Next day,
Author POV
The group is currently sitting together in the university campus. Everyone's faces filled with worry and restlessness. Liam and Sarah stayed still in each other's embrace as if they were each other's ultimate safe place. No one knew whom was Erin kissing in that video, except Amelia. She had to tell her friends about it before it gets too late.
"I wish I was there... with Sarah, with Justin... They faced it all because of me", Liam said with a low voice looking at some very distant object.
"Liam it wasn't—" Ryan quickly said while his own eyes glistened with unshed tears. "No, Ryan, not this time. It's all my fault. I should have been there with Sarah. I should have been there with Justin; he wouldn't have ended up in the bar and he wouldn't have injured himself to that extent."
Looking into Ryan's eyes, he continued with slight tears in his eyes, "I failed as a boyfriend, Ryan. I failed to protect Sarah. And... and I failed as Justin's childhood best friend. He trusted me. And I failed him. I failed everyone..."
Everyone felt his emotions and the pain in his voice. Ryan couldn't stop himself. He understood that it was important for Liam to stay strong. For Sarah, for Justin and... for himself.
He put both his hands on Liam's shoulder and explained calmly, "You always did your best, Liam. You were always there, not only for Justin or Sarah, but also for each one of us. All of us are lucky enough to have a supporter like you among us. Whatever you could do, you did. You did better than all of us. It's just that sometimes situations are not in our favor. Sometimes, we have to lose. Sometimes, we have to face the worst. And so you had to. And at the end, you should be thankful that Sarah and Justin were saved on time. Don't stress out yourself by thinking about the otherwise."
Liam's eyes finally gave up and he let his tears flow out freely. Ryan instantly hugged him.
He slowly patted on Liam's back with a silent encouragement. Andrew, who witnessed the brotherly exchange of emotions, fought back to hold the tears of his eyes. He interrupted, "I think, we shall stay strong for Justin. Especially you, Liam." Saying this, he playfully nudged Liam's elbow. He continued, "He has already been through a lot We have to make him move on from this, for which we ourselves need to stay strong." Everyone agreed with Andrew and nodded their heads with determination.
In the evening
Author POV
Sarah was walking through the streets, buying some groceries. Her mind was completely occupied by that incident. She tried many ways to ease the tension or to handle and process the trauma, but she failed miserably. So here she is, buying groceries, which according to her can help her fresh her mind for some time.
Her steps came to halt as she heard her phone ring. Her dull face brightened up instantly as she saw the caller ID. She quickly received the call and muttered a small 'hello'. "Turn around", the caller said. She frowned at the words and questioned, "What? But why?..." "Just turn around", the caller implied again.
Sarah's eyes involuntarily made their way to turn around. Her face brightened ten folds and she exclaimed, "Liam!...." She couldn't stop herself to run towards him. The busy road, the hustle-bustle around her, the heavy grocery bags she carried, the thoughts that ran in her mind before; nothing stopped her.
Both of them hugged each other instantly, completely forgetting about their surroundings. Liam's arms were the only place she wanted to be in. The weight she carried seeming to ease a little. His hands rested gently on her back, steady and reassuring, as if to tell her that no matter how loud or disturbing the world got, here-right here-she was safe.
Liam slowly broke the hug. His eyes never leaving hers. He looked into her eyes deeply and smiled a little thinking how much of a brave girl his girlfriend is. Looking at the bags she was carrying, Liam jokingly said, "So my girl is shopping without me, huh?" Sarah gave a light chuckle and replied, "I just thought to buy some groceries. I didn't want to bother you. Besides, Katherine had her assignments pending. So, I decided to go."
"No worries. Take your sweet time. I know it's too much for an overthinker like you to handle. But just remember, you never bother me. I'd rather love to talk to you, to be with you all the time. Just give me a call or a text and I'll be right there in front of you." Liam calmly said to Sarah while holding her hands. Sarah nodded her head with a light smile.
Before leaving, Liam leaned on Sarah and gave her a small peck on her forehead. This peck on the forehead came to her with an unspoken promise, love, comfort and a promise of safety.
Liam slowly pulled back and said, "Come, let's go. I'll walk you to your dorm." Sarah's light smile broadened up and held his left arm while they walked together.
This chapter held a soft ache I couldn’t ignore while writing it. Watching Liam break down and then find his strength again — all for the ones he loves — reminded me how healing sometimes begins in the quietest hugs and simplest words.
Please vote and comment if you liked this chapter. The next chapter will be updated soon. Take care, cuties 💙
»»---->🌷✨You can also follow me on Instagram - @_authorserene_ for spoilers and other updates✨🌷<----««
Write a comment ...