Perfect Match

Chapter 11 - Sleazey git.

Liam’s P.O.V.

I leaned against the tree, putting a hand over my mouth and nose and breathing out to check my breath. I dropped another three tic tacs onto my tongue, letting the minty taste fill my mouth.

I was wearing my blue checked shirt, grey skinny jeans, and white converse. I glanced at my watch. I was early. I was so excited! Niall had called and told me about his date with Vaila. He sounded so happy, and apparently they’re going out again tomorrow. Luckily, we’ve got two days off – and then we’re back to work on Wednesday, and then every day for a week. I guess we’d just have to make these two days last.   It was Sunday evening, so I didn’t think there’d be many people at the restaurant I’d planned on us going to. Hopefully it would be nice and quiet... no cameras, no paparazzi. Just Jen and I. Together.

I stood there for what seemed like ages, the warm sun glowing and beating down on my tanned skin.

“Hey, handsome.”

I looked up, and saw Jen, smiling as she walked towards me. And wow, she looked beautiful.

She was wearing a pretty floral dress that went just above her knees, and her side fringe was pinned back. She was wearing mascara; it really emphasised her blue eyes. She was walking along really coolly, which was a surprise seeing as she was wearing huge high heels. She must’ve practised for ages.

“Hey, beautiful.” I said in reply.

I gave her a massive hug, and we walked, hand in hand, into town. “Aren’t you worried about the paparazzi seeing?” Jen asked.

“Nah, I don’t care,” I replied, which I later discovered to be a huge lie. “Nice heels, by the way.” 

Jen laughed. “I kind of needed them so that I can actually reach you. I’m a short-arse.”

“You’re perfect.” I said before I could stop myself.

We arrived at the restaurant ten minutes later. I told Jen to wait while I went and spoke to the manager.

“Hey, my name’s Liam Payne, I was wondering if me and my friend could sit outside?”

“Oh I’m terribly sorry sir, but there are no tables and chairs outside...”

I looked around to make sure no one was watching, and leaned in close to the manager. “Are you sure about that? I mean, I’ve got plenty of cash... I am in a top boy band, after all...” I whispered in his ear, slipping three £20 notes into his hand.

The manager looked up at me. “Wait here for two seconds,” he said quietly, “and I’ll be with you in a minute.”  

I went to stand with Jen, and told her they were just getting our table ready. Two minutes later, the manager came and greeted us, and led us outside.

“Wow,” Jen breathed as we walked through the doors, and I was just as amazed as she was.

Before us, was a large circle of grass, surrounded by flowers of every colour and tall trees, with twinkling fairy lights looped around them. In the centre of the grass, was a table with a small candle placed in the middle.

“A waiter will be with you in a minute to take your order, sir.” The manager said, before going inside.

“Wow, Liam! This is amazing, oh my Gosh!” Jen exclaimed, and I went to pull out her chair for her. She sat down, and so did I.

“This is so sweet of you.” Jen continued.

“Well, I just wanted a bit of privacy... and I thought it would be nice to eat our meal outside, you know? While the sun is shining...”

“It’s beautiful,” Jen said. “Wow, all this on a first date!”

“Wait, this isn’t a first date. This is a second date. Nando’s, remember?” I corrected her. “Oh yeah,” Rosie laughed, “well, this is still amazing for a second date.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it...” I smiled.

It was only then, shimmering in the light of the candle, did I notice it.

A brown bruise, right on her face.

“Oh my God, Jen, what happened? You’ve got a bruise on your face, are you okay?”

Jen started chewing her lip. “Oh, it’s nothing...” She whispered.

“Has somebody hurt you?” I asked, furious.

“Well... okay, I’ll tell you. Now, do you want to hear the long version, or the short?”

“The long...” I admitted.

“Okay,” Jen said. “Well, it all started when we were in Year 9. We were 14. This new boy moved to our school... his name was Jack, Jack Harper. Anyway, Sarah instantly became attracted to him. We all fancied him a tiny bit, to be honest. Well, that was until we realised what a monster he was. Anyway, he started chatting to Sarah more because they were in the same set for science. And, eventually, they got together... However, I realised how much of a complete douche he was when he tried to kiss this other girl in our class at a party. He would swear all the time, drink, and smoke, and when I’d ask Sarah round for a sleepover, he’d tell her that she couldn’t go... he’d tell her that he wanted her all to herself...”

Jen was shaking as she told me. “And me and the girls discussed it, and decided it would be best to tell Sarah that we thought she would be better off without him. And, she took our advice, and broke up with him...”

Tears were welling in Jen's eyes. She took a deep breath, and continued.

“And last night, he came and... he hit me in the face. And then everything was a blur... I don’t really like to remember it...”

I took hold of Jen’s hand, stroking her fingers softly.

“How could anyone do something to such a wonderful person?” I said, reaching my hand up to stroke her cheek.   Suddenly, there was a flash of light and a snap; I looked up and dropped my hand from Jen’s face. I jumped up from the table, and grabbed the photographer, who had been hiding in a bush.

“You- you horrible person! You privacy invader! I’m just sat here trying to enjoy an evening out with this beautiful girl, and you have to ruin it!” I shouted. “Leave us alone! Give me some privacy! WHY WON’T YOU LET ME LIVE MY LIFE?!” I roared.

I clenched my fists, going red in the face.

“Er, sorry, but I’ve really gotta go.” The photographer said, nervously.

“What, to take the photos to a magazine?” I scowled. “Fine, leave, you sleaze...”

I pushed him away, anger blazing in my eyes. I’d never been so angry in my life. First Harry, now me? It was as if we were never meant to have girlfriends...

“Jen, I’ve got to go... I’m sorry...” I muttered, and left Jen sitting there, shocked. I hated myself for it.  

A/N: Ooohh, intense! That's all for tonight guysss. Enjoy!