Chapter 7:

How could he know me? I barely even knew me… I'd spent my entire life fitting in; being what everyone wanted, and now, I didn't even know who the real Melissa was. I didn't have any hobbies that were special to me, or a real best friend. I was a shell. And there was nothing that made me… me. And, if I stayed with Liam (I assumed we were dating, at this point), I never would find the Melissa.

I cared for Liam, deeply; more than I'd ever liked anyone before, but that's only because I never let myself fall for anyone. And of course, because I'm an idiot, I let myself fall for Liam Payne, and these were the consequences… I'd have to continue as a shell. Was I willing to take that risk for the boys… for Liam?

"Mel, what is it?"

I hadn't realized, but a tear had slipped out, and as soon as I realized, the tears wouldn't stop, "I-I'm sorry. I don't why I'm crying…"

Liam waited for me to continue, but when I didn't, he asked, " What's wrong babe?" as he pulled me onto his lap.

I couldn't respond. What was I supposed to say? I was fucked. I wanted to tell him now, more than ever. But I couldn't; the words simply wouldn't leave my mouth. Fuck, when had I become such an emotional wreck?

"What's wrong Mel?" he held me close and stroked my hair.

I clung onto him, I didn't know what to tell him, but I knew that our relationship wouldn't last, one way or another I would hurt him… and he would leave. It was inevitable. But in that moment, I wanted him as close to me as possible, until the moment we parted ways.

My tears finally subsided, and I spoke as clearly as I possibly could, "It's stupid… I'm just a little stressed out. I'm sorry for taking this out on you."

Liam leaned in, and kissed away my sadness. Our first kiss was more like a peck; this one was deeper, more meaningful than the one before. I responded immediately, clinging on to Liam. Every cell in my body was alive, begging for more. Fuck I was going to miss this.

I pulled back, "Thank you." I whispered, and leaned my head into his chest.

He kissed the top of my head, "Anything for you."

Liam:

I parked my car and made my way up to my flat, confused and angry. What was she hiding from me? I never wanted to assume that I knew everything about Mel, but I always thought there was something she deliberately didn't tell me; it was part of the attraction. But, this? Seeing her shaking with tears, and trying to think of an excuse? I cared deeply for Mel, and I thought she the same… why was she doing this to me? I'd made it quite clear that I would always be there for her, why wouldn't she return the favour by telling me what was hurting her?

And then, there was the anger. Whomever, or whatever was doing this to Mel enraged me. I didn't want anything to hurt her, especially to the point where she wouldn't even talk about it. I would make whatever this was pay, no one had the right to bring my girlfriend to tears.

"Liam, mate! We just got back, is Mel still here?" Zayn asked.

"No, I just took her back." Monotone.

"What's wrong, Liam?"

"Nothing."

"Come to my flat, the boys are all there, I was just on my way to come get you and Mel, if she were still here…"

"Okay." Still monotone.

Zayn and I walked back to his flat in silence; I knew he was curious, but he wouldn't say anything. I was worried about the other boy's though, they would never pry, but they would definitely push further to find out… and what was I supposed to tell them? I kissed Mel, she cried, and then we kissed some more? I was going to sound pathetic…

"There you are! Liam, what's wrong mate?" Louis' voice rang out.

The boys looked at me expectant. I sighed and replied with, " I think Mel's hiding something."

"Like what?" Harry asked.

I sat down on Zayn's sofa, next to Niall and responded, " I don't know. She was crying tonight, but she wouldn't tell me why."

"Well, what were you doing before?" Niall questioned.

"Watching Toy Story. Then I kissed her, and next thing I knew, she was crying."

"She's a girl mate, they're emotional; I'm sure she'll tell you when she's ready." Louis always gave great advice.

"But… I don't know, she seems to be hiding something; I always got that feeling, and today…"

"How'd you make her stop crying?" Niall asked.

"Kissed her again, what else could I do?"

Eventually I went back to my flat, and slept. I was tired and upset, despite having my first date with the girl I'd fancied since I first laid eyes on her. I wanted her to know that she could trust me, which obviously she didn't, if she kept something hidden from me. Feeling a little helpless, I let myself succumb to sleep.