Breathless // lp

Chapter 24.

#...TEARS

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"Shut your eyes." 

"Wha-" 

"Close 'em!" 

"Bu-" 

"Nope! Ash babe just trust me," Liam laughed, slapping his hand gently over Ash's eyes. She scowled and sat there with a blank face, waiting for the van to pull to a stop.  

They'd been driving for over an hour, making Ash squirm even more than she was supposed to. She'd tried to question Liam for so long, but he revealed nothing. 

"Guys I'm so excited," Niall giggled like a little kid. 

"SHH! Nialll don't spoil it!" Harry hissed, slapping Niall across the head. A small 'ow' from behind her made Ash laugh. Liam's hand was still clamped over her eyes when the van finally halted, and all of the boys antics seemed to stop as well. 

Several gasps and squeals filled the car, some of them identifyable enough that Ash recognized most to be from Niall. Anticipation rising in the pit of her stomach, Ash pounded her legs against the floor of the van and pouted. 

"Oh what is it!" She whined. Liam giggled sweetly beside her, making Ash's insides flutter. She loved that sound.

"You'll see. C'mon."  Suddenly she was tugged on her arm. 

"I gotta let go of your face." Liam snickered. "Keep your eyes closed?" Ash nodded and fluttered her eyelids shut as his hand slowly slipped from her eyes. He took her hand and guided her from the car. 

Ash stepped out of the vehicle and collapsed with an 'oomph' into Liam's arms. Suddenly her ears perked up, for what she heard was something she hadn't heard in such a long time. 

Ocean waves. 

"Liam," Ash whispered, fluttering her eyes open and snapping her gaze towards Liam.  "Where are we?" Her green eyes traveled over his face, and realised that they were in the driveway. With Liam's arms still wrapped around her, Ash slowly gulped and looked to her left. 

And there in front of her, was the most beautiful beach house she'd ever seen. Her mouth fell open, and her eyes widened in surprise. Untangling herself from Liam, she jumped for joy and let out a squeal. 

"TADAAA!" Louis shouted, gesturing towards the house with jazz hands and a goofy grin plastered on his face. The other boys hopped about as they stared at Ash, laughing wildly at her expression.

The home was a shiny metallic white, which the sun reflected off beautifully. Green shrubs lined the asphalt driveway, which led up to a bright red front door. Pink and yellow flowers decorated a wide front yard, which was lined by a white picket fence.  

Not to mention the sparkling sea out in the distance, rushing out onto the sandy shore. 

Backing away from Liam, she couldn't stop herself from feeling excitement rush into her chest as she stared up at the beautiful home.

Excitement soon turned into tears, as Ash held her hands up to her face, struggling to hide the burning tears in her eyes. Slowly, she looked to Liam, who was smiling helplessly, hands dug deep in his pockets. 

"Do you like it?" Liam asked softly, quieting the other boys who were shouting to each other. They glanced back with hopeful looks, first to Liam then to Ash.  

"It's all ours." Liam gestured to the house with a teary smile. 

Tears now streaming  down her cheeks, Ash smiled so widely at Liam. "It's...It's just like you said."