A Train To Anywhere

Liam hated trains. He hated the smell, he hated the time it took to get to one place from another, he hated the stops in between point A and point B. So, why he chose to take the train instead of a plane, who knows. Maybe it was because the airport was an hour drive away and he just really wanted to get out as fast as he could.

Liam was never one to let anyone down; he helped everyone whether they wanted it or not. In the end, it all just became to much. Everyone depended on him to fix everything; Zayn's smoking habit, Harry's 'womanizer' attitude, Niall's cursing, Louis' ability to take nothing serious. He was the one that had to fix them but who was going to fix him.

Ever since Danielle, his girlfriend of two years, ended things randomly just two months ago, Liam had been going downhill and quickly. The boys didn't notice that when no one was looking, he'd pop a pill or two, swallow it down with a glass of alcohol and collapse on the nearest surface he could. No one cared; not enough to notice anyway.

Liam sighed, running his tongue over his chapped lips as he climbed off the musty train. He didn't have the slightest clue as to where he was and it really didn't bother him. He shuffled his bag up his arm, looking around at the small amount of people who occupied the terminal. He crossed his arms over his chest, silently cursing himself for not bringing along warmer clothes and quickly left the station.

Taking in the small town, Liam couldn't help but smile to himself. It was beautiful; roofs covered in snow, smoke billowing from chimneys, windows with their curtains drawn to show families inside, sipping hot drinks from cups and laughing. Somehow, Liam had ended up in his dream; he had wanted everything this small town was offering for as long as he remembered. He wanted the family. He wanted the winter nights crowded around a fire. He wanted the laughter and the jokes. He wanted it all.

After the snow began falling harder from the cloudy sky, Liam dunked into the nearest inn, shaking the white flakes from his hair. He shivered, walking up to the counter and ringing the bell. When no one came to help him, he raised his eyebrows, “Hello?”

“Oh, hi.” Liam turned around, coming face to face with a grinning brunette and smiling back at her. “Are you checking in?” She asked, sitting down what looked to be a box of Christmas decorations. Was it almost Christmas already? Walking behind the counter, the girl pulled out a book and began flipping through it. Liam couldn't help but let his eyes roam over the girl; She was just as beautiful as the town, with dark hair pulled up into a messy bun and a pair of bright honey-colored eyes.

“Um, yeah.” Liam said, shaking his head and watching as she chewed on her bottom lip. “The name's Liam,” He started, “But I won't be in there. I don't have a reservation.” She made an 'O' shape with her mouth, closing the book and putting it back in it's original place. “You don't happen to have any free rooms?”

She nodded, scribbling something down on a pad in front of her, smiling back up at the man. “We don't get very many new-comers here.” She said, reaching behind her and pulling a key off of a rack. “I'll show you to your room.” She continued holding the key, picking up the box once more before nudging her head for Liam to follow her. “So, where are you from?” She asked as they walked up the stairs and down a short hallway.

“Wolverhampton originally but I moved to London a few years back.” He said. Suddenly he was reaching out, capturing the box in his hands and pulling it away from the girl, who had a shocked look on her face. “You looked like you could use some help.” He shrugged.

The girl laughed, stopping in front of a door and unlocking it. “This is it.” She said, pushing the door open and allowing Liam to walk in a head of her. Liam gave the room a once over, taking in the plain duvet that covered the bed and the walls that were a light peach color. On one side of the room was a small chair that sat next to the window, on the other was a dresser that had a small TV on top of it. “It's not much but it's one of my favorite rooms here.”

“It's perfect. Thank you.” Liam smiled. The girl nodded in agreement, relinquishing Liam of the box and turning to walk out.

“My name's Astin, by the way.” Liam let a smile curl up the corner of his lip as she shifted the box. “Don't be afraid to come downstairs if you need anything.” And then she was gone, floating back down the stairs like the way a leaf floated to the ground in fall.

Liam closed the door, dropping his bag onto the bed before walking over to the window, sighing to himself. He couldn't help but feel guilty for leaving the boys the way he did. They deserved a lot more than the three word note he wrote them; they deserved an explanation. But how did he explain that he was depressed, that he was addicted to pain medication, that he was no longer the proper boy they had known before?

A soft knock at the door shook Liam from his thoughts and he walked over, pulling the door open and revealing Astin. “I forgot to give you your key back.” She laughed, holding out her hand. Liam smiled, retracting the key from her. “My mum's making some hot chocolate tonight and we're going to put up Christmas decorations if you would like to come done.”

“I'll think about it.” Liam replied. Astin nodded, waving her fingers at him before dancing down the stairs. Liam watched her before closing the door once again and falling down onto the bed. He reached over, pulling a pill from a plastic bottle hidden in his bag and swallowed it dry, closing his eyes and letting sleep overcome him.