Effie's destiny

Effie looked at her friends with a smile. She walked slowly to Liam and hugged him tightly putting her nose in the crook of his neck.

“Thank you Liam. I owe you so much… so so much.” First taken by surprise he slid his arms around her frail body and kissed her head.

“Let me take you out for dinner. You’ll pay me back there” he simply said hoping she would agree and when she nodded enthusiastically he hugged her once more but tighter this time.

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15th December 2011
One Aldwych, London
Indigo, restaurant

The tai just pulled outside the restaurant. Effie and Liam went out once having paid the fare. They have found a day for their dinner and Liam had chosen the place. He knew London better than the young girl so he decided to choose a restaurant that was outside of their area and also where they could talk at the same time.

“Did you really have to wear high heels?” Liam asked Effie handing his hand to her. She was wearing a little black skirt with a dark red top and high heels of the same colour. She was just wearing a little black blazer on top and even if it was December it wasn’t that cold.

For the past five days Effie had been working on her re-education and her studies. She was a bit behind but her teachers had been understanding and were allowing her extensions for her deadlines. She didn’t want any different treatment so she had been working twice as hard in order to finish on time and today was the day she brought all her work to her school. She had also been working on her legs and it had been improving a lot. Louis had been visiting her every single day and had helped her like he did more than ten years ago. She was glad to have her best friend back and they were as if nothing had happened. Effie was just missing going to the studio but she hadn’t dare going there yet, seeing the others was sometimes hard enough so she had kept her distance.

“You said to dress nicely. Besides I feel much better.”

“Still you could have worn flats. You don’t need to put yourself in an uncomfortable position.”

“Liam I’m fine! And I look tiny next to you so I need these bad boys to help me” said Effie pointing at her shoes. Liam rolled his eyes and led the brunette inside still not letting go of her hand. She wanted to wear high heels so he would not let go of her.

“I have made a reservation for Payne” said Liam when they approached the waitress at the front desk.

“Please follow me” she said after checking her list and grabbing two menus. She led the two friends to their table. The restaurant was half full but it was still early and it’s London after all. Liam helped Effie in her seat and taking his leather jacket off he sat down facing the young woman. He had made a special effort tonight wearing a black shirt buttoned to the top except the last button. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans with black shoes. We can easily say that he looked really handsome, more than usual.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” asked the waitress.

“White wine?” asked Liam his eyebrow arched. Effie just nodded with a smile. He then ordered a bottle of Chardonnay and looked at the girl who seemed very interested in her red nails. She seems all shy and reserved another interesting feature about her, how unpredictable she could be at times and he was just so impressed by how strong she can also be.

“Are you going to kick my ass because I’m drinking? Last time I recall you got me acking for two days” joked the young girl now looking at him.

“I wish I could be honest, that would mean I got got you back at the studio. We need a girl’s touch in there.”

“Oh I’m sure Harry fills this slot perfectly well” said Effie with a giggle. Of course there wasn’t more manly man than Harry but she couldn’t help but tease even if he wasn’t there.

The waitress chose that moment to come back with the bottle of wine. She made Liam try it and when he approved she served them both. She took their orders, tagliatelle with asparagus for Effie and steak for Liam.

“I miss going to the studio” said Effie after a sip of her wine.

“You will be back sooner than you think and we will have this fight like I promised you” replied Liam putting his hand on hers.

“And I will kick your ass.” The sassy Effie was back full blast and Liam started laughing removing his hand and taking a sip of his wine.

“Don’t be so sure about it princess. I… I have been training again and I’ve not lost that much” he said quite proud of himself. He had started training again a couple of weeks ago when he saw how determined Effie was to walk again.

“Are you serious? Liam that’s brilliant! Damn… you’re so gonna kick my ass now” said the young woman realising what it meant slapping her forehead with a smile.

“Of course I will but I will also take you out again for you to forgive me.”

“Oh no noPayne, you don’t hit and kiss. I’m not easy remember.”

“Oh crap that messes up my plan. I was planning on sleeping with you again” the boy said with a sleazy wink making Effie both giggle and roll her eyes.

“You wish. I only sleep with handsome, fun, intelligent, strong, down to earth and generous men” she replied looking at Liam in the eyes.

“You are a lucky lady Miss Parks, you’ve bagged yourself a keeper” added Liam taking another sip of his drink.

“You’re talking about Niall right? I knew he had a thing for me. Oh this little Irish boy, he brings butterfly to my tummy plus I would get free smoothies all the time and he would…”

“Alright alright I get it the Nialler is better than me, no need to twist the knife” said Liam faking hurt his hand on his heart. Effie smiled sheepishly and took a sip of her wine. She had not been drinking for a long time, not even five days ago when they celebrated her leaving the hospital and she could already feel the alcohol making her head fuzzy. Liam grabbed the bottle and poured some more with in both their glasses.

“Are you trying to get me drunk Payne? Because I can assure it’s working” she said bending down looking at him.

“Busted…” laughedLiam. “Are you feeling okay though?” He looked worried all of a sudden.

“Yes… Don’t worry about me. You already did so much for me, the hospital, the operation, the coaching, Louis, my flat, tonight. I couldn’t thank you enough, you…”

Before Effie could add anything Liam stood up and brought his lips to the corner of her mouth silencing her. He wanted to kiss her so bad but he wanted to do it properly so he kissed her on the corner of her mouth. Effie looked at him gobsmacked. She was both surprised and thrilled.

“Still won’t sleep with you” she said coming back to reality.

“I don’t sleep after the first date.”

“Oh is it a date now?”

“Definitely yes. Look Effie, I know the past months have not been easy but I just want to show I’m not going to go for the run now you are getting better.” Liam took Effie’s hand but got interrupted by the waitress bringing their meals.

“I… I don’t think I can Liam” bluntly said Effie in what sounded more like a whisper.

“What? Let me look after you?”

“Yes and others things too. I…” before she could add anything her eyes fell on Liam and she shut her mouth stopping her answer. He looked hurt but mostly dazzled. Maybe he was frustrated because he’s not to be pushed away by girls; he is usually the one pushing them away. With Effie it was different, he wanted to be with her, to protect her, to hold her in his arms and see where this would lead them. After his girlfriend’s death he had refused all kinds of romantic feelings with girls. He was a jerk to all girls apart from Ella and Perrie. He was using them, seducing them, sleeping with them and leaving them in the morning. He liked the chase, the seduction game but he always knew he would not give anything else to these girls. Effie was different on so many levels. First she possibly was the most attractive young woman he had ever laid eyes on, then she has the same passion as him, she was a strong person not crying for nothing but most importantly she had managed to make him want to love again.

“I would never force you… I know how you feel about this type of feelings. But… But I want to give it a go…! He said with a smile that Effie faintly returned.

The rest of the meal went without any more words said about the previous conversation. They ate their meals talking about the studio, Harry’s last antics, her family, his boxing career and many other things. At the end of the meal they argued about who would pay the bill and, for once, Effie won leaving Liam grumpy.

It was around 10:30 when they exited the restaurant. Even if there were a lot of lights in the street it was quite dark and had gotten cold. Effie wrapped her blazer a little tighter around her body and waited for a taxi to pull over. Liam went being her wrapping his arms around her bringing his front closer to her back. He put his face on her shoulder trying to keep her warm with his body heat. Once a taxi stopped for them he led her to it and helped her inside. He couldn’t help but support her no matter what. The taxi ride was quiet but soon Effie grabbed Liam’s hand and entwined their fingers. He turned his head to face her but her soft lips crashed on his leaving him motionless with surprise…

Notes