Second Chances

Part 3

The next morning, I was brought before the judge. He looked at me; “Miss Annabel Flynn. Do you agree to the terms of your parole?”

The terms were, take my medicine, visit a therapist at least once a month for evaluation, and don’t leave England for a year.

“I agree.” I said. “Then, congratulations.” he said, “You’re a free woman.” Natalie took of my cuffs, and whispered, “Congrats Tiger.” I smiled, said my ‘thank you’s, and was taken outside. I inhaled deeply, and gave a sigh; even though it was filled with bus fumes, and other pollutions, it was my first real breath as the, newly freed, Annabel Grace Flynn.

I started down the road. I was wearing my clothes from the day I got arrested, and needed to get something that was in fashion, and fit me better. I walked in the first store, and bought a long sleeved lime green top, jeans, and black converse. After I paid with the £40 that Natalie gave me as she escorted me out, I walked to the Starbucks, which had a “Help Wanted” sign. Lucky for me, they excepted my offer and told me I’d start work in the morning.

Everything was going fine until I bumped into an all too familiar face, on my way out; Liam Payne.

“I’m so sorry. Are you ok?” he asked me, genuinely concerned. Then, I realized; Liam only met me once. Perhaps, he didn’t recognize me. “No, I’m fine.” I said, as he helped me back to my feet. I caught a glimpse of his eyes; the were so much more beautiful in person. Suddenly, they went from concerned to angry as he realized who I was. I pulled his hand away from mine, and shoved them in his pockets, “So, I see they let you out.” “Liam, I…” I started, not even sure how to finish. Liam cut me off, “No. You hurt someone I care about; who’s like a sister to me. I can’t even believe she’d even talk to you after what you did.”

I hung my head, like a child being scolded for breaking an expensive vase. “I’m…I’m…” “You’re what?” he asked, “Sorry. Well, you could tell me that a hundred times, and will still never forgive you. What you did was inexcusable.” “I know…” I whimpered, starting to cry. I heard him sigh; even in anger, he couldn’t stand to see a woman cry.

“Just…Go.” he said, not sure what else to do. I nodded, and walked past him, without looking up. When I got to the door, I turned to him. “Liam…” He looked back at me, anger still evident in his eyes. I sighed, “I’m so sorry….” I dropped my head, and walked out.

That night, I was laying in Nat’s spare bedroom; she was letting me bunk here until I could find another place. I gave a comfortable sigh; this sure beat the prison mattresses. I figured I would have fallen right asleep, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw things. Things I wished to forget. Diana’s look of terror when she knew I had sent her that hate, and found her in London; Niall’s look of fury and hatred when he saw me after I scarred his princess‘ face. The contempt in band members’ voices as they described what I did to her. Liam’s eyes turning from concerned to cold at the mere remembered of who I was; the last one killed me. I didn’t know why though.

I didn’t know Liam, but I agreed with every hurtful thing he said. So, why was I so heartbroken at his hatred at me. Perhaps, I wanted his friendship. Maybe more. But now I never would have it.

That last thought made me cry myself to sleep.