Trigger Warning: There is mention of self harm in this chapter.
Joe's POV
"I told you this morning. Stay away from her. The things her mother told me about her last night.. She is damaged Joe. Give her some time to heal." Alfie begs.
"Maybe I can help her Alfie.. I really like Riley. You don't understand. I have this feeling in my gut. Like I have known her forever. I feel like I can heal her. I care, Alfie. I do."
"I just need you to stay away Joe.."
"Bu-"
"She used to harm herself Joe." he states.
My mouth drops open.
"I-I didn't know.." I say.
"Exactly. So just leave her be Joe. She needs space. Time."
I nod.
Riley's POV
Two weeks. Two whole weeks have passed and Joe hasn't uttered a single word to me.
He avoids me at all costs. Not even able to be in the same room as me. Am I really that repulsive?
I know I shouldn't be so invested in the guy. We kissed once. That was it. But I really did like him.
Things have started to get bad again.. It didn't help that the anniversary was looming.
One year.
Almost 365 fucking days have passed since my whole world crashed down around me.
School is alright. I have finally learnt my way around. I tend to hang around with Harry and his friends. He was my new London best friend. He was my new Jack.
His name sends chills up my spine. The memories flood in before I can stop them.
I'm sorry Riles
I begin to shake. The tears spilling from my eyes. I sob uncontrollably. Loudly. No doubt they can hear me.
"I can't take it anymore!" I hear Joe yell from the other room.
Seconds later my door flies open and he is cradling me in his arms.
I can't tell if I am dreaming or not as the tears continue to streak down my cheeks.
"H-he's gone." I sob into Joe's shirt.
We sit like that for what seems like forever.
Him comforting me as I cry.
I don't pay any notice to the fact that the boy who ignored me for fourteen straight days is here cradling me in his arms as I weep.
"J-Joe," I eventually manage to stammer.
"You don't have to talk," he assures me but I continue.
"Why have you been ignoring me?" I ask.
I expect him to tell me it's because he hates me. Because I threw myself at him. Because I am too young. Instead he says something I certainly didn't expect to hear.
"It was better for you if I did."
"It wasn't!" I say, looking him straight in the eyes.
He nods, "I know that now." he assures me. Pulling me into his chest.
A/N
Short chapter..
So a part of Riley's past is revealed.. Where do you think it's gonna go from here?
I can't stop writing this. I'm enjoying writing fanfic that isn't 1D if you couldn't tell..
Might have some more Harry scenes soon. How 'bout it?