One Way or Another

Chapter 19

Niki POV

I stumbled into the house, pushing past all the idiots all attempting to walk in at the same time.

"Can you guys even try and be your actual age?" I laughed. They all screamed "No!" which confirmed my suspicions. 

I walked over to the fridge to grab a water bottle and plopped down on the couch next to Liam.

"No I swear it was just a one night thing! Don't like her never will!" Niall said.

"Niall what are these boys doing to you?" I smiled.

"You go to dinner with a girl once and POOF! She's your girlfriend!"

I laughed and took a sip of my water.

"Hey lads can I talk to you guys for a minute...alone..." Harry said quietly. Alone? Why does he need to be alone?

"It's about work babe I'll be right back. No need to worry" he smiled. He kissed my forehead and left the room with the other boys. 

If Harry says everything will be okay, it will be okay.

I flicked on the TV and went through what felt like millions of channels before the doorbell rang. I sighed and got up. Who is at my house and why are they making me get up???

I opened the door. Am I hallucinating? No, this can't be real. 

"Mom? Dad? Brady?" My voice came out shaky.   

"Hey butterfly" My dad said, barley loud enough to hear.

I haven't seen them since Brady was born. Why are they here? What do they want? I thought I was a mistake? Why do they want me now?

"Nicole, darling! It's so wonderful to see you!" My mom shrieked. She gave me a hug but all I could do was stand there, remembering when I was her useless child that she could barley look at.

*Flashback*

"But momma I-"

"Nicole for the last time we have to go!"

"Why can't I go with you?"

"Because w-"

"MOM PLEASE DON"T LEAVE"

I saw her hand raise and I felt my cheek begin to burn.

"Nicole you really want to know why we are leaving? Well I would be happy to tell you. You were a mistake. A mishap. We weren't expecting a kid and never wanted one! Especially one as bratty as you! When Brady was born he was so easy. I cant even look a child who I can't call mine! How could I ever care for a child so worthless and meaningless! I could never, ever ask for a better family but I could most definitely ask for a better daughter. Now get lost! I don't want to look at you! Hell we are moving because no one in the damn family can stand your stuck up little ass!"

Bruise after bruise was left on my body as my dad watched. He watched. My own father watched my mom beat me. I was left laying on the floor with a faint picture of my dad bent in front of me.

"Niki honey, I-I'm so sorry. I will come back for you I-"

"Thomas let's go! Leave her to die, we never needed her anyway!"

"Coming Victoria"

My dad stood up and walked toward the door. 

"Goodbye butterfly. I....I love you"

"Get out."

That's all I could manage to say. My mom, or should I say Victoria, let go of me and gave me a strange look.

"Niki I-"

"Don't call me that"

My mom stepped back.

"Get. Out."

"Butterfly-"

"Dad I...."

I tried to hold back tears but they were already flowing down my face.

"You watched my own mother, if I can even call her that, beat me. I cherished those last words for years. I can't even look at you."

"Butterfly give us a chance we-"

"GET OUT! YOU LEFT ME WITH THAT STUPID DRUNKIE AUNT MINDY AND I NEVER GOT TO LIVE A NORMAL CHILDHOOD. I NEVER GOT TO HAVE A SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY TEA OR A FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH. ALL I HAD WAS A DRUG ADDICT AUNT THAT NEVER CARED FOR ME. SHE BARELY EVEN FED ME FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU NEAR MY HOUSE AGAIN! JUST GET OUT!"

My mom covered her mouth with her hand and ran toward her car. Brady looked at me shocked. He looked about 12 years old. He had dark brown hair and really pretty blue eyes. My own little brother. If only I got to know him better.

"Daddy I'm sorry I just.....I can't be around her."

"I understand baby. Maybe we can find a day for just me and you. Victoria doensn't have to know." He smiled.

"I'd like that."

"How did you guys find me anyway?" I questioned.

"World travels fast in London. Especially when the person you're looking for is dating a superstar" Brady smiled. His smile was just like dad's.

I smiled back and gave dad a hug. I also gave Brady a hug.

"I missed you daddy." I cried into his shoulder.

"I missed you too butterfly....I missed you too."

He handed me his phone number on a slip of paper and him and Brady walked back to the car. I slammed the door shut and slid down the side, listening to their car drive away.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I cried into my hands. I cried and cried and it felt really good actually. It felt good to just let everything out. Everything I've held in since my mom left. I cried about my mom beating me. I cried about missing my brother's childhood. I cried about my dad. I cried about Aunt Mindy. I cried about Anthony. I cried about everything. I felt like I needed to. I heard footsteps come from the living room and small gasps. I knew the boys had come but I didn't mind. I finally got the chance to let all of my anger and stress out and it felt so nice.

"Nik what happened? Are you okay? Who was at the door?" Harry asked frantically. When I didn't answer, he just carried me to the couch and sat me on his lap. I just cried. I cried onto his shoulder, probably soaking it with my tears but all the boy's did were whisper calming things into my ear. They even sang in beautiful harmony as I began to calm down. My breathing soon returned to normal after what seemed hours.

"Whenever you're ready Niki, we're here to listen." Liam said softly. I lifted my head from Harry's shoulder and started a full biography of my life starting when my brother was born. The boy's asked occasional questions and a few gasps here and there. Harry rubbed my back slowly which helped my talking keep at a normal pace.

But most of all they listened. They cared about what I had to say. They knew what kind of state I was in and changed their party mood to help comfort me. All my life no one actually listened to me. Finally I get what I've never had. 

I may have never had a normal family but, I have more than I will ever need right in this room.