Altruistic (adj.)

caring for someone other than yourself; putting others first

Lillian's P.O.V

AT THE APARTMENT

I shut the door and leant against it; closing my eyes and sighing in the process.

I mean no offence by this comment but man I was so glad they're gone. Manny and Charlotte stayed for 3 hours once we finished unpacking and, I love them, but I was exhausted.

I made my way over to the couch. That was my current bed until I could go shopping for an actual one, and threw myself on it. This was my apartment, I lived here now!

I laughed out loud with excitement. My long-winded expedition for independence was now becoming a more realistic goal.

Gazing around the apartment I caught glimpses of my stuff and each item caused my happiness to grow.

My phone charger plugged into a nearby wall. A smile.

My small pot of rosemary sitting on the kitchen counter. A grin.

My car keys hanging on the metal hook beside the door. A giggle.

I felt at home.

As I relaxed into the cushions, I let my mind wander. The first thing that arrived at my train station of thought was Niall. More specifically his smile. This was really cheesy, I know, but it's definitely my favourite feature of his. It was always so genuine and made his eyes sparkle. His eyes came a close second to the smile and I was so excited to see them again.

My pleasant thoughts were abolished when my mind drifted to the words Daya had spoken to me the other day at the Café. At the time, I wasn't fazed all that much because I just assumed Daya was being her usual manipulative self.

But now Manny was suspicious too and I could tell Charlotte wasn't exactly fond of him either today. Was there something that I wasn't seeing? It was making me worried. My dad had seemed to like him, and he was a very good judge of character.

My friends are just being paranoid, I told myself.

That's the way it's gonna be, little darlin'

We'll be riding on the horses, yeah.

I listened happily to the tune for a moment until I realised it was a phone. I jumped up from my comfortable spot on the lounge to search for the device.

I knew it wasn't my phone and it definitely wasn't Manny's phone (since his ringtone is himself singing). Maybe Charlotte left her phone here?

I found the phone tucked beside the microwave. It must be Niall's; Charlotte's phone is nowhere near this new and fancy. The phone screen read: UNKNOWN

The call ended. Split seconds later, a text message came through.

UNKNOWN:

Lillian?

My heart skipped a beat. How did this person know I was here? This wasn't even my phone. My breaths quickened; I was scared.

UNKNOWN:

It's Niall, please pick up.

Two seconds passed after I'd read the message and the number called again.

I scrambled to answer it; my breathing still rapid.

"Niall?"

"Lillian. Thank god you're home." He grunted after his sentence.

"What's wrong?" There was static from the other end and worry flooded every inch of my being.

"I'm lost."

"Describe your surroundings." I ordered, hoping to be able to decipher where he was. I would feel so guilty if something happened to him.

"Uhh I'm in front of some old building? It looks like it could have been a bank. Across the road is a park with-"

"I know where you are. Stay there." I interrupted and hung up the phone.

I grabbed my keys, Niall's phone and my own. I feared for Niall's safety; he was in a dodgy part of town and his lack of knowledge of this place could land him in trouble if he tried to run from people.

Locking the door behind me; I sprinted for the elevator with shaky legs. I rapidly pressed the down button and waited for it to arrive.

Deciding that would take too long, I bolted for the stairs.

I jogged down the six flights of stairs thinking I'd fall down each one. Each time my foot hit the concrete step, my knees buckled. I had no idea how I made it down the stairs without a concussion really. I felt as if I was on some kind of TV show rescue mission.

I unlocked my car and climbed in.

"Come on, come on." I mumbled as I waited for the traffic to break so I could pull out onto the road. It would take me at least 10 minutes to get to that side of town and who knows what could happen in that time.

What was Niall even doing over there? I don't know what gym he goes to but I'm half sure there aren't any over there, not any decent ones anyway.

I pulled up alongside the park and killed the engine. I was anxious just sitting here, waiting. I didn't want to get out in case some gang jumped out and took me. But I couldn't see Niall.

Across the road I could see the old run down bank. There were too many dark corners and shadows that could be hiding who knows what.

Slumping down in my seat, I locked the doors of my car. Two minutes of me looking slightly over the window passed before a body emerged from an alleyway.

It was slumped over and its feet dragged painfully against the pavement. Once it grew closer I recognised the familiar mop of blonde hair and immediately unlocked the doors.

I ignored the warning signals in my head and rushed to his aid. Once I reached him, I lifted his head.

My breaths escaped me when I took in his bruised and battered appearance. His left eye was swollen shut and multiple cuts and grazes swathed his face. His hunched posture could only suggest that there were more injuries that I couldn't see. I gently guided him toward the car as quickly as I could.

And as soon as he was buckled and slouched into the back seat, I floored it towards the hospital.

I continued to steal glances at him through the rear-view mirror and when I noticed his eyes drooping more and more closed, I had to say something.

"Niall, honey? We're almost there. I just need to you stay awake until we get to the hospital, can you do that for me?"

"We can't..." he spoke breathlessly and sluggishly, "go to the hospital."

His statement confused me,

"Niall, you need help." I watched him straighten slightly and rest his head on the seat.

"No..." another breath, "they'll find me."

A red light stopped the car as much as his words stopped my heart beating.

"What do you mean Niall?" I watched him in the rear view mirror. He groaned and pressed a hand into his side with more force.

"I have a first aid kit at home... I need you to use it." His eyes flung open suddenly as he told me he needed me. The bright blue sky that usually filled his eyes had disappeared and been replaced with a dull and lifeless grey. Yet they still set fire to my soul.

And as soon as the light turned green, I merged into the lane to my right. Without thinking, I had done what he'd asked.

I could only hope it was the correct decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Lol Phoebe is me at school (@ the gif of her as the banner)

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