Second Chances

Part 6

The next day, Natalie gave me a bag filled with clothing. “Oh, Nat…” I said, trying to refuse, but she pushed it into her hands, “Keep them; they aren’t my style anyway.” I smiled, and wrapped her into a hug. “We’re still friends, right?” I whispered, and I felt her nod, “Forever. You just can’t… you know… live with me.” I pulled away, “Well, I’m off; Keep those bad guys behind bars. Ok?” She laughed, “Will do. I’m gonna meet you in Starbucks sometime.” I laughed back, “I’d like that.” We hugged again, only this time on the front porch, and we went our separate ways.

I walked into Starbucks; I only worked every other day this week, but I was thirsty. I ordered, and sat down at a table by the window. After a few seconds, someone else walked inside. Her hair was down, but from where I was I saw a very familiar scar on her cheek.

Diana.

I covered my hair in my face, and tried to act invisible… which went straight out the window when my name was called from the counter. I softly groaned and walked to the counter. Right next to Diana. I knew Diana was my friend, but after what Liam reminded me about, the things I wanted to forget so badly, I couldn’t talk to her.

“Annabel?” Diana’s soft voice asked, before I faced her. Her eyes lit up, and she wrapped me in a hug, causing me to almost spill my Latté. “Annabel. It’s so good to be able to hug you.” she said, causing me to tear up. Of all the people in the world, why did I ever want to hurt her?

I put my cup down, and hugged her back. She had learned the Horan hug from Niall and it felt so good. “Hey, Diana…” I said, in a barely audible whimper. She squeezed me, before letting go and meeting my eyes. Hers were so beautiful, filled with life and happiness, until she read my expression. They turned sad, and brushed away a tear that escaped my eye, “Hey… It’s fine. Look; I’m ok.” She did a little twirl, and I giggled. She smiled, “Actually, you made Niall and my relationship stronger. So, everything really is ok.” I smiled back, and wrapped my arms around her, “Thanks.”

Diana’s name was called, and she picked a “To-Go” thing of cups. I looked at her puzzled and she laughed, “I’m on the coffee run. Do you have a car? I can drive you home if you like.” I bit my lip, remembering that I didn’t have a home, “You really don’t have to.” “I insist.” she said, dismissing me with her free hand, “Where are you staying?” “Ummm…Well…” Diana’s head tilted, “You don’t have a home, do you?” I looked down, and shook my head, “I was staying with a friend, but it didn’t work out.”

There was a moment of silence, before Diana gasped, like she had an idea, “You can stay with us.” I looked up, instantly thinking of what Niall would think if he knew his wife’s attacker was staying in his home. I shook my head, “I didn’t think that’s a good idea.” She sighed, “Well, I’m not letting you stay here, so you might as well come.” I laughed, loving this side of her.

I wish I had met it sooner.

“I guess I’m going home with you.” I said with half smile, hoping Niall would approve.

Diana and I had a nice car ride to her place. She told me about her wedding, in great detail, and honeymoon, in not so great detail. She told me about Ryan and that he was born in Ireland like his parents. She told me how Harry met Kate; the details that the press didn’t know.

Everything about the last three years.

As we pulled in, I noticed two other cars in the driveway. “Diana, is someone visiting you?” I asked, and she shook her head, “I hope not; I didn’t bring enough coffee.” We laughed, and we walked inside. Niall was sitting on the couch watching football. He looked up and gave a smile to Diana, which faded as he saw me. His eyes darken slightly as he said, “Diana… why is Annie here?”

Annie; the name I tried to forget. It symbolized my past self. I wasn’t Annie anymore.

“She’s not Annie. She’s Annabel.” Diana said, vocalizing my thoughts. “Either way, why is she here?” I shifted uncomfortably as Diana explained her plan to him; Niall’s expression was calmer than I thought it would be. Perhaps all the times Diana begged him to come see me paid off in a way. “She’s sleeping on the couch then.” he said, and Diana smiled at me before walking over to him and kissing Niall.

I was heartbroken that I almost ruined this for them.

Diana pulled away, and handed Niall his coffee. He thanked her with another kiss, and Diana placed the rest of the cups on the counter. I counted the remaining cups; Mine, Diana’s, and an extra one. Like the cars.

“Diana, does someone else live here?”

“Yeah.” she said, looking back at Niall, “Babe, where’s Liam?” My body tensed at that name. I was in Liam’s house. He was gonna kill me. Diana looked back at me, and suddenly realized why I was panicking. Niall obviously did too, because he turned off the game, and mumbled a curse word under his breath.

“I should go.” I said, walking to the door. As soon as I faced the door, it opened and Liam looked at me. His breath stiffened, and his fists clenched. “What are you doing here?” I cowered immediately; I always knew Niall and Liam as the sweet ones, but now, I knew their dark sides, and they scared me.

“Liam!” Diana called him causing Liam’s gaze to leave me, “She’s staying here.” “What?!” Liam yelled, and that’s when it started.

The battle of wills and wellbeing.

They continued arguing over me, until Liam turned back to me and raised his hand. I started to shake; I knew he wouldn’t hurt Diana, but I was a different story.

I heard Liam sigh angrily, before muttering something about getting some air. He walked past me, and slammed the door behind him.

I stood too scared to move, until Niall gestured to me. I walked over to him and Diana, and he reluctantly patted the sofa beside him. I sat between them, and I replayed what just happened in my mind. I started to cry; I never thought Liam would hit a girl, but I was too scared to find out either way.

“I’ll go talk to him.” Niall said, after a long time. He got up, and walked out the door.