Against The Odds: Guarded

12

MAYA POV

Smackle came back with me to my room at the Savoy and we ended up watching tv in bed and falling asleep just like old times. When she woke me up it was seven at night and I felt as if I had wasted an entire day doing nothing.

“We should start getting ready.”

“What kind of party is it?” I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, dreading that I had even agreed to go. I'm really not in the mood.

“Nothing special no need to get dressed up, some nice shoes and a top should do it. It’s just a uni party.” My heart isn’t in it but it’s probably the best thing that I can do to get over the fact that Lucas slept with other people. When I even dwell on it for a second my mind races with questions, how many more people? Is she prettier? Is she better at it and more experienced than I am? Smackle brings me out of my own head when she comments on my clothes.

“Keep on the jeans you’re wearing. Your ass looks great in them!” I chuckled despite myself and nodded my head as I sifted through my shirts weeding through the maybes and the no’s. After the contents of my luggage bag were all in a pile on the floor in front of me, I finally decided on a low cut black v neck and black ankle boots before changing into my contacts and curling my hair so it fell in waves to my back.

When we got to the party, it was at a house and I was vaguely reminded of the first party that Smackle and I went to together, during a much better time. I plastered a fake smile on my face and forced myself to have a good time. Putting off how I really felt inside wouldn't kill me and by now I've become a pro at hiding my feelings. I got a few drinks in my system and almost believed that everything was fine and that my heart wasn’t aching in my chest. Smackle and I danced and I even got a few guys trying to flirt with me, but I know that it’s not their attention that I want.

In the sea of British accents around me, I could hear one that was very distinct in the crowd. When I looked around I immediately grabbed Smackle's hand and pulled her away into a bathroom where a girl was lying down, curled around the toilet.

“What is it what’s wrong?”

“They’re here all of them.”

“All of who?” The music was loud and we were tipsy but I needed Smackle's to work with me.

“Zayn, Zay, Liam, Niall, and Lucas, they’re all here.” Niall has a voice that can be noticed anywhere. Smackle looked at me and grabbed both of my hands with a scheming smile on her face.

“Walk right past him like it doesn’t bother you that he’s here. It’ll drive him nuts.” Smackle giggled at her idea clearly drunk and pleased with herself causing me to join in with her.

“I can’t do that though. I don’t want to see him. Not yet.” I can’t I actually think I’m having fun, actual fun and seeing him now will make me break down.

“Do you want to leave then? I don't mind if we go, I don't really want to see Niall either.” I looked at my watch that covered my bruised wrist and it was only ten forty-five. I shook my head no not wanting to cut the night short and followed Smackle into the room opposite of where Lucas and his friends were.

It amazed me that in a space that was relatively small, Lucas and I hadn’t bumped into each other. I was suckered into a game of beer pong with Smackle being my partner and we were winning. It was Smackle's turn and she opted to try to bounce the ball into the cup of our overly drunk opponents that seemed to sober up however when they thought that they would lose. One of them slapped the ball away and as Smackle chugged down her beer, I went to get the ball.

I found it under the couch of the room I desperately tried to avoid. When I stood up I thought my knees would give out under me.

“What are you doing here?”