Dare

Chapter 49

| Forty Nine |

The perpetual stinging irritated my eyes as endless tears dribbled down my now swollen face.
Everything ached as I stood up from the bed, forcing myself to confront my reflection in the long mirror. The redness was distinct on my face with my puffy eyes exposing my pain. I hated seeing myself like this, once again.

The crying had drained every bit of me. I could feel the dryness in my mouth thirsting for something to replace the sour taste of my tears.

I didn't want to retreat to the very place Harry lurked but I couldn't ignore the emptiness in my stomach. By now, my legs found themselves walking down the stairs and all I could do was pray I didn't see Harry. Muffled voices echoed from the living room door which, to my relief, was closed. The multiple voices confirmed that Harry wasn't alone — the guys were here. Hopefully they would act as a distraction for Harry so I wouldn't have to see them. I just wanted to be left alone.

Finally in the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water and a tub of ice–cream — as cliché as it was. I pass the door for the second time, returning back to the staircase. I notice the door open whilst doing so, seeing a glimpse of Liam before darting up the stairs.

Back in my room, I ensure the door is closed before collapsing on to my bed. I felt empty and being alone back up here only provoked the thought of Luke further, feeling tears blur my vision.

My miserable state was interrupted by the sound of a knock at my door. I wipe the tears away, placing my stuff onto the table and open the door to see Liam.

"I just wanted to see if you're ok, you seemed—"

He stops, his eyes scanning the features of my face.

"Have you been crying?" He asks, concerned.

I try my best to fight the urge of crying once more but it was all too much for me. I feel the tears spill down whilst feeling Liam's warm hands wrap around me, resting my head on his chest. I don't know why I was releasing it onto Liam, after all that was going on between us, it remained awkward.

"Sorry, I  got your shirt wet," I say, chuckling a little.

I wipe my tears away and look at him.

"Don't worry Ariana," he chuckles. "I'm more concerned about you than my shirt. What's wrong?"

I sat on my bed, followed by Liam.

"Well you know I'm seeing someone, he ended it." I mumble.

"What, why?"

"Because he thinks," I swallow. "He thinks I still love Harry..."

He looks away for a moment.

"Do you?"

I look down. "I–I, look no. No I don't."

Liam looks at me.

"You know you can trust me ok." he reassures. "I'm not that intimidating am I?"

We chuckle.

I sigh.

"Look, maybe I still haven't completely got over it but that's normal. He hurt me. But we still had our moments, I can't just switch it all off. I'll always have that soft spot."

I stand up.

"But I only want Luke now,"

"I know. It's hard. I get it. But you're not the only one hurting Ariana. Harry's hurting too. He's broken—"

"Are you serious Liam?" I yell. "He's broken? Well he should have thought about that before he went along with this fucking dare. You don't get to say he's broken when I am the one who's the victim of all this. It's never going to work between Harry and I. He's caused me nothing but pain. Please stop excusing his behaviour, stop telling me he is hurting like I have to be made to feel bad. He's the one that's acted like nothing but a fucking child, ignoring me for his mistakes? He's ruined us."