Where Have You Been

Chapter 21

Zoë's POV

It had been 4 weeks since I had texted Niall, and the guilt hung over me like a Colorado rainstorm. I know I said that Taylor and my mom didn’t listen to me before, but that was nothing compared to now. They turned a deaf ear (does that work?) to my worries if ever I brought them up. I really was alone this time. I was ashamed to admit that, at night, I was so desperate that I talked to “Ralph” my teddy bear, and told him all my problems. He sort of just stared at me with his unmoving eyes. It was quite creepy, actually. I stopped doing it. Now, I just scream into my pillow, if I ever get a private moment.

It was late July, and the Florida sun was beginning to bore down on our town like hell itself. The WFBC used to be packed with swimmers and beach-goers, but it was now a ghost town. Most people holed up in their own air-conditioned hovels for the rest of the summer. Taylor and I, having lived here our whole lives, had no problem with the sun. We were two of few people who dared to brave the heat-radiating pavement. Right now, we were headed to WFM (West Florida mall. Obviously people here are not very creative at making up names). The mall, on the other hand, was packed with overheated tourists seeking cold refuge. The shop selections were few: a small Nordstrom, Abercrombie, “Fuego”, some frumpy women’s clothing stores, Gymboree, and a Nike store. Of course, Taylor and I rarely ventured out of our perfume-drenched heaven: Abercrombie. But, today we were here on another mission. Taylor and I were attending the “Masquerade Ball”, a benefit for the Children’s Hospital of Florida. We came in lieu of Ball gowns, and we only knew one shop that sold the likes: Betti’s. It was included in the “frumpy women’s clothing” category, but its dresses were exquisite enough for the special occasion.

“Ungh!” The old woman at the front desk snorted, pushing her chained glasses up her crooked nose. “How can I help you, ladies?” her cheeks were slightly pink with embarrassment. I regarded the lackluster selection of clothes. They were so old, it looked as if a layer of dust had settled on them. After briefly surveying it, I made my decision.

“We’re good, thanks” I swiveled around, prepared to escape, but Taylor grabbed my arm tightly.

“We’re looking for ball gowns, for the benefit.” (It was a small town).

“Oh, well sweetie! You should have told me that! Come with me.” She beckoned us with her bony finger, walking towards the back of the room. An old, dusty door led us to what could only be described as Narnia. Ball gowns of our wildest dreams lined the rusty racks, taunting us with their vibrant colors. Taylor ran over to a midnight blue floor length gown dotted with silver sparkles. I immediately became attached to a violet ombre high-low dress. I could imagine myself dancing the night away, feeling the cool fabric swish around my ankles, and the bright violet setting off my tanned skin.

I instinctively found myself looking at the price tag. Taylor, for whom money grew on trees, had no need to do so, but I was responsible.

“$750” a red ballpoint pen had written. I had a strict budget of $700, and even that was a bit beyond my reaches.

“Oh my god, Zoe that dress is amazing!” Taylor fingered the silk fabric through her thin fingers. I showed her the price tag, shrugging my shoulders and walking dejectedly away. I became too easily attached to things. Like Niall.

“Oh, yes. That one is quite beautiful. One of our more modern ones.” The old woman slowly moved her creaky limbs across the floor, holding the dress up to my small frame. “Of course we’ll have to make a few adjustments here and there…” She pulled some pins out of her pocket, altering the dress in a few places. “Oh, darling you simply must try it on!”

“Oh-oh” I stammered awkwardly. “It’s not really in my price range.” The old woman fingered the price tag, and ripped it off.

“We’ll take care of that” She smiled her toothless smile, and offered me the dress for $600 flat. I gaped in awe.

“I can’t; really”, I wanted more than anything to take the offer, but it wasn’t ethically right to rip off the store like that. “I’ll find another in my budget, thanks.” I smiled modestly at her, blinking my eyes with innocence. She thrust the dress at me, insisting (a bit too strongly) that I buy it at her price. Taylor encouraged me, nodding her head vigorously. I finally gave in, releasing the elation I had been feeling earlier after hearing her deal.

“Lucky duck” Taylor grumbled, after paying full price for her own expensive gown. I couldn’t help smiling cockily and poking her teasingly. A quick trip to Nordstrom, and I purchased my patent leather violet heels, ones that matched my dress exactly. Taylor invested in a (skyscraping-priced) pair of silver silk heels to match her dress. It was quite a successful endeavor.

If only I had managed to forget all about Niall. No such luck.

Niall’s POV

“I’m finding her,” I announced loudly, as I sauntered into the kitchen. I stole a few pot stickers from Harry’s take-out Asian food container as I dragged my duffel bag across the room. For a guy, I packed pretty heavily. I needed room to fit all of my custom sneakers and V-necks, Louis said. He’s one to talk….

“Finding who?”

“Where’s Adrienne?”

“When?”

“What’s up with the bag?”

“Guys. I broke up with Adrienne a month ago. Program get with.” I still hadn’t told them about all of this, I realized. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I had neglected to inform them of my endeavors. Their faces were ranging from surprise to delight.

“Yeaaa boi!” Harry fist pumped, and ran over to me for a hug. Louis hastily followed, but Liam and Zayn were more hesitant.

“Um, rebound much?” Zayn added with raised eyebrows, questioning my motives, apparently. I looked expectantly at Liam.

“And I suspect you agree with him?”

“No, not at all. It just seems a bit … unplanned?” Oh, responsible daddy Direction. I laughed at his expense, shaking him so I could loosen the stick up his butt. 

“I’m going to find Zoe. It’s been 4 weeks since she’s texted me. She’s still under the impression that I sent that text…” I showed them my phone, letting Liam explain the arduous story. “She lives in Florida, and I’m going to damn well find her if it’s the last thing I do.”

“Not without us you’re not!” Harry exclaimed, and they all shouted their agreement. “Let’s go boys, it’s time for a road trip!”