Second Chances

Part 7

*Liam’s PoV*

I had just found ‘Annabel’ in my house, with Diana. I couldn’t help getting angry. I lost my temper and yelled at Diana. I got to the point of almost hitting Annabel, until I heard faint whimpering coming from her. I couldn’t do it.

The one thing real men don’t do, other than make women cry, is hit them.

I lowered my hand, and muttered, “I’m gonna get some air.” I slammed the door behind me, and walked to the park. I always went there to clear my head, and it was always quiet, save from the kids in the playground and a few old fans here and there.

I sat by the lake, with my back against a tree, looking out at the blue horizon. It was calming, but I still couldn’t take my mind off the situation back home. Diana actually invited Annabel to live with us, and thought it was a grand idea. Did she not remember what that witch did to her?

I picked up a rock at threw it into the lake, without it skipping. I sighed, and looked at my hands. I almost hit a girl with those hands. Who had I become?

I started running my hands through my hair, and I heard Niall say, "I thought you'd be here." He sat down beside me, and looked out at the clear blue water, which matched his eyes. "So, you left Diana and Ryan alone with Annie?" I said, without looking at him. He sighed, "Yes..." I looked at him, "Seriously? You trust her..." He shook his head, his turn to not make eye contact, “Not at all.” “Then, why did you leave her alone.” I asked, and he turned to me, “Because I trust Diana. She believes Annie, err, Annabel has changed, and I trust her judgment.” I could tell it took a lot for Niall to come to that conclusion.

We sighed, almost in unison, before Niall spoke again, “Just give Annabel a chance. If not for her, and not for yourself. Then do it for Diana.”

I sighed again, “Fine. But she gets ONE chance. If we hurts Diana in anyway, I’m kicking her out.” Niall nodded, “And I’ll hold open the door.” I nodded, and looked back at the water as the setting sun reflected into the small waves.

When we got home, the girls were in pajamas and the couch was in its futon position. “There’s our men to protect us.” Diana said, with a smile. Niall walked over and sat next to Diana as she cuddled into him the way she always did when they watched scary movies. My eyes shifted to Annabel who was holding Ryan. Her brown eyes met mine, and she cowered.

I was mad, but I didn’t want her to be afraid of me.

I sat down in the available place, next to her, and she got closer to Diana. I frowned and whispered to her, “I’m sorry I lost my temper. I’m willing to give you one chance.” I emphasized the ‘One’, “Don’t mess it up.” I nodded, thankful she did have a chance, and she whispered back, “Thank you… Can I, um… get closer to you? I really don’t like scary movies, but Diana apparently has a taste for them…” I smiled, and nodded, before she repositioned herself and Ryan, who was asleep on her lap.

Maybe, I could give her a chance.