A Life for A Life

*Louis’s POV*

Man, was I sore. Cat may have been small, but she was not lying when she said she wasn’t going to go easy on my. I think the bum everyone loves so much as pretty much flattened itself out. Either way, she was teaching me the best way to fight for the week. She taught me how to get out of headlocks, to properly dodge and block, and even the quickest way to knock somebody out.

To be honest, it kind of made me happy as much time as we’ve been spending together. With her teaching me to fight during every possible moment, I found myself looking forward to these small spar fights. I actually enjoyed her company.

Even if I was enjoying our moments together, I knew it wouldn’t last long. I always found myself staring down at my phone, remembering those texted sent to me. I had yet to make a decision, a true, serious, without-a-doubt decision on what to do. But I knew the decision I was going to make whether or not I contemplated it.

If anyone in this world deserved to be happy, it would be Cat. I’ve heard most of her story, she’s grown up into a life that nobody deserves to be thrown into. All she ever asked for, even if it seemed a little late, was to be free. And I all I ever wanted with her was to see her smile from the bottom of her heart. I knew the moment I started to help her, my life would be in danger, now it’s my life that’s on the table. It was my choice. If I were to give my life away, she would be free. If I were to stay away, she would die before ever having the chance to experience what life had to offer.

I mean, it made sense. I got to experience a life not many had the chance to go through. I felt I was on top of the world with my career as a singer. I got to meet the four best mates anyone could ask for, the best girlfriend anyone could ask for, and I had the best supporting family anyone could ever ask for. My mom, my stepdad, my sisters, I knew they would all be sad for me to go, but if they knew that I gave my life up for the better of someone else’s, perhaps they could understand.

Not only that, but I knew I could never live with myself knowing I was the reason she would be killed. I promised her I would protect her, and I was going to… to the very end.

But first, I had to say goodbye. I was ready for this, and I knew I had to tell everyone how grateful I was to know them, to be thankful that I could have this life, and leave this world knowing that everyone in it could move on without me. So tonight was the best time to do so. We were in California, and tonight was One Direction’s last concert for the Take Me Home tour. The boys and I sung our hearts out until time came to the end.

The boys were expressing the fun times they had in the US. They were expressing their best moments and the most precious memories. It got to the point where we were pretty much saying how thankful we were to our fans. And that somehow set me to speak through the mic, to fully express just how happy I was to be here, and thanking the fans for always being there to support us, be it good or bad.

“I just want you all to know. We love you. I love you all.” I spoke through the mic. “And I hope you can see just how much I really appreciate being able stand here in front of you all and live a life I could only ever dream of before. Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart and soul.”

I’ve made my decision, and not even Cat would be able to change my mind. But, it wasn’t like she could either way. I wasn’t going to tell her. My dying wish: let her be free.

Now the concert was over, but the boys wouldn’t be heading back home until a few more days, so we were staying in a hotel. Tomorrow was a signing for all the fans, but I wasn’t planning on tagging along. Tonight was the night I would be leaving. But first I had to get past Cat’s conservative eye. I had to act normal, but I knew there would be no way I could.

I told Cat to just come up to my room by midnight, since the boys will probably be asleep by then. She did come and she took a respectful seat on the couch displayed in the room. I took a seat on the edge of the bed, quiet as I tried to think of a way to talk to her. I knew what I had to do, but I was so scare to do it. Even I could tell I was acting a little out of character, and Cat was quick to notice it too.

I saw her stand up, walking towards me. “You’re unusually quiet.” She stopped right in front of me, mocking me by positioning herself and bringing up her hands. “Should I pull some of my ninja moves on you again?”

A playful smile was on her face. The move brought a small smile onto my own, but she didn’t seemed satisfied with my enthusiasm. She brought her hands down, cocking her head as she reached up and poked my forehead, pushing back. “Seriously, Lou. Is something wrong?”

I scrunched up my face as I rubbed my forehead. “There’s nothing wrong really. I’m just trying to find the right words to say…”

“Are you sad you’ll be leaving?”

I knew she was talking about England, but I used the words to indirectly mean something else. “Yeah… Hey, you think you could just jump on a plane and fly to England to start a life there?”

She snorted. “Security’s a little more complex trying to go across seas to another country and just state to state.” I sighed. Maybe when I’m gone she’ll have the chance. I felt a hand go over my shoulder. “Why? You want me to come home with you?”

Another playful smile was on her lips. She was teasing me, something she’s picked up on the many of times she’s kicked my arse. This past week we’ve done nothing but grown closer to each other. I hated to just cut her off. I hated to just let her go. Yes, I would want her to come home with me if I knew I could keep her away from the danger, but that was impossible. Also, there was no way I could ever be honest with her and just flat out answer her ‘yes’.

I felt my head fall to the crook of her shoulder. She jumped a little from the sudden action, but otherwise didn’t pull away. I felt her fingers run through my hair. I guess she thought I was truly upset and decided not to push the issue. “Thank you.” I heard myself whisper to her. ‘For allowing me to know what it’s like to want to protect someone.’ I added in my mind.

For everything.

She was asleep, curled up in the middle of the bed. I had my phone and I was leaving out the door. It was probably three in the morning, but I didn’t care. I made my way outside. I knew I made my decision for this, but I was still not sure how I was going to get a hold of whoever was in charge of everything.

But I guess I didn’t need to. I was outside the hotel, about a foot away from the bottom step when three men dressed in suits stopped in front of me. “So you’ve made your decision?” the middle one asked.

I nodded, face emotionless and blank. I was prepared for this. “Just keep your end of the deal.” I said, voice stern.

I could tell the man on the left had a slightly lighter attitude. A cheeky grin came across his face. “Boss is going to be happy to hear this.”

Him and the guy on the right roughly took my arms and started to lead me down the street. I couldn’t back out now. It was a life for a life.

I was more than willing to give away my own.