Someone Like You: A Niall Horan Love Story

Chapter 2: Never Good Enough

Piper's POV:

Niall and I part ways as we walk into Mullingar High School. The fluorescent lights almost blind me, and the musty smell is overwhelming. I can't wait to get out of here someday. I see my best friend by my locker. "Hey Allison!" I say, walking up to my locker.

"Hey girl!" She replies, pulling her chemistry textbook out of her backpack. I quickly enter my combination and grab my book too. I'm running late, as usual.

"So how'd your football (soccer) game go on Friday? I'm so sorry I couldn't make it. My grandparents were in town." I apply a thin layer of lip gloss and slip it back in my locker.

"No problem. We lost, but just because Jamie blew it at the last second."

"Why is she even on the team?"

"That's what I'd like to know." All of a sudden, she sighs dreamily, and I follow her gaze. It's Greg, looking as perfect as ever. With his sandy blond hair, biceps, and piercing blue eyes, he's practically irresistible. "Why must he be so perfect?" Allison asks.

"I almost forgot to tell you! Greg wanted to talk to me today! I'm gonna sit with him at lunch!"

"Eep! I'm so jealous, girl!" She replies, grinning widely. "I'm sure he'll fall head over heels for you." I can't help but blush at the thought of Greg McCallum actually liking me. I sweep my long brown hair up into a messy bun.

"I gotta head to class. Later Alli!" I grab my poli-sci book and start down the hallway.

"Later! Good luck!" She gives me a thumbs up.

"Thanks!" I rush down the hallway and walk through the door. Oh Lord. Greg is sitting right in front of me. He gives me a sexy grin, winking at me. How do I respond? I've never had a boyfriend before. I wave slightly and slump down in my chair. That was stupid. I always mess things up. Niall walks over and sits down next to me.

"You don't know how to flirt do you?" He teases. I blush and look down at my desk.

"You saw?" I ask, looking up into his blue eyes. He grins at me and I can't help but smile back. That smile is so infectious.

"Yup. He's obviously in love with you." I bite my lip and glance over at Greg, who's laughing with Kim.

"I dunno. He does that to every girl. Why should I be any different?" I sigh and rest my chin in my hand. My left one, of course, since I'm left-handed.

"Don't say that, Piper. You're amazing, and he'd have to be a moron not to see that." Wow. That was the sweetest thing he's ever said to me.

"Thanks, Niall. You're sweet." I give him a small smile, showing my dimples.

Mrs. Preston walks in, wearing her usual, ugly beige cardigan and clunky shoes. She drones on for awhile, and I can't focus at all. I'm too busy drooling over Greg. She finally stops talking. The next few periods drag out until we can finally go to lunch. Niall and my other best friend Kenzie walk up to me.

"Hey Piper! Where should we sit?" Kenzie asks, taking a bite of her apple. I shuffle awkwardly and bite my lip.

"Actually, I'm sitting with Greg today." They both look really disappointed, and I feel bad about not sitting with them. I mean, we've sat together since 8th grade when Kenzie moved here from Illinois. "Sorry." Kenzie shrugs.

"It's alright. Go have fun attempting to flirt," she says, winking at me. I punch her arm lightly.

"Is it just a known fact that I have no flirting skills?" They laugh, but mostly Kenzie. Something has been bothering Niall lately.

"Later Piper," Kenzie says. I grin and walk over to Greg's table. I just wish I knew what was wrong with Niall.


Niall's POV:

"Okay, spill it," Kenzie commands as we sit down at our table. Allison is sitting next to her.

"Spill what?" Allison asks, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"He's been acting really weird lately." She flicks her jet black hair off her shoulder and takes a drink from her water bottle. I don't want to tell them. Piper and I have been best friends for too long. "Go ahead." I sigh heavily.

"I think I might be..." I trail off and scratch the back of my head, awkwardly delaying the conversation.

"Oh just tell us!" Allison exclaims impatiently.

"I think I'm falling for Piper." Kenzie spews her water all over me, doing a literal spit-take. Allison sits there in shock, holding her sandwich in mid-air. Kenzie wipes her mouth and hands me some napkins to wipe her spit-water off me. Other people saw that and are laughing at me and Kenzie.

"Are you serious?" Kenzie asks, obviously in disbelief. I nod ashamedly and hang my head.

"Wow. So when are you going to tell her?" Allison asks. I scoff and roll my eyes.

"I'm not going to! I mean, look at Greg, and then look at me. I don't think he really has any competition for Piper's affection."

"Niall, you are a thousand times better than Greg. He might be hot, but he's arrogant and plays with girls hearts. You would be the perfect boyfriend. You and Holly didn't work out, but just because she was a bit-" Kenzie says but Allison cuts her off.

"Exactly! You should go for it!" I start to get really ticked.

"You guys don't understand."

"Oh brother Niall, you sound like an angsty teenager," Allison says, and Kenzie gives him a pointed glare.

"You don't understand what it's like to love the perfect person, but they don't love you back! Piper will never feel the same so just leave me alone!" The rest of lunch is eaten in silence after my outburst. I just don't get it. Why am I not good enough?