No Filter

Chapter XIV (14)

I sat in the chair in the student center. I flip to the next page of my Chemistry textbook. As I begin to read the following sentence, my eyes were covered by two familiar hands.

"Guess who?" his charming accent sends me chills.

"Hmm? Troy?" I tease.

"No," he said, sounding a little irritated.

I chuckle and reply, "I'm kidding. I know it's Mr. Liam Payne," I roll my tongue.

He removes his hand and walks to the adjacent couch. "So, are you coming?"

I sigh heavily, dropping the textbook on my lap. "Liam, I already told you that I can't. Not if it's going to be Saturday or Sunday. I just found this place to work for two days, and if I work over sixteen hours, they will pay me $1,200, and that's only 4/25 of the amount. With the other money, I roughly have half the amount I need."

He sighs. "It's my birthday. I want you to finally see her."

I put on a small smile and reply, "I'm sorry, Liam," I said. "I really wish I can be there. And I would like to meet the girl you said 'stole your heart'." I quote him. "But I only have a limited time left. I need to really focus on getting my mom this surgery, so her life..." I hear my voice crack. I swallow and pace myself, "...so she could feel better."

"Ally, I feel you have been trying to avoid me," he says. It's kind of true. I just haven't been able to look at him since that day, but slowly, I was able to put my feelings aside - for the most part - and let him be happy. I haven't seen him be this happy and free since before his grandma died. It was a beautiful sight to me. "Did I do something?" he asks.

"No," I said, putting on a smile. "I've just been stress. Scholarships. Surgery. College. And on top of that, my free time and relationships. I wish there was a better way for this." Liam's face fell like a sad puppy. "I'm sorry. Do you forgive me?"

He nods his head, even though he was still disappointed. "Yes, I do. But I get it. It's just a bum that you're not going to be there."

"I'm really sorry," I said. "I hope you have a good time. And maybe next time, your girlfriend and I will meet." He frowns and nods his head.

"Alright," He says. "I'll see you in Spanish."

"See you," I said. He stands up and gives me a rub on the arm. I watch him as he leaves before I turn back to my book.
—
The bell rings. I rush out of the hallway before I can get trampled and walk to my car in the parking lot. Once I unlock my car, I felt a presence standing behind me. I turn around and shriek a little at the sight of Troy. I cover my mouth with my hand and pant. "Sorry," I said.

He smiles. "It's okay," he says. "I just came here to ask you if you are busy Saturday. So...are you?" He tucks his hands in his pocket, rocking back and forth.

"I am," I said. "I have work, but even if I didn't, I would still be busy. My friend, he's having a birthday party that day. And I can't make it."

"Funny," He creases his brows. "I was invited to a birthday party as well too. I have no idea who it is for, but one my classmates, long-hair hippie Harry, invited me. It was for his friend."

"Oh," I was astounded. "You're invited to Liam's party."

"You and Liam are friends?" Troy questions, raising an eyebrow.

I nod my head. "Yeah, we are."

"And just friends, right?" he asks, and I spotted a little hesitation in his voice.

"Yes," I answer. "We're best friends."

"Oh," he says, "and you can't make it. Well, I was just going to ask you if you want to be my date. But I know now that you're busy."