The Way Things Work

Chapter One

“How are you feeling? Sam?” You looked up at Sarah who stood over you; worry preyed upon her weary eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah I think so.” She leaned over and attempted to grab your limp body off of the bathroom floor; as you rose half way up you re-gripped the toilet rim and doubled over in pain. You moaned loudly as you hand found your stomach.

“Sam!” She pleaded as she shifted her arm around your shoulder and rubbed your arm up and down soothingly.

“Relax Sarah.” You let out a pent up chuckle. “This is all normal.”

“Normal?”

“Yeah, it’s one of the side effects of the medication.”

“Oh right.” She looked down at the tiled floor and shook her head. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” She helped you over to the array of sinks; you were actually in the mall bathrooms. As of right now, you were on anti-anxiety medications.

Less than a year ago(a month before your eighteenth birthday), your parents took you out to dinner. On the way home you were thrown in to an alley and mugged: your parents were ripped by the blades in front of your innocent eyes. Due to the fact that you had another month of being a minor, you were forced to home with your alcoholic brother. Every night a brutal beating and nasty variety of choice words awaited you. During these days you cut your arms to shreds and attempted to kill yourself twice. Sarah took you in and made you feel at home; she even pushed you into receiving the necessary help. You now had scars and medications that reminded you of your haunting past pains daily.

Sarah stood over you while she washed your face and hands. “Babe, let’s go home.”

“No way!” You protested.

“Wha-“

“You have been awaiting to the day to meet One Direction forever, or at least since you took me in; don’t let me ruin your fun. C’mon!”

“Are you sure?” She scrunched her eyebrows in concern, yet also tried to conceal a sly smile in order not to persuade you.

“Yes, it’s the least I can do.” You laughed.

“I love you babe!” She whispered excitedly in your ear as she choked back the tears. She gingerly shifted her fingers over the past wounds and rolled down your sleeves.

“Back at you.” You tenderly smiled and took her hand leading her back to the massive line that warped around the center. “I am so sorry-“

“For what?” She cut you off and attempted to laugh to hide her confusion.

“I made you lose your spot!” You traced your eyes over and found your place engulfed by other fans, and you found the only available spot left was at the end of the line.

“Love, it’s absolutely fine. We can wait, right?” She questioned in hopes of gaining your approval.

“Of course we can!”

A small chirp escaped her lips. Truth be told, you were a fan of One Direction too. You had to admit that you had quite a flame for Harry. Every time you self harmed Sarah would sing “What Makes You Beautiful” or “Moments”. Sarah was truly the best friend anyone could ask for. You chatted for the numerous hours that you waited to meet the “boyband sensations”. Finally, you were only around ten people away, the last ten people.

“H-How do I-I look?” She began to stumble over her words.

“Remarkable!”

“No, really.” She smiled.

“Beautiful as always Sarah. Besides, you’ll be standing next to me.”

“I don’t get it.” She chuckled.

“I make you look even more gorgeous than normal. Look at how I’m dressed.” You let out a superficial laugh as you motioned down toward your oversized green sweatshirt, blue skinny jeans and UGGS. You hid behind your clothing as often as possible; you guessed that it just came with being insecure.

“You are so beautiful! I should have dressed you up!” She appeared almost guilty.

“Sarah, relax! My job is to make them love you!”

She laughed slightly and grabbed your hand. “We’re next.” You gave her a slight shove; as she appeared to be glued to the floor.

“We don’t bite.” Liam Payne had a gentle smile cross his face as he motioned for her to come closer to the table.

“I-I know.” She swirled her words around, but Liam seemed to be a truly comforting person.

“And what are your names, loves?”

“I’m Sarah and this is Sam.” Sarah said boldly with her new found confidence.

“Well hello babe.” He chirped cheekily. “Hello to you to.” He shifted his head forward in order to attempt to catch a glimpse of your eyes.

“You’ll have to forgive her: she’s a bit-a bit shy.” Sarah stroked your arm and nudged you forward. She may have only been two years older than you, but she seemed to play the role of your mother as opposed to your best friend or even your sister.

“H-Hi.” You stepped an equal distance away, trembling as you managed a small wave but pulled back as your sleeve started to slip; that was close.

“Well who might these fine ladies be?” Louis Tomlinson turned to Liam and motioned toward the two of you.

“Well this is Sarah-“ He paused allowing a wink and a sleek smile in, “and this is the oh-so shy Sam!” He flashed you a comforting smile.

“Well hello ladies!” He sang out. As Sarah began making conversation with Louis, Liam pulled you aside. You glanced over at him slightly confused.

“What’s the-“ You started but instead of talking he wrapped you into a fierce hug. His arm twisted down your sleeve and stopped at your wrist. You froze as you knew what was coming. He gently slipped his fingers under your sleeves and rolled them up. “Why babe?” He glanced at you as he caressed your tattered wrists.

“A long boring story that I won’t bother you with.” You smiled at the ground numbly as the tears stung your eyes.

“It’s no bother; I want to hear it if you care to share.” There was something about him that you trusted, as he smiled warmly at you.

You sat down next to him and your story began spilling from your dry, locked lips. When you were finished he grasped you and held you close.

“I am so sorry you went through all of that; and especially at your young age.”

“Liam we’re the same age.” You smiled genuinely and felt safe.

“Yeah, but, still-that’s so much to go through in so little time.”

“I guess.” You returned.

“Well now that I’ve had you all to myself for a while, would you like to meet the others?”

“I’d be honored.” You joked as he interlocked your arms and waltzed back. “Woah.” You gasped a bit taken back. The mall had cleared out except for a few security personnel, the guys and a clean up crew. You glanced over to see Niall and Zayn toppled over in laughter as Sarah and Eleanor horribly sang to Louis’ dancing. Harry, on the other hand, was propped up on the table engulfed in his phone.

Liam walked over and introduced you. The small talk was abruptly by Harry yelling at what seemed to be his publicist.

“This needs to stop!”

“No! This is who I am!” Harry turned red in the face.

“No it’s not! It’s who Angel wants you to be! She has created this “Player” image and it needs to stop! Right here, right now!”

“Whatever, you got rid of my girlfriend; what do you want now?! We are in America; want me to fall in love with a fan?” He sarcastically smirked and the publicist’s face lit up.

He turned toward you and said, “I have a proposition for you.”