Not In Love With Liam

44~ What Isn't Yours

I went to his house to confront his mum, and to ask how exactly Monster In Law found out my secret. How I ended up alone in his room with him, three towns away? I have no idea.

I guess Liam isn't quite as much of a good kid as everyone thinks he is.

I started off - just like most people visiting someone's house - at the door.

I was prepared to see his mum, but to my luck, Antony opened the door.
He was surprised to see me, but not in a bad way, although I presumed he knew the secret too.

"Hey Noah. What's...What's up."
"Nothing really," I looked at the ground, already feeling overwhelmed. "I was just looking for Liam."
He chuckled lightly before making a face. "Yeah, so are we."
"What?"
"Come in." He pushed the door further open and gestured for me to enter.
"Er.. I really shouldn't-"
"She's not home. Relax." He smiled.

I folded my arms and gave an uncertain half smile before following Antony down the hallway.

"So, I guess you've heard that we," he paused. "Liam's mum and I know. About.. you know."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Yeah."
"And I can understand that you're uncomfortable about that. But I just want you to know that whatever his mother throws at you, I'll help you catch it."
"You sure you're not Liam's real dad, you're starting to sound like him." I smirked.

He chuckled. "No but seriously. I'm not judging you. I never have, and I never will. I'm on your side kid. I know you were drugged, and whatever happened before that is none of my - or anyone else's business."
He stood up and made his way to the fridge. "Apple or pineapple?"
"Pineapple, please."
"Great because we're all out of apple juice anyway." He smiled again before taking a glass off the rack and pouring me a full glass of pineapple juice.

I know there's no Dad like your real one, but Liam was also lucky to have Antony.

"So, back to the point, Liam's mum found out, and they had a bit of a row."
"Why?"
"Liam really likes you Noah. He shut his mum off completely, saying you'd done nothing wrong and it wasn't your fault. Obviously, she wasn't having it. She um.. she got angry and told Liam to break up with you-"
"Liam and I aren't dating."
"You're not?" His face immediately changed. "How?"
"We broke up a couple of months ago. Stupid argument, but I don't really feel like a relationship like that is best for us anymore."
"Oh."
"Yeah, but we've managed to stay friends."
"More than that if you ask me," he took a sip of his drink, a knowing smile on his face. "But anyway, his mum made him choose between staying and leaving you or leaving and loving you and -- he's gone."

I wasn't exactly sure why, but I suddenly felt happier inside. That strange happiness slowly crept onto my face and I was smiling.

Liam was an idiot. But I loved him all the same.

"So, yeah," Antony continued. "He's not taking his mum's - excuse me to say - bullshit. He left yesterday. He hasn't phoned home or anything either."
"Oh. He called me just yesterday."
"Well then," Antony shrugged. "I suppose you can get through to him."

I smiled again before downing the remains of my drink and making my way to the sink.

"What are you doing?" Antony asked.
"Um.." I frowned. "Washing my glass."
"Oh, don't be stupid. Put the glass down and go."
"Serious?"
"Serious. Go on, get out of here." He smiled.

I did as I was told and left the glass in the sink before heading for the front door.

"Thanks for everything Antony!" I called from the doorway.
"Anytime kid."