Teenage girls are screaming, as is Ella, but I am stuck in this other world that I can't escape. Did that really just happen? Was he looking at me? He had to have been. I can't just make those things up. Does this mean I have feelings for him? It's obvious.

Those five guys say goodbye on stage and file out to the back. The Sprint Center turns into chaos as people try to leave. A security man approaches us to take us back stage again. My stomach is in a ball of nerves, making my palms sweat. Is he going to ignore me again? Is he going to act like it never happened? I mean, if he does that would make sense... He's Liam Payne and I'm just me, nothing very special here. And he lives thousands of miles away. Ohh, the struggle.

I think Ella can feel my anxiety but she remains quiet, asking no questions. We are led into a room with couches and a long table of a variety of finger foods. He tells us the boys will be with us in a second, leaving us to the food. Ella digs in, taking this and that, but I just sit on a couch, way too uneasy to eat. Ella sits down beside me with a plate of food, "Want some?"

I shake my head no and she can no longer suppress the subject, "What's wro-", the door opens before she can finish. Niall, Harry, Zayn, and Louis walk in glistening with sweat on their foreheads.

"Did you enjoy the show?" Zayn asked.

Ella has a mouthful of food as she nods her head so I speak for her, "It was amazing. You guys have talent", I look at Louis, "I do not approve of your thrusting."

Louis laughs, "You know you enjoyed it."

Before I could reply with a snarky comment, the door opens again and in comes Liam.

Holding a woman's hand.

My heart sinks into my stomach and my eyes immediately shift away for my source of pain. I look over at Niall, who is chowing down on some cookies. Harry sits beside me with two bottles of water, offering me one. I take it and the bottle itself becomes very interesting. I look up once to find Liam looking at me questioningly while the woman, who's hand he holds, talks to Zayn. I divert my gaze again to Ella who is talking to Louis and Niall. I look back at my bottle, running the pad of my thumb over the ripples.

"You okay?" Harry asks from beside me.

I look over at him, surprised he would even ask, "Yeah, I'm good. Just tired," I try to change the subject, "You're show was really good."

He smiles sweetly, "Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. How long have you lived in Kansas City?"

We made small talk like that for a few minutes. I started to forget about the elephant in the room, but not completely. I pull myself from the conversation when I see Liam lead the woman over to Ella and I, "Babe, this is Ella and Victoria, the girls from yesterday that I told you about. Ladies, this is Danielle, my girlfriend."

And the knife slices into my heart. She's nice. And beautiful. And smart. And a dancer. And I'm jealous, obviously. I smile at her, telling her It was good to meet her before withdrawing myself from that conversation too. I feel Liam' s eyes on me but I give him no reward of a glance. I turn back to Harry, striking up conversation once again.

Harry is sweet and flirty, making him great to talk to. He asks me about my schooling and what I want to do after, which I replied with complete uncertainty. I'm in college and I still have no idea. We go on with the conversation a while longer before Harry asks if Ella and I would like to go back to their hotel with them. I can feel Liam' s eyes on me once again as I answer, "That would be great but we better get going. It's late and I've got a test to study for and you all are probably exhausted."

"Come on, it's our last night in Kansas City before we leave for Texas," Niall whines.

Louis pipes in, "You can study later."

I look over at Ella who is just looking at me, waiting for an answer. She isn't begging or whining, she is simply letting me choose. I look at Harry again, "Okay, we're in."

-------------------------------------------------

The vans pull up in front of the same hotel where everything started, but this time, no fans were in site. After what happened to Ella, the boys were very unhappy, as was management and security, making it impossible for any fans to be in the area of the hotel. Ella and I rode in the van with Niall, Louis, Harry and Zayn. I was thankful for the group I was with, but the relief could only last so long.

We all grouped back together to ride in the elevator and I avoided the two of them at all costs. I didn't want him to see how hurt and upset I was. Harry led the group down to his suite where Ella and I stood awkwardly. That would be the second time tonight we felt out of place.

Louis and Niall started playing FIFA, Harry was getting drinks, Zayn was on his phone, and the other two that I'd rather not name were curled up together on a loveseat. Fitting.

Harry hands Ella and I glasses of what I'm assuming is pop. I sip mine, nearly spitting it back out, "What the hell is this?"

He grins, "Something to calm you down," I look over at Ella who has joined Louis and Niall while timidly drinking her pop, "Don't worry. I only put it in yours and mine."

I relaxed a little, scanning the room. My eyes laid on them again, catching Liam's glance. I turn my gaze, taking a nice sip of my drink. Harry is now the one eyeing me, "You're sure you're okay? You seem bothered."

I smile at him sweetly, "Just fine. Now, tell me about the world."

He smiles, leading me to the couch. We sit, ignoring the others bickering over the game. Harry's explanation of the places they have been and things they have seen totally engulfs me with interest. Traveling has always been a huge goal of mine, but after my parents died and becoming Ella's guardian, there's no way it's even remotely possible.

During our conversation, I had finished my drink and my body had become fully relaxed. Harry got up to go to the bathroom and I pulled out my phone, realizing how late it was. I looked over at Ella, who was about to fall asleep on Niall's shoulder and decided it was time to leave.

Louis was still playing FIFA but this time with Zayn, and the other two were in their own little conversation. I leaned down by Ella, lightly caressing her face to wake her up, "We should probably get going, El."

Her eyes lightly flutter open and she yawns slightly and nods. She stands as I do, stretching out her stiff body. Niall then stands too, "Let me call someone to get you two a car."

Harry is back, a little disappointed that we're leaving, "You sure?"

I smile, "Yes, but thank you."

Zayn and Louis pause their game and the other two come back to planet earth. Niall is back now, telling us it'll be about ten minutes. I can feel that Ella is a little sad which makes me a little sad as well. The room is weirdly quiet, "Will you all take a picture with Ella?"

There's a quick agreement and they all assemble around her, besides Danielle who moves by my side. I pull out my phone when Louis pipes in, "Get in the picture with us."

I look up and they're all staring at me. I look over at Danielle who is looking at me too, "You wouldn't mind taking it?"

She smiles nicely, which makes her hard to envy, "Sure, no problem."

I hand her my phone and walk over to the group. A spot for me is formed instantly between Zayn and Liam. I slip in and Zayn puts his arm around my shoulders. And Liam puts his arm around my waist. I try not to notice the warmth of his presence and the butterflies it brings with it. The picture couldn't be taken fast enough. I

got my phone back and politely tell Danielle thank you. Ella is receiving hugs when Niall comes over to me engulfing me in a hug, "It was great to meet you."

He pulls away and smiles. I smile back, "Thank you. Really. Tell the others too. I can't say it enough.

He smiles, "I will", he turns to go but quickly turns back in my direction, "Give me your number so I can check up on my two favorite sisters."

I laugh as he slips me his phone and I enter it quickly, handing it back, "See you around, bro."

He laughs and goes to tell Ella goodbye. Then I'm hugged by Zayn and Louis. We kept our goodbyes short but sweet. Harry kissed me on the cheek, pulling back and smiling, "It was great to meet you. Take care okay? And loosen up a bit," he winks.

Danielle comes toward me smiling, so I couldn't hate her even just a little. She reaches out to shake my hand and I slowly comply, "Great meeting you."

Then he's there, not giving me enough time to reach my hand out for a handshake before he wraps me in his arms. I'm about to freak out because his girlfriend is in the room, but she isn't paying attention or she doesn't see me as a threat. Liam pulls away slightly, eyes full of some emotions I can't make out. He leans in to whisper in my ear, his warm breath giving me goosebumps, "Take care."

For the second time that night, my heart drops. Take care... Take care? TAKE CARE? What the hell is that? His eyes tell one thing but his mouth speaks a totally different language. Who am I even kidding? What did I expect? That he would kiss me? Tell me she was nothing? Of course not.

He leaves me breathless and aching. Maybe full of a little sadness and pain too. Ella comes to my aid, grasping my hand and waving back at the others. I smile slightly at those five boys who walked into my life and giving it a plot twist. But now they are leaving and I will never see them again.

-------------------------------------------------------

The lights flash past the windows of the van as it speeds past the street lights. I stare out the window, deep in thought. I look over at Ella. She's looking out her window too. I want to ask her about Danielle. I have so many questions.

I look back out my window, going back to my thoughts. Why would it matter? It doesn't change anything. It's time to move on from this. From all of this. They're together and happy. All I can do is wish them the best and move on.

"V? Can I ask you something?"

I look over at Ella again, "Of course."

She looks down, contemplating her words, then looks back at me, "Why didn't you go to the college you wanted?"

My eyebrows knit together, "What do you mean?"

She looks away again, "Before... everything, you wanted to go that college in New York City for Drama... why didn't you?"

I lost my words for a moment, unable to reply. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I had my heart set on it before mom and dad died. They wanted me to wait, make sure it's what I wanted, and so I did. And now I have Ella.

"It's complicated."

She stares at me, "I'm not a baby. Tell me."

I look back out the window, "Because I have you, Ella. I can't drag you all the way to New York. This is you're home and I intend to let you stay where you're happy."

She looks back out the window and mumbles, "That's what I thought."

"What?"

She turns back to look at me, anger in her voice, "I'm not happy here," she throws her hands up, "and I know you aren't either. I don't like how you're only staying here for me and how you're in some major you don't even like!"

"I chose my major before mom and dad died, Ella."

"Because you didn't wanna leave us," her voice is icy, "Well, they're dead, Victoria."

My eyes bug out at her, "What the hell brought this up?"

"I heard you talking to Harry. I saw how uncertain you were when you talked about college. I hate this town, Victoria. Everywhere I see mom and dad, and everyone gives me that look. I know you feel the same. I'm sick of it! And I hate feeling like I'm holding you back."

I look at the driver who is minding his own business. I look back at the person I love most in the world, tears filling her eyes. For the first time, I see how much pain she is in. Tears spring in my eyes. I reach over, wiping her tears with my thumb, "You're not holding me back, babe," I whisper.

"Then let's go, V. Please," she whispers.

A tear escapes one of my eyes, leaving a cold, salty streak across my cheek. I've always wanted to be a actress but life gets in the way and its a lot of work. I've been in countless plays in high school and a few for my college, so I have some type of experience, but it's going to take so much more than that.

Seeing how broken my little sister really is, breaks me even more than what I already am. I'm supposed to protect her and make her life easier, and so far I've failed, "Are you sure?"

She nods her head one time and that's all it takes for me to cave, "Okay."

It's time to for a new beginning. A new type of hope. A new life.

Notes

Sorry if there's typos, wrote it on my Kindle. Enjoy xoxo