Second Chances

Part 4

*Liam's PoV (Point of View)*

I ran into Annie… I mean, Annabel, at Starbucks. She started to talk to me, but I shut her down; did she really believe we could talk like everything was fine. She freaking told Diana to commit suicide, or leave her true love, just because of hate! It made my blood boil at the thought, and I couldn’t keep my temper down. I eventually brought her to tears. I hate it when men make women cry, and I feel like crap when I do it. I didn’t know what to say, and she left. I couldn’t forget her tearstained face, as she said her last apology, and walked out. So fragile, and helpless. Like, she could never hurt anyone.

But she did. It’s seemed impossible, but it was true.

I ordered my coffees, and drove back to my flat; well, actually it was the Payne/Horan flat since the band ‘spilt’ 18 months ago. Niall and Diana go back to Ireland for six month or so, leaving me alone for that time, but they were home now.

I walked in and was met by the sound of Niall’s guitar, and Diana harmonizing with him as he sang “I won’t give up” by Jason Mraz. I recognized that as the song from their first dance at their wedding. I placed the coffee on the counter, and looked over at them. Niall kept shifting his gaze from Diana to his guitar, and her eyes did the same.

I smiled, wishing I could have someone to look at me like that. Being single had it’s perks, but nothing beats looking into the eyes of someone who loves you.

“Ahem? Liam?” I was broken from my thoughts, as Niall called to me, “Lost in your own little world again?” “You’re one to talk.” I replied, causing Diana to snicker, “Keep it down; Ryan’s taking his nap.” I nodded, “Coffee’s on the counter.” They walked past me to get their cups, and I sat in a chair, slowly sipping my coffee.

I overheard Diana say to Niall, “Annabel is getting out of prison today. “She’s already out.“ I said, before I could stop myself. They looked back at me, and came back to the couch. “How do you know?” Diana asked. She tried to never bring up Annabel around me, because she knew how I felt, but she was curious how I knew that. “I, uh… saw her at Starbucks today…” I mumbled, taking another sip of my coffee. “Oh, how is she?” she asked excitedly, rested her legs on Niall’s lap.

What the heck; did she honestly expect me to make small talk with her attacker?

“I don’t know. We, uh… didn’t talk.” I replied. That was only half true; I yelled at her and she cried. Annabel’s heartbroken expression came back to my mental eye, and I drowned it with coffee.

“Hmmm…” Diana said, cuddling into Niall as his hand slowly ran up and down her leg. I was used to their occasions of slight PDA, and honestly, I found times like these heartwarming. They looked perfect together, and I knew they made each other happy.

“Liam?” Diana said, breaking me from my thoughts again. “Yes?” I asked, and she sighed, “Please give her a second chance…” I sighed back, and looked down at my cup. “I can’t.” I mumbled. “Why?” Diana asked, and I looked back at her, “Why? I can’t believe you did; she freaking stalked you, and hurt you. Emotionally, and physically. You’re like a sister to me. I would have been heartbroken if something happened to you. And what about Niall?” I looked at him, as I continued, “I don’t know what he’d do without you.” I looked back at Diana, “She almost ruined that. On purpose. Someone like that doesn’t deserve second chances.”