Treacherous

Chapter Forty-Eight

*~*~* Amie's POV *~*~*

Even though I can't see them, I can feel everyone's burning gazes on me, gauging my reaction. Tears have slipped, but only a few. I'm doing better than I think anyone would've ever thought I would.

I sit straight up, staring straight ahead of me into the blackness, wanting to see his face and be able to judge his facial expressions. He could never lie to me before. His eyes go blank as he tries to think of anything that doesn't involve him lying. I was the only one that could ever tell, but now there's no one. Unless of course this Natalie girl has figured him out as well.

I'm slammed back into reality and I gasp softly, quickly bringing my hands up to my eyes to wipe away those dreadful tears. I sniffle once more before turning to look at Louis and giving him a small smile.

"See? I'm okay now."

He takes my hand is his and presses a feather-light kiss to my forehead. "I'm proud of you, Amie."

I'm proud of myself too. I didn't let it affect me and now I've passed the first test to getting better.

I clap my hands together and smile widely. "So, should we get some dessert?"

Everyone awkwardly laughs and stands to head back into the kitchen where I order Eliza to set out the desserts I had her make earlier. Everyone's astonished gasps at the quantity of cakes, cookies, and tarts that cover the kitchen counter make me grin. They love it.

As we eat I get many compliments as to how well I handled things and Eleanor teases about her finally getting to sleep in her own bed. I laughed along with everyone else, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

*~*~* Niall's POV *~*~*

As soon as we walk into the theater, Natalie's fake smile for the cameras fades and she turns to look at me angrily, dragging me to the corner of the main room. I look into her hardened eyes and almost cower at the expense of her harsh gaze.

"What the hell was that?"

"Something that you don't understand," I answer, not giving her anymore of an explanation than that.

"Then explain it to me, Niall. Help me understand how the hell you go from crying over your loss of her to screaming insults that I know aren't true." Her hand grips my wrist tightly, but I yank it away.

"I can't tell you."

"What? So now we're back to the 'I can't tell you' thing. Even after everything that I confessed..." Her eyes hold disappointment and embarrassment.

That guilt starts clawing at me again, and it takes everything in me not to spill. A tear slides down my face, but I push it away and sniffle, trying to find the right words.

"Just answer me this," she says, her eyes softening incredibly. "Do you love her?"

She's no longer angry- just curious.

"Yeah." I nod. "Yeah, I love her."

"Then why do this? Why put yourself and Amie through so much pain?" Her tone is gentle, not at all accusing and angry as it was just minutes ago.

"B-because I have to," I stutter, covering my mouth to suppress a sob after the words tumble out. I refuse to start breaking down in the middle of a theater.

"No you don't. Who told you that you had to?" Her unguarded eyes and soft voice make me want to tell her, and I almost do.

"I-it was-" I slap a hand over my mouth. I can't tell her. She'll kill her.

Taking tiny steps back, I continue to sob into my own hand until I back up so much that I hit the wall. Hoping that no one's watching, I slide down it and cover my entire face with my hands.

"Come on, Niall," Natalie encourages, crouching down next to me and pulling my hands from my face. "Just finish that sentence."

I shake my head furiously, refusing her without anymore words. I'm afraid that if I speak again I will let the ugly truth fall from my lips.

She sighs and leans back on her heels, letting her bottom hit the floor softly. She pulls her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them, keeping them in place. "So, I guess we're not going to that movie..."

Her sad expression makes me wipe my tears and take a deep breath before standing up and helping her up as well. "No. We can still see it. Want popcorn?" I lead her over to the stands and hop into line behind an old couple. I copy their stance as I wrap my arm protectively around Natalie.

She shoves me away, but says, "Extra butter, please."

I nod and take a step away, giving her a little space. She must hate me now. She tells me everything about her, but I give her nothing in return. It's not fair and I know it.

While we wait for the couple in front of us to slowly order, I pull out my phone and ask TGWD a question that has been nagging me for forever.

To: Unknown Number

If I told someone- and Amie died- would you leave me alone?

The question has been eating away at me for weeks, but just the thought of Amie dying makes me nauseous. I don't want it to happen, I've just been thinking about all options of getting out of this, and this is a very logical answer to a few of my problems. At least I won't feel so controlled anymore.

From: Unknown Number

Yes. I promise.

It's as if she's taunting me. She knows how much I want everything to be over, but she doesn't know the distance I'm willing to go to protect Amie. Even though I don't truly have her, I will protect her with all that I have.

XxXxX

This is probably the most shitty ending ever, but I haven't updated in forever. Sorry about that! I haven't found very much time to write lately, so it took a little longer this time and I apologize for the short length of this chapter! I hope you still love me! xx

And another thing I want to address is that I know that this is getting really boring... The vote count for each chapter is going down and honestly I already know that it's winding down... So I'll try my best to get these next few chapters up and going! Thanks for sticking through with me, guys!

But, you guys, I'm remaking a fanfiction I started before because it sucked, but if you would all look at it, it would mean the world to me! It's called 'No Matter What'. :) Please check it out, lovelies! :*

Comment- Tell me how I did :)

 Vote- Show me how much you liked it :)

Follow/Fan- Get updates on my stories :)

Thanks to everyone who reads! It makes me so happy to see that people have enjoyed what I've written! :)

LOVES

Nezza xx