The Truth

twenty four

*Niall*

After yet another failed attempt of trying to reach Alexia, I left the children's wing to avoid being thrown out by the nurse. To my surprise Zayn is still seated in the waiting room, staring at the floor. He looks up at me and stands when he sees me.

"Hey," he says quietly.

"She's gone," I cry. "She left."

"Where is she?" he asks, putting his arms around me.

"She was at the airport. She said she was going home," I say, still crying. "Liam knew. He knew and didn't tell me. I could have stopped her."

"What are you talking about Ni?" he asks, pushing me back so he can look at me.

"She told Liam she was leaving. He lied to my face," I reply. "If he'd told me, maybe I could have stopped her."

"This isn't his fault. This is her choice. This isn't a rom-com where you chase her down into the airport, and you guys kiss and everyone claps," he replies. "She made that decision. All you can do now if be here for Riley."

"She's taking him away from me. Charlie is going to get him when he's released," I say. "I don't know how she did it, but she did."

"So, we fight it. We call Simon," he says. "He can get you a good lawyer."

"I'm not doing that," I say. "She wants to keep him secret."

"Why is that so important to you?" he asks. "Stop respecting her wishes. She's not respecting yours."

"It's not that simple, Zayn," I say, getting frustrated. "I have to go. Will you please go keep an eye on Riley for a bit?"

"I will," he sighs. "Don't do anything stupid."

I don't reply before I make my way to the elevator. I never slow my pace despite getting strange looks from the hospital staff. When I reach my car, I immediately start the car towards the other side of London. After dialing Eleanor's number, I hope to get a better idea of where to go.

"I need her address," I say when she picks up the phone.

"I'll text it to you," she replies. "Is everything okay?"

"She's leaving. She called me from the airport," I reply. "I have to go. Just text me the address."

Once again, I didn't wait for her reply, and I didn't say goodbye. I simply kept weaving through traffic desperately hoping to get there in time. She's gone, and I know that, but maybe I can still talk sense into Charlie. He may hate me, but he has to realize that helping her take Riley away from me is wrong.

As she promised, Eleanor texted me the address, so I let the GPS tell me where to go. Ignoring its indication that I was speeding, the GPS was able to direct me to Ali's building within thirty minutes. I didn't even bother turning off the car after I parked it. I swing open the door and am met with a locked door. A man sitting at a desk hits a buzzer when he notices me standing in the foyer.

"Let me in, please," I plea.

"A resident has to buzz you in," he replies, slurring his words a bit.

"I don't know which apartment!" I reply.

"Then you can't come in," he sighs. I desperately pull at the door, but it doesn't budge.