*Laurel's POV*
At first there was only darkness. I thought that I might be stuck in this world of nothing forever, consumed by fear and pain. But the voices that slowly became familiar to me began to fill my mind.
"...what? You...hit me just like...to her? How...I tell James how...accident...your fault?...SHE'S IN HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF YOU" My hearing was fully restored in time to hear Tami scream those final words. She's done it. The thing she knew I could never do in my wildest dreams. I clutched the bed sheets in my fists as I prepared to feel the back of my fathers hand on my face. But it never came. I tried to tear my eyes open to catch even the slightest glimpse of the scene that happened to be playing out at the end of my bed. I sat and listened as the situation played out. I simply listened as James questioned my father and my father would continually deny the accusations that would escape Tami's mouth.
"ALRIGHT I DID IT." I finally heard come from my father, his words laced with anger and venom.
"Mr Cook you're under arrest..." An unfamiliar voice sounded followed by the click of handcuffs. My whole world dropped. Was this what I wanted? Did I really want to be alone in a house of many memories? With that room that would always remind me of how much I lost myself...
"Thank you. For helping me get rid of him." Tami said to someone else in the room.
"I'm glad I could help. She's a uh...she's got a beautiful mind." That voice. So fresh in my mind that matched those lips that I so desperately wanted on mine. Wait what? I heard the subtle and almost unnoticeable beeping beside me begin to pick up slightly. Someone rushed to my side, peeling my eyelids open and shining an unnecessarily bright light into my eye. I went to lift up my arm only to be meeting with a dull, numbing pain.
"What's going on?" I managed to muster up the courage to speak. My eyes were finally given the strength to open in time to see Tami and James rush to either side of me.
"Oh my god I was so scared."
"We were so worried about you Laurel!" They both spoke at the same time, wrapping their arms around me. I looked around the room, almost expecting to see my bedroom, to see the dull white walls of a hospital room. JJ sent me a crooked smile and started to follow Simon out of the room along with Tobi and Josh.
"Wait," my voice was hasty as it tore against the raw edges of my throat. JJ stopped at the door and looked over at me.
"We should...uhm...maybe hang out sometime?" I asked and saw something change in his eyes, like they became brighter.
"I'd like that. Do you mind if I stop by later? I've gotta go by here to pick up my girlfriend, Seany later. Just wanna make sure you're okay." He responded. 'Girlfriend.' Why did that make me feel so...lost? It wasn't like I was in love head over heels for him or something. Or was I? How could I even be so naïve to think that he wouldn't be taken. I mean, look at him! He's way out of my league anyway. I fought back the tears building behind my eyes and put on the fake smile that fools everyone.
"Yeah. Yeah that'd be cool." My reply was fake, sadness and disappointment hidden underneath.
"Cool. I'll drop by around 8 if that's okay?"
"Yeah. That's fine." I answered. He flashed a cheeky grin and left to catch up with the others. Sinking into the bed, I clutched my fists again like I did every time I was anxious or about to cry. Something scrunched up within my right hand. Opening my hand before me, a small piece of paper began to bounce back, free from the resistance my hand had caused. Unraveling it, I read the contents.
"You should come visit the Sidemen House. We'd love to hang out with you. Well, I definitely would. Josh x." Confused by the words, I handed the note to Tami who carefully examined it.
"Looks like someone has an admirer." She raised her eyebrow at me playfully and giggled.
"What's that?" James asked out of curiosity.
"Nothing." Me and Tami replied in unison, making us seem suspicious.
"If you say so." He said with a mischievous grin on his face which slowly turned into a sorrowful frown.
"Laurel. Why didn't you tell me?" I froze at his sudden question and opened my mouth to speak but quickly shut it. The full force of what had happened today hit me in the face like a sack of bricks, opening up the floodgates. It was like I was going to drown in my own sadness. What have I done?

*8 o'clock*
It'd only been about half an hour since I stopped crying and sent Tami and James home. Although I imagine that they're just sitting in the car park in James' car. The thought of having to talk to people made me feel sick. I just wanted to be alone and to just think about what the hell I've done. I've lost my dad now as well as my mum and brother, I've disappointed James and Tami and quite frankly I've lost all signs of pride and dignity. The door to my room swung open. I turned my body to the opposite direction and closed my eyes, hoping to god that they'd just leave thinking I was sleeping. But they stayed. The footsteps grew louder until the person was beside me on the side I was facing. They sighed, sitting in the seat.
"I don't know what to do." It was JJ. He sighed again and writhed slightly in his seat.
"I love Seany. I really do. She's the best thing that's happened to me for a long time and I don't wanna let something like that go." He continued. His words made my heart drop that little bit more. 'Then why are you here?' The logical side to my brain thought. 'Just leave.' But something in my brain, just a small part, wanted him to stay.
"But when I saw you," he paused.
"You were so silly and mischievous and. Well. And beautiful. And I started to fall for you." He paused again, tension rising.
"But I can't have you. As much as I may think I love you. I love Seany. And I can't lose her. I'm sorry Laurel. I love her." And with that he got up, planting a kiss on my forehead, and closed the door behind him as he left. And the tears didn't stop coming. Funny how the heart makes no sound as it breaks.