Path of Destruction

Chapter Twelve

“I broke up with Eleanor.”

Harry was too shocked to even respond to what Louis had just said. He tried to wrap his head around it; Louis broke up with Eleanor, Eleanor is not with Louis, Louis is no longer with Eleanor.

Of course Liam was quick to comfort.

“You okay man? I know breakups can be rough, but it will be alright.” 

“But I broke up with her Liam, it’s not like I should be the one moping around and feeling bad.” Louis said this in a monotone, but also in a very matter-of-fact way; like it was common knowledge.

“Well do you feel bad?” Liam asked curiously. Liam hadn’t been in too many relationships in the past but he did know that even when he had to break up with someone because of differences or whatever the case may be, he always did feel sad after. It was something about having someone there to lean on and be by your side, then going back to being single that really affected a person.

“Well no, not really…I know I probably should feel a little upset…but I just don’t. To be honest I feel kinda relieved. I mean Eleanor is great and I know that we will continue to be friends; I just don’t think we were right for each other in that way. I have felt like this for a while and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

“Well then I guess it all turned out for the best. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“Thanks Liam. That means a lot.”

 All the while this exchange was going on Harry had his eyes locked on Louis. He still couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Harry also noticed how Liam kept glancing over to him. In a way it was almost suggestive. Did Liam actually think that because Louis broke up with Eleanor that it would change anything? 

 Louis spoke again, “Do you guys want to invite Niall and Zayn over and watch a movie or something?”

Liam agreed, and Louis glanced over to Harry.

“Hey Haz, is that okay?”

Harry snapped out of the daze that he was in, “umm, yeah sure, that sounds good.”

Louis just nodded. He could tell something was up with Harry. He made a mental note to ask him about it later.

A little while later the other two boys arrived. They decided to eat and just hangout for a while before they watched a movie.

Louis told them the news and they both appeared to be surprised. They offered words of comfort, but Louis merely explained what he had said to Harry and Liam earlier; he wasn’t upset over the breakup.

Niall went into the kitchen to get some food while the others were engaged in a conversation. Liam noticed him get up and he followed him into the room.

“Hey Nialler.” Liam stated simply but cheerfully. 

“Hey” was all Niall offered in response.

“Are you okay? Lately you have been acting a little off…Well ever since that day, you have been really quiet and distant. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just been a long week.”

“Niall, I know you better than anyone, something else is wrong, you can tell me anything.”

Niall thought for a moment. He knew he could trust Liam with anything, and maybe he would feel better if he told someone what was going on.

“Promise me you won’t tell.”

“I promise.”

And with that, Niall took a breath and began to speak.

“I know Harry’s secret, I know what’s been bothering him, and why he has been acting the way he does.”

Liam was shocked. How did Niall know that Harry was in love with Louis?!

“What! Niall, how did you find out?!?!”

“Wait so you know too?” Niall questioned.

“Yeah I know… just explain to me how you found out.”

“Well a couple months ago I saw the cuts, and then when Zayn was talking about how Harry needed help, I kind of just put the pieces together.”

Okay now Liam was really confused. That is not what he expected to hear come out of his friend’s mouth.

“Wait… what cuts?!” Liam whispered. They had to be careful, the rest of the group was just in the next room; only a wall in between.

“The cuts on Harry’s wrist…….”

Liam just stared back at him completely dumbfounded.

Niall spoke again, “I thought you said you already knew… you tricked me!”

“No Niall, it’s not like that,” Liam defended. “I thought you were talking about something else, that’s all.”

“Something else?!?! How many more secrets are there? What did you think I was talking about?” Niall asked.

“That’s not important Niall, just drop it.”

“Don’t I have the right to know? I am just as much a part of this band as you are!”

“Niall, you know it’s not like that! I just promised I wouldn’t tell anyone!” Liam was desperately trying to defend himself, but he could only see Niall becoming angrier with each word.

“Why is everyone making these secret promises to each other?!  We are a band, we are supposed to tell each other everything. You can’t just tell one member something and not tell the others! It doesn’t work like that!” Niall had broke his whispering and he said his last sentence in a loud rage.

Zayn immediately appeared in the kitchen with Louis and Harry in tow. “What’s going on in here?”

Niall spoke before Liam could say anything. “Oh just the usual secret keeping bullshit that has been going on for who knows how long. I am sick of this. I am leaving, but call me when you all grow the fuck up and we can discuss what is really going on here; as a group, not one person to another, but altogether.” And with that, Niall barged out of the kitchen and slammed the door on his way out of the apartment.

The rest of the boys stood staring at each other in shock. Never had they seen Niall so upset. The only time he ever showed any anger was when someone took his food. This was extremely unlike him.

Louis was first to speak, “Liam, what happened? What were you guys talking about?”

Liam didn’t know what to say, he felt like he couldn’t explain anything without breaking his promise to Harry.

Liam said what he thought was the most logical answer, “He feels like secrets are being kept between band members and he doesn’t like it.” Liam glanced at Harry as he said this.

Harry locked into eye contact with Liam and immediately knew what was going on. The secret that Liam had uncovered required him to be secretive and ultimately was putting a strain on his relationship with Niall.

Harry did not want to be responsible for this. Liam was just being a good friend; he didn’t deserve these repercussions that were coming along with what he had uncovered in the journal.

Harry knew exactly what he had to do.

He turned and made his way out the kitchen.

“Where are you going?” Louis called after him.

“I need to find Niall.”