Love, as I know it

Chapter 10 (Cont.)

"Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life"

I sat there, on one of the chairs at the balcony, listening to Armaan's voice.

I felt the tears prickling my eyes, threatening to fall.

I placed a cushion on one end of the chair, lying down, placing my phone next to me.

"If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?"

And just like that, I fell asleep.
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"Anika!" I heard a voice call me.

"Anika, please please be okay!" I opened my eyes, and was met with Armaan. He had blood dripping down his face, his eyes red, I could see tears dripping down his face.

"Wh- what happened?" I say looking around. We were on the side of the road. Armaan sat beside me, resting his head on his hands.

"Th- the car, it came out of no where. I'm so so sorry baby , I can't believe I put you through this! You're hurt and it's all my fault!" He spoke in frustration.

I turned around, taking a proper look at him. His shirt was torn, blood patches everywhere, there was a nasty cut on his hand, but what bothered me most was, he had blood coming out of his ears.

I held his hand "Armaan. Listen it wasn't your fault. Stop it. Relax. Let's try calling an ambulance. Where's the car? Did any of our phones survive?" I questioned.

Armaan nodded his head and walked towards our car. Which was rammed against a tree.

He opened one of the passenger doors, and got hold of my phone. He passed the phone towards me, and I went ahead to dial 911.

"Hi! This is an emergency. My fiancé and I, were met with an accident, we're in urgent need of medical assistance ..."
I was halfway through the conversation, when I heard Armaan call my name.

"A-Ani..." I turned to face him, he looked straight at me, and then his eyes rolled back, he fell to the ground and began shaking.

"No! No! No! Armaan!"
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And just like that, I woke up.

I took hold of my surroundings. I was still in the balcony. I sighed. Sat up. And checked the time on my phone.

4 AM.

I stood up, and made my way to the kitchen, suddenly craving a good cup of coffee, when I heard the doorbell ring.

I covered my head with the shawl I had with me, and made my way to the door.

As I opened the door, I was greeted by a very concerned looking pair of eyes staring at me.

"Are you alright?"

I stood there, staring at him. Confused.

"Wh-What?" Was all I could say.

"Can I come in?" He asked.

"Yeah. Sure." I said after a whole minute.

He made his way to my living room, to the balcony where I was sleeping.

He pointed at the balcony to his left.

"I was hungry, I went to grab something to eat, and thought I'd finish it down here." He paused.

"Anika. I heard you crying. And then you screamed 'Armaan! Help!'" He said, looking at me concerned.

I was trying to form up words, but I didn't really know what to say.

"I ... I'm" was all that came out of my mouth. I slowly made my way into the living room, sat on the couch.

"Anika. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here okay? I'm a good listener I promise" he said.

I look at him, I could feel the tears threatening to fall. He stares back at me concerned. I look away, knowing I cannot cry. I cannot confide in him or any of them yet. I need to get more comfortable with them before that.

It takes me a while, but I finally am able to compose myself, and turn back to face him.

"Niall. I'm sorry... I didn't mean to disrupt your late night snack... and I'm sorry for freezing you out."
He smiled, coming closer to me.
"Hey.. don't worry about it.. are you okay?"

I shrugged.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I will. But not today.... it's complicated.." I reply to him.

He nods "that's fine. But you can always count on me okay?"

I smile at him.

"Alright.. I should get back. It's pretty late! You get some sleep too okay? I'll see you tomorrow?" He says, hopefully.

"Yeah! See you tomorrow" I reply, As we make our way towards the door.

I open the door, and notice their door is closed.
"Do you have your key with you? The door's closed..."

"Ah crap! Wait lemme call one of the guys, Someone must be awake" he says taking his phone out of his pocket, and making a call. I hear him talk to someone, and I make sure I don't accidentally lock myself out.

"Alright! Zayn's coming." He replies.

"And Anika?"
I turn to face Niall, as he takes a step towards me, and pulls me into a hug.
"Everything will be okay. I'll always be there for you" he whispers in my ear.

I smile, actually feeling better with his hug.

"Thank you Niall." I reply. Tears streaming down my eyes.

Niall pulls away from the hug, as I wipe away my tear stained cheeks.

"What's going on?"

The two of us turn to face Zayn. He looks at me concerned.

"You're crying. Is everything okay?" He asks.

I smile at him. "Everything's fine" I reply, and turn back to Niall to thank him one more time before we make it back to our own houses.

I make my way to my bed.

Lying down, I think of everything I've been through on my first day here in England. And think about the friends I've made. After much thought about everything, slowly, I drift into sleep, the last thing on my mind before sleeping is to go see Armaan tomorrow. And I will.