Protect You, Protect Me
Demons
Liam had left a week ago and Gray couldn't have been more happy lately. Finally, it was the one time he left and she didn't cry. They spent that morning talking about the future and everything else in their lives. Grace was the happiest of them all though. Liam made a deal with him and had them both facetime together. She was still constantly talking about him a week later.
"Gray, when you go visit Liam, can I come with," Grace asked her. They were in the kitchen making dinner for the night.
"Oh sweets, we will see. Maybe you can come visit," Gray offered. Grace pouted but she may change her mind later. Gray put the salad on the top when her mom walked in.
"Hello girls," Gloria smiled warmly.
"Hey mom. Salad is done, same with the pasta and the sauce. Save me some, I'm going for a run." Gray went and gave Gloria a kiss on the cheek.
"You are going to go now? Isn't it a little late to run," Gloria asked concerned.
"It's only 7. Four miles and I'll be home again, don't worry." Gray laced up her shoes and headed out the door. Ander's Lake was less then a mile away from their house and lately was Gray's favorite place to run. The trees had changed for the beginning of summer and the baby ducks were all full force, they were beyond cute. She quickly checked her for phone see Liam had texted her a picture. He was holding an apple to his eye with the caption, 'You are the apple to my eye.' Gray rolled her eyes, beyond cheesy but still adorable at the same time. She put in her earbuds and took off.
----
Something was off. Normally she would pull out 8 minute miles easy, but right now she could barely handle 10. She kept running too, only to see the same group of younger girls glaring at her. Gray cursed herself for not bringing a hat with her. She knew those girls could recognize her. She sped up a bit faster to pass them, and stopped along a bench to take a breather.
"Hey," a voice barked at her, causing Gray to jump.
"Can I help you," she asked. This was the same group of 5 girls that were watching her. Gray's hands started to sweat. She shouldn't be afraid of a couple of sixteen year old girls, they were usually harmless.
"I need your phone," one of them barked. Gray stood up off the bench. No way her phone was leaving her arm, her home screen picture alone was her and Liam.
She didn't need anyone to spread more rumors about her.
"Sorry, my phone is mine," Gray said. She was trying to act incredibly brave, but inside her whole body was shaking. She took a step backwards, ready to sprint home, but another one of the girl gang members stopped her.
"Listen, you need to -" Her voice stopped once the girl swung. An alarming amount of pain surged through her face. She remembered spinning and falling before it all went black.
----
BREAKING NEWS: Oh snap, we have more new on Liam Payne's new lovely, but sadly this one didn't end well. Reportedly, Saturday night Gray Cameron was assaulted at a local park while on her run. No word on the assailants at this park, but spectators in the area said a group of young girls came running from the area. Cameron is still in the hospital today, no word on her injuries and no statement from 1D either. If we hear anything new, the Pioneer will tell you.
Gray woke up, squinting her eyes. Shooting pain ran through the right side of her face. She groaned and rolled her head to see her mom asleep in the chair next to her.
"Mom," she croaked out. Her whole throat was dry. Gloria opened her eyes and gave her a sad smile.
"Hi sweetie."
"What, what happened," Gray asked.
"You were assaulted in the park last night, a woman found you and called 911," Gloria explained.
"My face hurts. What time is it? Where are the girls?"
"Yeah sweetie, your face is going to hurt for a while. It's around 6 in the morning, Mila has them right now." Gray groaned again, flopping back down on the pillow. She looked down with her one good eye to see a cast covering her whole arm past her elbow.
"What's this about," Gray asked, motioning to her arm.
"You broke it in two spots, they think it's from when you fell getting knocked out. I'll be honest with you Gray, you don't look good, at all. You face is back and blue, and a lot of road scruff. Sprained knee, broken arm, and three broken ribs." A single tear rolled down Gray's cheek. Who would do this to her?
"Have you talked to Liam?"
"Not yet. I left him a message on his voicemail, but I think they are traveling right now." Gray was happy she hasn't gotten a hold of him yet. Better for her to be awake when he freaks out.
"Call Steve, numbers in my phone, he will get Liam right away," Gray said groggily. Sleep was starting to take over. She closed her eyes and rolled her head to the good side.
"Steve? Hello this is Gray's mom, can you get a hold of Liam for me, something happened..." Gloria's voice drifted off, and Gray felt back asleep.
----
"I need food," Niall complained. The boys had just landed in Seattle and were in their hotel suite.
"I want wings," Louis agreed. Liam went and sat on the couch to text Gray. He did before they took off, and it wasn't normal for her not to text back at some point.
"It's too damn early for that," Zayn yawned. All were trying to decide on whether to sleep or eat when Steve walked in. He had a somber look on his face, which wasn't like him.
"Steve? Your dog die," Harry joked.
"Liam, something happened." All four boys turned white. Liam immediately jumped up and ran over to him.
"What is it," he frantically asked.
"Gray was in an accident, she was assaulted last night on her run. Her mom called me, you need to call Gloria." Liam ran into the next room, giving himself some space while Steve filled the boys in. He quickly called Gloria with shaking fingers.
"Hello."
"Gloria, what happened," he sobbed into the phone.
"Hi Liam. Listen, Gray got hurt, she is in the hospital but it doing okay, she is sleeping right now." Liam's body shuddered as the tears feel freely from his eyes.
"How bad? How bad Gloria?" She was silent for a minute.
"Broken arm, pretty beat up face, cracked ribs, and she twisted her knee pretty good."
"Oh my god." Liam's whole body shook, unable to keep a hold on the phone. Louis walked in and picked it up from the floor. Steve told them all what happened.
"Hey Gloria, it's Louis. Is there anything we can do," he asked her.
"She is sleeping right now, just waiting to see the doctor about going home. Can you watch over Liam? I'm sure he isn't taking this well right now." Louis looked over to him. He was slumped over on the bed, crying into his knees.
"That we can do, tell Gray we are thinking over her, okay?"
"Of course, when she wakes I'll have her call him." Both hung up the phone.
"Mate," Louis asked Liam quietly.
"Get Steve, I need a plane ticket now." Liam barked, getting up to find his bags. He had to go see her, no matter what the cost.
"Liam, we have a show tonight," Louis started before Liam cut him off.
"I could care less right now, I need out of here." He grabbed his bag and walked out of the room. The rest of the boys stared at him.
"Go. We will live without you," Harry said. He knew there was no way they could get him to stay.
"Steve, let's go." Both ran out of the room letting the boys sit in their thoughts. Who would do this to Gray?
----
Gray opened her eyes hours later to realize she was still in the same hospital room.
"Hey sweetie," her mom said squeezing her non casted hand.
"Hi. Did you call Liam?" Gloria sighed.
"I did, he knows."
"What did he say," Gray asked.
"Not much, I actually talked to Louis. Liam.. he couldn't talk at that time." Gray groaned. Knowing Liam, he was probably beside himself right now. He couldn't protect her when he was in another time zone, she knew he was mad at himself. The doctor walked in, introducing himself.
"Hi there, I'm Dr. Walden, glad to see you are awake. How are you feeling?" Gray looked down at her casted arm.
"Broken." Dr. Walden laughed.
"Well, you still have a sense of humor, that is good. You should be able to go home today, but I stress that you take it easy Gray. You suffered some pretty serious injuries. Bed rest for the next three days to let your ribs heal. Cast stays on for six weeks, hope you like green, you were unconscious when we put it in," he stated, "I'll get your discharge papers together and have the nurse bring you them shortly." He nodded one more time before headed out of the room.
"Mom, do you have a mirror?" Gray needed to know what she looked like.
"Honey, are you sure right now?" Gray nodded her head yes. Gloria dug in her purse and pulled out a compact.
"Remember, Gray you will heal," she said before giving it to her. Gray took in a breathe before opening it and staring at her face. Immediately she had to hold in a sob. Her right eye from cheekbone to forehead was a deep purple, almost black from where the first girl hit her. Her eye was almost completely swollen shut. She had road burn all down her lower cheek and chin line. She looked like an monster. Tears started to roll down her face.
"Shh, don't cry baby, it will be okay," Gloria cooed, pulling the compact from her hand. She rubbed her hair the good side of Gray's face.
"Who would do this mom," she sobbed.
"I don't know hun. I don't know." Gray rubbed the tears for her face and sat up a bit.
"I have to call Liam." Gloria handed her the phone.
"I'm going to go get some coffee." She left the room, letting Gray have piece. The phone only ran once before he answered.
"Gray," he said out of breathe.
"Hi Liam," she whispered. Everything hurt right now.
"Love, I'm so sorry," he sobbed. Gray had to hold back her own tears.
"Don't cry babe, I'm okay," she said with a shaky voice. She wanted him to think she was already even though she was terrified.
"I'm coming to see you," he exclaimed. Gray didn't know how that was possible, he had a show tonight.
"No, stay there. I don't even know where I will be tonight."
"NO! I'm coming, I have a ticket to leave right after the show tonight." Even though he left the room this morning, the guys were able to talk him into staying.
"Ok," she whispered again. She didn't have the strength to argue right now.
"I love you Gray, ok? I love you so much," he cried into the phone again.
"I love you too, I'll see you later."
----
Gray was released from the hospital three hours later. They quickly exited the hospital in the back to avoid the crowd that had gathered out front. Gray continued to stare out of the window.
"Gray, I'm sorry I have to do this," her mom breathed. They decided to have her stay at a hotel right now. The way Gray looked from her injuries wasn't something they wanted the girls to see.
"It's fine mom, don't worry," Gray said giving her a small smile. She turned back and continued to stare out the window.
"When is Liam coming," Gloria asked. She didn't even need to confirm with Gray, she knew he would be here the first chance he got.
"Not sure, sometime tomorrow." Gray sighed. The effects of her injuries were starting to catch up with her. She just wanted to cry her eyes out, but kept it together for her mom's sake.
"I'll get you inside then will race home to have Mila come up." Gray shook her head no.
"No, I'll be fine. I'm really tired, I'll probably just get some food and sleep." She didn't want more people giving her that sad, pitiful look. She wanted to be alone.
"Gray? Are you sure?" Gray turned to her, trying to give her the biggest smile she could,
"Of course, it will be fine."
----
Her mom got her situated in the room for the Holiday Inn, making sure she was comfortable before getting up to leave.
"If you need anything at all, you call. Mila will come back tomorrow and we can see about bringing you home," she said.
"It'll be fine mom, no worries," she smiled again. Gloria gave her one last kiss before heading out, giving Gray her space. Immediately, she felt cold. There was no one around her, protecting her. She looked down at her arm again and started to cry. Why did this have to happen to her? Who beats up a normal girl just because she has a famous boyfriend? The tears wouldn't stop now, no matter how many she wiped away. She was alone. All alone to be completely scared that someone would barge in there and finish what they started. Gray shivered, and pulled the blankets up higher. She adjusted the pillows under her knee and pulled her ball cap down lower over her face. No one was there to see her, but she still felt safe underneath it. She closed her eyes, letting the sleep overtake her.
----
KNOCK, KNOCK
Gray immediately woke and shot up in fear. How long had she been sleeping? Her room was completely dark, only a soft glow coming from the emergency light on the fire alarm. She quietly moved, hoping the person on the other side didn't hear her.
"Gray, it's me, open the door." Her eyes welt up as soon as she heard his voice, Liam was here. She grabbed her crutches, throwing them underneath her armpits and headed to the door. She quickly checked herself, pulling the sweatshirt sleeves down to cover both eyes, and readjusted her hat to hide as much of her face as possible. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
Liam's face looked at her. He had on his normal sweats look, but a regular hat, no snapback this time. His eyes were completely red and swollen from crying. As soon as he saw her, more tears started to fall.
"Christ," he breathed. Both stood there, unable to figure out where to go from here.
"Gray, when you go visit Liam, can I come with," Grace asked her. They were in the kitchen making dinner for the night.
"Oh sweets, we will see. Maybe you can come visit," Gray offered. Grace pouted but she may change her mind later. Gray put the salad on the top when her mom walked in.
"Hello girls," Gloria smiled warmly.
"Hey mom. Salad is done, same with the pasta and the sauce. Save me some, I'm going for a run." Gray went and gave Gloria a kiss on the cheek.
"You are going to go now? Isn't it a little late to run," Gloria asked concerned.
"It's only 7. Four miles and I'll be home again, don't worry." Gray laced up her shoes and headed out the door. Ander's Lake was less then a mile away from their house and lately was Gray's favorite place to run. The trees had changed for the beginning of summer and the baby ducks were all full force, they were beyond cute. She quickly checked her for phone see Liam had texted her a picture. He was holding an apple to his eye with the caption, 'You are the apple to my eye.' Gray rolled her eyes, beyond cheesy but still adorable at the same time. She put in her earbuds and took off.
----
Something was off. Normally she would pull out 8 minute miles easy, but right now she could barely handle 10. She kept running too, only to see the same group of younger girls glaring at her. Gray cursed herself for not bringing a hat with her. She knew those girls could recognize her. She sped up a bit faster to pass them, and stopped along a bench to take a breather.
"Hey," a voice barked at her, causing Gray to jump.
"Can I help you," she asked. This was the same group of 5 girls that were watching her. Gray's hands started to sweat. She shouldn't be afraid of a couple of sixteen year old girls, they were usually harmless.
"I need your phone," one of them barked. Gray stood up off the bench. No way her phone was leaving her arm, her home screen picture alone was her and Liam.
She didn't need anyone to spread more rumors about her.
"Sorry, my phone is mine," Gray said. She was trying to act incredibly brave, but inside her whole body was shaking. She took a step backwards, ready to sprint home, but another one of the girl gang members stopped her.
"Listen, you need to -" Her voice stopped once the girl swung. An alarming amount of pain surged through her face. She remembered spinning and falling before it all went black.
----
BREAKING NEWS: Oh snap, we have more new on Liam Payne's new lovely, but sadly this one didn't end well. Reportedly, Saturday night Gray Cameron was assaulted at a local park while on her run. No word on the assailants at this park, but spectators in the area said a group of young girls came running from the area. Cameron is still in the hospital today, no word on her injuries and no statement from 1D either. If we hear anything new, the Pioneer will tell you.
Gray woke up, squinting her eyes. Shooting pain ran through the right side of her face. She groaned and rolled her head to see her mom asleep in the chair next to her.
"Mom," she croaked out. Her whole throat was dry. Gloria opened her eyes and gave her a sad smile.
"Hi sweetie."
"What, what happened," Gray asked.
"You were assaulted in the park last night, a woman found you and called 911," Gloria explained.
"My face hurts. What time is it? Where are the girls?"
"Yeah sweetie, your face is going to hurt for a while. It's around 6 in the morning, Mila has them right now." Gray groaned again, flopping back down on the pillow. She looked down with her one good eye to see a cast covering her whole arm past her elbow.
"What's this about," Gray asked, motioning to her arm.
"You broke it in two spots, they think it's from when you fell getting knocked out. I'll be honest with you Gray, you don't look good, at all. You face is back and blue, and a lot of road scruff. Sprained knee, broken arm, and three broken ribs." A single tear rolled down Gray's cheek. Who would do this to her?
"Have you talked to Liam?"
"Not yet. I left him a message on his voicemail, but I think they are traveling right now." Gray was happy she hasn't gotten a hold of him yet. Better for her to be awake when he freaks out.
"Call Steve, numbers in my phone, he will get Liam right away," Gray said groggily. Sleep was starting to take over. She closed her eyes and rolled her head to the good side.
"Steve? Hello this is Gray's mom, can you get a hold of Liam for me, something happened..." Gloria's voice drifted off, and Gray felt back asleep.
----
"I need food," Niall complained. The boys had just landed in Seattle and were in their hotel suite.
"I want wings," Louis agreed. Liam went and sat on the couch to text Gray. He did before they took off, and it wasn't normal for her not to text back at some point.
"It's too damn early for that," Zayn yawned. All were trying to decide on whether to sleep or eat when Steve walked in. He had a somber look on his face, which wasn't like him.
"Steve? Your dog die," Harry joked.
"Liam, something happened." All four boys turned white. Liam immediately jumped up and ran over to him.
"What is it," he frantically asked.
"Gray was in an accident, she was assaulted last night on her run. Her mom called me, you need to call Gloria." Liam ran into the next room, giving himself some space while Steve filled the boys in. He quickly called Gloria with shaking fingers.
"Hello."
"Gloria, what happened," he sobbed into the phone.
"Hi Liam. Listen, Gray got hurt, she is in the hospital but it doing okay, she is sleeping right now." Liam's body shuddered as the tears feel freely from his eyes.
"How bad? How bad Gloria?" She was silent for a minute.
"Broken arm, pretty beat up face, cracked ribs, and she twisted her knee pretty good."
"Oh my god." Liam's whole body shook, unable to keep a hold on the phone. Louis walked in and picked it up from the floor. Steve told them all what happened.
"Hey Gloria, it's Louis. Is there anything we can do," he asked her.
"She is sleeping right now, just waiting to see the doctor about going home. Can you watch over Liam? I'm sure he isn't taking this well right now." Louis looked over to him. He was slumped over on the bed, crying into his knees.
"That we can do, tell Gray we are thinking over her, okay?"
"Of course, when she wakes I'll have her call him." Both hung up the phone.
"Mate," Louis asked Liam quietly.
"Get Steve, I need a plane ticket now." Liam barked, getting up to find his bags. He had to go see her, no matter what the cost.
"Liam, we have a show tonight," Louis started before Liam cut him off.
"I could care less right now, I need out of here." He grabbed his bag and walked out of the room. The rest of the boys stared at him.
"Go. We will live without you," Harry said. He knew there was no way they could get him to stay.
"Steve, let's go." Both ran out of the room letting the boys sit in their thoughts. Who would do this to Gray?
----
Gray opened her eyes hours later to realize she was still in the same hospital room.
"Hey sweetie," her mom said squeezing her non casted hand.
"Hi. Did you call Liam?" Gloria sighed.
"I did, he knows."
"What did he say," Gray asked.
"Not much, I actually talked to Louis. Liam.. he couldn't talk at that time." Gray groaned. Knowing Liam, he was probably beside himself right now. He couldn't protect her when he was in another time zone, she knew he was mad at himself. The doctor walked in, introducing himself.
"Hi there, I'm Dr. Walden, glad to see you are awake. How are you feeling?" Gray looked down at her casted arm.
"Broken." Dr. Walden laughed.
"Well, you still have a sense of humor, that is good. You should be able to go home today, but I stress that you take it easy Gray. You suffered some pretty serious injuries. Bed rest for the next three days to let your ribs heal. Cast stays on for six weeks, hope you like green, you were unconscious when we put it in," he stated, "I'll get your discharge papers together and have the nurse bring you them shortly." He nodded one more time before headed out of the room.
"Mom, do you have a mirror?" Gray needed to know what she looked like.
"Honey, are you sure right now?" Gray nodded her head yes. Gloria dug in her purse and pulled out a compact.
"Remember, Gray you will heal," she said before giving it to her. Gray took in a breathe before opening it and staring at her face. Immediately she had to hold in a sob. Her right eye from cheekbone to forehead was a deep purple, almost black from where the first girl hit her. Her eye was almost completely swollen shut. She had road burn all down her lower cheek and chin line. She looked like an monster. Tears started to roll down her face.
"Shh, don't cry baby, it will be okay," Gloria cooed, pulling the compact from her hand. She rubbed her hair the good side of Gray's face.
"Who would do this mom," she sobbed.
"I don't know hun. I don't know." Gray rubbed the tears for her face and sat up a bit.
"I have to call Liam." Gloria handed her the phone.
"I'm going to go get some coffee." She left the room, letting Gray have piece. The phone only ran once before he answered.
"Gray," he said out of breathe.
"Hi Liam," she whispered. Everything hurt right now.
"Love, I'm so sorry," he sobbed. Gray had to hold back her own tears.
"Don't cry babe, I'm okay," she said with a shaky voice. She wanted him to think she was already even though she was terrified.
"I'm coming to see you," he exclaimed. Gray didn't know how that was possible, he had a show tonight.
"No, stay there. I don't even know where I will be tonight."
"NO! I'm coming, I have a ticket to leave right after the show tonight." Even though he left the room this morning, the guys were able to talk him into staying.
"Ok," she whispered again. She didn't have the strength to argue right now.
"I love you Gray, ok? I love you so much," he cried into the phone again.
"I love you too, I'll see you later."
----
Gray was released from the hospital three hours later. They quickly exited the hospital in the back to avoid the crowd that had gathered out front. Gray continued to stare out of the window.
"Gray, I'm sorry I have to do this," her mom breathed. They decided to have her stay at a hotel right now. The way Gray looked from her injuries wasn't something they wanted the girls to see.
"It's fine mom, don't worry," Gray said giving her a small smile. She turned back and continued to stare out the window.
"When is Liam coming," Gloria asked. She didn't even need to confirm with Gray, she knew he would be here the first chance he got.
"Not sure, sometime tomorrow." Gray sighed. The effects of her injuries were starting to catch up with her. She just wanted to cry her eyes out, but kept it together for her mom's sake.
"I'll get you inside then will race home to have Mila come up." Gray shook her head no.
"No, I'll be fine. I'm really tired, I'll probably just get some food and sleep." She didn't want more people giving her that sad, pitiful look. She wanted to be alone.
"Gray? Are you sure?" Gray turned to her, trying to give her the biggest smile she could,
"Of course, it will be fine."
----
Her mom got her situated in the room for the Holiday Inn, making sure she was comfortable before getting up to leave.
"If you need anything at all, you call. Mila will come back tomorrow and we can see about bringing you home," she said.
"It'll be fine mom, no worries," she smiled again. Gloria gave her one last kiss before heading out, giving Gray her space. Immediately, she felt cold. There was no one around her, protecting her. She looked down at her arm again and started to cry. Why did this have to happen to her? Who beats up a normal girl just because she has a famous boyfriend? The tears wouldn't stop now, no matter how many she wiped away. She was alone. All alone to be completely scared that someone would barge in there and finish what they started. Gray shivered, and pulled the blankets up higher. She adjusted the pillows under her knee and pulled her ball cap down lower over her face. No one was there to see her, but she still felt safe underneath it. She closed her eyes, letting the sleep overtake her.
----
KNOCK, KNOCK
Gray immediately woke and shot up in fear. How long had she been sleeping? Her room was completely dark, only a soft glow coming from the emergency light on the fire alarm. She quietly moved, hoping the person on the other side didn't hear her.
"Gray, it's me, open the door." Her eyes welt up as soon as she heard his voice, Liam was here. She grabbed her crutches, throwing them underneath her armpits and headed to the door. She quickly checked herself, pulling the sweatshirt sleeves down to cover both eyes, and readjusted her hat to hide as much of her face as possible. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
Liam's face looked at her. He had on his normal sweats look, but a regular hat, no snapback this time. His eyes were completely red and swollen from crying. As soon as he saw her, more tears started to fall.
"Christ," he breathed. Both stood there, unable to figure out where to go from here.
I LOVE THISSSSSSSS
5/18/14