Here's To Hoping (One Direction)

12.) Living The Normal Life

Chapter Twelve: Living The Normal Life

Over the next few days, Jess and I pass time by getting to know the boys better and vice versa. They tell us stories of what it’s like back in their countries while we tell them how we were raised in the South. Most of the time, they find our small-town way of life confusing. They can’t seem to grasp the concept of why we fry almost everything. Honestly, we can’t either- we were just raised that way.

But even though they don’t understand us completely, we form a bond with all of the superstars. Jess and I feel like we are becoming a part of the close family-like relationship the boys shared. Lou would rope us in on pranks he was going to pull on the other boys, Liam confined in Jessica about how much he missed Danielle, and Zayn and I were able to talk to each other about anything. I was starting to feel like I had just found my long lost brothers.

Well, four brothers at least. Niall was a totally different story. We were still friends but I was falling for him big time. Sometimes he would do really sweet things for me like open the door, buy me lunch, and carry my bags. He even surprised me with a silver bracelet that had two charms on it- an American flag and an Irish flag. When I saw it, tears sprang into my eyes. It was absolutely gorgeous.

But unfortunately, our relationship also had days like today. Niall has barely said anything to me all day. He was slowly on his way to becoming the king of mixed signals. And when I think about it, he’s been doing this more and more lately. He’ll be the nicest guy ever one minute, then he’ll just shut off completely. It’s driving me nuts.

All of these thoughts are racing through my brain as Jess and I prepare diner for tonight. The boys were coming over later to Jess and mine’s apartment to have one last get together in Nashville until they leave for L.A. tomorrow. As excited as I was to hang out with the boys, Niall was still in the back of my mind.

“Audrey,” I hear Jessica say, “Are you okay? You aren’t acting like yourself.”

“Yeah, I’m okay. Just thinking about some things is all.”

“You mean Niall?”

“Possibly. Have you noticed anything different about him lately?”

Jessica stays quite for a minute. It hits me that she’s hiding something from me. “What are you not telling me?”

Sighing, she looks up at me. “Okay, fine. What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room all right? Harry told me not to say anything, but you’re my best friend. Last night when I was talking to Harry, you and Niall happened to come up. Actually, it’s more like I flat out asked him what’s been up with our dear leprechaun, but still. You get what I’m saying. Anyway, Harry told me he had been wondering the same thing so he had asked Niall earlier that day.”

“And? What did he say?”

“Well…Niall likes you a lot.”

“Then what’s his problem?” I ask. This is completely ridiculous.

“Apparently, Niall is worried about bringing you into his crazy life. He doesn’t want something happening to you. You know how it was with Liam and Danielle. She got death threats and paparazzi followed her everywhere. She had no personal life. And Liam…you see how he mopes around. He’s miserable. He just doesn’t want you to end up like that.” Jess has a solemn look on her face.

“Are you serious? Yeah it didn’t work with Liam and Danielle, but look at Lou and Eleanor! And what about you and Hazza? I know he hasn’t asked you out officially, but still! We all know it’s bound to happen. Are you sure that’s really it though? Maybe he just doesn’t like me after all. You know he’s a nice guy so maybe he made up that story to let me down easy.” Well this blows. I can feel tears start to form in my eyes.