broken strings. ➳ payne. [slow updates]

Chapter Four. - Run Ins and New Beginnings

Aurora’s POV

After I got everything out of my system, I got ready to head to the grocery store. But it was like after I got everything out, all my emotions drained out and I was left with nothing. But that was not a new feeling for me. I was use to feeling and having nothing. It was now a part of my life and it was nothing I could control. I sighed deeply as I stared into the boring reflection looking back at me. My eyes looked tired even though I got a good amount of sleep, my skin looked glowing, contradicting my mood. I fixed my bangs one last time and shifted the beanie on top of my head. I took a quick glance out the window to see the branches dancing in the sky, indicating that it was a bit windy. I quickly grabbed a scarf and my winter coat, putting them on as I headed out the door.

I walked down the hallway, to the elevator. The building always scared me a bit, and as I was waiting for the elevator, the creaking of the walls around me heightened my nerves even more. I let out a breathily laugh; thinking back to when I was younger and nothing would scare me. But that was because I had Liam next to me, and I knew he would protect me. But it was like as soon as he left; I forgot what it was like to be fearless. Every little thing scared me, and I would always curse myself for being such a baby about things.

The ding of the elevator made me jump and come out of my thoughts. I watched the doors slide open and I got in, hitting the number “1” and I watched it aluminate. The doors closed after a few seconds and it was a short ride down to the first floor. Once there, I stepped out and headed out of the apartment complex. As soon as I walked out, the cold wind slapped me in the face, and I could feel my cheeks turn pink at the harshness. I bundled my coat and scarf closer to my body, trying to encase my body heat.

The walk to the grocery store was not a short one, but it wasn’t that long either. I liked walking there because it allowed me to think. But unfortunately for me, I did not get a chance to do that because there was a bunch of screaming coming up from behind me. I glanced back over my shoulder to see a blonde guy being chased by a bunch of girls and I just rolled my eyes. It was probably some public stunt that was like a flash mob or something. I turned my head back around and just kept walking.

The screaming was getting louder, and so was the sound of heavy footsteps. I tried to move as close to the buildings as I could, to move out of the way of whatever commotion was happening behind me, but unfortunately, I walked right into someone’s path. The person behind me hit me with such a force I let out a little scream and we both went down. My left temple hit the ground and it caused an intense pain to shoot through me. I let out a groan and the figure on top of me whispered an “I’m sorry” but did not get off me. I tried to squirm my way out, but he was much bigger than me and held me down.

Within minutes, the screaming was right next to me but seemed to disappear in an instant. It faded as we stayed still and after a few more minutes, the figure got off me. I slowly pushed myself off the sidewalk, feeling dizzy as I did. The figure that ran into me kept a hold on my arm as I got up.

“Ah, shit. I’m so sorry love. Your head is bleeding.” He said, an Irish twang mixing with his words.

But I could not concentrate on what he sounded like, only on what he said. My hand immediately went to the left side of my face and sure enough, I felt the warm liquid trickling out.

“Shit.” I cursed out, and rummaged around in my bag for a napkin to place on it.

“Miss, I am so sorry about this. Do you want to go to the hospital?” He asked, genuinely concerned for my well being.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you. I hit my head yesterday and the impact with the sidewalk must have opened the cut. It’s fine, really.” I said, turning to look at him and whom I saw, I was not expecting.

Standing right before me was Niall Horan. One fifth of the biggest boy band in the world, one of the best friends to the guy who use to be my best friend. I could not believe what I saw. He must have thought I was star struck because he nervously scratched the back of his neck, with a shy smile on his face.

“I, um, I have to go.” I said quickly, turning around and walking away. I couldn’t stay there. I couldn’t stand looking at him.

I didn’t get very far before I heard his call, asking me to wait for him, but I didn’t. I picked up my pace and basically ran to the grocery store. I didn’t hear him following me so I stopped running and walked the rest of the way. Once I had reached my destination, I let out a sigh of relief and walked in. The warmth the store offered comforted me and I was able to shop.

Unfortunately, I was not able to shop in peace, Niall’s face implanted within my mind. I could not believe Liam brought his friends home with him. But I was sure he needed someone to keep him company. I did my shopping, trying to keep my thoughts at bay. In order to forget about certain people, I decided to visit Austin at work. I knew he loved when I stopped by because it allowed him to show me off. Apparently I was a prize to be won to him and at that point, I could not care what he thought about me, but just that I needed to please him.

Before I left the grocery store, I put another band-aid on my cut. I proceeded to walk to Austin’s work, which was not far from the store. The sun was shining dimly through the clouds and it brought a soft smile to my lips. I was not sure why, but I just admired how the sun refused to give up no matter how strong the clouds were. It was such a shame that I could not have the determination like the sun. I sighed to myself and kept walking to Austin’s office.

Once I reached the building, I looked up at the height of it. But once I was done staring at the skyline, I walked in. I smiled to the guard and the woman at the front desk before making my way to the elevator. As soon as I pressed the “up” button, one of the elevator doors dinged open and I stepped in. I pressed the “10” button and waited to reach the floor. The doors opened and I took a few steps forward before shifting the grocery bags in my hand and pulling on a heavy glass door. I greeted the secretary before making my way to Austin’s desk.

As soon as he saw me coming, he jumped out of his seat and ran to give me a hug. I dropped the bags as he picked me up and twirled me around, I not being able to contain my giggles. I could feel my beanie fall off my head and I could not imagine what my hair looked like.

“I’m so happy you came to see me. I missed you.” He said, kissing my cheek as he allowed my feet to touch the floor.

“Well I missed you too and I figured I would stop by to see you. As you can see, I already got the groceries.” I smiled; picking my beanie up and placing it back onto my head. I hoped he would be satisfied with my chore.

“Thanks baby. You are the best. I’m going to take you out tonight, just to show you how much you mean to me.” He smiled, and some co-workers who were listening in “awed” at his romantic gesture.

“You don’t have to. I can just cook something at home.” I replied.

“Nonsense. You deserve it.” He replied, beaming at me.

“Okay then. Where are we going? I want to make sure I look appropriate.” I said, my smile still going strong.

“We’re going somewhere fancy, so dress up my darling. I will be home later to get ready, but I don’t want to see you until then. And I want you to hide when I get home because I don’t want to see you until we leave.” He purred in my ear.

I felt my face flush, but I nodded my head in excitement.

“Well, go home, put these groceries away and get ready. I cannot wait until tonight.” He said, spinning me around, tapping my ass and shoo-ing me off.

I giggled at his actions, but did as he said. I was excited for that night, because maybe, just maybe, that might have been our turn around.