Here's To Hoping (One Direction)

19.) Those Three Words

Chapter Nineteen: Those Three Words

            Sleeping in the uncomfortable hospital chairs is definitely not going on my list of favorite things to do. I mean sure, the hospital is letting us use these huge recliner type things but still. I’d rather have my bed. When Harry and I got back from the snack area, all the boys are already stretched out in the chairs. They have the foot rests up and the back reclined with pillow and blankets everywhere.

            “You guys aren’t going back to the house?” I ask. For some reason, I’m caught off guard by the fact they look ready for bed.

            “Course not! Why in the world would we leave? We want to be here for Jess just like you and Harry.” Lou says.

            “Oh. Well, all right.” And with that, I move to sit in the chair next to Niall. I give him a small smile and settle in my large recliner. I wonder to myself why they’re so big. I bet I could fit at least three of me in it. I don’t like it. It makes me feel small.

            Niall hands me a pillow and blanket but I refuse it. I stand up and confusion stretches across his face. Turning to face him, I tell him to scoot over. He obliges and I squeeze in beside him. Laying my head on his chest, he wraps an arm around my shoulders and presses me into his side. For the first time that night, I feel a little bit better.

            I close my eyes and listen to the sound of Niall’s heartbeat. I’m glad I have him with me. I think back to what Harry said earlier about him never being more sure of loving Jessica. At this moment I know what he means. I finally accept the fact that I’m completely in love with Niall Horan.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

            “Audrey, wake up.” I hear someone whisper. They give me a quick shake and whisper it again. It takes me a second, but I recognize Niall’s voice.

            “No. Just go back to sleep, Niall.” I mumble and snuggle my face deeper into his chest.

            “No. I need to tell you somethin’.” That suddenly gets my attention.

            “Is it Jessica? Is she awake?” I ask.

            “No, it’s not her.” He tells me. Sighing, I wrap my arm tighter against his middle and close my eyes again.

            “It can wait till morning then.”

            “For the love. No, it can’t!  Why do you ‘ave to make everything so bloody complicated? I’m sittin’ here tryin’ to tell ya I bloody love you and you can’t even stay awake for me to tell ya!” He says in a huff.

            “Uh…what?” There’s no way I heard him right.

            “I said I love you.” Even with the limited lighting, I can see the red in his face. “I’ve realized that you never know how long you have with somebody. In case anything ever happens, I just wanted you to know that I’m in love with you.”

            I guess I did hear him right. I want to tell him I feel the same but I can’t seem to form words at the moment. Taking my stunned silence as rejection, Niall starts to speak again.                

            “Damn it, I should ‘ave realized that it was probably too soon. I know you’re freaked out right now and that you most likely don’t feel the same way but-” I cut him off my pressing my lips against his.

            “I love you too, Niall.” I say after breaking the kiss. Smiling down at me, Niall gives me another small peck.

            “Thank God. I was about to be really embarrassed.” Giggling, I rest my head back on his chest.