Stuck » h.s. (UNDER EDITING)

thirty seven

A/N: Turns out, this is the second to last chapter. It's going to be very short. Thank you all so much for reading.

11 Months Later

EMMA'S POV:

Niall's large hand rests of the small of my back and my head rests on his shoulder. The dressing room is filled with food and drinks, but I'm too nervous to put anything in my stomach. I always get nervous before book signings, expecting Shawn to show up and put a gun to my head. But this is different, not only is it a book signing, I have an interview before hand. And not just any interview, it's fucking Ellen.

Niall had to start travelling with me because I can't sleep at night unless someone is holding me. Nightmares claw and grab at me. He has to remind me that Shawn is dead and he isn't coming back.

Louis and Eleanor are still together and they travel sometimes with me when they can miss classes. It took Eleanor a long time to get over Paige's death and we're still both not over Shawn. I sold my apartment and Eleanor moved in with Louis. I'm still living in Manhattan, but it was too hard living right across from Harry's knowing he wasn't there.

No one ever heard from him after that night, so I've just assumed he's dead. I still cry about that every night. And I am still very much in love with him. It's hard to believe he's just gone.

As far as I know, Amanda and Zayn are together finally, Kian and Macy are still together, and Liam got with some girl we don't know.

"They're ready for you, Miss Lively," a man in all black says.

I look at Niall and he gives me a warm smile. "You'll be fine, you always are."

I nod and exit the room with the man and walk down the hallways, already hearing the loud chatter from outside.

"We're joined today by a very special young woman. Her book Without You has been the #1 best seller for eight months straight and the movie is coming out next summer. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you, Emma Lively."

I take a deep breath. The second I step out from behind the curtains, there's loud screaming and everything is okay again. I walk across the stage, smiling and waving to everyone with confidence. The blonde woman welcomes me with open arms. As I accept her embrace, I realize I'm hugging Ellen. Holy shit.

"How are you?" she asks over the loud screaming.

"I'm great, how are you?" I ask.

"Wonderful."

The screams die down as I take a seat. "You look absolutely stunning, Emma."

"Thank you so much," I say, my voice at a higher pitch than normal.

"We're going to go ahead and get right into it. So you're book has been number one for eight months. How does that make you feel?"

"Honestly, it's insane. I never expected any of this to happen. I'm so thankful for everyone who supports me and all of my fans."

"And it's even crazier since it's becoming a movie."

"That was the biggest shock of my entire life. When I got the call, I was like '"Are you sure you have the right person?"'

Everyone in the audience laughs. "What did you do after you got the call?"

"I went and got ice cream, alone," I admit, shaking my head with a light laugh.

The lights shining on me are beginning to make my head sweat and I really want to shoot them out.

"Nothing wrong with that," Ellen says. "Now, everyone has been dying for me to ask if you're in a relationship with that Niall who goes everywhere with you. Are you?"

I let a laugh that's probably louder than it should be. "Oh God, me and Niall? No way in hell! He's one of my best friends. Just travels around with me for moral support and so I don't end up going insane talking to myself."

"Ahh, that makes sense. This next question is a bit on the personal side, but we know that about ten months ago, you went through a very hard time. You were put in a life or death situation and everyone you loved was in danger also. You managed to make it out alive and become a successful author. What advice do you have for your fans that might be going through hard times too?"

There it is. The topic that is never avoided on talk shows.

"If you're in danger, tell someone that can help you. If it's serious danger like I was in, go to the police no matter what. Don't think you and a few friends can handle it on your own because you can't, I made that mistake and lost someone very important to me. And for those of you going through a hard time, find someone you trust and talk about it. Getting it out there really helps. Having support around you is one of the best things you can have in life."

"Emma, I know this is a very sensitive subject for you, and by all means, you do not have to answer this question. We know that you lost your friend right in front of your eyes and you witnessed more than a few murders. Also, you lost your boyfriend that night too, correct?"

"Uh yes, I did lose him. I had actually blamed something terrible on him without getting his side of the story and the last conversation I ever had with him wasn't pleasant. I regret it everyday of my life and I would give anything to have him back."

"What would you say to people that have lost a loved one recently?"

"It will get better, I promise. And it's okay to cry. Crying isn't being weak. Crying is human, and we're all human. Don't take anyone in your life for granted because you never know that it could be the last time you ever see them."

A few more questions are asked after that because I already had tears in my eyes, so we switched subjects.

****

Sitting behind the table, I sign book after book, asking name after name. One girl comes up to me, tears flowing down her face.

"Are you okay?" I ask her.

"I just love you so much," she sobs. I reach out, placing my hand on her arm.

"I love you too, sweetheart."

"You've helped me through so much and you're such an amazing rolemodel. I can't wait for the movie to come out."

"Awe, thank you so much!"

I sign her book, learning that her name is shockingly also Emma and security rushes her off.

"Name?" I ask the next person, not looking up.

A hand is set on the table, cross tattoo that looks identical to Harry's.

"I think you already know that, EmmaBear," a husky voice says. I look up to meet the green eyes I haven't seen in ten months and my heart shatters all over again.