Chapter 18:

Liam and I spent the entire night watching the Lion King… it was his idea… personally, I had always been into sad movies, but tonight I just wanted to smile and laugh with my boyfriend. Unlike last time, there was quite a lot of cuddling, laughing and kissing. It felt so good to have him close, I had missed his warm lips and soft hands. Kissing Liam Payne was like tasting heaven; I never wanted to stop!

I finally broke our kiss to catch my breath and lay my head on his lap. Liam was such a good guy, I knew he deserved better, but for some reason, he had chosen me. I wasn't sure what had pulled Liam Payne in my direction, but I was glad it had! I still had many problems to fix, but having Liam hold me made me feel so much happier. I felt like I could figure all this out, when he was by me.

"Liam?"

"Yes babe?"

"Why are you so perfect?" I casually asked.

I could feel his laughter as he replied, " I'm far from perfect."

"Lies!" I giggled.

He was silent for a minute, before he replied, "You seem quite a bit happier."

I sighed, I'd been avoiding this conversation all night, but it had to happen, "I guess so."

"Is there a particular reason you're all smiles now?" he asked as he played with my hair.

I sat up and hugged my legs to myself, "Sometimes, you need someone else to push you in the right path. Once the path is clear, everything becomes better."

"So you know what you're going to do?" he pulled me close and this time I let him.

"I'm going to call my dad tomorrow and talk to him about it… he's always been the nicer parent."

I did exactly what I promised I would do, and called home the next day.

"Hello?"

"Hi… dad? It's me." My heart was beating rapidly, and my palms were sweaty. I fought for control as I spoke.

"Mel?" he whispered.

"Hi daddy." I squeaked.

"Are you coming home?" his voice was optimistic, maybe too optimistic…

"I'm not allowed; mom disowned me, remember?"

"Sweetheart, she was just mad, come back home!" his voice was pleading.

"I can't! Dad, I'll finish school here, please let me stay! I don't belong there! I have no one," My voice broke on 'no one', but I took a deep and shaky breath and continued, "Enroll me somewhere, anywhere! I'm technically done grade 11! I can do it daddy, I promise!"

"But it's the summer now… what are you going to do in London?"

Thanks to my brilliant boyfriend, I had this figured out, "My credits aren't London approved, and I want to re-take some courses. Liam says I can stay with him! Please dad?"

"Liam? You want me to let you stay with a boy for two months?" his voice to a sharper edge.

"Dad, I swear that hasn't even come up! I've changed daddy! Please?"

He sighed; I could practically see the exasperation in his eyes.

"I don't see how we're going to change your mind… I'll find you a school for the fall. But until then, behave yourself?"

"I promise."