Falling Away #Watty 2023

•Chapter 24•

Liam's grip tightened around the lamp as he heard the door creak open. With a swift motion, he hurled it towards the door, hoping it was someone he expected. But his hopes were dashed as the lamp struck me squarely on the forehead, causing a sharp cut.

Gasping in pain, I stumbled backward, clutching the wound as I entered the room. Liam stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock as he took in the scene. Surveying his cluttered room, I couldn't hide my disbelief.

"What are you doing here?" Liam's voice was laced with surprise as he hastily grabbed a blue shirt from his closet and put it on.

"I came to see you," I muttered, immediately regretting my words. "I mean, Mrs. Bennett wanted to know why you weren't in school." I released my hand from my head, only to find it covered in blood. The realization hit me—I was bleeding.

"You're bleeding?" Liam's tone was incredulous, as if he hadn't realized the consequence of his actions.

"Obviously," I retorted, frustration evident in my voice.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you," Liam apologized, his expression filled with genuine concern as he retrieved a small brown box from under his bed.

Taking a seat next to a full-length mirror, I examined the cut. Liam approached, leaning in to apply first aid. "I'm so sorry," he repeated softly.

Surprised by his sincerity, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of warmth in my chest. As he leaned closer, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions, I found myself unable to decipher my own feelings. All I knew was that I appreciated his care.

A flush spread across my cheeks as Liam noticed. "What are you thinking?" he inquired, his face inches from mine.

I averted my gaze, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "Nothing," I murmured, locking eyes with him. He smirked and diverted his attention to returning the box to its place under the bed.

"I never thought you'd have the guts to come to my place," Liam remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he flashed a smirk and settled onto the bed, his marble grey eyes fixed on me.

I scoffed. "I thought you cared about the project," I retorted, eyeing him skeptically. "Obviously, you don't."

Liam shook his head. "I'll have to disagree with you on that."

"So, what's your excuse for skipping school?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

He chuckled. "You look like my grandma when you're serious." His expression softened momentarily before he leaned back against the wall, his eyes drifting shut. It was evident he was grappling with his own thoughts, his mind elsewhere.

A pang of sadness washed over me as I observed him. "I'm sorry about what Gemma said that day. She didn't realize it would affect you this much."

Liam turned to me, his response curt. "Forget about it," he muttered before closing his eyes again.

Before I could say anything else, my gaze landed on some drugs on the table beside his bed. I approached them, curiosity piqued.

"Isn't it bad to touch people's stuff or try to act smart?" Liam snapped, snatching the drugs away and tossing them into an open drawer.

"Why do you take those drugs?" I pressed, undeterred by his harsh tone.

With a click of his tongue, Liam advanced toward me, locking eyes with me. "None of your business. Save your questions for whoever sent you to inquire about them."

I pushed him away with a finger, exasperated. "You think someone sent me to ask you these questions?" I retorted as I made my way to the door.

I've had enough of his attitude. I'm going home.

"Where are you going?" Liam's voice held a hint of hesitation.

I turned, taken aback by his sudden question. "Home. I don't want to invade your privacy any further. I'll tell Mrs. Bennett to pair me with someone else," I stated firmly, gripping the door handle. "Goodbye."

As I moved to leave, Liam rushed forward and grabbed my hand, his eyes locking with mine. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice tinged with genuine remorse.

I stood there, speechless, caught off guard by his sudden change in demeanor. "For being mean to you. I don't know what came over me when you walked through that door."

Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over with each blink. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy as I looked at him. "Somehow, I feel relieved, like you were a glimmer of goodness in the darkness," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

I felt my cheeks flush crimson, my eyes widening in disbelief. My jaw hung open, unable to form a coherent response.

Before I could comprehend what was happening, Liam pulled me into a tight embrace. His warmth enveloped me, sending a shiver down my spine and causing my heart to race. I was too stunned to react, my mind struggling to process the sudden turn of events.

As he slowly pulled away, I remained numb, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. If I had known this encounter would leave me feeling like this, I would have never come alone.

Taking a step closer, Liam's tears finally fell. My gaze drifted to his captivating smile, which held me transfixed. Time seemed to stand still as he leaned in, his lips dangerously close to mine.

My heart pounded in my chest as he pressed his lips against mine, sending electric shocks coursing through my body.

I couldn't believe it. Liam Crawford just kissed me. It felt surreal, like a dream.

As I descended the stairs, my mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter with Liam, Gemma rushed over to me, concern etched on her face. "Zoey, what happened? Did he hurt you?"

"No, he didn't," I replied, my thoughts still scattered.

Mrs. Lanai approached, her expression worried as she noticed the bandage on my forehead. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could utter a word, someone interrupted me.

"It was an accident," Liam said, suddenly appearing behind me. Mrs. Lanai looked up at him, her expression shifting from concern to relief. "I'm fine, but hungry," Liam muttered, taking my hand and leading me to the kitchen.

Gemma's jaw dropped as she watched us, clearly bewildered. Mrs. Lanai exchanged a glance with her, and they both followed us, trying to make sense of the situation.

As we sat at the dinner table, Gemma's eyes kept darting my way, her confusion evident. And she was right to be puzzled—I wasn't acting like myself. Liam's presence had cast a spell over me, leaving me completely enchanted.

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