Typical.

Chapter 3: Letting Go

Well that didn't go well.

That was the type of phone call that made me hate myself. Those were the things that I did. I acted on impulse, I got mad, I got confrontational, and I went and fucked everything up.

Noah did damn near everything but break up with me and he left me shattered on the floor with no one to pick me up. I felt tears burn behind my eyes as I remember what he'd said.

"You ran away to another guy? A famous guy? God, you're just like any other gold digger. You're pathetic, Evelyn."

"Noah, do you know why I didn't go to you? You don't get anything! You don't understand me! And guess who does? My best friend. I never intend to cheat on you, I never intend to have you think I'm cheating on you. So what's the big deal?"

"You can't keep running away from your problems! And try running to me for a change? You're a needy, selfish bitch."

He cut me deep with those words. That's what my mom said. So with all these people I love telling me that, is it true? I lied there on the smooth wooden floor, staring at the tall, shadowy interior of the room. It was dizzying. I felt loneliness's claws latch onto me again.

I tried to ignore it as I pulled myself off the ground, gravity trying to pull me back down. There was black makeup smeared beneath my eyes. It took me longer than it should have to clean it up and reapply, then slip on the skanky black dress and a leather jacket.

I felt Liam's worried eyes on me as I descended the stairs.

"You're not the little girl I left behind, are you?" he said, extending a hand toward me. I took it and he spun me into a hug, engulfing me completely. I wrapped my arms around his waist and his chin rested on my head as he whispered. "What happened? I heard you shouting."

"Nothing happened. I'm fine."

He exhaled, and I knew he knew I was lying, but probably didn't want to ruin the night. I felt his lips on the top of my head just before he pulled away and announced that the boys were coming soon. I saw him in his full night-attire, a button up shirt and black pants. He looked well, not like the weird kid I grew up with.

And then the door burst open and four boys barged in, announcing their entrance with a loud "Eh!"

"Hi, Evie, I'm Harry," he said with an outstretched hand and a charming smile.

I blushed through my makeup. "I know," I said ignoring his hand and turning to the other boys. Louis unexpectedly threw his arms around me, announcing that I would have the best birthday ever.

"No shit, I'll have the best birthday ever, I'm partying with One Direction," I said as he pulled away.

Zayn said a greeting and Niall nodded to me before giving me a hug.

"Okay, boys-and girl-let's go party!" Liam said, as the boys ran towards the door and Liam placed a hand on my back, guiding me out. I don't know why he felt he need to guide me, I'm not blind, helpless, or a five year old child. Well whatever, I didn't let it bother me. The elevator ride was exceedingly awkward, as Louis and Niall insisted on jumping up and down.

Liam's hand stayed gently on the small of my back, showing me through the lobby and into a black car, very similar to the one we went in in the airport. I tightened my jacket around me, worried that when I took it off, the boys would judge me. What if it looked ridiculous? Hopefully, I'd get too drunk to care.

The car ride was probably one of the best of my life. Niall kept cracking jokes and I laughed until my sides hurt. Harry kept pinching my sides, claiming they were birthday presents. Louis made fun of Liam practically the entire ride, and of course, being his best friend, I had to chime in. Zayn seemed quite quiet, but when he did say something, it was some hysterical side comment.