Cheryl & Liam - I've Tried Everything

Chapter 20

"I just- I need your help to decide what to do" Cheryl sniffled, it having been a while since she told the girls what had happened between her and JB, and Liam helping her overcome her panic attack, now the three girls were relaxing into the sofa with three steaming cups of tea, "I don't want to go through a trial to get custody of the girls but at the same time I don't want them to ever see him again"

"I get you babe, but you've got to think about the positives and negatives here" Kimberley started, knowing that her and Nicola had to really step up and help their best friend in this time of need.

"If you think about it, if you let this blow over and not get custody of the girls, you'll constantly be on edge and in fear every time they're with him, do you really want that?" Nicola suggested, trying to reasonably think of how to help her.

"Aye, that's true. But I was telling Liam how if I went to the police about what JB had done then it will go on the divorce papers that are available to the public" Cheryl sighed, pushing her hands through her hair in frustration.

"I don't wanna sound mean here babe, but what's worse? The public knowing or something happening to your two girls?" Kimberley asked her, making Cheryl drop her head, knowing that the girls were right.

"What if it's too late? What if I can't go to the police now because I've left it so late?" Cheryl asked, partly regretting the choice of not going straight to the police now as she knew that it was going to be harder to build a case against JB.

"I guess you're just gonna have to try and find out Bella" Nicola told her, "You know we'll be there for you if you want us to come with you"

"I know, thank you guys. I think I'm gonna have to sleep on it tonight, 'cause realistically I can't go to the police now as the station will probably be closing soon" Cheryl thanked them, "But if I do decide to go tomorrow, could one of you look after the girls for me please?"

"Of course we will" Kimberley squeezed her hand.

"Okay, but can we talk about one more thing please?" Nicola cheekily grinned, "What's going on with you and Liam?"

"What do you mean?" Cheryl asked, trying to act innocently.

"Come on Bella, we've known you for years and we've also been 'round you and Liam for years too. There is clearly something different between you two, come on spill the beans" Nicola smirked, cheekily jabbing her with her elbow to try and get her to spill the gossip.

"Okay fine," Cheryl laughed, knowing that there was no point in lying now and that she should really tell her two best friends what had been going on between her and Liam, "So when all that sh!t went down with JB, I didn't know who to call and I know you guys are gonna say I could have called you, but Liam is the only one that knew about the times he's hit me before. So I rang him, he picked me up, then it was the night of his X Factor performance and once he came back we sat up and talked for ages and I asked him who the song was about-"

"I told you" Nicola smirked, being right all along about the meaning of Liam's songs.

"Yes, yes you were right" Cheryl shook her head and laughed at her best friend as she dramatically punched the air, "So once he told me the songs were about me, he obviously told me he's in love with me, but I didn't know how to feel so me and Amelia went to bed. Then the next night, he was comforting me when I was crying and he kissed me and everything just fell into place, I know that sounds cliche, but it really did. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner to be honest, my feelings for him are so strong" Cheryl grinned.

"I think our Chez has finally found the one" Kimberley playfully nudged her before pulling her in for a warm cuddle.

"About time" Nicola laughed, earning a soft punch in the arm from Cheryl, "We've been saying for years that you and Liam are more suited than anyone you've ever been with"