Love Can Be Found in the Darkest of Times

Chapter 18

We reach the front of Dani's house and her mom immediately greets us with hugs and smiles. A shy figure appears from the other room, I've never seen this man before. He raises his hand and gives a gentle wave before exiting the room once again.

"You have grown up so much Grace, you are absolutely gorgeous!"

She gives me another hug before rushing into the kitchen and bringing out a tray of cookies. Liam and I sit next to each other on the couch while Danielle sits in the chair across from us. I keep my gaze fixed on Liam, trying to study his emotions. His lips are parted, forming a slight smile and his eyes have not left Dani since we got out of the car. My heart twists in pain as I watch my "second chance at love" slip through my fingers and fall right into my old friend's clasp. I hold in one breath, trying to control the quickening of my pulse.

Thankfully Danielle's mom, Claire, breaks the silence. "This is my fiancé, Trevor!" I look over at the man I did not recognise a few moments ago.

He walks over to us and sweetly extends his hand. I take it, noticing the warm sense of protection overcoming my body. Danielle makes sudden eye contact with me and her face falls. I tilt my head to the side in confusion, I'm missing something here. Claire's face lights up when she talks about Trevor and their wedding plans. From what I've heard, it's sometime next week. Danielle cocks her head slightly to one side, motioning us to get out of the conversation and follow her. I give Liam's hand a light squeeze and he sneaks out a wink. We escape and follow Dani to what looks like her bedroom.

She crashes onto the bed, burying her head in a pillow. All I can hear are strained whimpers escaping her lips. Liam's feet stay planted on the floor, almost like he is unable to move. I nudge his arm and he peels his eyes away from the hysterical girl, crying in her pillow. This is the first time our eyes have locked since we got here. I silently tell him to go and wait outside, but he insists on helping. After about 5 minutes of bickering, Liam stays and waits in the back while I deal with Dani.

I kneel down beside her bed and start to slowly rub her back. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She nods her head, but doesn't move from her position.

"Dani?" She stays silent.

I try pushing back some of the curls from her eyes, but she turns over to the other side. I look over at Liam with pleading eyes and he answers me by frantically shaking his head. I roll my eyes and he Immediately mouths "I'm sorry" and rushes to my side. Liam places his hand on Danielle and the moment their skin touches her eyes flutter open. It was almost like an electrical shock. Danielle puts her hand over Liam's and they both stare at each other for what seems like forever. My eyes dart from side to side as I awkwardly stand between Liam and Dani's bed.

"Trevor, he..." Her eyes fill with sadness once again.

"What did he do to you?" The tears start rolling out one by one as Dani bats her long lashes.

"Well, he is way too over protected and one time we got in this huge fight and..." She dives back into pillow and Liam sits down next to her.

"He hit you..."

Danielle cries out in pain, "YES! HE DID!"

Liam takes her hand my heart starts to ache.

"It was only once, but what if my mom finds out?"

"Everything will be ok, I promise." I bend over and give her a long, warm hug.

"Thank you Grace."

I give her a reassuring smile and walk over to the door.

"Are you coming Liam?"

He looks over at Dani, then back at me. "I think I'm going to stay with Danielle a little longer...just to make sure she's ok."

Dani laughs through her tears, "Please call me Dani."

I fake a smile and slowly close the door behind me. No, this can't be happening. My head is spinning. I garb ahold of the wall in front of me and close my eyes. Harry is the first person who appears. No, I love Liam! You're Liam and Harry's second choice, my conscience reminds me. Natalie, Danielle....I can't keep doing this. I'm never good enough for anyone. I'm done! A bright light takes over my vision and I suddenly have no idea where I really am.