In Other Words (Niall Fanfic)

Chapter Three

Chapter Three 

Niall’s POV

Roxy was fast asleep, leaning on my shoulder the entire cab ride to my flat. We dropped Louis off first “Text me if you need anything, Niall. I’ll check in with you.”, he said. “Another boring night out with you, as usual.”

Outside the main entrance, Paul and I attempted to get Roxy to her feet. He had grown inpatient, however and flung her over his shoulder fire-man style. After a short ride on the lift we’re inside my door. I cleared the magazines and take-away containers from the couch and motioned to Paul to bring her over. “Thanks for your help, mate. See you tomorrow then.” I said. Paul was already half way out the door.

I looked at her laying there awkwardly in her dress. I slipped off her heels and placed them next to her handbag on the floor nearby. I flicked on the light in my bedroom, quickly changing into some sweats, and returned to my unaware houseguest with a pillow and blanket in hand. I did my best to arrange her into a comfortable position, placed the pillow under her head, and tucked the blanket around her. I turned out all of the lights, leaving the bathroom lit in case she wakes up. I hit my pillow, and before I could process a plan for the morning, sleep takes me over.

Roxy’s POV

Cozy, I thought as I pulled the quilt up to my chin. I rubbed my face with the soft pillow case, and inhaled deeply. The light fragrance of cologne is unfamiliar. My eyes flung open. Window. Chair. TV. iPad. Where am I? I jolted upward, my head throbbing. “Oh, shit.” I muttered softly. I heard a shuffle in the next room, and the hair on my neck stood on end. Out of the doorway the stranger walked, running his fingers through his messy hair. “Hey, how’r ya feelin’?” He asked, instantly recognizing the look of terror on my face. “Oh, hey, Roxy. It’s okay. You don’t need to be afraid. I can explain…”

How do you know my name? I said. “How did I get here?”

“You told me your name last night…we were dancing, at the club on Dover. I’m Niall.”

“I know who the fuck you are.” The panic began to rise. “But I’ve never met you before.” I paused and looked down at my short dress having ridden up on my freckled thighs. “Did we..?” my voice cracked.

Niall’s POV

“What?! No. Shit..umm…” I was searching for words as she just stared at me. It was obvious that she was thinking that I may have taken advantage in some way. My stomach felt sick, and I am sure she felt the same.  “I didn’t think this through. This looks bad. I know.” I began to pace, hoping to find the words to explain. I managed, “We were at the club, and, we met. On the dancefloor. There was this guy following you. I think he may have slipped you something.”

“Slipped me something? You mean I was drugged?” Her tears began to well up and slowly fall. “I feel so confused.”

“I…I’m not sure that you were drugged, but I think so.  You were really out of it. Louis and I decided just to bring you back here where you’d be safe and let you sleep it off. I can see now that that may have been a mistake, because you’re really freaked out and I don’t know how to help.” My words raced. “I’m a feckin tool.” I muttered.

“Louis? As in..? I need to go now.” She stood abruptly and struggled for a moment with her balance. She wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m fine. I just need to go now.”  

“You’re gonna have to wait a sec, love. I’ll call ya a car. Please.”

Roxy’s POV

I caught a glimpse of myself in the TV screen. Not quite a good look for the daylight. Niall was on his phone arranging a cab, and all I felt was numb. I said softly,  “Can I freshen up?” His face relaxed a bit and he gestured to the bathroom. I walked in and felt the cool tile on my bare feet. I shut the door and stared at myself in the mirror. After a few splashes of water on my face and a quick gargle, I lift the lid of the toilet and sit down. I stared down at my raspberry colored toenail polish and thought “I am peeing where Niall Horan pees. Over there is his toothbrush (of course it’s green).” These were very Roxy thoughts. Perhaps I was coming back around.

I washed my hands and dried them on the towel hanging on the back of the door and turned the handle. Niall was standing about two feet from the doorway. “Were you listening to me pee?” I blurted. His eyes got wide. “Just kidding. Can’t anyone take a joke around here? I mean, we’re just talking about a little attempted date rape, no biggie.” I said.  He didn’t know how to react to my crass attempt to lighten the mood. So, I poked him in the ribs as I passed him by to plop down on the couch to put on my shoes.

My mind was still racing, and I couldn’t manage to remember anything of the previous night past sitting in a booth with Penny and Kyle as they sucked face. I struggled to push back the tears. Niall handed me a purple Jack Wills hoodie and said “Here, put this on over your dress. It’s chilly this mornin’.” His phone chimes, “Car’s here.”  I open my purse to pull out some cash for the driver and he stops me “Please, I’ve got it covered. Let me walk you down.”

The sunlight did not help clear my confusion. I opened the car door and scooted inside as Niall paid the driver. He held the door open “Will you check in with me a bit later? Want to be sure you’re feeling alright.” He said. “Sure.” I replied quickly, and reached for the door handle to pull it shut. His grip held firm. “Let me give you my number.” He said with his hand out, waiting for my phone. I unlock the screen with shaky hands and gave it over.  “Get some rest, Roxy.” He says as he hands me my phone. I shut the car door and looked down in a daze as the car pulled from the curb. I realize I forgot to thank him.