Paper Houses **N.H**

Chapter 13

Evelyn's POV-

The last time we had a campfire, I assumed that Niall was going to be a no-show, but there was no way he was going to actually show up this time. Not after both of the mistakes I made.

But once again, I found that I was wrong when Niall and Bobby walked over from their house and joined us by the firepit. Niall was trailing a little behind, looking more than a little uncomfortable. I was surprised when he took a seat beside my dad.

I didn't know what conversed during the phone call my dad had made, but I suspected he had told him what was going on to make sure that Niall was there, too. And by the smirk both the men exchanged when the Horan's walked over, it wasn't hard to see that Bobby was 100% on board with whatever devious plan my dad had put together. 

Both our families had agreed to do dinner at our own houses and then meet once twilight hit for s'mores. My dad and Bethany had the fire going by the time I had come out, and when the Horan's arrived, the flames had died down enough to be perfect for roasting the marshmallows.

Once again, Niall and I weren't speaking. I kept sneaking glances over at him, but he was either talking to his dad or concentrating on the s'more he was assembling. Bethany was super conscientious over her weight, so she announced to us that she was not going to partake in the sugary snack.

I wasn't a huge fan of s'mores. They always seemed to dry out my mouth because of the lack of moisture in them, especially with the crackers. Nonetheless, I didn't have them often so. Though they weren't my favorite, I still enjoyed eating them. That, and they just reminded me of the spring nights when the nights cooled down-just barely chilly enough to send a small shiver up your spine with the winter reminding you that it would be back again in less than a year's time.

I held my marshmallow on the skewer, listening to my dad and Bobby talking about something going on at a sports game they had apparently watched. Bethany kept chattering away to Niall, despite her twice rejected attempts, and babbling about some rave that was going to be going on in the city. It was pretty obvious she was hinting for him to go with her, and though he showed interest in the event, he never accepted the invitation.

It pissed me off that I was the only one that seemed out of place. Even Niall had someone to talk to. I felt like the fifth wheel. Fifth wheels don't really exist, and that's how I felt right now-nonexistent and in the shadows.

I began to contemplate apologizing once more, but when I thought I had mustered up the courage, it withered away, and instead, I ended up sinking down in my seat more.

"Why don't we play a game?" Bethany suggested.

"I like games" our dad piped up. "What did you have in mind?"

"We haven't done charades in forever" she said. "Battle of the sexes?"

"I'm down for that" Mr. Horan grinned. 

"Who's going first?" My dad asked.

"Me!" Bethany leaped up, dropping the blanket she had to her chair.

She stood where the other four of us could all see her and began waving her arms around. All the guys began to guess. She looked really dumb, but I think she was just trying to get attention from Niall.

"A bird?"

"Eagle?"

"Legless beggar?"

"Crippling defeat?"

"A moth?"

"A butterfly?"

"You got it" beaming, she gestured to Niall. "Your turnnnnn"