Contentions(A Liam Payne AU)

Chapter 31 - Disputes

“Brinlee…” Jessie squeaked, eyes wide as she stared at my shaking hand that was gripping the blade tightly, hovering the metal over my skin, blood dripping from it. “What-What are you-“ I quickly dropped it, moving to touch her shoulder as I saw the panic that was spreading across her features.

“Jess, no-“ I begged but it was already happening.

“LIAMMMMMMMMMM!” she screamed for the second time that day. Footsteps sped towards the room and I hastily tried to grab the blade and flush it but Jessie knocked it out of my grasp, tears slipping down her cheeks before I was slammed into the wall.

“HOW COULD YOU!” she screamed brokenly. “I LOOKED UP TO YOU AND YOU PULL THIS SHIT-“

“Jessica May Payne,” Liam said evenly, pulling her back by her waist. “I don’t want to hear that sort of language coming out of your mouth-“

“SHE FREAKIN CUT HERSELF!” she spat, glaring at me. “WHAT SORT OF FREAKS ARE YOU PICKING UP OFF THE STREET-“

“That is enough,” he said firmly. “You march out of this bathroom and sit on that damn bed until we come out, understood?” She huffed and began to turn away but he quickly tugged her wrist, her head whipping around.

“Do you understand, Jessica?” he growled.

“Fine, whatever. Don’t bleed out while I’m go-“ she began to spit snarkily when Liam let out a gruff hiss and gently pushed her out, closing the door behind her. He lightly hit the wood, his forehead leaning against it for a few moments before he turned around.

“Where’s the blade?” he asked quietly, my shaky finger gesturing to the shiny implement on the white tile, a bit of blood smeared with it. He tiredly picked it up and flushed it, his eyes trained on the bowl as it was washed away along with the pink tint of the water.

“Let me see,” he gently ordered, holding out a hand for me to set my wrist in. I figured I was screwed either way so I relented and gave him my wounded limb, watching his face intently for any sign of emotion.

“I’m sorry,” was all I could manage when he said nothing. “I-I had to do it, Liam. You have to understand-“

“But I don’t,” he squeaked, deep voice raw with emotion as his chocolate brown eyes finally met mine, tears unashamedly slipping onto his cheeks. “I don’t understand but I want to so I can help you. J-Just talk to me. I’m clueless here and I need you to explain to me what you need cause this is way out of my comfort zone, baby.”

“I DON’T KNOW,” I cried pitifully. “I-It’s just…It’s an itch. I HAVE to cut. It keeps me from-from-“

“From what?” he mumbled. “You’re already hurting yourself. What more can it keep you from?”

“I don’t know,” I repeated. “It keeps me alive, I guess.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head as he rummaged through the cabinet on the wall, a brown bottle being pulled out.

“Same rules apply as I told you last time,” he said quietly, finding some gauze and cloth squares also. “Your doors stay unlocked; talk to me whenever you feel that urge; and I’ll be checking you for cuts daily-“

“That’s not fair though,” I quickly piped up, stepping backwards. My wrist was taken though and he tugged me to the counter, shutting me up with a pointed stare as he lifted me onto the counter.

“It’s gonna sting,” he warned, ignoring our earlier argument and pouring the liquid on my open wounds, my lip being tugged between my teeth. “Alright?”

“I’m okay,” I said quietly, looking away as he wrapped my wrist in gauze and taped it in place, his hands then going to rest on my knees.

“Do you remember Louis?” he asked softly. “The man who helped you when you were almost ran over.” I nodded, confused with where he was going.

“Why?”

“I need you to pack a bag. I’m gonna drop you and Jess over at his flat,” he said quietly making my eyes grow wide.

“No!” I shrieked. “We-we have to find Macie! Y-You can’t  just leave me at a stranger’s while you’re looking for her.”

“I can and I will,” he said evenly. “I need to find my girl and not to be mean, love, but you’d just be in the way.”

“I can help, Liam,” I squeaked. “Please, I have to come with yo-“

“No.“

“But-“

“NO.“

“YOU CAN’T STOP ME!”

*****

“Come on, luv. Stop sulking,” Louis said softly, plopping down on the couch beside me. “He’s just trying to protect you.

“By shoving me roughly out of a car and taking off before I could even stand?” I sniffled. His brow wrinkled and his eyes flitted over my body.

“I will admit, that was a bit harsh,” he mumbled. “Did he hurt you at all?”

“A few scrapes on my palms but nothing too bad,” I sighed, standing up. “I’m going to showe-“

“No you’re not,” he leapt up, his gaze suddenly steely. “Liam gave me strict orders not to leave you alone, especially in the bathroom.”

“Oh really?” I hissed. “And what else did Liam say?”

“Babe, you’re a danger to yourself right now,” he said softly. “If you’re going to shower then I’m sitting in the bathroom with my back turned so I can listen.”

“I’m going to kill him,” I squeaked, tears stinging my eyes, though I wasn’t really sure if it was from anger or embarrassment. “How could he!” I sniffled and shook my head, swiping at my eyes and taking off for the bathroom, Louis trying to stumble after me but he was too late; I had locked the door.

“BRINLEE, PLEASE! I’M SORRY!” he whimpered so worriedly it actually made me feel slightly guilty. My lip quivered and I opened the door, looking up at the frightened Louis.

“I’m not hurting myself,” I said quietly. “And I don’t want you to treat me like some-some freak. I slipped up, alright? But I’m alright now.” There was silence and his arms slowly circled around my body, holding me almost comfortingly.

“I believe you,” he whispered. “Just-Just leave the door unlocked, yeah? As a precaution. Deal?”

“Deal.” I smiled, pulling back and offering a thankful smile, about to go in the bathroom when he stopped me.

“Want to have a movie night?” he chirped, suddenly peppy. “I can invite my friends over and we can order some pizza.”

“I don’t know, Louis-“

“Good. I’ll call them.”

“But, Lou-“

“Have a nice shower, babes!” he called behind him as he ran.

Great…

***

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