Scarlett (Sequel to What These Bruises Say)

goodbye.

     goodbye

   "What ever happened to Scarlett? Did you guys stop talking?" a young fan asked Niall at the signing. The mention of Scarlett changed Niall's mood completely. His fists clenched, knuckles turning a bright shade of white. 

        "Please, don't speak of her." Niall spoke quietly. "We don't like to mention her." 

        The fan nodded, extremely confused. "You should talk about her. If you're this upset because of her, maybe it's a sign you should talk about her." 

        Niall wagged his head, heat rushing to his face. He wasn't blushing, no. All his emotions were rising to the surface and he couldn't stop it all. Anger, sadness, mental anguish. 

        It physically hurt him to think of her. He had never felt a pain so strong when he heard her name or thoughts of her flooded his mind. It was like a knife was slowly entering his heart and then being ripped out about a dozen times. It was like someone took a boulder and slammed it against his head. 

        It was like someone took a bed sheet and tied his around his neck. 

        "I-I can't." he whimpered to this stranger. "It hurts too much." 

        "Did she break your heart?" she questioned innocently. 

        "Worse." Niall answered, sliding the signed CD down the table to Zayn, who was eavesdropping on the conversation. 

        Zayn agreed with the fan girl. He as well as Liam thought it would be good to speak about Scarlett every once and a while, just to get the bottled up feelings out. It was Niall and Louis who would scream and yell, throw things even when her name was said. 

        The two boys built a special connection with Scarlett over the short months of knowing her. Louis deeming himself her brother figure and Niall being completely infatuated with her. Their love for her, was well, scarlet. 

        It was a deep, rich red that everyone tried to get their hands on. It was beautiful and unique, just like Louis and Niall's relationship with her. In fact, all five boys developed a special connection with the teenager in their own ways. 

        Liam came to Scarlett for advice, because although Scarlett was so problematic, she always had something smart to say. Harry went to her for a laugh, a real one; Scarlett could make you laugh so hard you felt a six pack coming on. Zayn needed Scarlett to keep him grounded. At times he felt like things were really getting to his head - whether it be fame, hate, or just being vain - so he ran after Scarlett and she would tell him one of her most random opinions. 

        Louis knew Scarlett would listen to him. He would get so aggravated at people with certain things that it ate away at him, he kept it in for so long. The sad girl always gave her input, enough to help Louis and make him feel at ease. 

        And Niall. Niall needed Scarlett. There was no way to describe his desire for her. She was funny, smart, witty, clumsy and beautiful. She complimented him and he complimented her. Everyone knew Niall wanted to be with Scarlett. 

        But everyone also knew he ruined his chances. 

        Tori Prince never spoke to Niall again after the accident in the hospital. She felt dirty and disgusting, not to mention downright guilty. She went along with Niall's horrid plan and because of that some innocent girl took her life. Not only Niall, but the rest of the guys, told her time and time again she wasn't the cause of it; she was simply a pawn in Niall's plan.