I Want You [N.G.]

t h r e e

I S L A

I was joining the lads after having gone to the bathroom, when I heard Noel raise his voice towards Liam.

"Don't be ridiculous, I'd never have feelings for Isla," He scoffed. I couldn't hide the hurt I was feeling.

"God, Noel, could you have said that any louder?" I asked him, in a mix of anger and frustration. I turned away and crossed my arms, I didn't want to see him. I had to get over my dumb crush on him, because clearly things would never happen anyways.

"Why don't we go listen to the Roses?" Liam suggested. "Noel, hand me the keys," he held out his hand. Noel gave him the keys awkwardly. On our way out I was silently hoping and praying that Noel would come chasing after me and explain that everything was a misunderstanding, that he did love me.

He didn't come.

"Are you okay, Is?" Liam asked as we climbed into the car. I started crying. "Shh, it's okay," he gave me a hug. "It's not like you had a crush on that slag or nothin', right?" He joked. I frowned, I hated keeping this from him but I didn't want to be the cause of an argument between them.

"Course not," I lied. "It's just that, he seemed like he was repulsed by me. Am I ugly, Liam?"

"Isla!"

"What about me is so fucking repulsive?" I was crying more. "Am I too fat? Are my boobs too small? Is my haircut ugly?"

"Nothing about you is repulsive," Liam said softly. "Trust me, you're my best mate and I'd never be best mates with an ugly lass."

I laughed a little, that was true.

"I've got the car back, you guys can head home!" Noel said, knocking on the window.

"Noel, fuck off!" Liam snapped. "Look at what you've done!"

"Isla, I didn't mean it that way," Noel said.

"No, I get it," I wiped my eyes, thankful that I was no longer crying. "I'm so gross, you'd hate for anyone to think you like me."

"Is," Noel sighed.

"It's okay, Noel," I smiled as politely as I could manage. "It's a good reality check. Li's too nice to me all the time anyways. Maybe I should start lowering my standards."

"Nah, nah," Liam said. "Raise them, don't let his opinion phase you."

"To be fair, this is all Liam's fault for asking," Noel glared at his brother.

"You know what? Let's all just forget about it, okay?" I sighed. "Your car's good, right?" Noel nodded.

"Alright, Is and I are gonna drive round for a bit, we'll be home later," Liam said before we drove off, leaving Noel on his own.

* * * * *

It was getting dark outside and we were just pulling into my driveway. I knew my dad would be mad, Liam was planning on taking the blame. My dad treated Liam like a son, anyways.

"Isla Marie Roux!" My dad said sternly as I climbed out of the car. "You've been gone all day, Peggy had no idea where you were, I was worried sick! It's Sunday night and, Christ, you've got school tomorrow!"

"Mr. Roux, it's all my fault," Liam said. "We wanted to stop for tea, but then I took a wrong turn and it took a while to get proper directions back. I brought Isla straight here, too, as I feel absolutely terrible about having you worry all day," He feigned an apologetic look. We'd just been in record shops and cafes, we hadn't gotten lost.

"Thank you, Li, I appreciate the honesty. Can I get you anything before you head home? I can send a meatloaf home with you if you'd like," my dad offered. It was he only meal he could make.

"That'd be class, Mr. Roux, thanks," Liam grinned. He never got tired of meatloaf.

"Anything for you, Liam," my dad smiled before heading inside to grab the meatloaf.

"Thanks for today," I smiled. He was the best friend anyone could ask for.

"Don't even mention it, it's what best mates are for," he nodded. "D'ya want me to walk here in the morning and I'll take the bus with ya?" He asked me curiously. Peggy usually drove us, or we took the bus from Liam's stop. My dad worked at 7 so he dropped me off at Liam's before, but I didn't really want to go round the Gallaghers for the time being.

"I think I'll just ride the bus from here," I said, making up my mind on the spot. "Pegs can still drive you, I'll only be a few minutes early anyways."

"Alright," he nodded. "If you change your mind, ring me."

"I will," I assured him.

"I don't want you to go to bed while you're upset," he frowned. "Hug it out?"

"Of course!" I giggled, hugging him again. My dad came out with the Tupperware of meatloaf and we pulled apart.

"Okay, here you are," he said proudly as he handed it off to Liam. My dad treats Liam like the son he's always wanted. I'm absolutely convinced that he'd adopt Liam if Peggy would allow it. "Drive safe."

"I will," Liam nodded. "Sleep well, both of yous."

"Sleep well, Li," I waved as he backed out of the driveway and took off.

I felt happier as I went to my bedroom and changed into pyjamas. Liam was right about Noel's opinion. It shouldn't phase me as much as I let it.

Noel didn't like me the same way I liked him, and I had to deal with it. It sucked, honestly. Some stupid part of my mind kept telling me to wait and see if he changed his mind; but I'm smarter than that. I packed my homework into my backpack and laid out my uniform for tomorrow. I considered phoning Liam to talk, but stopped myself when I remembered that there was a one in three chance that Noel would be the one to answer the call.