Darkness

It was now Monday, and Louis, Liam, Zayn and Niall had just arrived at college to sort out their trip to Ibiza. Liam was somehow worried about going on the trip, as he did not want to leave Carter alone for three weeks, especially since she’s been acting so strange lately. What if she began to cut herself again?

“Liam, have you filled out the Health and Safety form?” the teacher questioned.
“Yes sir. Can I ask you a question?” Liam spoke.

“Of course.”
“Would there be any way my sister Carter would be able to come on the trip?”
“How old is she?”
“16.”
“I’m afraid not Liam. It’s strictly over 18’s.”
“But sir, you don’t unders-”
“I understand that Carter is old enough to take care of herself. Now, I must go. Goodbye Liam.”
“Bye sir.”

Liam sighed and sat down. What was he going to do now?

‘We can collide!
We can collide!’

Hazza Calling.

“Hello?”
“LIAM!”
“What’s up Harry?”
“Hai.”
“Is that all you want to say?”
“Erm... kind of. I’m bored.”

Suddenly, Liam thought of an amazing idea.

“Um…. Harry?”
“Yeah buddie?”
“Could you maybe…. Watch Carter for me while the boys and I are gone?”
“Of course Li Li.”
“Thanks so much mate! We’ll talk later, yeah?”
“Cool! TTYL!”

Liam put his phone down, beaming.

“LIAM!” an Irish accent screamed in Liam’s ear, causing him to jump with the fright.
“Niall you idiot!” Liam chuckled, slapping Niall playfully on the arm, earning a giggle of his Irish friend. Louis and Zayn marched into the room also, both of them with sulks on their faces.
“I don’t like you anymore!” Louis pouted, stomping his foot.
“I don’t like you either!” Zayn huffed, crossing his arms. Niall and Liam decided to ignore Louis and Zayn’s childish behavior, as it is a regular occurrence between the two.

“What are you going to do about Carter?” Niall quizzed, turning back to Liam.
“It’s all sorted.” Liam grinned.
“How?” Niall inquired, gazing at the older boy.
“Harry told me he’ll watch her.” Liam retorted.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Niall asked, biting his lip.
“What are you talking about?” Liam queried, slightly confused.

“I mean, he is Harry Styles.” Niall said, putting emphasis on Harry’s name. Liam rolled his eyes and chuckled.
“Don’t worry Niall. I highly doubt Carter would fancy anyone like Harry!” Liam laughed.

But he was oh so wrong. Even though Harry caused Carter a horrendous amount of pain every day, she couldn’t help but find him tremendously attractive. Like, who wouldn’t? With those chocolate brown curls that fall perfectly on his head, those green and blue eyes, and that smile, which lights up every room along with those adorable dimples.

Carter was…. Helplessly in love… with her bully… and there was nothing she could do about it.

* * * * *

By the time Carter had got home from an exhausting day of school, she was fit to collapse. The boys were still at college when she reached the house so she took advantage of the peace and dived onto the couch.

Her relaxation didn’t last very long. The boys burst through the door about 10 minutes later, roaring and shouting in the hallway. This disturbed Carter’s rest and she groaned loudly. Niall crept into the room and Carter pretended to be asleep, hoping he would leave. Niall saw through Carter’s plan immediately and a smirk grew on his lips.

“I guess I’m going to have to draw on Carter’s face again….” He spoke, loud enough for Carter to hear. He took a pen out of his pocket and neared Carter’s face with it. Carter sensed him coming towards her and opened her eyes widely.

“I’m awake! I’m awake!” she screamed. Niall laughed before engulfing her in a bear hug.
“Move over.” He said, nudging Carter on the couch.
“No, Lie on the other couch Horan.” She ordered. Niall rolled his eyes and sat down beside Carter, placing her head on his lap and changing the channel on TV.
“I was watching that!” Carter protested.
“Well now we’re watching soccer.” Niall announced. Zayn sprinted into the room, panting when he reached Carter and Niall.

“Guys! Come on! We’re playing a game of footy outside!” he shouted. Niall immediately jumped up off his seat but Carter stayed put.
“You coming Carter?” Zayn quizzed. Carter shook her head. Niall and Zayn nodded simultaneously before Zayn grabbed Carter’s legs and Niall grabbed her arms.

“Put me down!” she shrieked. Niall and Zayn howled with laughter as they brought Carter outside. They put her down and she stood up, slapping both of them on the arm.
“I’ll get you two for this.” She scowled. Zayn and Niall both kissed her on the cheek and grinned at her. Liam and Louis soon joined in and they began to play soccer.

Carter was half asleep whilst playing, and really did not want to be running around. She was so happy when they decided to call it a night. Liam’s phone rang so he answered it and walked away.

“Would you like a cup of tea babe?” Louis quizzed.
“Yes please honey!” Zayn winked at Louis.
“I was talking to Carter you twat!” Louis laughed, and then turned to Carter, who nodded.
“Well then.” Zayn huffed. Louis handed Carter her cup of tea and she thanked him whilst smiling.

Her, Louis, Zayn and Niall as waltzed into the sitting room and sat down. Louis pulled Carter onto his lap and kissed her forehead. Niall turned on wrestling just as Randy Orton’s theme song came on.

‘I hear voices in my head,
They talk to me,
They understand,
They talk to me.’

Niall, Louis, Zayn and Carter roared in unison. Liam appeared and sat next to Carter, grinning and wriggling his eyebrows at her.

“What’s this I hear about a prom next week?” he questioned. Carter froze.
“W-What prom?” she laughed nervously.
“Your prom!” he informed her.

“A prom you say?!” Zayn asked, each of the huddling closely to Carter.
“How did you find out about this?!” Carter asked.
“Harry.”

Of course…

“So…. What are you going to wear?” Niall piped up.
“I’m not going…” Carter told them, getting up off her chair and beginning to walk away. Louis pulled her back onto his lap.
“WOAH THERE! What do you mean you’re not going?!” Louis inquired.
“Yeah, you have to go!” Liam added.
“Why? It’s just a stupid prom! Plus, I’ve got no date or anything…” she shrugged.

“You still have to go! I remember at my prom, I met this really fit girl so I brought her back to my place and we…. Watched TV.” Louis spoke awkwardly.
“Yeah…. And remember Niall slipped and fell into the cake?!” Zayn chuckled, earning a scowl of Niall.
“It wasn’t my fault!” Niall protested.
“Sure it wasn’t Niall…” Liam winked. Niall pouted and crossed his arms.

“Right, I’m going to bed. Night boys.” Carter chimed. Each of the boys gave her a hug and kiss before she jolted upstairs.

“Liam, how did Carter react when you told her about Harry minding her?” Zayn quizzed later on that night.
“I haven’t told her yet.” Liam replied in a deep tone of voice.
“How come?” Niall chirped, leaning closer to Liam and waiting for his response.
“Just put it this way: If you were 16, you wouldn’t exactly be too happy with the fact that your older brother had arranged a babysitter for you while he’s away.” Liam explained, shrugging his shoulders.
“Do you still think it’s a good idea?” Louis mused, biting his lip afterwards.
“Definitely. There’s no way she’ll be able to cope on her own.” Liam told them, shaking his head. The boys nodded in agreement.

“Liam…” Zayn whispered to his mate.
“Yeah buddie?” Liam turned towards Zayn, smiling warmly.
“Can I bring Carter out shopping tomorrow? To get her something nice to wear to the prom?” he pleaded, hoping Liam would say yes as he really wanted to spoil Carter tomorrow. He hated seeing her upset and that’s what she has been the past couple of days.
“Of course mate.” Liam grinned widely.

The boys soon went to bed after that, each of them falling asleep immediately after hitting the pillow.

* * * * *

Zayn waited patiently at the gates of Carter’s school later on the next day. Carter strolled out of the school with her schoolbag on her back.

“Carter!” Zayn called. Her face immediately lit up when she saw him staring back at her.
“Zayn? What are you doing here?!” Carter questioned in a confused tone.
“I’m taking you somewhere babe.” He replied, taking her bag off her back and swinging it across his shoulder.
“Where are we going?” she inquired as Zayn took hold of her hand.
“You’ll see.” He grinned as he pulled her along the busy street until they reached his car.

The chattered amongst each other on the way to the shopping centre, Zayn asking Carter how her day went and Carter lying saying it went swell. Today she had received the usual beat downs and torment at the hands of Harry and Lucy, but she didn’t want that to bring her down.

Upon arriving at the shopping centre, Zayn led Carter out of the car and inside.
“What are we doing here?” Carter asked.
“I’m buying you a dress for the prom, whether you like it or not.” Zayn smirked. Carter knew there was no point in arguing.

* * * * *

After hours of searching, Zayn found the perfect dress for Carter. He knew she hated wearing dresses because of her insecurities, but he could tell that that would all change the second she put it on.

Carter reluctantly slipped on the dress in the changing room. She sighed at her reflection in the mirror, knowing that she would never be a pretty as most of the girls in school. But she also know that this was who she is, and she wasn’t about to change herself for anyone.

She stepped out of the changing room and fixed the dress. Zayn gazed at her and his jaw dropped to the floor.

She looked absolutely beautiful, and was the prettiest girl in the world in his eyes.

* * * * *

Notes

tell me what you think?

should i start updating twice a day or is that too much?