Keep Holding On

"You know, sometimes it's okay to be sick." I sat up as fast as I could, hearing that voice in my room. Again, it was Liam, tending to all the things Tessa used to.

"And how do you figure that?" I said, groggily, clutching my head when it started spinning.

"Because. Scars are what make us who we are. You see this one?" He held up his shirt sleeve, showing me tiny dots.

"Yeah? What about 'em?" I asked, getting up to brush my teeth. Puke is not a good taste.

"Those are from being poked with, like, 30 needles every day and night." I stopped walking and turned to face him.

"Why would you get poked with needles?" I asked, crossing my arms, self consciously.

"I used to be in the hospital... every day. One of my kidneys didn't work right," he said, matter-of-factly.

"I'm always here. Always have been." I gave him a small smile though I was a bit bitter about that, and went back to brushing my teeth.

"I can tell you the story... if you want," he smiled after I had climbed back in bed.

"Of... you?" I asked, feeling slightly better. For once I didn't mind the itchy needle pumping my morphine... or my bald skin. I smiled a real smile.

"Yes. If you'd like that." When he smiled, his brown eyes lit up and I enjoyed seeing him happy. I enjoyed letting him make me happy.

"Of course." I sat back as he talked. He had a storyteller's voice. He told me the entire story of his life. He was born premature and he told me about Ruth and Nicola, his sisters. He told me about Geoff and Karen... his parents. And his best mates, Niall, Louis, Harry, and Zayn. Which is how he came to get the job. Lou being married to Tessa.

He also told me... his mom died of cancer a year ago.

Tessa's P.O.V...

"Hey, Sunshine!" Lou called, carrying Alice over to me. I shushed him but waved, still trying to spy on Charity. Letting Liam volunteer for her was the best thing I could have ever done.

"Lou, look at this." I pointed to her room through the small window. I'd been watching her smile and laugh and even tear up at some of the things Liam was telling her. He was a good kid.

"I told you he could handle it." Lou smiled, kissing my cheek and bouncing Alice softly to keep her asleep.

"But what if he can't?" I suddenly wondered.

"What do you mean?" he asked, not catching my drift.

"I mean... his mum died of cancer... how can he take it ruining someone else?" Just as I said that, Charity's mom rounded the corner with Amia, who had her schoolbag. I knew they were gonna come and sit with Charity while Amia did her homework.

"How's she doing, Tessa?" her mom asked.

"Better. A lot better," her mom went in the room and out of respect, Liam left with no argument.

"How was it?" Louis asked, smiling ear to ear.

"Good... I like her smile," Liam said, before disappearing down the hall. I couldn't help but smile at Lou and kiss him softly. I hope Liam will be okay...

Zayn's P.O.V...

"She's... different." Liam smiled as we headed down to the vending machines. I was in need of some serious munchies. But when we got there, the snack machine was occupied by a blonde girl. She turned around with her chips in hand but her mouth dropped open when she saw me. Did she remember me?

"Aaliyah?" I choked out, hoping I wasn't mistaken.

"Hi..." She smiled but before I could apologize about the craziness at my friend's party, she had grabbed her chips and ran out from the cafeteria.

Notes