The Pretenders (Niall Horan)

Chapter 11

"Are you cold?" Niall asked, placing his guitar back into its case.

I tried to cover the urge to shiver again. "Uh, no."

"Your cheeks are red," he said. "That usually means you're cold."

"Not necessarily." I couldn't help it but I shivered.

"You're cold."

"No, I'm-"

"You just shivered again," he pointed out.

I cursed at him under my breath. "Why does it matter so much?" I asked.

"I don't want you to get hypothermia," he said.

I laughed. "I'm not going to get hypothermia. Nor do I have it. I would probably have to be unconscious before you even consider that."

"I'm not a medical expert!" Niall protested.

"Neither am I and I know that," I argued.

"Alright, just because you're finishing a formal education, doesn't mean you have to shove it in my face."

"You never finished school?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Nope." I didn't know how to respond. He continued. "I auditioned for The X Factor when I was seventeen and I planned to back to school when we didn't win, but then we got a record deal and I didn't have time to finish school after that."

"God," I stated.

Niall ran his hand through his hair. "I guess, but I love my job and well, that's that."

"And you're a millionaire," I added.

"And I'm a millionaire." He chuckled.

I looked back at The Serpentine. The sun was starting to set and golden rays of light were reflecting off the water. The scene was breathtaking, but so was the boy sitting beside me, so I had no idea which to look at.

I internally cringed. Did I seriously just think that?

I guess we'd lost track of time. I had pulled my phone out check the time. It was four o'clock. I then realised we had been at the park for almost six hours.

I tried acting casual as I said, "we've been here for near six hours." Wow, great way to be subtle.

"I know," he said. "Do you want to get home? Since you have homework and everything." Was he being sarcastic?

I shoved him. "I actually do!"

He smirked. "You just wanted an excuse to get out of seeing me."

"As if you would know." I crossed my arms. "There's this thing called sixth form and A-Levels and with that comes loads of homework each night."

Niall rolled his eyes. "You don't need to talk to me like a five year old."

"I know," I grinned cheekily. "But it's entertaining and you still look like you're one."

"I'll get for that!" He exclaimed.

I jumped up quickly and ran away, with Niall in pursuit. I circled a small island of trees, constantly checking over my shoulder. I turned once more and saw he was no longer behind me. Before I could check in front of me, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me and sweep me off my feet, spinning me around.

I squealed. "Niall! Stop it! I'm getting dizzy!"

He suddenly put me down and the world spun. I crashed hard into his chest and fell. Just as I thought I'd hit the ground, his arms wrapped around me and I landed on top of him.

"You weren't the only one who fell."

I blushed deeply. "I'm so sorry."

"It's alright," he said, letting go of me, allowing me to roll off him.

I slowly stood, praying I wouldn't fall again, embarrassing myself further. Once standing, I brushed the grass off of my jeans before extending my hand to Niall, who was still lying on the grass. He took it and I helped him stand up.

"Thanks, but I was hoping I would be the one to do that to you," he said.

I turned away, my heart fluttering. Shut up, Grace. You broke up with your long-time boyfriend less than a week ago. "We should probably go back."

"Yeah," he agreed. "Do you want to go? It's getting dark and the dark means it'll be colder, meaning you're more likely to get hypothermia." He smirked.

"Oh, aren't you funny?" I said sarcastically.

"I was considering becoming a comedian if being a millionaire popstar wasn't could enough for me."

"I think you should stick to singing, then."

"Ouch," Niall said, gently bumping his shoulder with now, which eventually turned into a full-on shove fest.

"Okay, seriously, we should go," I said, doubled over beside the picnic blanket, clutching a stitch in my side I had gained from laughing too hard.

"I agree," he said, in the same condition as me.

We quickly packed up and walked back to his car through the now silent park. We loaded the car and got in. Niall hadn't put the keys in the ignition and we sat there in the dark.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

He opened his mouth then immediately shut it, pushing the key into the ignition. "Yeah, I'm fine."

I gingerly touched his arm. "You sure."

"Uh huh."

The car ride home was silent. Niall was concentrating on the road, whilst I watched the darkening sky out of the window. He pulled up outside and finally looked at me.

He opened his mouth like he did before, but actually spoke. "Do you want me to walk you in?"

"No, thanks," I replied. "But thank you so much for today, it was really great."

"It was my pleasure," he said with a posh accent.

"I'll see you soon?" I asked.

"Yeah," he replied.

As I was about to open the car door to get out, he stopped me.

"I'm really looking forward to becoming your friend," he said.

"You already are," I said, smiling at him.

Niall leaned over the console and kissed my cheek. "Bye."

"Bye."

Once I had waved Niall off, I ran inside, breathing deeply. I - rather dramatically might I add - pressed my hand to my chest to feel my heart hammering inside my ribcage.

Shit.

*-*-*-*

Helloooooooo.

*Looks away sheepishly*

I'M SORRY!!!

I've been at musical camp all weekend (it was postponed from last week to this week) and I was going to update on Friday morning because I'd finished the chapter but I didn't have time sooooo... Yeah. And I secretly wanted to update today anyway because...

IT'S HARRY'S BIRTHDAY WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Happy birthday baby I'll see you tonight ;)...

Haha I'm just kidding

I'm funny. Ha.

I officially go back to school tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it. Ew.

QOTD: What is your favourite subject at school?? Personally, I really like English (duh), art, drama, dance anddddd history. Yass.

Anyhoo...

VOTE, COMMENT, THROW A PARTY WITH ME BECAUSE IT'S ELEVEN DAYS UNTIL I SEE THE BOYS!!!!! (And no this ain't gonna stop til after the concert)

Love and cuddles,

Maggie xx