Painted Black *punk niall horan

Chapter 25

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What if this storm ends?
And I don't see you
As you are now
Ever again

The perfect halo
Of gold hair and lightning
Sets you off against
The planet's last dance

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The clock seemed frozen.

Or maybe it was just broken.

Like me.

Except it could be fixed. 

And I couldn't. 

I felt dazed, like I was in the middle of consciousness. Like I was falling, but I couldn't see the bottom. I don't think it really hit me what had happened. 

Rapid knocking on my door brought me back down to reality. Somewhat. I slowly walked over to the door. Could it be him? It had to be! Of course he was back. He was going to walk in and kiss me and tell me he loved me and he was sorry and he never meant to hurt me and we were going to be together and-

"Gene? Please open up, it's Liam."

Oh. My hand struggled to grip the door handle before pulling it open. 

"Hey Gene." Liam smiled at me. Why was he smiling? Why does he look happy? No one should be happy right now, not when......when.....

"Gene, are you alright?" 

I automatically nodded.

"Gene, if this is about what happened at the sing off...I'm so sorry. I feel awful that I just sprung that on you. I know you have Niall and-"

"No." I interrupted quietly. My voice was soft, like the ghost of a whisper and I was surprised he had heard me.

"What? What do you mean 'no'?" Liam walked over to me.

"Niall.....he....he..." I couldn't get it out. I was too scared. I was a coward. I didn't want to admit that he had dumped me. 

"Niall? What did he do to you? Tell me." Liam tilted my chin up so I was looking at him. 

"He broke up with me." I whispered. Liam inhaled sharply. He pulled me into his chest and wrapped his arms around me. I began to cry again and I wanted to slap myself for being so weak.

"I'm so sorry, Gene. I had no idea." He whispered. I felt his warm breath on the top of my head. It was somewhat comforting and I felt safe in his arms.

"I know this isn't the right time, but I really need to tell you some really important news." Liam began. He started talking about the record deal and how he was planning on taking it and he was leaving tomorrow. 

Deja vu.

I had heard this all before. 

I felt like I was being broken up with. Again.

"Dont...leave me." I choked out. My voice sounded rough and throaty. 

"No Gene! Of course not. I'm just going away for a little bit. I'm sure I'll be back soon!" He pulled me into another hug and I relaxed a bit. "I'm leaving early tomorrow morning, so I have to hurry and pack tonight. I'm so sorry, this is not how I wanted to say good-bye." He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek.

Good-bye.

So he didn't think he was going to come back.

 I felt something strange in my stomach, an unfamiliar hollow feeling.