Since We're Alone |NH|

Chapter 67

Ophelia's POV

"So how are things on the Niall front?" Tomi asked as we scanned the racks for dresses to this wedding.

"Good...for the most part," I said, a little distracted.

"Anything new on Maggie?"

"No. At least, not as far as learning what the fuck she did. But, Niall has been acting weird. Weirder than normal."

"Weirder than normal?  That man is a master at weird.  How is he being weirder than normal now?"

"He keeps having these dreams. Nightmares, really. But he won't talk to me about them. Nearly every night he has woken me up tossing and turning and saying random shit in his sleep. At one point, I know I heard him say 'Maggie' and 'Stay away from her' and that's it. The first night it happened, he woke me up but I really had to pee but while I was, he shouted and then I heard him calling my name in a tone that scared me."

"Scared you?"

"Yeah, like he sounded terrified that something had happened to me. I got back to him and I could visibly see his body relax when he saw me, even in the dark. The dreams have happened nearly every night and he always ends up waking up and finding me to hold on to. And tightly. Some of the times he's woken me up is because I can't move. But he won't talk to me about it. I asked him what he was dreaming but he kept saying it's just a nightmare and nothing to worry about."

"I just don't understand why he won't tell you anything."

I shrugged, "I don't either. I wish he would because it would give me a better understanding of things. But, I suppose, in a way, it's none of my business, too. But, at the same time, it is if it affects our relationship...Tomi..."

"Yeah?"

"I'm pretty sure I'm in love with him."

She stopped what she was doing and looked up at me. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. I mean, I don't know, I don't think I've ever really been in love before. I mean, maybe, sort of, with the guy I dated in high school but that was high school love. I haven't dated anyone seriously since then."

"Aww, honey. That's exciting, though."

"Yeah?"

"Of course, it is!"

"So why am I so terrified to tell him? I mean, I've had the urge to, which has only solidified in my head that I do love him but I get scared each time."

"It's scary. I haven't said it to Mully but he has said it to me."

"Do you not love him?"

"I don't know. I'm enjoying my time with him and there are moments when I think maybe I do, but I just don't think I'm there...yet. And I told him that. But, I also told him that I thought I was getting there. Which is true. I do think I am falling in love with him, just not one hundred percent yet. And he seemed to understand that. And it makes me feel better that I don't feel pressured to say it back yet."

"Don't be scared of it, Tomi."

She nodded, "I know. Right back at ya." She smiled weakly at me before pulling out a dress from the rack and then putting it back.

"But, anyway, we both know Niall is cautious because we both suspect something happened with this stupid Maggie bitch, so maybe if you tell him first, he'll fucking relax. Because both Mully and I see plain as day that he loves you."

"You think so?"

She nodded, "I really do. Now go try on these dresses."

She shoved a deep blood red dress and forest green dress in my direction. I groaned a little but did what she said. At least she was sticking with dark colors.