"Thanks," the officer said, as I pulled myself. I gave him a slight nod in reply, "No problem," I muttered, barely audible. The officer stood up, too, picking up his stack of papers, "That's all we have for you now, so you're finally free to go home."
"Thanks," I mumbled. I headed out that door on that. I probably should've said more, but my mind wasn't the most organized place right now.
I headed out of the small room and was further into the station. I walked to the front entryway. On the way there, my eyes desperately searched for Jo. I wanted to see how she was doing. I wanted to know if she would speak to me once more before she'll give me the silent treatment. I wanted to see if she was okay.
Instead, I opened up the door and walked out. I really should've put my hood back up and my sunglasses back on. I still had o the beanie, but that really didn't help me become unnoticed.
Camera flashes and the yelling of questions greeted me. I should've known that the paparazzi would find out. They figure out everything. Someone must've seen me and then spread the news of my location. Or maybe that one lady sold me out to the press. Or maybe it was one of the officers, I don't know.
There was so much noise, that I couldn't just pick out one question. I had no idea how to get away from this crowd. I guess I'm going to have to face them head-on. Sometimes you just cannot avoid your problems.
I wished I could say some sort of a goodbye to Jo before I leave. But, you can't always get what you want. So, instead, I walked through the crowd. I felt them trying to push closer, and I just kept pushing through. I wasn't in the mood to answer questions.
I knew they could see the bruises, blood, and multiple wounds. I didn't care. Let them say what they think. I don't know what side the press will be on. They could be thinking that I'm stupid for beating up the Asher Lee. Or, they could be horrified by what Asher did to Jo.
I just wanted to get home. I needed solitude, so I could finally think. I need to clear my mind. Too much has happened in one day and I need to relax, or at least clean the blood off of me.
I wasn't really in the mood to try and run away from them. I was too sore and my ankle was already hurting. I wouldn't be able to outrun them. I only had one other choice. I decided to just walk to my car, get in, and go home. If they followed me there, then so be it. I just need to get home.
I walked on the sidewalk, with a giant crowd of people. I knew people were staring at me, but when you're in an internationally famous boy band, you're going to get used to staring, and it becomes a way of life.
I regretted parking a block away from the bridge. Wait, the bridge. I was finally reminded of my original plans. I came here for one purpose: to kill myself. This whole ordeal with Asher and Jo definitely threw me off… and changed my plans completely.
After seeing what happened to Jo, I realized that I’m better off. I didn’t have someone constantly screaming at me, hitting me, and abusing me. I had it so much better than others, and I’m lucky for that.
I continued walking down the sidewalk, well, now it’s close to a limp. I finally reached my car and pulled my keys out of my pocket. I unlocked my car and got in. I hope they don’t crowd around the car… I really don’t want to accidentally hit someone…
I got in, quickly closing the door behind me. I slowly backed my car out. Thankfully, they backed up, allowing me to get onto the road. Once I was safely on the road, I was able to drive home without ay problems.
*
I reached my flat and parked my car. I got out and pulled my key out. As I was heading towards the house, I realized there was someone standing in front of the door. I recognized the bright red hair that was fixed in loose curls. It was Emily.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. Emily turned around, causing her hair to spin and then slowly rest on her shoulders, once she stopped moving. Emily nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw me. A small, frightened squeak escaped her lips when she first saw me, “W-What happened to you?”
“Long story,” I mumbled, sticking my key into the lock.
“I got time.”
I shrugged, “Well okay. Come in then,” I pushed open the door and motioned for Emily to walk in first. I followed behind her. I pulled my sweatshirt off, tossing it to the ground, along with my beanie and sunglasses. Emily looked at me suspiciously. I quickly spoke up, “You can just set your coat and shoes on the floor,” I started pulling off my tennis shoes, tossing them onto the floor.
“You could try and be neat,” Emily suggested. I rolled my eyes and laughed, “That definitely sounds like me,” I scoffed. Emily just sighed and pulled off her boots, scarf, hat, and coat. She neatly folded them and place them on the floor. I frowned, “Wait, so you’re one of those types of people, aren’t you? A neat freak or some germaphobe?”
“I’m not that extreme,” Emily defended herself, “I just hate huge messes or things that are just strewn all over.”
“Does that mean you don’t like me?” I joked. Emily stuck her tongue out, “Maybe not, Horan!”
I laughed and then headed into the living room, with Emily following closely behind me. I sat down on the couch, letting out a deep breath. It felt good to finally be in peace and sitting. Emily sat close beside me.
“So, what exactly happened to you, Niall? I’m ready for the long story.”
I let out a deep breath before beginning, “Well, it started when I went out on a walk downtown… I just needed a breath of fresh air after finding out that Jo and Asher were going to get married-”
“Wait, Jo and Asher are getting married… Wait, were?” Emily interrupted. I frowned at her, “I’m telling the story, aren’t I?”
“Go on, then,” Emily said, waving her hand as to tell me to continue.
“Well, I went out and as I was on a walk, I heard yelling from this one house. I saw a lady standing at the door knocking, trying to get them to shut up. I walked over and started asking her what was going on. She talked about how this couple lived here and they always seemed to be fighting. She said how she thought their names were Ashley and Joe… then, she started correcting herself. And, I finally realized that it was Asher and Jo she was talking about. I was really shocked, but the lady at the door told me to go in to the house to get them to be quiet. I headed in and saw how messed up the house was. Broken items scattered the floor; everything was turned over. I heard the yelling coming up from upstairs, so I headed up the stairs and opened the door where the yelling was originating from. I opened up the door and there I saw them. Asher and Jo were there. Jo was hunched up in a corner, as Asher screamed at her. Ashton fell silent when he noticed that Jo was staring at me. He turned around and saw that I was standing there. Asher tried to act like he didn’t do anything to her, but I realized that he had raped and abused her. I was pissed. Asher called Jo something like his property… he said that she belonged to him, and I just snapped… I tackled him to the ground and started beating up Asher-”
“You beat up, Asher?” Emily exclaimed, interrupting me yet again. I gave her an annoyed look, “Can I tell the story or are you going to keep interrupting me?”
“But, I just never could imagine you beating anyone up,” Emily said.
“Well, I did, and just let me continue,” I said annoyed, “Well, we were cussing each other out and we both hitting each other. Jo was desperately trying to break it up, but I didn’t stop until Asher was unconscious. Then, Jo got really mad at me. She started yelling about how she was in love with Asher and I shouldn’t have hurt him. Can you believe it? She still loves him! Even after all the abuse she still loves him… and she hates me now.”
“Why does she hate you?”
“Because I hurt her fiancé… and well, I got him arrested. Asher is now in jail waiting for his court case,” I answered. Emily gasped, “I can’t believe Asher is in jail! What have the paparazzi said! And all his fans, and your fans!”
“I don’t know… it kind of happened all too fast and I just needed to get home… I kind of needed to fix myself up, after all,” I said, pointing to my messed up appearance.
“Oh sorry, hey, I can help you out where’s like your first aid kit or something to help you?” Emily asked, pulling herself up to her feet. I shook my head, “No, you don’t have to do that.”
“I want to,” Emily said. I sighed, giving into her demands, “It’s in my bathroom, and do you know where my room is?” I asked. Emily nodded, “Yeah, I’ll be right back.”
Emily walked out of the living room, and then I immediately realized what happened to my room. I quickly jumped up, “Emily!” I yelled, about to head towards my room, but I heard a screech in reply. I quickly headed down the hall towards my room. I saw Emily standing in the doorway to my room. She stared at the wreckage which used to be my room.
“Okay, Niall, I know that you’re a messy person, but this is a bit extreme,” Emily said. She walked further into the room, “Emily, look, I can-”
“Why’s there a knife in your room,” Emily’s voice was barely audible. I didn’t know what to say. I was barely able to hear her, and I had no idea what to say. I searched around the room, as though I’d be able to find the answer on the walls. I searched everywhere but Emily’s eyes.
“Niall?”
“I can explain,” I quickly said.
“Then, why don’t you?” She suggested. I finally was able to stutter out a reply, “U-Um… I-I was working on dinner in here…?” I couldn’t lie; my mind was panicking me too much.
“Did you try to kill yourself because of Jo?” Emily whispered. I didn’t know what to say. I knew I wouldn’t be able to lie to Emily anymore, “Look, I’m not going to anymore-”
“How do I know?” Emily asked. She looked like she was on the verge of crying. I quickly shook my head, “No, Emily, I’m not going to anymore! All of that made me come to my senses and realize that I have it better than most people.”
“N-Niall… I-I just don’t know anymore… it’s the second time now,” She stuttered out. I saw the tears forming in her eyes. I took her hand and led her over to my bed. I sat down and delicately pulled her down by my side, “I’m not going to, Emily.”
“Promise me, then,” Emily said, her soft brown eyes staring into mine. I immediately looked away and stared at the ground, “Look… I don’t know if I can promise that.”
The tears spilled over on her cheeks, “P-Please?” she begged. I could feel the tears forming in my eyes, “Emily, I’m sorry,” I choked out. Tears rushed down her face, “Niall, I care about you too much to lose you.”
The pad of my thumb ran along her cheek, wiping away the tears that had fallen, “Don’t cry,” I whispered. Emily looked up at me and our eyes met. I slowly slid my finger across her cheek, my hand tracing down to her chin.
She was so beautiful. I felt like I knew her so well, and we were only friends. She knew everything about me, more than anyone else. I trusted her more than anyone… and right now I was just realizing that.
I stared into her soft brown eyes and leaned in. I saw Emily staring at me shocked and then my lips touched hers.
Shocking? Probably not cuz you guess everything *le sob* okay, predictions? Comment, follow, share, and vote! Please vote every chapter, I would love it so much if you all do! Thanks! Bye lovelies!
~Lydia♥
