The Notebook

“We should get going- it’s getting dark fast and there is no light out here,” Harry informs us. Dominic glances at me before nodding and gets up to her feet. Ella follows after her and so does Daniel. HE offers me his hand and I take it, pulling me up.
We pace slowly, following the trail. Harry is using his phone’s flashlight to shine the dirt path so we can see where we are going. Dominic does the same and so does Daniel. I am holding hands with Ella, who was humming a song to herself, relaxing me.
I hold myself from joining her, knowing it’s not a good idea for me, even though we are walking slowly, we are still going uphill which will not be good for my breathing situation.
Daniel, Harry and Dominic are quiet, lost in thought.
“Oh!” escapes Ella’s lips when she trips, falling over, taking me with her as I was holding on to her hand.
“Are you alright?” Dominic turns to us swiftly. I feel Daniel’s hands pulling me up, while Dominic helps Ella, Harry shining his flashlight to our feet seeing what it was that tripped us.
“You should shine your phones too,” He points out.
“Ella- you’re bleeding!” Dom points to her knee.
“Shit.”
“Sit, I have what to clean that up with,” Daniel remarks taking off the bags on his back.
I watch as Daniel cleans Ella’s knee ignoring the pain in my own. I didn’t cut myself, however I did twist my foot, feeling a sharp pain at my knee from trying to break the fall.
“There you go,” Daniel rises to his feet.
“Does it hurt?”
“No.. it stings slightly, but I can live with it,” Ella smiles.
She is up and ready to move as soon as Daniel pulls down the fabric of her pants. I turn and start walking, leading the way first, moving slow, shining a light from my phone to shine up the path.
Harry is right behind me, Followed by my friends and Daniel in the end. MY knee hurts but I push past the pain, taking a slow step at the time, knowing that if Ella isn’t complaining after cutting her knee open neither should I, especially after I had caused enough trouble and delay.
“London, do you think you can pick up the pace? Just a little?” Harry questions. I clench my teeth and move slightly faster. It hurts my knee even more, but I bite my lip and tell myself to keep quiet. I can do it.
“Stop,” Harry pulls at my arm, making me drop my phone. He bends down to pick it up, and stays at my eye level as he hands it back to me.
“You’re limping- why?” He demands to know.
“I’m fine, just tired,” I stammer, not wanting to hold the group back anymore then I already had.
“You’re lying,” He straitens, crossing his arms over his chest as he studies me.
“What is going on?” Dominic peeks behind of Harry.
“You’re friend here is hurt,” Harry answers simply.
“I knew it! I heard you when we fell- I knew you got hurt!” Ella says.
“NO- I’m fine really, it’s just a slight pain- I’ll get over it,” I assure them.
“And risk another Asthma attack? I don’t think so,” Dominic shakes her head.
“Really its fine,” I try, but my voice is small, deep down I know that I can’t, I won’t be able to walk for much longer.
“London, come, sit, let me have a look,” Daniel pushes passed them. I hold in a gasp as I lower myself to the ground, pain shooting up my knee.
Daniel rolls up my pants.
“It’s swollen,” he informs us.
“Dammit London- why didn’t you say anything?” Harry inquires.
“I didn’t want to be more of a liability then what I already am,” I whisper.
“You’re not London- Harry didn’t mean it that way,” Dom hurries to say.
“Harry, why don’t you and the girls continue the trail? We’ll catch up,” Daniel offers.
“We might lose you,” Ella’s eyes go wide.
“If you get to a split wait there- we’ll be right behind you,” Daniel presses.
“Come on girls,” Harry says, pulling Dominic after him.
“Harry can’t sit in one place more than a few moments, it’s better to send him walking,” Daniel explains to me.
I keep quiet as he is bent next to me wrapping my knee in elastic to hold it in place.
“You know London.. You’re very strong.. NO girl would walk on such a bad knee and not complain- hell, no girl would continue after the Asthma attack you had earlier,” He smiles softly.
He finishes tying my knee, but his fingers linger.
I do then something I would have never done in my right mind. I reach out and brush his curls. They are soft to my touch and I do it again. I then catch Daniel staring at me and I pull away my hand, finally it registers- what I have just done.
“Sorry,” I hurry to apologize, pulling my hand from his hair and placing it in my lap.
Daniel stares me down for a moment longer before getting to his feet. He moves the backpacks to his front lacing his arms through the straps and securing them to his front.
Then, he falls to his knees, his back to me, glancing back and raising his brows.
“Get on,” He says.
“What? No!” I am quick to reply mortified by his suggestion. I cannot get onto his back and let him carry me- it’s bad enough he has my backpack, but me holding on to his neck, my body against his back? I can’t.. I won’t.
“London- you cannot walk on that leg of yours,” He turns to face me.
“I did, and now after you’ve seen to it- it might even be easier,” I whisper, eyes wide.
“It won’t- please London, we need to get going,” He tries to reason.
“I’ll walk, but thanks,” I say pushing myself up. He is quick to his feet, pulling my hands and helping me. I wince as my weight is momentarily on my bad knee, trying to mask it as best as I can, but those blue eyes of his don’t miss it.
He holds on tight to my waist trying to help me, taking some of my weight off my bad leg. He walks beside me slowly as I limp, but we barely move.
“London, this is no good- please let me help you,” He turns to gaze into my eyes, his voice begging. I roll my eyes and nod, trying to push away my embarrassment. Daniel bends his knees lowering himself so I will be able to close my arms around his neck and place myself on his back. As I tighten my arms together around him, his arms come around my legs, pulling right behind me knees and hoisting me up.
I lean my chin on his shoulder, close to his neck and shut my eyes tight so my head won’t spin.
“You alright?” He questions.
“I- yeah,” I stammer.
“You’re sure?”
“Am I heavy?” I reply with a question.
“Not at all,” He lets out a soft laugh.
“Are you mocking me?”
“No love, I would never,” He answers seriously.
“Daniel.. Do you.. you think they are looking for us?” I ask.
“I’m sure of it,” He answers.
“How much trouble do you think we are in?”
“Well, I’m not sure.. none probably.. The school is in loads of trouble but you guys.. I don’t think so.. I think they’ll just be so glad and relieved once we’re found.”
“Will you and Harry get in any trouble?”
“Probably,” He sighs after a moment.
“But why? You made sure we are safe!” I exclaim, “That is your purpose isn’t it?”
“Well yeah.. don’t let that bother you London.. It’ll be ok- I promise you,” He says in a soothing voice.
“How long do you reckon it has taken them to notice we are missing?”
“I don’t know.. probably a while since we are still here in the dark,” He remarks.
“Why didn’t they send a helicopter or something to find us- you know roam the skies.”
“I think it’s too hilly for them, and in the dark, it might just be no good,” He replies.
“London? Daniel?” I hear Harry and Dom call out.
“Yep mate- it’s us,” Daniel calls out to them.
We get closer wondering why they’ve stopped.
Harry shines the light ahead. There is a formation ahead, small and dark.
“What is that?” I ask, Daniel letting me off his back, steadying me on my feet.
“A shack or something, we waited for you lot before going to check it out,” Dom answers.
“I think we should stay away- you don’t know who it belongs to or who is in there,” Ella states in a scared voice.
“Maybe there is service there- or a working phone,” Harry turns to her.
“Let’s go find out,” Dominic twitches excitedly.
“NO- you three stay here- Daniel and I will go see what’s there,” Harry decides.
“No! You can’t just leave three girls in the middle of nowhere on their own!” Dominic exclaims.
“Leave the lights on- so we can see you from there ok- and if anything happens just scream- we’ll be back before you know it,” Harry says softly.
It seems to work for Dom, since she nods and keeps quiet. Her and Ella shift closer to me while Harry puts his backpack back on.
“You’ll be alright?” Daniel inquires. I nod under his stare. Him and Harry turn, and we watch as they walk away.
“He likes you,” Dominic states with a smug voice and a smile on her face.
“No.”
“Yes he does,” Ella backs her up.
“How would you even know?” I roll my eyes.
“Harry told us,” Dominic says simply.
“How would he know?” I crinkle my nose in disbelief.
“Apparently, Daniel and Harry are best friends since forever, and Daniel confided in him that he thinks you’re cute,” Ella gushes.
“That doesn’t mean he likes me,” I shake my head at their childish assumptions.
“Harry also said that was the reason he sent us off and said you’ll catch up- so he can have time alone with you,” Dom continues.
“That can’t be right- how would he even know that?” I try and ignore my fluttering heart- why would I care if Daniel likes me or not?
“Because they’re best friends silly- so Harry knows Daniel- he said he would have never sent us away if he didn’t like you.”
I don’t answer that comment, since I have nothing to say. Instead I look back to where the boys have walked off to.
“DO you think they’re alight? I can’t see their lights from here,” Ella whispers.
“They are two strong lads, they’ll be fine,” Dominic assures her.
“Look-“ I point. One beam of light returns and is walking towards us.
We make our way up the path to meet whoever it might be.
“You should not be walking on that foot London,” Daniel scolds me in a soft tone.
“There’s a phone there- Harry is on the phone with the police as we speak,” Daniel informs us.
“Are you shitting us?” Dominic screeches.
“NO- I’m not, he’s on the phone to our supervisor,” Daniel replies.
Dominic hurries up to the shack without waiting for anymore explanations, and Ella follows after her.
“Why didn’t he call the police?” I inquire, gazing up at Daniel’s face. The things Dominic and Ella had told me about him playing in the back of my head.
“He had to let him know we and you are safe, the supervisor will call the school next while Harry will call the police and let them know where we are,” He explains. He then lowers himself so I can get onto his back again. I almost tell him I rather walk, however I know I am not really able to, and it would take me a long time. If I let him help me, we’ll get in faster, and I could hear what is said on the phone.
Daniel strides us towards the shack, and deep down I know, I wanted him to hold me again.
Daniel let’s me down at the door. He helps me wobble inside, helping me hold my weight on my good foot.
The building is small, a one room. It has a desk, small kitchen and a single bed.
There is a door on the side, and I’m guessing it’s a bathroom door. Harry is stood next to the desk, phone in hand talking.
“If I knew where we are I would tell you- trace the call dammit!” He snaps.
“Is this like the forest’s keeper place or something?” I ask.
“Something like that,” Dominic replies.
I join her and Ella on the bed, and Dominic pulls the blanket over me too.
Even though I don’t know who it belongs to, or where it has been I welcome it, happy to have something warming me up.
Harry slams the phone down then, and lets out a curse.
“Chill mate,” Daniel mumbles to him.
“That officer was a dumbass,” Harry pulls at his hair.
“Are they coming to get us or what?” Ella questions.
“They said they think they know what building I am talking about, and they traced the call to here, however they said they will have someone get us once the sun is up, since we are here with you, there is no threat and so they save on men power- did you hear such shit in your life?” Harry turns the question to Daniel.
Daniel lets out a frustrated chuckle.
“This is mad!” Ella remarks.
“Is it that bad being stuck here with us then?” Dom asks out loud. Her eyes meet Harry’s, and I can’t help but glance over to Daniel. He is watching me, and I think his cheeks are slightly pinker.
“I want to call my mum,” I decide getting up from the bed.
“That’s a good idea,” Harry agrees.
I move slowly over to the phone, and sit at the chair, reliving my knee of my weight.
I dial my home number, since my phone still doesn’t work in these hills.
“Mum?” I breathe when I hear her voice.
“London?! Lon! Are you alright? Where are you?” My mum sounds panicked which makes tears appear in my eyes.
“Mummy, I’m alright- I promise- we took the wrong turn and got lost, but we are fine now,” I try and keep my voice from shaking.
“Darling- I was so worried when the school called, Are you ok? Are you hungry? Cold? DO you have your inhaler?” She is crying now.
“I’m fine mum- I lost it.. But I’m ok, I got help- Mummy don’t cry- I’m fine I swear,” The tears run down my cheeks and my voice cracks.
“Dad is at the hotel you stayed it with the rest of your class, they asked one of us to stay home in case you phoned, London- I’m so happy to hear your voice sweety,” Mum breathes.
“Me too mum, I need to go so Dom and Ella can call home as well.. I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you too- see you very soon.”
I hang up and wipe my eyes. I get up and turn. Harry is sat on the floor in a corner, and Ella is up and waiting for her turn. I move aside and she takes the seat, picking up the phone. I go and sit on the bed beside Dom.
“It’s ok,” She whispers, placing a kiss on my cheek.
“It’s just.. She was crying.. and she made me cry too,” I whisper.
“I know love.. I know.”
Daniel sits next to me then, and places his hand on top of mine. I don’t pull away, letting the touch calm me.
I feel tired and weak, and the only thing I want besides going home is to sleep.
Ella finishes her call to her parents, her eyes too are red from crying. It’s Dominic’s turn, and Ella takes her place beside me.
“Why don’t you go to sleep? IT will be a while until we get out of here,” Daniel says softly. I nod, and then shift closer to him, placing my head on his shoulder.
I don’t feel scared when I’m next to him, For some reason I feel safe, protected.
Daniel lays his cheek on top of my head, wrapping his arm around my shoulder pulling me even closer.
I let my eyes close, but not before noticing Dom sitting herself beside Harry on the floor, and Harry placing his head on her lap.

I am startled awake a few hours later. It is still dark outside and it takes me a moment to remember where I am and what woke me up.
Daniel pulls at my arm and brings a finger to his lips telling me to keep quiet. Harry is next to the door, and I hear it again. A loud knock.
“Who is it?” Harry questions. His voice is cold, and he sounds much more frightening then what he looks.
“My name is Niall Horan and I’m with the local police, we came to take you lot home,” The voice behind the door says.
“I want to see your badge,” Harry demands, glancing out of the side window.
After a peek he opens the door.
“Are we finally going home?” Ella questions.
“Sure am Miss- which one of you is London Green?” The blond bloke inquires.
“Me,” I raise my hand, still holding on with the other to Daniel’s.
“This is for you,” He claims, holding out an inhaler.
Harry takes it from him and walks over to give it to me.
“Thank you!” I gush gripping it in my hand, feeling its familiar shape.
“IS everything here alright? I was told you hurt you knee?” Niall says.
“She did, they stumbled over and fell, Ella cut her knee and London seems to have twisted hers, it is swollen and hurts to stand on, but it doesn’t seem to be broken,” Daniel informs him.
“You’re the medic?”
“Yes sir.”
“Very well, up you get, there is a car waiting for you,” Niall gestures to the door.
My friends get up, and I get help from Daniel.
“How is it they told Harry we need to wait till the morning?” I whisper to Daniel.
“Its 5 am,” Daniel murmurs in my ear, his arm is around my waist helping me walk.
“We weren’t sure how to get to you since we can’t bring a helicopter in- nowhere to land it, but there was a back road which was blocked, they worked all night to make sure a car can drive up and get you,” Niall says passing us.
A black SUV is waiting for us, with a police car.
I get into the car, sitting beside Ella and Daniel.
“You know.. I will never forget this,” Daniel whispers into my ear.
“I don’t think any of us will,” I sigh looking up at him.
“I will never forget you,” He corrects himself. I feel my cheeks go red I trace my finger on his hand which is placed on my thigh.
“I hope you won’t need to,” I whisper, feeling hot all of a sudden.
“Maybe.. Maybe I can see you again?” He says in a low voice.
I look up t him. He is watching me, his blue eyes warm, caring, waiting for my answer.
“I would like that,” I whisper, biting my lower lip. I watch how he wets his lips.
I know what is about to happen, and I want it to. I move slightly closer to him- gravitating.
Next I know, his lips are touching mine softly, his hand comes around my neck, pulling me closer.
I can’t help but think all of this was worth it, even busting my knee.
I sleep for the rest of the ride, snuggled up to him, and when we finally get to our destination he wakes me softly.
It is raining but it doesn’t keep my parents for running out to the car, followed by Ella, and Dominic’s parents as well.
“Mum! Dad!” I call, as Daniel opens the door and helps me out, by lifting me up, and placing me on the ground.
“God! London!” Mum calls. I am wrapped in her arms, taking in the sweet familiar smell of hers. Dad hugs both of us, and my mum is once again tearing up.
“I’m ok- really mum,” I sigh.
“How is your foot? Can you walk?” Dad asks concern in his voice.
“Yeah, well no but-“
“They have a doctor waiting for you- come sweet heart,” Dad places his arm around my shoulders.
“Wait- Dad- Mum- this is Daniel, him and Harry made sure we were safe and looked after us- Daniel- He took care of my knee and helped me when I had an asthma attack after I’ve lost my inhaler,” I tell them.
“Thank you! How can we ever repay you for that? Thank you so much!” Mum pulls him into a hug.
“”It was nothing really- I was doing my job,” Daniel mumbles, embarrassed.
“Young man, do you need a ride anywhere? Let us repay you please,” My dad remarks.
“Him and Harry need to get back to Hackney too,” I hurry up to say.
“Well come on lads, why don’t you join us, we just need to see the doctor for a moment and then we should be good to go,” My dad finalizes the conversation.
My mum helps me walk while dad and Daniel stride beside us.
“London- this is yours,” Daniel suddenly says.
He offers me my phone, which I remember now leaving on the bed in the shack. By the smirk on his face I know what I will find in it later when I look through it, and I am happy. I am happy I have the ride home with him, and happy this is not over for us, I will be seeing him again soon after.

Notes

Hi there!

This was the last part of follow me.
I have a bunch of other short stories to post, so let me know if you would like to read them?
Thank you!
And thank you for the few people who actually rated these stories- it means so much- knowing that you took the time to read it- and then even liked it enough to rate it!
Bless you lovely people xxxx