Niall’s eyes fluttered open the seguinte morning. He rolled over on his side to see that it was only 6am. He groaned and pulled them covers over him. He desperately tried to get some sleep but failed miserably. Something was keeping him up.

He climbed out of bed, yawning and outstretching his arms widely. He glided across the hall and pulled the handle on Carter’s door to find that it was still locked. Sighing, he sprinted downstairs and strolled into the kitchen. He searched in the cupboards for something suitable to eat, which in Niall’s case, was anything edible. He eventually decided on two slices of toast, scrambled egg and cereal, for starts.

Once he had devoured his feast, he checked his watch to see that it was now only 6:30am. Groaning, he decided to get dressed and go out for a walk.

The brisk morning air ran though Niall, causing him to shiver slightly. He yawned and shoved his hands in his pockets, waltzing down the vacant footpath. He hummed quietly to him while walking aimlessly around the town. As he neared the alleyway, he noticed a young man unconscious on the floor. Looking closely, he realised that the young man was Harry.

Niall raced over to him, bending down beside him. “Harry, what’s wrong?” he exclaimed, but received no response. Harry’s skin was pale, he had several cuts and bruises on his body and a large wound on his lower stomach. Niall searched for his phone in his pocket, but soon realised he had left it at home. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Harry’s phone on the ground. Picking it up, he gazed at the screen before dialling 911.

“Hang in there Haz, You’ll be okay.” Niall smiled at his old friend, feeling a wave of guilt wash over him. If he and the boys hadn’t blocked him out, maybe he wouldn’t be in this mess.

* * * * *

Carter gazed at her phone, staring at the blank screen before her. She had gotten no reply from Harry last night, which had left her heartbroken. It didn’t come as a surprise though, seeing as she took so long to tell him. But deep down, she felt that there was maybe another reason for him not replying.

She came out of her bedroom last night, which was a massive improvement according to the boys. She didn’t engage in much conversation with them, and completely ignored Liam, but hey, it was at start. She went up to cama quite early, and the boys soon followed. Harry wasn’t mentioned once last night, but he was on the mind of Carter continuously. Liam knew what she was thinking about, but he tried his best to stay off subject. Sometimes she smiled, but he knew fully-well that she was dying inside.

* * * * *

“Carter?” Louis quizzed from outside her bedroom door. “Yeah?” she replied groggily. “Do you want breakfast?” he asked. “No thanks.” She responded. “Are you sure? I mean, you must be hungry!” Louis hesitated. “I’m fine Lou.” Carter rolled her eyes. Louis bit his lip before journeying downstairs. Liam was in his own little world in the kitchen, slaving away at the cooker. “What’s Carter having/” he questioned as Louis entered the room.

“She claims she’s not hungry.” Louis sighed. “When’s the last time you’ve seen her eat?” Zayn looked up from his phone. “I don’t know.” Liam put his head in his hands. “What am I going to do? I can’t go back to college with Carter atuação like this! She’ll end up killing herself!” he chimed, running his hands through his hair. “Liam, it’s going to be okay. The nurse is going to be here in under an hour. Who knows? Maybe Carter is on the mend.” Zayn mused, patting his mate on the back. “I hope so. I just want my sister back.” A tear fell from Liam’s eye.

“You’ll get her back Liam, I know you will!” Louis promised, grinning widely.

* * * * *

The doorbell echoed through the house, signalling that the nurse had arrived. Liam sailed down the hallway and opened the door, smiling widely at the nurse. “Ah, Mr Payne. How are you today?” she greeted him kindly. “As good as I can be for now, you?” Liam responded. “Very good thank you. Now, where is Carter?” she inquired. “Upstairs. The first door on the right.” Liam retorted. “Perfect. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to talk to Ms Payne in private. Then we’ll take the tests and see how her depression is.” The nurse stated. “Of course.” Liam nodded.

Smiling, the nurse headed up to Carter’s bedroom. Once inside, she noticed tears in the young girl’s eyes. Carter’s gaze soon met hers, and she wiped her tears away. “Hello Carter. “I’m Jenna.” The woman spoke in a kind tone. “Hi Jenna.” Carter forced a smile. “I’m here to talk to you, so, if you don’t mind, I’m going to ask you a few questions, okay?” Jenna tittered, earning a small nod off Carter. She sat herself across from her and glanced down at her clipboard.

“So Carter, what is your favourite thing to do?” Jenna quizzed. “Play football.” She retorted. “And when was the last time you played?” the lady asked. Carter though for a moment. “About a mês ago.” She replied. “That’s a very long time to be without something you love, eh?” Jenna inquired. Carter nodded, looking at her feet.

“You’re mum and dad died not so long ago, am I right?” Jenna questioned. “Yeah.” Carter responded quietly. “You miss them, don’t you?” Jenna queried. Carter swallowed hard. “A lot.” Her eyes began to brim with tears. “Is there anything you would say to them if they were with you now?” she mused. “That I amor them and I’m sorry.” Carter whispered. “Why would you need to apologize?” Jenna tilted her head. “Because of what I’ve become.” Carter said. “And what’s that?” Jenna knew this was finally going somewhere.

“A weak, spineless and pathetic failure that no one will ever love.”

“That’s not true dear. What about Liam?” Jenna frowned. “He doesn’t amor me. I’m a burden on him. I stop him from living his life because of my stupid depression.” Carter told her. “It’s not your fault you have depression love. I’m sure he loves you very much. He’s your big brother and cares about you a lot.” She pointed out. Carter just shook her head, a tear cascading down her cheek.

“What makes you upset Carter? To cause your depression?” Jenna asked. Carter paused, not knowing what to say. “Do you get bullied in school?” Jenna quizzed. “I-I guess so.” She replied. “What do they do?” Jenna dug. “They beat me up, tell me how worthless I am and stuff like that. Harry tried to stop them but he’s not here anymore.” She spoke quietly. “Tell me mais about this boy Harry.” Jenna smiled.

“Well, Harry is just perfect. We’ve been best friends for years. He’s got snow white skin complimented with cereja red lips and a mop of curls on top. We went through a rough patch for a while, but he helped me through everything. He got me passed my amnesia and my depression began to improve. But now, he’s gone.” Carter burst into tears.

“Why isn’t he here anymore dear?” Jenna questioned. Carter wiped the tears out of her eyes and looked up. “Because Liam wont let me see him anymore.” She explained. “And why is that?” Jenna inquired. “Because Harry made some mistakes. But that happens to everyone, right? We all make mistakes.” Carter gazed at Jenna with pleading eyes, begging for her to understand. “Of course.” She smiled. Carter put her head in her hands.

“I’m just going to take some tests now, okay love?” Jenna chimed. “Okay.” Carter sniffed, cracking a tiny smile. Jenna nodded before standing up and rooting through her bag.

* * * * *

Liam tapped his foot impatiently as he, Zayn and Louis waited eagerly for the results of Carter’s tests. “What’s taking so long?” Liam finally snapped. “Relax Liam. The nurse is doing her job.” Zayn hushed. Liam took a deep breath. “Where’s Niall? he quizzed moments later. “I heard him get up at the crack of dawn this morning, and I haven’t heard from him since.” Louis shrugged. “That boy belongs in a mental home.” Zayn chuckled, earning a laugh off Louis. Liam joined in for a moment, but he was torn away por his thoughts.

The stomping of feet down the staircase startled the boys, as the turn their heads in the direction of the noise. Jenna entered the room and smiled warmly at each of them. “How is she?” Liam asked immediately. Jenna bit her lip. “Her depression has multiplied. And she also has a case of anorexia.” She sighed. The boys gazed at each other in horror.

“Do you know how she could be this upset?” Liam questioned. “Yes. There is this one boy who she kept mentioning. Harry, is it?” Jenna replied. Zayn nodded. “We don’t speak to him anymore.” Louis said. “Well, you better think about getting back into contact with him before it’s too late. Carter needs him.” Jenna told them before picking up her stuff and heading out the door.

“What are we going to do boys?” Liam quizzed. Louis and Zayn shrugged. Louis and zayn shrugged, much too shocked to speak. “No wonder Carter hasn’t been eating recently.” Zayn muttered. Just then, Niall burst through the door.

“GUYS! GUYS! GUYS!” he screamed as he paced into the room.

“What’s wrong Niall?!” Louis queried. “H-Harry…. He’s… he’s…” Niall panted for breath. “Spit it out man!” Liam exclaimed. “Harry’s in hospital. He was stabbed last night.” Niall told them. The boys’ jaws dropped. “WHAT?!” they yelled in unison. “We have to tell Carter!” Niall tittered. “No, we can’t.” Liam spoke. “Why not?” Zayn quizzed. “Guys, Carter’s depression has gotten worse and she’s developing anorexia, all due to her loss of Harry. If we tell her this, and he ends up dying, she’ll get worse. She’ll soon forget about him guys, I know it. We need to think about her health first.” He told them. The boys nodded reluctantly.

“Don’t mention anything about Harry around her, okay?” Liam chimed, earning a nod of agreement off each of the boys.

Standing on the other side of the sitting room door, Carter gasped. She had just managed to overhear the whole conversation between Liam and the boys. Harry was in hospital?! Who cares about her health, what about Harry’s?! She needed to see him, to make sure he was okay. She grabbed her phone from the cozinha before running out the front door.

* * * * *

Scampering towards the receptionist, Carter gazed up and recognised the girl before her. “Carter love, we had your check-up this morning dear.” Jenna informed her. “I know, I’m here for my friend, Harry.” Carter told her. Jenna looked down at Carter, biting her lip in hesitance. After a few moments of silence, she spoke. “Come with me hun.”

Jenna led her though the hospital until they came to Harry’s room. Carter peered through the window and her eyes fell on the curly-haired boy lying lifelessly in the bed. She quickly pulled away and glanced at Jenna. “I can’t do this.” She said, shaking her head. “Yes you can. Now, come on.” Jenna took Carter’s hand and led her into the room. “He should be awake soon love. I’ll be back later.” Jenna smiled. Carter nodded as Jenna left the room.

Carter shifted over near Harry’s bed. His chest rose up and down as he breathed deeply. He had several stitches under his eye, along with many other wounds. His pale skin was as white as a ghost, and his swollen lips were black and blue. “I’m so sorry Harry.” Carter whispered, letting a tear fall down her cheek. “This is all my fault.” She continued, as a few mais tears fell. She sat herself down on the assento near the cama and put her head in her hands, bursting into tears.

* * * * *

“Pass the ball Harry!” Niall yelled at his curly-haired friend. Harry kicked the ball and passed it to Niall as Louis tried to tackle him. Zayn stayed in goals in case he got dirty in the muddy grama while Liam blocked Niall. It was the week running up to Christmas, and the boys couldn’t wait for the event.

“If only Carter was here, then we would have even teams!” Louis chimed, heading the ball away from Niall. “Yeah, but she was really sick this morning. Mum and dad are thinking about bringing her to hospital.” Liam mused, firing the ball into the back of the net. “Is she okay?! Do you want me to go in and check on her?!” Harry spoke in an utterly worried tone. “Nah. She’s asleep.” Liam replied. “Why do you want to check on her anyways? Does Harry have a crush on Carter?” Zayn teased, chuckling loudly.

“No, it’s called caring. Plus, she’s my best friend and por far the best football player around here. Well, except for me, that it.” Harry responded arrogantly. “Sure Harry, sure.” Niall laughed, earning a scowl of his best friend. The boys howled with laughter.

An ear-piercing shriek coming from Carter’s house erupted in the air, causing each of the boys to tear themselves away from the game and look up. There they saw smoke coming from the house, and a fogo brigade speeding down the street. They gazed at each other in horror before sprinting down towards the house. Many of the neighbours had gathered around the house as the firemen made their way inside.

“Have my mum and dad come out yet?!” Liam exclaimed, but no response followed. “Look!” a voice yelled. Liam looked towards the house to see both his mum and dad staggering out of the house. “Mum! Dad!” A smile spread across a young Liam’s face as he ran into their arms. He pulled away from their hug and before he knew it, his mum was on the floor, passed out. Paramedics rushed up to her, supplying her with an oxygen mask. “She’ll be fine son.” Liam’s dad patted him on the back. Liam’s head shot up suddenly.

“CARTER’S STILL INSIDE!” He yelled before dashing into the blazing house.

“Liam come back!” his dad called after him, running into the burning house also. Liam ran upstairs and burst into Carter’s room, seeing her sound asleep in her bed, smoke surrounding her as she breathed deeply. Liam took her in his arms and ran out of the room. “I have her!” he grinned at his dad, who was stood at the other end of the landing. A huge smile grew on his father’s lips, he was so proud of his son.

There was a loud cracking sound followed por a gigantic bang. Liam shut his eyes and backed away, but when he re-opened them, his dad was gone. “Dad!” he yelled, but all he could see was the burning interior of his home. A fireman ran up to him. “Come with me son, we need to get you out.” He told him., grabbed his arm and leading him through the house. “But my dad’s still in there!” Liam protested. “We’ll go back for him. We need you and your sister out first.” The fireman tittered as he pulled Liam out the door.

Cheers came from the people outside and claps echoed in Liam’s ears. The paramedics took Carter out of his arms and laid her onto the floor. They put her on an oxygen mask and bent down beside her, regaining her pulse. It soon came back, and her eyes slowly opened. Harry and Zayn rushed over to her, while Louis and Niall aided to Liam.

“Carter, are you okay?” Zayn asked in a worried tone. “W-What happened?” Carter coughed. “There was a fire. Liam saved you.” Harry explained. “A fire?! Where’s mum and dad?!” she screamed. Harry and Zayn looked at each other, and then at the house to see the firemen carrying out her Dad’s body on a stretcher, signalling he was dead. Carter followed their gaze.

“No, he’s not dead! Dad! DAD!” Carter shrieked, panting for breath and trying to run up to her father. The paramedic stopped her and laid her down. “Sweetie, I need you to stay here and breathe, okay?” the paramedic hushed. “Boys, make sure she takes this.” She told Zayn and Harry, they nodded.

“Daddy! You can’t leave me…”

Carter burst into tears, struggling in Harry and Zayn’s grasp. “Everything is going to be okay Carter, trust me.” Harry spoke in a soft tone, hugging his best friend tightly in his arms. Tears continued to fall freely from Carter’s eyes. Why her dad?

* * * * *

“Carter, you and Liam are staying with us tonight, okay?” Harry’s mum, Anne, smiled. Carter nodded. “Is my mum going to be okay?” she asked as Liam picked her up in his arms. “I’m sure she will be dear.” Anna told the young girl. They walked to Harry’s house and went inside. “Do you two want to watch TB for a little while?” Anna offered. Carter didn’t speak, she just nuzzled into Liam’s neck. “No, its okay. I think I’ll just take Carter up to bed. Thanks Anne.” Liam said. Anne nodded understandably as she watched Liam carry Carter upstairs and into the guest room.

They both got into cama and Carter soon began to cry again. As the older sibling, Liam knew he had to act strong. He pulled Carter towards him and hugged her tightly. “Why did this happen to us Liam?” she wept. “I don’t know Carter. But I know we’ll get through this, okay. You and I just need to stick together.” Liam told her. Carter nodded along and Liam turned off the light, both of the soon falling asleep.

* * * * *

“You better go up to cama Harry. It’s been a long day.” Anna said. Harry nodded and kissed his mum goodnight before heading upstairs. He peered into the guest room to find Carter sitting on the bed, crying her eyes out. “Carter, are you okay? Harry whispered, but he got no response. He tip-toed towards Carter and bent down beside her. Scooping her up in his arms, he carried the fragile girl into his bedroom.

“What are you doing Harry?” Carter croaked as he placed her into his bed. “You can stay here tonight. I’ll sleep downstairs.” Harry told her, heading towards the door. “Wait!” Carter chimed. Harry faced the young girl with a look of pergunta of his face.

“Will you stay here with me? I don’t want to be alone.” Carter croaked.

Harry grinned and nodded, shutting his bedroom door and climbing into the cama beside her. She laid her head on his chest while he kissed her forehead. He rocked her back and forth slightly until her eyes became heavy and she fell asleep.

* * * * *

Harry’s eyes opened to find Carter at his bedside, sobbing quietly. “Carter?” he managed to mutter. Carter’s head shot up, he eyes instantly locking on Harry’s. “Harry! You’re okay!” she beamed. Harry let out a throaty chuckle. “It’s going to take a lot mais than Tom Larkin to keep me down.” He laughed. “Tom stabbed you?” Carter mused, letting out a small gasp. Harry nodded. “I’m so sorry Harry.” She began to cry once more.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Harry hushed. “This is all my fault. You shouldn’t be in that hospital bed, I should. Tom was going to do this to me, but Liam wouldn’t let me out. I’m so sorry.” Carter wept. “Don’t you think you’ve gone through enough Carter? What good would come of that? You winding up in hospital again?” Harry frowned. “It’s better than it happening to you. I don’t want you hurt.” Carter put her head in her hands. Harry sighed heavily.

“Come here babe, he pulled the covers up and patted the o espaço beside him. “No, I’ll hurt you.” Carter shook her head, wiping her eyes. “It hurts mais not having you beside me.” Harry smirked, winking at Carter. A small smiled cracked on Carter’s lips as she climbed into the cama beside Harry.

“You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.” Harry kissed Carter’s forehead. Carter gazed up at him and attached her lips to his.

If I lay here, if I just lay here. Would you lay with me? And just forget the world…

* * * * *