Ashes - (Sequel to Dark Flame)

Ch. 9

        "Niall, no more secrets. Who were you on the phone with? Back at the apartment," I said, begging to know who it was.

        "You know who it was, Juliet. It's not a secret," Niall said, not looking away from the road. 

        "Liam?" I asked, and he nodded. "What did he say?"

        "That he was close, and he will be close to us. He warned me about Harry."

        "Then why didn't you stop him?" 

        "Are you really going to ask me that? Harry is stronger and, by far, more powerful than I will ever be, Juliet."

        "Why won't Liam see us?"

        "I don't know. He didn't say."

        "You're lying."

        "You're right."

        "What are you keeping secret from me?"

        "He just doesn't want to see you, Juliet." Niall blurted out. I felt a knot in my stomach. I didn't say anything for a while. 

        "Why not?" I asked, my voice cracking.

        "He's afraid." Niall said softly, as if it was a secret.

        "Of what?"

        "Hurting you again. He is so afraid of that, Juliet. He wants to be with you so badly, but he can't."

        "He's hurting me enough as it is."

        "I know, and I wish he could see that."

        I began to feel tears falling down my face. It was a feeling that I had grown accustomed to. 

       "Oh, Juliet, please don't cry," Niall began to beg. "Do you want me to get you something from this gas station?" he asked. I nodded, and also, because I really needed to use the ladies room.

        "Okay, everyone up!" Niall said loudly, and Essie and the kids woke up. We all went inside and used the restroom. No one said anything. Niall bought drinks and snacks.

        "Excuse me, are any of you ladies named Juliet?" the attendant asked when we walked out. I shook my head yes. "You have someone who wants to talk to you on the phone," she said, handing me the phone.

        Niall looked reluctant, but told me to make it quick. 

        "Hello?" I asked. 

        "Juliet."

        "Liam, is that you?"

        "I hate to see you cry," he said.

        "You saw?" I asked.

        "I saw you cry earlier, and just a few minutes ago. It kills me. Please, don't cry over me. Ever," he said.

        "Liam, why won't you just come with us? We would be safer, and it would hurt a lot less if you were actually here."

        "Put Niall on the phone please, I love you."

        "I love you too," I said and then I handed the phone to Niall.

        "Hello?" Niall asked. He answered yes a few times, then began to write something down. After he hung up, Niall instructed us to get into the car.

        "We are going to stay at this hotel," Niall said, showing me a picture he got from the gas station. "They have two rooms available and one with a baby bed for Leo. I figured it would be best, and then we could all get a good night's rest." I nodded, sleep sounded wonderful.

        The hotel was huge, and a lot bigger than the picture showed. We gathered out things that we needed for the night, and then went inside. Our rooms were already booked. Niall and Essie agreed to share a room, since there was two beds in their room and only one in mine. I grabbed Leo, who was sleeping like a, well, like a baby in his stroller and walked to room 103, which was right next to room 105, Niall and Essie's room. 

        I walked into the room and flicked the lights on. I saw a suitcase already lying on the floor. It wasn't mine. I slowly began to back out of the room when a tall figure stepped out in front of me. I couldn't believe it.

        "Juliet, love. Wake up please," I heard his voice say. The voice I had been longing to hear in person for so long.

        "Liam? Please tell me that's you," I said.

        "It is me, love. You kind of passed out," he smiled. I saw his face. The brown eyes that haunted my dreams. His touch, the touch I craved every minute of the day was mine again. His hand brushed my cheek and he smelled like cinnamon. It was the moment I knew I may never get again, and yet, I have it. 

        I sat up and hugged him. I felt his warmth wrap around me like a blanket.

        "I've missed you so much, Liam,"

        "I have missed you," he said in my ear. 

        "Where's Leo?" 

        "He's sleeping, don't worry. I put him to bed," 

        "He didn't cry or fuss?" I asked. Usually, Leo cried and screamed when I wasn't the one putting him to sleep.

        "Not one bit," he smiled.

        "I guess he just knows his daddy," I smiled.

        "He does. Now, it's time for you to be getting some sleep," Liam said, turning down the bed for me.

        "What about you?" I asked.

        "I wasn't sure if you wanted me to lay with you or not."

        "Of course I do. I want to feel safe again, Liam," I said. He nodded and turned down his side of the bed. We both layed down together, his arms wrapped around me and his face nuzzled into my neck. I felt like we were back in London, when everything was seemingly perfect. 

        "Gosh, I've missed this," Liam said.

        "I have too, so bad." 

        "You never gave up on me," Liam said suddenly.

        "What do you mean?"

        "You could have left forever and lived in America with Leo, but you came back. Why?"

        "Because I knew you would love want me no matter what."

        "That's true," Liam said, kissing the back of my neck.

        "And I knew that no matter what, we would always be safe with you. I know you will never let anything hurt me or Leo. Liam, you're my safety," I admitted.

        "I won't let anyone hurt you again. Not even me."

        "Promise?" I asked, turning towards him.

        "I thought you didn't make promises," he smiled.

        "I'm willing to make an exception for you," I said and then I kissed him, and drifted off into sleep. This time, it was without tears.

an: i know it took forever, even though it's such a small chapter, i was so happy to have liam back in it! i'll write more and hopefully finish this soon ((((then move onto the next))) make sure you comment and vote so i can see what you guys think!  also, i plan on writing on my other (non-fanfiction account) soon. it will be stories like this, but with my own characters. i hope you guys keep reading! :)