liam's is short for purpose

liam's conclusion
american beauty / american psycho - fall out boy

december 17th | 2015

Louis and I sit in the courtroom, my knees shaking and heart pounding erratically. Just an hour ago, I stormed into my house and told my parents I was turning them in; that I was confessing everything everyone did wrong and that I was willing to go to jail for it if I had to.

They were furious, infuriated in fact. They tried to chase me out but I knew that now was the time. I ran to the station, calling Louis as soon as I got here. Once my parents stumbled in, I was already telling officers what had been happening for the past years. The tricks, lies, covering up reality with money, it all came flowing out of me like a river.

Once hearing this story, they had my parents in custody almost immediately. Louis had kept to his promise and helped me contact the few people I knew could defend me in court.

The hospital worker that had aided me when I attempted suicide the first time, who had told me that my parents didn't know the difference between protecting me and themselves. Daisy, who had come to her senses once Louis helped explained the harms of the world we were living in, and, (to my surprise), Eric. Eric who would be the one fessing up to the car accident.

I don't know what Louis did to convince them to fess up, but when he explained, it made sense.

"Some people just don't understand that the life they're living, in your case, is a game. I explained to them, other than the hospital worker of course, that the lives they live are games. Nothing they're learned is real, and I drilled that into their heads. That's why they're here right now. They want to start over."

Eric had exited the investigation room as soon as Louis finished his sentence. Daisy had already left, torn up from the investigation. I had no idea where my parents were.

"Liam?" He said and I looked up to his shattered glassy eyes.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry. I'm so. So. Sorry."

"Don't apologize," I mumbled, "you had your chance to ages ago."

"But Liam," he pleaded, dropping next to me, "you were right; you were right about all of this and I'm sorry."

"What is all of this?"

"Huh?"

"What are you referring to Eric? The part where we live in a toxic world or the part where you not giving a shit about anyone else eventually ambushed us all?"

"I--"

"Or the part where your quote unqoute best friend kept quiet about a murder for you and our lives even though I was the one that kept begging for justice while you treated me like shit?"

"I..."

"Or maybe it's the fact that I bought into needing an army."

"An army?"

"That I couldn't survive without protection. Well guess what?"

"Li..."

"I don't need you. And now I realize that the only person I need before anyone else is MYSELF. So fuck off Eric, don't give me your sympathy. Nothing you've done during all my years of knowing you is forgivable. From stealing candy from that baby to stealing my life from right under me."

He sobs as he walks away, but I don't feel bad at all, because there isn't a real number that can make up for the amount of times I've sobbed over him, and life in general.

"Liam?" Louis asked and I turned to him, tears dribbling down my face.

"Come here," He whispered, pulling me into his arms as I cried.

"What am I gonna do?" I whimpered, "I can't believe this..."

"They've all commited to theirs and others crimes, and defended your claim on your own." Louis reminded me, "All we have to do is wait for your calling."

"What do you think is going to happen?"

"There's a good chance that you could be going to jail bud."

"God," I groaned, wiping my eyes.

"It's fine, you're probably stronger than half of them. You did climb up my roof without any help."

I laughed as he rubbed his hands up and down my shoulders, telling me that it would all be okay.

"Liam?"

I zone out of my little flashback and look at the judge. The courtroom is empty other than the three of us, being that the judge wanted it to be a more personal affair.

"You won't be going to prison, along with your other friends."

They're not my friends, but I sigh in relief anyway. No jail time puts a positive light on the situation.

"Your parents will be staying with us for awhile, then will be receiving professional help for the way they've been treating you."

"That's good," I mumble quietly.

"It is, but, you'll be receiving some help as well. And some charges you'll need to pay off."

"For what?"

"Liam, you're addicted to an illegal drug. Not only that, they way you've been living your life practically insists that you need to recuperate, cleanse yourself of the poison you've been introduced to."

"What are the charges..." I ask, concerned.

"They're for illegal alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, irresponsible driving, driving underage, driving while in an unconscious state--"

"I'll pay for them all."

I look at Louis and shake my head,

"No."

"No yourself," he scolds me, "I'm paying these off whether you like it or not."

"Mr. Tomlinson," the judge starts, "you can't just--"

"Then I'll lend him the money," Louis strains on, "he's just a senior in high school. I'm a grown man with a boyfriend with a well paying job just--please don't let him have to worry about this."

The judge sighs, granting Louis permission to pay off my charges.

"Louis..."

"I want this for you." He says, "You're a good person, stuck in a bad situation. Let me help you get out of it."

I nod in defeat.

"If you're ready," the judge says, motioning to two men, "they're ready to take you to the mental institution."

"Now?" I ask and she nods.

"Now."

I look at Louis, who gives me a side smile before hugging me one more time.

"You're gonna be alright," he reminds me, "this is just one more step to recovery."

"Thank you," I tell him, "thank you for helping me."

"Least I can do after you helped bring my life back together," he says before he kisses my forehead, "I promise we'll all visit you Li."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I'm keeping this one."

next: epilogue (kings)