Don't Forget Where You Belong

Riley's P.O.V

I hate this day. I have been dreading this day for a week. He's gonna make me choose. A lifetime miserable with Chase and without Niall, or a lifetime without Chase and Niall in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Of course I am gonna choose the one where Niall doesn't go to jail, but it still scares me. After I choose I have to say goodbye to Niall. Forever. He'll never forgive me after this. And if I explain it to him, he'll do the noble thing and keep me from Chase, even if it means he goes to jail. I can't let him do that. I wont! Another tear rolls down my cheek as I walk down the street into a sea of unfamiliar faces. The sidewalks are crowded on Broadway as people rush to and fro. Off to work, off to lunch. I envy all of them. Not one of these people I pass are about to say goodbye to the best thing that will ever happen to her. I look up and see an advertisement for the Broadway musical Les Mis and I long to be taken away to a far away world with John Val John, Eponine and even little Gavrosh. Anything that will take me away from here. Although it's a desperately depressing story and most of my favorite characters die, and I will soon share the song "On My Own" with Eponine... I'm pathetic.

I arrive at the Waldorf Plaza and stand out front of the doors. Chase has it all planned out. The press will get a photo of us kissing and let the word spread that he is engaged to me. When Niall calls to ask what the hell is going on, Chase will answer and tell him to leave me alone. Then he is to hand me the phone and make me tell Niall he was just a fling and I was confusing my feelings for him with my feelings for Chase. (Bile rises in my throat) I don't think I can do this.

My phone buzzed and I look at it.
Chase )-:<<br> I see u standing out there doll face. The longer you drag this out, the more inclined I am to call my friend and have your EX boy thrown in the slammer. So unless you want that to happen I suggest you march your pretty little ass up here this instant!

Damn him! Moving to NY was supposed to give me freedom! I feel even more trapped than ever now. I wish I could just go home. Sleep in my old bed. My old room. I sigh remembering my hometown.

Buzz

From Chase )-:<

NOW DAMNIT!

I put my phone in my pocket and walk towards the door. The gates of hell is more like it. I walk through the glass, fancy, too snobby for my taste lobby and press the button for the penthouse on the elevator.

The ride up to the top is too short. I wish it would have broken and left me stuck forever. But to my dismay the bell dings and the doors slide open. I am greeted by a smiling Chase.

"Baby you made it!" He opens his arms and signals for me to walk into them. I nearly throw up right there. He looks sinister through his smile as he starts to glare at me for not immediately coming to him. I see cameras flashing and realize he hasn't yelled because the press is already here. This is all an act. I walk to him and allow him to embrace me. He whispers in my ear as his arms hold me uncomfortably tight. "Make it believable or else" he hisses.

Chase take a small step back but still has his hand on my back. He turns to the photographers and so do I. That's when I realize that not only are there photographers but my mom, char, Leo and the rest of the band ad well as Perri and Foster. They are all looking at me confused as Chase addresses the small but very large crowd.

"As you all must have figured out, Riley and I are crazy for one another." He announces and I hear Char let out a disgusted cough that would normally make me laugh, but under the circumstances, I dont.

"We both realized over this past week that we wish to never be parted again. So I did what any rational man in love would do..."

I am ready to faint. Here it comes. I officially will be lying to everyone I know and love to save the man I love. How did I get here? My little home town in Colorado is looking so amazing right now. I wish I had some red sparkly shoes I could click together and vanish from this place. Home. Far far away home.

Chase gets down on knee and the whole room collectively gasps.

"Ryry"

Gosh I hate that name

"Will you make me the happiest man on earth? Will you be my wife?" He fakely beams up at me.

I swallow the Kast bit of bile in my throar. This is for Niall, this is for Niall, this is for Niall.

I fakely smile, I try hard to make it reach my eyes. Char will know something is up if my smile doesn't touch my eyes

I nod and most of the people in the room cheer and the rest just stare at me. Chase slides the hideous ring on my finger. It's too big and it's gaudy and totally nothing like me. I look at my other hand at the ring Niall gave me. The heart pointing towards me. I start to cry and look up at Chase. He glares at me

"Look at those tears of joy" he says and I force myself to smile again.

I look at everyone but Char. I can feel her eyes boring into the side of my head as everyone starts to hug me and offer their congrats. Some asked me if I was sure. I just nodded. I keep a good distance from Char. She seems to have given up on talking to me for the moment and for that I'm greatful. But a quiet Char is a dangerous Char, so I should talk to her soon.

Buzz Buzz

My phone rings

Incoming from Niall <\3

I look at Chase whose eyes are already on me. he nods towards the bedroom and I follow. Time to put the final nail in my coffin.

Chase snatches the phone from me and answers.

"Rileys phone, her fiancé speaking" Chase proudly answers the phone.

I hear his accent as he speaks to Chase. My heart constricts and I focus on keeping the tears at bay.

"IIf you don't believe me, ask her yourself" Chase laughs and hands me the phone.

"N-Niall" I whisper

"Ry, baby, what's going on? You've barely talked to me all week since I left and now I hear you're engaged?" I hear the pain and doubt in his voice

"Tell me it's not true and it's some sort of cruel joke? Did he put you up to this?! Has he threatened you? Are you ok?" Niall sounds panicked. I muster up all the courage I have

This is for him. I'm saving Niall. You have to be strong, I coach myself.

"I...I just realized this past week since you've been away... that I was confusing my feelings for you with my feelings for Chase." Is all I can say

I hear his breathing hitch

"No, no darlin I don't believe you. It's him, I know it. What we have is special." He desperately pleads. My tears betray me and start to cascade down my face.

"Had." Is all I say. Chase then snatches my phone from my ear.

I sit on the bed as I heat Chase lie to Niall.

"Sorry big guy. He gave me the phone and won't take it back. She said she wants you to leave her alone. I have to agree with her. I'm truly sorry" Chase says with a smile. Bastard.

I hear Nialls angry irish voice as Chase just hangs up. He hands me my phone and places a hand on my shoulder. "You did the right thing Ryry. I will give you a few minutes to collect yourself and then come on out. We have guests to entertain." He squeezes my shoulder and I grab his hand. He looks almost hopeful as his hand embraces mine.

"You need me to stay with you baby?" He asks almost happy. Ew hell no. I almost feel sorry for him. But then again I dont.

"Its not that... I was just wondering... um" I stutter and he sighs in disappointment.

"Yes, I already sent the message to my secret deceive to lock away the evidence and bring me the key. They will close the case for now, but if you ever start to be unfaithful, or run away from me, it will always be there for me to pull out and turn in" he says holding my shoulder painfully tighter. I whimper and he takes his hand off me.

"Sorry if I hurt you, I just don't like other people playing with my things" he says and swiftly walks out the door.

I cry and cry and cry some more. I thought I had cried enough this week. I shouldn't have any tears left. But here they come. With more fury than ever.

Buzz

From Niall</3

I will never stop trying


His text makes my tears fall further.

To NIall </3

I'm begging you. Please just let me be happy.

I send the text.

From Niall </33

I love you Ry.

To Niall

I dont. Goodbye Niall.

My finger hovers over the send button. I take a breath and press my thumb down. I then block Nialls number and turn off my phone.

Notes