The Secret Princess (N.H.)

Chapter 9: The Best Present Ever

Graduation was a complete bore. I mean, you work so hard in school to have to sit through this huge graduation with a million other kids as they call you up, individually. And on top of the huge graduation, you also have the smaller department ones; for me, it was for the fashion design and textile students. The graduations were on different days, but it was tiring and boring all the same. Uncle Geoff, Aunt Karen and all the boys were in attendance of both graduations; obviously, the boys were quite loud at both and didn't bother with disguises. They got recognized but no one bothered us; I can't tell if it was out of respect or all the mean and rude glances I sent.

Currently, it's Christmas Eve. The boys went back home to their families after my graduation; Liam and I are currently in Wolverhampton. And Niall went back to Mullingar. It was really hard to leave Niall after being together every second of every day for the last few months. But I'm determined to not be this needy, clingy girlfriend. I mean I'd see him soon since the boys had the next few months off before we head off on the Where We Are Tour.

"C'mon Lea, open your present!" Nicola nudges my leg from floor; I was currently seated on the couch next to Liam with Uncle Geoff on his other side. Aunt Karen was on the loveseat and Ruth on the floor near her.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something." I replied, shaking my head and accepting an envelope from Nicola, who plucked it from under the tree. The envelope had my name written in cursive and looked very intricate.

"This one's from me." Liam smiled next to me. I proceeded to open the envelope; inside there was this great picture of Liam and I from a Christmas long ago. We had to have been around seven or so, and it was probably my favorite Christmas of all time. We had this incredible with the six of us and opened presents before that. I just remember the two of us playing all day and looking cute in our Christmas attire. It snowed that night after everyone left and we were drinking hot cocoa by the fire; that was a pretty magical Christmas to me. Behind the picture was a piece of paper with a note attached to it. It read:

I know this is your favorite Christmas, but you ought to spend this one with a certain Irish fellow.

Love, Liam

My mouth dropped; the paper was a single plane ticket to Mullingar that would leave in an hour. I looked at Liam, my eyes watering. He chuckled and pulled me into a hug. As he was doing that, Ruth and Nicola were having a fit of what he got me and what caused me to cry. They started awing after seeing the gift.

"Well get going! You must start packing! You're going to be there for a couple weeks dear!" Aunt Karen called as Liam pushed me towards the stairs. I barely processed her comment as I mentally started picking out clothes for the next couple weeks. I was a tornado going through my room and bathroom, packing things, as neatly as possible, in my suitcase and backpack.

"C'mon Malea! You're going to be late!" Liam exclaimed at my door.

"For goodness sake, you could've at least knocked!" I scolded him, dramatically grabbing my heart.

"Let's go!" Liam exclaimed once more as he grabbed my enormous suitcase. I grabbed my backpack and purse, following him down the stairs. I hugged the rest of my family, who told me to have fun and give Niall their season's greetings. I hurried out the door, hearing Liam's Rover ready to go. He pulled out of the driveway before I could get my seatbelt on.

"Lee slow down! I'm starting to think that you don't even want me here for the holidays!" I joked as Liam laughed along.

"It's just that Niall has no idea you're coming! It's a complete surprise! Only Bobby and Maura know, I had to coordinate with them. And Niall has specific instructions to open the door; it should only be Bobby, Maura, Greg, Denise and Leo there." Liam babbles on. My stomach starts to feel queasy and erupting with butterflies at the thought of meeting Niall's family.

"What if they don't like me..." I manage to whisper as Liam's talking ceases.

"Malea, they're going to love you! I know Niall's family and I know you're going to fit right now! I'm really sorry for throwing you into this last minute... I just wanted my sister and best mate to have a really special first Christmas together." Liam sheepishly explains.

"You're such a sap Liam!" I exclaim, and Liam chuckles, "Although I really do appreciate it; thank you so much."

"Of course. And look! We're already here!" Liam drives up to the band's private jet.

"I thought I was flying commercial?" I ask confused.

"You really think I'd send my little sister on a commercial flight?!!" Liam barks with laughter as I make some snide comments. He brings me in a hug that I can't refuse.

"Really, thank you for the best Christmas present ever Liam." I say, tightening my arms around his waist.

"I love you Lea," Liam says, squeezing me, "now go! Don't keep the leprechaun waiting!" Soon I'm boarded onto the plane and waving to Liam out the window. The plane takes off and I'm happily on my way to see my Irish man.

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I'm so sorry I haven't updated! Here's a short, filler chapter to hold y'all over till I get the next chapter out! I promise it'll be long and juicy with more Nalea moments; that's the ship name I'm giving them.

I haven't been very motivated to write; college is kicking my ass and I just started summer quarter today. Here's to me not having a fun summer haha. I promise I'll try and get the next chapter up the next few weeks! I'm headed to a music festival this weekend and I have my first midterm next Thursday... I hope all is well for everyone! Comment, vote or DM me!

Thank you to all of you who've stuck by me. I guess it's obvious I'm a VERY slow updater and I can't promises any changes. Have a safe and fun summer!

Till next time, xoxo

Dana