CHAPTER 28

I tried paying attention in class but it was not easy. Alex kept staring at me. She was so obvious and didn't even care that I caught her kissing Liam last weekend. And the look on her face..Urgh, talk about the cat that got the cream. Shameless bitch!

Liam's medical leave was for a week, so he's been spending most of his time at the hospital with his dad. Every day after class, I would go to the hospital and keep him company until his mom comes to do the night watch. It's been three days and today was the day that I have class with Alex. And the way she's been staring at me was discomfiting. She looked so smug that it was amazing how much of a slag she is. Has she no dignity??

After class, I sighed as I got up and walked out of the class with Ryan and Dan. The twins were lagging behind to talk to some guys they knew when Alex kinda sauntered up to me and blocked my way. She was flanked by two girls who I knew were her close friends.

"Well, hello Hannah. How've you been?" Alex asked with a sweet smile on her lips. Her two friends didn't really say anything. They looked like nice girls and were looking at me like nothing was wrong.

"What do you want Alex?" I asked warily.

"Look, I'm just being nice. Can't I just be nice?" Alex said patronizingly. I rolled my eyes and started to walk away when Alex grabbed my arm. Her friends looked alarmed at what was going on.

"By the way, how's Liam? I gotta say, he is one hot kisser!" Alex said as she chuckled softly. Her two friends were looking at each other with confused looks on their faces. I wanted so much to smack her in the face but Dan put a hand on my shoulder and stopped me. Ryan came forward and assessed the situation. Then, he put his arm around me and pulled me along gently.

"Come on gorgeous. No use use wasting your time with this." Ryan said and I let him pull me away. I was a little surprised because Ryan and I had never been very close, our connection only being Dan. But I was grateful. He caught me looking at him weird, so he winked and three of us walked out of the class like the bad asses we are! I caught Alex staring after me in anger. Serves you right, bitch!

I never told Liam what Alex did and the next day, his dad woke up. Understandably, I didn't go to see Liam since he's busy with his family stuff and I didn't want to intrude. So, I just lolled around on campus by myself since Amy went home. Dan and Ryan each were busy going on dates, so I was left to my own devices. Even Trey was not around. It was weird how he's always not around these days. I wonder what was up with him.

So, even when Tuesday rolled around and Liam was not around, Alex probably thought Liam dumped me. Which I didn't care about anyway. I know what's going on with Liam and that I've forgiven him. I just miss him so much since I haven't seen him for almost a week.

Alex had started a rumour on campus that Liam and I broke up. I was sitting in class, silently fuming, with Dan holding me down, stopping me from going to Alex and ripping off that smug smile off her face. Ryan was looking at Alex like he wanted to smack her, but he couldn't since she's a girl. Even Amy was starting to get tired of Alex. Alex was sitting there a few rows from me, laughing like the world was her oyster. She kept giggling and pointing at me, not so discreetly. Honestly, she's being totally high school that it's borderline pathetic.

When the class ended, I sighed as I walked out the class. I could hear Alex snickering behind me and other students looking at me. I rolled my eyes and just ignored them. Bunch of idiots.

Dan and Ryan were talking to some guys behind me when I saw him. He was standing at the hallway, leaning against the wall. When he saw me, his eyes lit up and he rushed towards me. My eyes widen in surprise. Suddenly, I was engulfed in his arms. Damn it, I miss him. His familiar scent filled my nostrils and I held him tight against me.

"God, I miss you, Hannah." Liam said against my hair as he held me tighter. I sighed and held him just as tight. I hadn't seen him for more than a week and I just realized how much I miss him.

Just then, Liam pulled away slightly and peered at me. He cupped my cheeks in his hands and smiled as he kissed me. Softly at first, but it quickly becomes passionate. I relished his taste and touch. His kiss was slowly making me a little crazy and I didn't even care that we were making out in the middle of the busy hallway. Just then, we finally pulled away. Breathlessly, we looked at each other with huge stupid smiles on our lips.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw a certain dark-haired little witch staring at me and Liam, her eyes filled with utter hate. To annoy her more, I tightened my hold around Liam's waist and looked up at him. Liam, unaware of her looking, just smiled and kissed my forehead and led me away.

We spent a whole day together. It was nice and other than saying his dad was recovering well, Liam didn't really talk about his dad. Later that night, after a late supper, Liam came back with me to my room. Amy had a study date with her guy and would probably stay at his place for the night.

He sat on the bed, taking off his jacket and draping it on my chair. I did the same. Then he lay on my bed, opening his arms and beckoning me to lie beside him. Feeling especially thrilled, I lay on the bed in his arms. As soon as I was secured beside him, his arms went around me, holding me tight. I snuggled comfortably, surrounded by him and his scent. I sighed contentedly. Liam kissed my temple, and I smiled.

"Hannah, you know I care about you, right?" Liam said, somewhat cautiously. An alarm went off in my head. I had a bad feeling about this. I looked up to his face. He looked forward, making me worry a little. Especially at the little crease on his forehead.

"What is it, Liam? Is something wrong?" I asked cautiously, bracing myself. Liam sighed and played with my fingers absently.

"I know something's wrong. Please tell me." I said, feeling curious.

"I.. I have to leave college. Just for a while." Liam said, hesitantly. I was surprised and turned to him, quickly. I looked at him as I sat up.

"Why?" I asked quietly. Liam took a deep breath and took my hand in his. Then he looked at me, his green eyes a little troubled.

"Well, I have to take over the opening of the Paris office. I have to oversee things there, since the Paris office just opened last month, while he recuperates. He needs a long time for rehab, Hannah. It could take months, or even years. He's had a stroke as well while he was in coma. So, he can't move the right side of his body. He needs me now, Hannah. Sean's still in school and he still can't do more than part-time. I'll be in another continent. And that means, we won't see each other much. At least not as often as we are now." Liam explained, his hand gripping mine tighter as he spoke.

My heart sank. Paris! That's thousands of miles away. It would be torture since we won't be able to see each other as often as I'd like, but what could I do. All I could do is try to be understanding. That's the least that I could do. So, I took a deep breath and put my hand on his cheek and looked at him in the eye. I smiled and Liam visibly relaxed.

"I understand. It's okay. We could see each other during breaks, maybe. It's the least that you can do for your dad. Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll just miss you like crazy, but I'll survive." I said and Liam smiled in relief. He smoothed my hair out of my face and kissed my forehead.

"I can't believe I'm doing what I swore I would never do, work for my dad. But I have no choice. God, I'll miss you. I don't know if I could go a day without looking at your face." Liam groaned as he lay back on my back and held me tightly against him. He buried his face in my hair and nuzzled softly.

"I'll miss you, too. " I said softly, sighing as I held Liam's arm against my middle, my heart hurts like it's about to break.

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A few days after that, Liam took a leave from college. I walked him to his SUV before he drove off. It was about 4 pm on a Friday. He would leave for Paris on Saturday night and start his job in the morning on Monday at 9 am sharp. He looked visibly miserable. He was really dreading this. As he leaned against his car door, he took both of my hands and wrapped my arms around his waist. The he pulled me close in a bone-crushing hug. He sighed. Then he buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply. We held each other quietly. Then, he finally let go.

"So, I guess I'll have to go now. I have to pick up some stuff from home before I visit dad and keep him company tonight. Gotta give my mum a break. She needs to rest, too. Plus, I gotta pack. " Liam said as he held my hand in his loosely. I smiled at him reassuringly.

"I know. Give your mum my love ok. And take care of yourself." I said and Liam caressed my cheek before he opened the door and got into the car. He started the car as he rolled down the window.

"I'll call when I'm all settled, ok. I'll miss you."Liam said as he leaned out the window and pulled me closer to his car. He kissed me deeply as of not wanting to let go. But I know eventually, he would have to.

I stared at his car as it drove away slowly. Liam waved at me one last time and then his car slowly vanish from my eyesight. When he was finally gone, I let the sob escape my tightly clenched mouth. Ok, I know I'm pathetic, but Paris?! How the hell am I going to survive without Liam?! Since we're so far from each other, are we going to break up eventually?! Long-distance relationship rarely works out. And the fear of losing Liam was real.

The next day, Liam called before he boards the plane. I wanted so much to go to the airport to see him fly to Paris. But I didn't because I was worried I might break down in front of everybody. And I do want to be supportive. So, in the end, I just said that I won't be at the airport. And that he would just call me when he arrives. Liam didn't sound too happy, but I was adamant.

"Hey babe. So, I'm about to board." Liam said and then sighed.

"Hi, Liam. Oh, you are?" I said, my voice breaks slightly as I was unsure of what to say. It was surreal, the fact that Liam's leaving. I still couldn't wrap my head around it. It was all too fast, too sudden. I suddenly felt breathless.

"Hannah, let's promise to keep in touch. I want us to work. And I want you to understand this is not what I want. I had to to do this, ok baby?" Liam said softly. I gripped the phone tightly as I struggled to remain calm. Amy, who just came into the room, looked at me strangely. Then, it seemed something dawned on her. She came closer and put her hands on my shoulders, as if lending me some strength. Taking a deep breath, I croaked out.

"I understand, really Liam. And don't worry, we will keep in touch. But I'll still miss you." I said softly.

"Me, too, baby. Me too. I'm kinda nervous. I hope everything works out. After 6 months, I'll be back. I swear. Wait for me ok." Liam said hopefully.

"I will, Liam. You know, I will." I said with a sigh.

Just then, I heard some kind of announcement. Liam sighed. His flight was just announced.

"Well, I gotta go. Wait for my call, ok. " Liam said, sounding morose.

"Ok Liam. Have a safe flight." I said, feeling deflated.

"Yeah, bye Baby. Take care. I'll miss you." Liam said.

"Bye Liam. " And I hung up. I couldn't stand it any longer. It was so depressing. I was still reeling. I couldn't believe 3 days ago Liam and I were together. And now he's going to Paris?! Like, wth?! How am I suppose to survive without him?! How?!