Fate's Identity

Chapter 20

Ally's POV

Okay, Allyson. Almost done with the rising action. It just needs more progress.

I press my fingers on the keyboard and continue to type out my short story. As I type, the sound of water tapping against my window fills the quietness. It seems to be another rough rainy day.

I stretch out my clamped fingers and yawn. My eyes shift out the window, and with a quick glance, I thought I saw Liam standing in the rain. I stand up and walk closer. I look out the view and widen my eyes to see Liam standing in the rain looking me. Our eyes connects, and my heart races. What was Liam doing out in the rain?

His eyes seem to be longing for something. Water drips off of his beard and his fingertips. I shake my head, realizing he's not going to take shelter any time soon. I ran into my closet and grab a coat. Once I put it on, I grab an umbrella. I trot down the stairs and encounter Dinah sleeping in the living room.

Simon wasn't home. Neither was Niall, Normani, or Sofia. They all went to Sofia's violin recital. Niall was dragged into going while Normani, I'm sure, just wanted to get away from me. I didn't know why Normani was being like this. I apologized and told her the truth, but she... I don't even know.

Camila and Lauren were in their room, possibly doodling or just working on homework.

I stood by the door, and once I open it, I press the button on the umbrella unfolding it. I rush through the muddy grass. On the side of the house, I meet Liam standing a couple yards away from my window. I hover the umbrella over both of us, him more than me. "Liam, you're going to catch a cold," I said, feeling shots of the rain hitting my lower back.

His eyes changes, looking more vulnerable. "What's wrong?" I ask.

"I know why," he begins. "I know why you are the way that you are. Simon. He's the reason why." I widen my eyes, blinking a couple of times. "If you're scared, don't be. I'm right here. All I ever want to do is make you happy."

"Liam, it's more complicated than that," I respond.

He shakes his head. "No matter how complicated things get, I will be here."

Tears sting my eyes, remembering Simon's story. "Liam, can you honestly say that you will? I don't know what to expect. I have fallen deeply and face the consequences of instant affections, and I'm uncertain about some things."

"Just give me a chance to prove it to you," he says, leaning closer to me.

I shake my head, taking a step back, revealing my entire back to the rain. "How will I know for sure? How do you know for sure? In my entire life, I never depended on anybody for support. I came from a broken home and enter a new broken one with different scars. We all tried to bundle, but sometimes, we end bursting with no one by our side." My voice crack. Tears pass my waterline. I release a breath before speaking. "Liam, you're a nice and good guy. But there are better girls out there for you."

"I just want you," He states, surprising me with how much power he had in his voice. "From the moment we met, there's always been something about you that drew me in. I thought it might be your kind eyes, your generous hands, or your beautiful personality. It turns out that it was every single one of those."

Tightening my hold on the crook handle, my mind recalls Simon's words, his story, and his advice. I don't know whether to give up or to give in to his or Liam's words. "I..." I had to decide. Simon has been with me almost my entire life. I would be disobeying him, possibly betraying him, but Liam could be who I wanted - needed - all this time. I scratch my head. "I'm sorry, Liam. We live in different worlds. You have a family: a mom, a dad, and two sisters waiting on you back home to finish the school year. I'm here, with two close sisters, two distant, and one who doesn't want to speak to me. A strict father, which I don't blame at all. Liam, you have a life outside of this city once you're done with school. In time, you will forget about me."

Liam's eyes peer through my soul, questioning me. Anger and betrayal washes over his face. "Ally, you're selling yourself short. You have no idea what I see in you. Light. Love. Beauty. There might be other people with these qualities, but they can't show it like you. You are the first thing that pops inside my head when I wake up. I want to talk to you. Be there for you. Be the one to tell you that you are perfect in every way. I admire more about you than you would think. I love how your smile lights up everyone's mood. When you're happy, your nose crinkles up in the most elegant way. Your heart is everything, and if you just listen to it..."

My heart beats faster. I swallowed hard and looked at him. If you think I haven't listen to my heart yet, I have. It wants to be with you.

I nod my head as my breaths shake and I consume the air simultaneously. Tears were still making their way down. "I do," I begin. "I do like you."

"Then what's the problem? Is it Simon?" he asks.

"It's everything," I answer. "Simon will never let me get out. Normani will think worse of me if I do. Dinah is pressuring me. And I...I can't go through the pain of losing someone again."

"You're not going to lose me," he assures, but I was still hesitant.

"Can you honestly say that? By the end of the year, you're going to go back. Your family will want you to begin your career over there, and I will just be a lost memory."

"Don't think of the future. Just think of right now. The present. If you live for the future, you won't enjoy the present," he says. He wraps his fingers around the crook handle where mine is. I release my hand from his grasp and let him hold it. "Go on and feel what you're feeling. Think about what you want to do and just do it."

My eyes trail to his lips. I remember in the woods when our two lips were going to touch. In that moment, I wanted it more than anything. That moment was when I knew that there was something going inside of my heart. And it was pulsing for Liam.

In this moment, I didn't think. I just did. I swing my arm around his neck and lift my heel on my feet as I kiss him on his lips. I feel a small spark and a weight off my shoulder. I take in his air. He was too off guard to caught what has happened. Although, he kissed back, and I feel more sparks erupting in my stomach. After a few seconds, I pull back and observe his reaction. He stayed put. Not moving a muscle until he drops the umbrella out of his hand - letting the rain soak our entire body - and leans forward until our lips touch again. I kiss back immediately, losing myself to his delicate touch. An immediate spark fills my stomach. He uses his left hand and pushes my body forward, causing me to squirm a little, but he deepens the kiss. My whole body electrifies. For the first time, I feel free. Like I can do anything.

After what seem to be hours, our lips depart. We catch our breath as we chuckle. He brings his hand up my cheek and caresses it softly. Our eyes meet, and he asks, "Does this mean that you're ready?"

No thought. Just listen. I nod my head. "Yes," I reply.