“Why does he do it?” I asked, childlike innocence flooding my words. “What do you mean?” Liam quizzed. “I don’t know,” I brushed it off, “It’s just... He used to call me beautiful, and now...” I trailed off. “I know it’s hard for you Red,” Liam comforted. My name is Scarlett, but everyone calls me Red, it’s kind of my obvious nickname, but I don’t know why as there’s nothing red about me. I have deathly pale skin and shadowy dark brown hair; not even a hint of warmth in my features. “Is there a but coming anytime soon?” I asked after a moment of silence. “No,” Liam shook his head like it was nothing. “You mean that’s it?” I questioned. “Pretty much.” “But that can’t be it,” I whined at his seemingly incomplete sentence. Liam and I were both smiling at this point, knowing he was driving me crazy, but then his smile faded. “I don’t know what else I can say,” he said softly. “Just having you know is enough,” I told him. He was the only one I ever told; no one else knew. “Go back to sleep,” he whispered to me. “but Li-” I tried to argue, but he cut me off. “I’ll come back soon. I just have to make a couple of quick calls first.” I sighed and then slid back under the covers in agreement. He walked out of the room, closing the door behind him, and I laid there, listening to his muffled voice as he talked on his mobile. Eventually, a tone signaled to me that Liam had ended the call, and then he walked back into the room. He made his way to my bed and climbed in with me. I snuggled into his chest and he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. “It’s going to be alright Red, I promise.” “But what if it isn’t?” “Don’t talk like that. It’ll be alright-” “You don’t know that!” I shouted, pushing myself out of his arms, “You and I know nothing about why, or how, or when he’ll come for me. Whether you like it or not, we’re in uncharted waters, and the chances of sinking in a storm are more than good,” I took a breath and then stepped down from my rage, “I’m sorry Li, it’s just... Do you know what it’s like to have someone that you care so much about give you nothing pain in return?” “You know I do,” He whispers back, shivering a the memory. We both fell silent at his words. I nestled myself baking into his chest, and Liam took me into his embrace, setting his chin on my head. The only noise the rest of the night was our breathing. I never fell asleep, I couldn’t; not with the nightmares lingering in my mind. I don’t know what kept Liam up, but he never slept either. He closed his eyes, but I knew he wasn’t asleep. How could two people become so broken? I mean, we were normal people once, not that you could tell. I used to be just like other girls painting red lipstick on my lips, but now they’re painted with ruby blood, and it’s all because of, my bully, Louis Tomlinson.