Chapter Eight Thinking time, that’s what I had been taking for at least a week now. When Liam or Harry texted me I didn’t reply. If they called I didn’t answer. Well, more like when Harry texted or called me. Liam was keeping his space. I wasn’t too happy about that, especially when I got on Tumblr and saw new pictures of him with his ex-girlfriend Danielle. They had broken up before and gotten back together so it could easily happen again.
“Well you can’t blame him,” Megan started when I showed her the pictures. Lately she wasn’t supportive or helpful. If I asked her anything she would roll her eyes in annoyance before answering. “You have been going back and forth between him and Harry since the contest. Here it is a month later and you’re still undecided.”
“Brea I know for fact that they are no more than friends,” Eleanor assured me. It was nice to have finally made friends in my second home who I could talk to about personal things. Megan would be headed back to the States soon for college, but I was staying to take classes at Uni in London.
“How is the thinking going?” Perrie inquired. We were at Starbucks catching up. My eyes widened at her question and I began to play with my green straw in the venti mocha frappe. Perrie nodded understanding.
“You do realize that they aren’t going to wait forever?” Megan asked sounding annoyed as usual. I knew that she meant no harm, but her lack of patience was not helping my stress level.
“Meg…” I started, but she cut me off with the shake of her head. We all watched as she pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from her white leather bag. “What are you doing?” I asked confused as I slightly fidgeted with my baby blue sheer blouse which I paired with white skinny jeans and silver wedges.
“What I should have done a while ago,” Megan answered rolling her eyes. Perrie looked around confused. My longtime friend was not making since, which was rare for Megan. Even when she was babbling it still had some coherence.
“I don’t get it,” the blonde singer admitted. Eleanor shrugged looking at me and I focused on Megan as she began to write. “Is that a pro-con list?”
“Brilliant,” Eleanor smiled taking a sip of her caffeine. She looked at me for my response.
I shrugged, “I’ll give it shot.”
“Not that you had much choice,” Megan snarled. “First pro for Harry,” she inquired with her hand at the ready. I tapped my chin thinking carefully.
“He makes me laugh,” I offered. Megan nodded, “But sometimes that’s a bad thing when I want a serious conversation.”
“What about Liam?” Perrie pressed. It was if my friends wanted this decision more than the guys involved.
“He’s really nice, but sometimes he seems like a pushover, whereas if Harry doesn’t want to do something then he just isn’t going to do it.”
“Is that a pro or a con?” Eleanor questioned as Megan tried to figure out which column to put it under.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted trying to figure out on my own. “This is so complicated,” I groaned. Perrie sighed clasping her hands under her chin. Megan looked up from the little information she had written. Eleanor patted my arm sympathetically.
“I don’t have any suggestions,” Perrie frowned slightly. We were silent for a few minutes. I was wrapped in thought. Why is this so hard? All I had to do was decide who I liked more, but that was nearly impossible.
“Go from your heart,” Eleanor suggested. As I began to protest with help from Megan and Perrie she held up her hands. “No, no, just close your eyes and say whatever comes to your mind first.” I inhaled a deep breath and slowly closed my eyes. “Now just talk.” Eleanor’s plan sounded ridiculous. How was this supposed to help me?
“I like how Harry gets me. He knows what makes me tick. It’s like we’ve known each other forever, but it’s barely been a month. Liam, on the other hand, he’s different. There’s something about him that makes me want to know more even though I feel like I know everything. He is definitely not the kind of guy I usually go for…” I trailed off as my eyes flew open. Realization came across my features.
“What?” Megan, Eleanor, and Perrie asked simultaneously. The look on their faces was filled with curiosity. Subconsciously they were leaning forward towards me waiting on a response.
“I have to go,” I announced grabbing my purse and nearly running out of the café. I retrieved my cellphone and texted him right away.
Me: Are you busy or at home?
When I reached my car he hadn’t replied. I dialed his familiar nothing and got nothing. This would have to be a tad dramatic.
When I reached his home I slowly got out of the car scared of what I was about to do. Softly I knocked on the door and waited. He opened his brown hair looking perfect and his eyes filled with wonder.
“Brea what are you doing here?” he asked stepping aside so that I could come in.
“I have to talk to you,” I informed him. A look of disappointment crossed his handsome features, but I shook my head. “Just listen. I didn’t enter that contest looking for friendship let along anything more. I thought that I would meet you guys and it would just be another notch in my belt, but things changed. Suddenly we were friends and hanging out in group, then it became alone sessions, and then you kissed me. That was the thing that confused me.”
“Brea I…” he started to interrupt but I shook my head. I had to say this now before I changed my mind.
“Look maybe I’m too late or I should have said this in the first place. I like him, but I love you Liam.” I looked directly into his eyes pleading for him to reciprocate my feelings. It was silent was we searched each other’s eyes. Defeat started to become clear as my shoulders slumped forward. I turned for the door, but he stopped me. His soft lips came crashing onto mine and instantly I responded wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him closer.
“I love you too,” he smiled as we pulled a part. The smile growing on my face reflected in his eyes. We walked over to the sofa and embraced each other. It was natural, comfortable, right, and perfect. And I was no longer afraid.