The Runaway 2 - N.H.

[07] I hate you

"Ash, I didn't mean to upset you. I-" I start before I'm cut off.

"Braeden?" I hear a yell.

I scan the area and see a dark haired boy start towards me. Calum walks over cautiously and I'm about to jump into my car when I see Niall behind him.

"Um... Ash we will speak soon." I speak quickly and try to get into my car but I feel a hand on my forearm.

"Braeden." Calum whispers and quickly let's go of my arm like I'm a fragile doll.

"I have to go home, I need to look after Anna." I explain but I'm not sure why I feel I have to.

"No you don't Bee I'm su-" Niall starts and I have to keep my gaze away, I can't look into his eyes.

"Yes, I do. She needs me." I tell them and it's true. Anna needs me right now and I can't abandon her.

"Why?" Calum asks, clearly annoyed I'm trying to leave.

"Her boyfriend cheated on her. She's a mess and I know she needs me, like I needed a friend." I tell him and he looks away from me. "I'm going, before another one of you come down." I say angrily and open my car door.

"Braeden, wait." Niall says and puts a hand on my shoulder but I can't turn around. I can't see the pain in his eyes.

"I have to go." I whisper, barely loud enough for him to hear.

"Let me come with you." I shake my head. "Brae please?" He asks and I want so desperately for him to come with me but I know it won't end well for either of us.

"No Niall. I can't have you hurt too." I say loud enough for the three of them to hear and get back into my car. I can't believe Michael ruined this too. Michael. Before I even think, I get back out of the car. "Where is he?" I yell at Calum, I don't know why I chose him, but I did.

"Who?" He asks confused.

"Michael." I need to hurt him like he hurt me.

"Braeden it's not a good idea for you to talk to him." Ashton says and steps toward me.

"I don't fucking care! Where is he?" I know they won't tell me so I pull out my phone and call Louis. He picks up on the first ring. "I'm out the front, come get me." I say quickly and hang up.

"Braeden, don't." Calum warns and I can't believe he's choosing Michaels side over mine.

"How dare you, I swear to god I-" I growl before I'm cut off by a now familiar voice.

"Braeden!" Louis yells and I quickly make my way over to him.

"Take me upstairs." I tell him and walk inside.

"Okay but why?" He asks relieved and confused.

"She's gonna kill Mikey." Ash says and the three of them are right behind me.

"I won't kill him. But I sure as shit am gonna give him hell." I tell them and smile at the thought of hurting him.

"Okay." Louis agrees and I'm thankful he isn't being an idiot.

"No Braeden please don't." Calum pleads as we all step into the elevator.

"Can you for two seconds not be a fuckwit?" I ask and Louis smiles at me. "Thank you." I say taking his silence as a yes. "I'm speaking to him alone." I tell them and Louis's smile fades.

"No." He counters but we both know he won't win.

"It's not your battle Lou." I tell him and he seems to understand because he stays quiet.

The elevator doors open and I quickly step outside. "Braeden ple-" Niall pleads but I wave him off. I need to do this.

I walk over to Michaels door and knock a few times before the doors swings open. "What?" The boy growls before he sees me and his mouth falls open.

"Long time no see asshole." I spit and push him back and shut the door.

"Braeden." He breathes out and I can smell liquor on his breath.

"No shit. I need to say something I-"

"Don't waste your breath." He says and turns around before grabbing the vodka bottle and taking a swig.

"Oh please this won't be a waste. Michael Gordon Clifford, I hate you." I tell him and he stares at me wide eyed. "I hate you more than I hate butter. I hate you more than anyone could ever hate a person and I wish you would disappear so I never, ever had to look at you again. You tore me apart, you tore my world up and turned me into something I promised myself I never would become. Weak." He stands there staring at me wide eyes before I speak again. "And this is the last time we will ever speak. You got what you wanted Michael and I am so, so happy for you."

I turn to walk out the door when he grabs my arm and spins me around. "Braeden I'm so-"

"Don't!" I scream as loud as I can manage. He staggers back, shocked at my change in tone. "I hate you! Now leave me alone." I open the door and step outside, slamming the door shut behind me.

I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding before I feel a tear slip down my cheek.