Corpulent || N. Horan

Four

Maleah

" ... and then I kicked Lottie off of her chair! You should've seen it, it was hilarious," Louis tells me and Niall as he laughs to himself, finding it hilarious.

I would've laughed too, but since Niall was sitting next to me, all I could think of was him. I had many questions for him to answer: What are you doing here? How do you know Louis? Why do you always end up where I am?

And then I think, Crap. He knows that I go to support group. He's going to think I'm such a loser. But then again, if he stops talking to me, I can go back to my regular ways and just be the outcast of high school.

My thoughts are interrupted by Niall's voice. " Val?" He looks at me unsurely. I give him a blank stare and then turn back to Louis. " So, how about Robert today and his, already told many times before, story of how he went into the light by following God's footsteps after finishing rehab?"

" Oh gosh. Don't start me with that crap again." Louis states as we both roll our eyes.

"Who's this Rob guy?" Niall butts in trying to get in our conversation. Louis, being the nice one out of the two of us, starts describing the guy who I've known ever since I started this group.

Apparently, when Rob was younger, he was abandoned. His father was a runaway and his mom dropped him off at the neighbor's house before fleeing as well. The people obviously took him in, but he became a druggie and then got in trouble by some police men. Long story short,  he changed his ways by watching a Jesus movie and his life was changed forever.

"Well that's interesting," Niall spoke warily while Louis puffed out a long breath. The booth suddenly went silent much to my dismay. I finish my cone quickly as an excuse to get up. I was looking at Louis signalling to let me through since I was stuck in the middle, but Niall beat him to it.

"Thanks," I mumble without making eye contact. I swiftly throw the my napkin away and return to the booth. Niall stands to let me in, but I stop him.  "Umm, I should be heading home. My parents are probably wondering where I am. So.." I say awkwardly as both boys just stare at me.

Louis finishes up his ice cream and stands up as well. "Okay. Let's go. Are you done Niall?" He nods.

"Lou you really don't have to take me home. My dad will gladly pick-" I'm interrupted when Louis pulls my arm and we exit the small sweets shop.

The drive was awfully quiet, which wasn't normal considering Louis can barely keep his mouth shut. I was sat in the back with the two boys in the front. They made small talk as I barely spoke two words.

It was a relief when we reached my house. I nearly jumped out of the car. I signaled Louis to lower the window. When he did, I thanked him for taking me home and I gave Niall a small smile before completely turning my body around and walk towards my humble abode.

When I opened my front door, I immediately smelled the heavenly food my mother was preparing for dinner. I went in the kitchen to greet her. "Hi Mami," I give her a quick hug. I'm about to exit when she starts talking.

"Maleah, dinner's going to be served soon. Just stay in here."

" I kind of just ate ice cream with Louis. I'll eat a little later. Thank you." Quickly, I leave the kitchen and start for my room. My phone buzzes and I check it to find a text from Louis.

You were odd today.. not a big fan of the new foreign guy?

I text back. It was just awkward that he's from school and he now knows I go to the session :/

Ohh ok. You should know tho he is a nice guy..

I'm sure I'll warm up to him soon Lou. Just give me some time.

Will do Leah and plus you'll have to, he's my designated driver now:) see ya next week.

Bye Louis :)

I put my phone away as I enter my room. I unexpectedly find my sister going through my bras, but she jumps back when she hears me.

"I was just looking!" She gives a quick excuse while she holds her hands up, which contains a bra in them. I go to her and take the bra from her.

"Rose, this is the third time I caught you in my room looking at them. Now may I ask why you find them oh so fascinating?" I ask her tiredly.

She gives me a small look and sigh before talking. "It's just you're so mature Maleah. Mom and Dad and everyone else treats you like a big girl and they treat me like a small kid. But I'm not a small kid! I'm going to be ten soon!"

" Rose, first of all, you are technically still a kid. I know what you're going through. I thought the exact same way when I was your age." I explain.

" But Mom tells me you got your first bra when you were ten!" She whines.

" You're not ten yet though. And I have a different experience. I was bigger than you. I was more developed already."

" All the girls in my class wear bras and they always make fun of me." Rose pouts as she sits her butt on the edge of my bed. I sit right next to her.

" Rose, you're too young to understand now, but you'll eventually figure it out. Being a girl is complicated on many levels. You're still on the first level. I don't think Mami or Papi want you to grow up just yet.. Even I don't want you to. So please, just ignore the girls and stay young for right now, okay?" I ask her.

She reluctantly nods and I pull her in for a hug. Just then, we are called for dinner and Rose stands up waiting for me, but I tell her I'll be there later. As she leaves the room I receive another text, but from an unknown number.

hi Val :)

I recognize it to be Niall because he is the only person to call me that.

Did Louis give you my number?

hi Niall it was nice seeing you today.. that could have worked too

and yes he did

-_-

why the long face??

Just a little bummed you have my number now

HURTFUL

It was meant to be

..sooo whatcha doing?

I roll my eyes as I reply. Nothing to your concern

wow Lou said you were fun to talk to

I am, but just to certain people..

am I one of them??;)

Not really

don't worry, I will be one day ;P

I don't bother to reply as I turn my phone off and lay on my bed. Sighing, I watch my fan keep turning for a few seconds before I get bored. I get up and leave my room to join my family.