More than a memory (A One Direction fanfic)

Chpt 10 - Say you'll stay

Chpt 10 - Say you'll stay

Niall's grip tightened around the steering wheel and his lips formed a thin line. His eyes; now as hard as concrete; were glued to the road in front of him. A vein bulged out of his neck as he clenched his jaw and grinded his teeth. He breathed in a sharp, angry breath.

"What. Did. He. Say?!" He forced out; and I could see he was struggling to stop himself from turning the car around and giving my Father a piece of his mind.

"M-my mother is g-gone.." My voice trembled as I spoke and tears began to sting at my eyes. I had never seen this side of Niall before; he was always so calm and humorous; but now anger consumed him.

Niall's face softened slightly as he realised that he was scaring me and he let a hand rest softly on my leg; the other gripping the steering wheel.

"What do you mean, Beth?" He asked, much more gentle this time, rubbing his hand up and down my thigh soothingly.

"H-he.. He.." I couldn't get the sentence out of my mouth, I was to broken inside. My ribs ached with every breath as another sob shook my body. I clutched my chest and squeezed my eyes shut; forcing tears of pain and regret to glide down my face.

I winced as the car drove over a speed-bump."Don't you worry, Beth. We'll get you to the local A&E as soon as possible and they can get you all patched up; then we can talk." He confirmed.

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".... From the sight of you it looks as if you have been through a lot of trauma. I would advise you to spend the night in a familiar, comforting surrounding and get some much-needed rest. Be sure to contact the police and hire a lawyer as soon as possible, and come back here in the morning or some time tommorow so we can check you over." The nurse chirped, flipping through a bunch of papers on her clip-board.

I nodded, my eyelids growing heavy. I forced them open; the pain-killers that the doctor had given me were making me drowsy. I forced a smile sleepily towards the nurse, in the most polite manner I could muster.

The nurses and doctors had informed me that I had a broken rib, a fractured ankle and knee, and many cuts and bruises. I had been given stitches above my right eye and along my arms.

I was asked if I wanted a patch over my black eye, but had refused; imaging Niall teasing me about being a pirate. I knew he wouldn't crack any jokes until I was feeling better; but still. I guessed I would be wearing sunglasses a lot instead.

Niall thanked the nurse, flashing her a crooked smile and then picked me up; bridal style.

My stomach did a back-flip.

But I masked my embarrassment by shaking my head at him comically, narrowing my eyes.

"Niall, you know they gave me a wheel chair!" I exclaimed, rolling my eyes, although inside I loved how he held me. So gently, yet so firmly and protectively. I loved how he smelled of Armani and how warm his chest was. I loved the comforting-yet-sort-of-awkward closeness of his face and mine.

Niall smirked down at me, a look of triumph crossing his features.

"I know," he lowered his face to my ear and whispered huskily. "But I like it better this way." I giggled and blushed a deep shade of fuchsia.

I mentally scolded myself. Why was I feeling this way towards him?

It must be the pain-killers.. right?

Niall carried me outside, lowering me into the passenger seat carefully. He sat himself down in the drivers seat and reached across to me. At first I was unsure what he was doing and my heart literally skipped a beat; but then I realised that he was simply buckling my seatbelt for me.