- Cuts and Bruises - - Niall Horan -

-17-

-Niall's POV-

I almost feel bad for rushing out of Kendall's house that quickly, but I couldn't help it. I haven't been home most of today and I don't want this to trigger more of my dad's "episodes". Being alone for long periods of time is not good for his mind, or the house.

When I get to my house, it's deadly silent. That's never a good sign. I walk through the living area and see no major messes but, as I walk up the stairs, I see broken glass and ripped pictures of me as a kid. This can't be good. As I approach my father's room, the faint smell of alcohol turns into a tear-triggering stench. I carefully twist open the knob of the door only to find my father passed out on his bed. I sigh in relief, must have wore himself out.

I grab the smashed beer bottle from his limp hand and place it on the bedside table, I'll worry about the mess later. I take off his shoes and pull the duvet back and roll his body under the sheets. Still no response. I walk back downstairs to the kitchen to get a trash bag to clean up the mess. I pick up the various pieces of glass and shreds of childhood memories. When I've cleaned up the house and his room, I turn out the lights and whisper a faint goodnight to my father.

I spend the rest of the evening wondering how I ended up with such an insane life.
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The next morning, I wake up to my alarm blaring in my ear. I love Mondays!! Best day of the week.

I sluggishly get out of bed and hop in the shower, hoping the hot water will wake me up a bit. Surprisingly, it does.

I get ready for school and walk
downstairs to get a bit of breakfast. I put my toast in the toaster and decide to check on my father again while its heating up. I tiptoe up to his room and silently open the door, peaking my head in. He's still passed out. Looks like someone isn't going in for work. Its not like they expect him to be there all the time. They obviously know about his mental illness and respect that he can't always be present. Which is wonderful because he's hardly ever there.

I stroll back into the kitchen just as my toast pops up from the toaster. I grab a knife from a drawer and butter from the refrigerator. I smear a bit of butter on the toast and munch on it while I watch a bit of TV. I finish my breakfast and go back to my bathroom to brush my teeth and touch up my hair. I gather my backpack and head to school.
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When lunch time arrives, I walk through the cafeteria and find my seat with the boys. Louis and Harry are caught up in their own conversation. I decide to sit by Liam. I set my food tray down and take a seat.

"Hey Liam," I greet him, smiling.

He smiles back, "Hey Ni. How are things?" he asks.

"Good, good," I start, "Things with Kendall are pretty good." I smile widely at this. Things are going great for once.

"That's amazing, Ni! I'm so happy you found your soulmate so early in life," he beams. Liam is such a great friend. He's always happy for you and gives the best advice.

Just as I'm about to reply to Liam, I turn and lock eyes with Kendall. I wink, and she blushes and looks away a bit. When she looks back, I nod my head for her to come over and sit. She asks Ava and Sterling if they want to come but they're caught up gossiping. She shrugs and walks over to our table and sits next to me.

"Hi, Ni. Thank you for inviting me over. I don't know if I can handle Ava and Kendall for much longer," she laughs her adorable laugh. She's smiling so big that her eyes are squinting- pull yourself together Niall!

"No problem, babe," cue the blushing, "You're always welcome to sit with me," I say, "The boys and I all like you."

She smiles and nods, "But Niall just likes you a little more than us," Louis interjects, and everyone laughs.

"I sure hope so," Kendall says, "Or our whole relationship would be pointless," I laugh. Harry's eyes widen at the word 'relationship'.

"Hold the phone," Harry exclaims, "Relatinship? Please explain. In great detail if you don't mind."

"Oh, um yeah..." trying to explain this without everyone exploding, "Kendall and I are dating now. It was official yesterday. And her mom took pictures of us hugging," I laugh, staring fondly at her.

Various 'aws' are heard around the table. I'm glad they like Kendall. I would be with her even if they didn't, but their approval makes everything easier.

All of us chat for the rest of lunch. I say goodbye to the boys and hug Kendall, honestly not wanting to let go. I kiss her on the cheek and whisper a faint, "See you later, babe," in her ear.

"Ewww I bet Kendall has cooties!! Look at the way they're being all couple-y," Louis exclaims in jokingly disgust. Zayn laughs and high fives him. ( zouis is my brotp #420 #blazeit )

"Oh shut it," Kendall says, only slightly pulling away, "Just look at you and Haz! You guys are almost gross." I laugh, proud of her comeback. Louis looks down, not used to being defeated.

"I gotta go to class, babe. But we'll hang out soon?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

She nods and smiles, giving me a small wave as she walks off.

How did I get so lucky?
___________

yo guys here I am again

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oh yeah and I love the picture up top.

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