Liar

Twenty-two

I open the door. It's five to nine, he's too early. Niall stands in front of me, looking better as ever. He wears his hair down, just like on Tuesday after the shower. His shirt is plain white as usual, his jeans are light blue. A brown leather jacket that suits him perfectly, matches his gray and brown Nikes. And to top his outfit he wears his black Ray Bans.

"Hi," I say quietly.

"Hey, Rose."

"James," I smile at him and walk past him to his sliver Audi. I open the door, climb in and wait for Niall to get in on the other side. As he opens the door as well, I turn to avoid looking at him. He didn't even react to my outfit, or my hair.

Now I know, Niall is not a usual guy like Lou at all.

"I am sorry for stepping over the line on Tuesday. I didn't mean to frighten you," he surprises me by saying. He knows why I backed away. I wouldn't have regret it if it would have happened, though.

"It's not your fault. It's that rapist's fault. I won't ever be able to have a normal sex life." It's depressing. Niall doesn't look at me the way I hoped he would and I am afraid of having sex because this damned rapist destroyed my life.

"What happened exactly? I mean, you mentioned that you almost got raped and I know where it happened since you started to cry the first time I walked you home."

"I'm not sure I want to tell you."

"Okay," he sighs and continues driving.

"I went home from school and it was dark. I heard somebody following me and turned around to see who it was. I saw that man,"

"The rapist," Niall cuts in.

"Yes, the rapist. I asked who he is, he said he is my worst nightmare and then he added that it won't hurt if I'd do exactly what he wants me to. He threw me to the grounda and took my shirt off and cupped my boobs. And that was why I couldn't continue on Tuesday. Well, somebody came to rescue me after the rapist punched me here." I show him the little bruise he left over my temple.

"That's rough."

"Yes," I sigh. I just told Niall about that night. He probably will use it against me. I've told six people about that night. My dad, Geoff, Sheila, Jake, a policeman and Niall.

"If you need to sleep tonight, I know a little cabin near the party. It's quiet and if you want me to walk you there, as it is dark then, just come to me."

"Oh, that's nice of you," I say, surprised by this kind offer.

*

"Hey, Sophia!" I greet her with a hug. She wears normal jeans and the beautiful mint green shirt we bought on Wednesday.

"Hi, love."

"Where's Zoe? And Tina?" I look around to find Tina's red hair. Niall left me alone right after we entered this house here. It looks like a frat house, but is actually a villa with eight bedrooms, I think.

"Zoe and Harry drove to Boston for the weekend and Tina went away with Niall after you guys arrived. By the way, Niall and you.. Is there something going on?" Tina and Niall again. Of course.

"What?! No!" I lie. I didn't mention the almost-sex-thing when we were shopping and I won't mention it now either.

"It seems so. You know, the way he looks at you."

"He doesn't look at me in a different way than Tina, though."

"Oh, trust me. You're so different."