Page 21 of Accidental Love

“N-no, I’m not,” I hiccuped out. “I just talked to my mother,” I whispered and clenched the phone tight in my hand. I couldn’t see anything as my eyes became blurry.

“Where are you?” he demanded. I heard rustling in the background as he moved around.

“T-the mall in Hill Crest.”

“Jenna, hold on I will be there in a few minutes.”

“Please hurry,” I pleaded softly. I didn’t hear what he said next as I slid down the wall. Putting my head in-between my legs, I started really crying. My body shook as I sobbed. It seemed that everything I had held in since I was little was coming out. I couldn’t stop. I put a hand over my mouth to muffle the sounds I was making. I knew I looked terrible. I’d never been a pretty crier. My blonde hair fell around my face, concealing me from anyone who might walk by.

I didn’t know how long I was sitting there crying until I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders. When I took a deep breath, I knew it was Liam from his cologne. Somehow my sobs got worse as I launched myself at him. His arms wrapped around me in a hug, pulling me into his hard body. He used his body as a shield as I sobbed into his chest, probably ruining his dress shirt. One of his hands gently smoothed down my hair and the other gripped my waist.

As I stood there leaning all of my weight into him, I let myself cry. I didn’t care that I was in the mall and people could see. His comforting presence instantly made me feel better. After crying uncontrollably, I was able to stop, only hiccupping now. I still pressed myself against Liam, borrowing his warmth and strength.

“It is okay, Jenna,” he said soothingly. “Do you want to go home?” he asked quietly. I nodded against his chest.

“B-but Sophia, Candy, and Sky are still here.” I hiccupped, tilting my head to look at him. He brought his hands to my face, using his thumbs to wipe my tears away.

“That is okay. Let me have your phone. I will tell them I came to get you and that the driver will be waiting to take them home.” He reached for my phone that was still somehow in my grip. Not bothering to argue or anything, I just nodded and buried myself back in his chest.

I heard him talking to who I thought was Candy a few minutes later. He told her something had happened, and that he had me. I could tell she asked what happened, but he just said I would call them later. He then told them to take their time and that the driver would be ready for them out front, where he dropped us off. Liam said a few more things, but I stopped listening.

“Baby, let’s get you home,” he said softly. Silently agreeing, I pulled away slightly from him, but he kept his arm around my waist. We silently made our way out of the mall and to his car. The rest of the way home, I stared out the window blindly. I was completely empty.

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