I can't possibly be in love yet.

"Yeah?" She looks up.

"Never mind."

She takes my hand and holds hers inside of it.

"Are you doing anything for Christmas?" I ask.

"I was going to just hang out with Ariana, exchange gifts with her, drink hot chocolate and watch movies."

"Do you want to come with me to see my mum? I understand if not. I know we've just met a few months ago but-"

"Sure." She smiles into my chest.

****

I carried Vanessa to my bed and decided to ring up my mum.

"Hey Liam, I miss you so much baby." I chuckle.

"I miss you too mum."

"Are you going to come visit for the holiday?"

"Yeah, I'm bringing a friend."

"Is it a girl?"

"Yeah...."

"Aww Liam. Do you love her? Are you going to give me grand kids?" She sounded happy, I want her go be happy, but I also don't want to lie to her.

"No mum, she's just a friend."

"Liam, tell me about her. Is she beautiful?"

"Yeah, definitely beautiful." Her green eyes flash into my head. How her face has no flaws. How her long brown hair frames her face, and not one string is out of place.

"Aww Liam. I hope you two become more than friends. I got to go, I love you baby. See you in a few days."

"I love you too mum." I hang up.

I hope we become more than friends too.

Vanessa comes out of the room rubbing her eyes. She looks so beautiful. She'd never want me, I'm a jerk. But her mums boyfriend is a bigger jerk. If I ever meet him, I'd kill him. Smash his face into the ground. Nobody will her my.... Hurt Nessa.

"Sorry if I woke you."

"You didn't," she smiles.

I wish I could wake up to her everyday. Hear her morning voice. Make her breakfast. And most of all, protect her.

What am I saying? How can I fall for her this quick? I don't want a girlfriend. I don't love anyone except my mom. That's how it will always be.

"Are you hungry?"

"No," she smiles and takes a seat next to me. I see goosebumps on her and can tell she's cold. I grab a blanket from my bedroom and hand it to her.

"Liam, will you cuddle with me?" she shyly asks. I lay on the couch and she lays in front of me, she leans her forehead on my chest. I inhale the smell of her, just in case I'd never be able to smell her sweet aroma anymore.

I wouldn't mind doing this everyday with Vanessa. She makes me want to be a better me. She's so innocent compared to me.

"Will you tell me about that girl that was here?"

"I got drunk." Is all I say. Her mouth forms an 'o', and she doesn't ask me anything else. I fall asleep with Vanessa in my arms.