Where Have You Been

Chapter 8

Zoë's POV

The events of the past hour played repeatedly in my head. My heart pounded, and my forehead was hot and pulsing. I could barely feel the light hand snaking round my shoulders, holding me close to him. Niall Horan. I had no idea what to tell Taylor and my mom. But they probably wouldn’t be focusing on me anyways, what with Niall Horan a few feet in front of them. This made me a little angry. I wasn’t an attention hog, but I think my current, haggard state was in desperate need of repair.

I could feel envious eyes boring into me once again as I walked through the doors to the lobby of the Arena. I wonder if they would still be jealous if they knew what had just happened to me. Somehow, I doubt it. I could see a jittery Taylor a few yards away, and my elated mom standing next to her. They smiled and waved at me as I approached them. I returned their wave, and couldn’t help smiling and rolling my eyes as I saw them. Even as we approached them, I noticed that Niall’s grip around me didn’t loosen. This made me smile inside, even if he wasn’t doing it out of likeness for me. I directed Niall towards my entourage and he dropped me in front of them.

“Hi…!” Taylor smiled nervously, obviously trying to contain her excitement. My cheeks turned crimson at their expectant faces, waiting for my explanation. I waved shyly at Niall, indicating discreetly that it was time for him to leave. He surprised me by wrapping his arms around me, and giving me a quick hug.

“Thanks again” I whispered into his ear, hoping my hair would conceal my lips.

“It was nothing” Niall smiled back, and released me from his grip. I was reluctant to turn around and address my bubbling companions, hoping they wouldn’t embarrass me too much. As soon as Niall was out of earshot, madness ensued. 

“Oh. My. God. Oh my god!” Taylor screeched, causing several eyes to turn towards us. “Niall Horan just hugged you”

“Mhmm” I averted my eyes, hoping she wouldn’t see the red splotches on my face.

“Why are you not excited?” she screamed, her face just inches away from mine. I knew this was going to happen. I had a whole lot of explaining to do. “They serenaded you on stage, Zoe! And what did you do? Sit there like a dumb dog.” I was surprised at her blatant anger and envy, but I ultimately understood it.

“You know what, you’re right. It was stupid, I’m stupid. It should have been you up there.” I saw a brief flash of a pleased smile on her face, but she evidently thought I was fishing for compliments, because I caught a whole bunch of them.

“No, Zoe I’m sorry. You’re amazing; you’re true to your emotions, and that’s something to be said. “ Of course, these only made my crimson cheeks deepen in color. I elbowed her out of modesty, and quietly grumbled my denial.

“No—I mean… really, seriously…” She cut off my mindless mumbles.

“Anyways, I think we’re both wondering”—she gesture to my mom—“what were you doing with Niall Horan just now…?” I saw a mischievous glint in her blue eyes. I didn’t quite know how to tell them, they were so jubilant and excited that I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t tell them.

Hey sorry that chapter was short! I promise it gets better!