My old friend (One Direction fanfiction)

Chapter 14

Attempt

Emma's POV

I peered up through the grey slanting rain to the tie-dyed sky. It felt like I had been walking for hours. Just as I had started walking, the pain of my broken foot started to register and the adrenaline rush from the night before wearing off. I limped the rest of the way, barely able to put any weight on it. If I was going to carry on like this, I was going to have to find some crutches.

My mind was still a tornado of confliction and hurt, questioning myself and other people. I was so, so confused, but there was one thing I was completely certain about; I made the right decision leaving Harry. They'll all be happier without me, and their lives so much easier. I'm never going back to them.

I'm on the High Street and people are starting to come out, on their way to work or school. I figured I would seem a little bit odd, with a disheveled look and a limp. I ignored the stares and sat down at a bus stop, not planning on getting on a bus, but it was a good place to rest. I put my head back and closed my eyes.

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I stayed there for the rest of the day, occasionally walking around the block with my hood up, so I didn't seem too odd staying at a bus stop for more than five hours.

I was just returning after one of my walks, and it was late, when the stop came into view and I stopped in my tracks.

Sitting on the red bench, phone to his ear, forehead creased, was Zayn.

My eyes widened and I turned my head to face the floor, stepping backwards, very slowly.

Don't turn around, don't turn around.

Of course he turned around.

He didn't notice me at first. Two pairs of eyes met, his tired and mine panic-filled. His then widened and he looked at me, shocked. I took my chance and stumbled back, before turning away from him and starting to run.

I heard nothing but my heartbeat in my ears as I sprinted, until I was grabbed around the waist by two arms. I struggled with all I had in me, tears leaking out of my eyes as I gasped for air, trying desperately to wrench the arms away from me.

"Shh, shh, Emma it's okay," A frantic voice said in my ear, which only made me kick at him more.

"Get... Away... From... Me...!" I managed to gasp out, whipping my leg backwards violently again and again until I felt it make contact with something. I heard a groan and the hold on my waist weakened, just for a second. I ripped myself out of his vice-like grip, tripping down the road and around the corner, my foot in agony.

It was only another second before the arms were back, this time gripping my legs and back. I suddenly found myself being lifted into the air and I couldn't stop the scream that escaped my lips as I was thrown over someone's shoulder. I felt them walking and I threw all my energy into trying to get away, but this time they were determined. I fought until there was nothing left in me, and I hung limply over his back, my hoarse sobs filling the night air.

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When he stopped walking, I had just about given up. I hadn't eaten or drunk anything for the whole day, and my attack had taken even more energy out of me. I hung over his shoulder like a rag doll, and barely even moved when I was gently placed in a tacky plastic chair. My eyes were glazed and my throat felt swollen and burnt. I slowly brought my knees up to my chest and heard a sigh and some shuffling before my capturer spoke.

The voice was familiar, but I couldn't remember who it was. Zayn? Yeah, I think it was Zayn. He seemed to be on the phone, as there were gaps in his conversation. His voice sounded weary.

"Yeah. I've found her... Well not exactly... It's hard to say; I think you should just come. We're at the twenty-four hour diner on Tarsbury; we're sitting outside so you'll definitely see us... Yeah near there, I'm sure you'll find it.... Yeah okay, bye." I heard a beep and a low groan. Then some more shifting. I sensed that he was close to me, without moving my eyes from the spot they seemed to have fixed on. Somewhere, a dog barked.

I didn't feel as afraid anymore. Some part of my brain was telling me that this voice wouldn't hurt me.

"Emma? Hey, Em, can you hear me?" He asked, his voice kind and slow, as if speaking to a child. With what seemed like an immense, effort, I moved my head to look at him, but I wasn't really seeing. I didn't say anything, I didn't think I could. A police siren wailed into the night. He exhaled and I heard him shift in his chair.

"Well, we may as well get comfortable."

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We sat there for God knows how long, and I didn't move once, though I heard Zayn almost constantly shifting.

Finally, quite close to us, I heard a car park, slamming of doors and fast-moving footsteps towards us. Zayn stood up.

"Good, you're here. She won't move. I don't know what to do." He said helplessly and I heard hesitant footsteps before someone kneeled in front of me, placing a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Emma..." The voice was full of relief. "Oh Thank God you're okay."

There was a moment of silence as I didn't move a muscle, and then the same voice came again.

"You're okay right?"

Suddenly, reality hit me. I came back to the real world with full force, slamming the air out of my lungs as everything came rushing back. I gasped for air, clasping my chest and turned to look at Harry with wild eyes. He smiled, but it soon faded, his facial expression turning to one of confusion.

"Emma." He looked me in the eyes. "Are. You. Okay?" He asked sternly.

Tears brimmed in my eyes as my face turned angry and I shook my head.

"Just stay away from me."

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On the right is what I think the cafe would look like, but not as fancy idek