♥ I Never Thought I'd Love You ♥

~Chapter 16: I'll Be Here

~Chapter 16: I'll Be Here

            It felt awkward hearing him say the words. It was different when Adriana said it, because then I could’ve just denied it. But now, I can’t. I didn’t have the slightest idea of what to reply. “I…,” I started. “I don’t think I’m ready for this.”

            To my shock, Niall smiled. “I know, Cordelia. I know. And I’m not forcing you to give me an answer right now. That’s up to you. I know that you’ve felt so much pain in your life. I may not understand it all, but I know. I just want to make sure that you understand… that when you need somebody, I’ll be here. When you need someone’s shoulder to cry on, I’ll be here. When you need somebody to complain to, to be happy with, to cheer with, to laugh with, or just company…,” Niall took my hand and pressed it to his chest, where I felt his beating heart, “I’ll be here. I’ll wait for you. As long as it takes. Whether we’re together or apart, you’ll always be with me. And if you really can’t let anybody in your heart just yet, at least let me…,” he took my cold hands in his warm ones and whispered, “make you happy before our time is up.”

            I felt my eyes tear up as I smiled. I let his hands go and threw my arms around him, smiling and crying at the same time. “Thank you, Niall.” I buried my face in his chest as he hugged back. “Thank you for being willing to wait for me.”

            “Don’t thank me, Cordelia. It’s you who made that choice.” I pulled away and looked into his beautiful eyes.

            He smiled and I said, “I might not be ready for a big step like that, but I think it’s safe to say… I think I like you too.”

            Niall broke out into a giant smile and pulled me to him. And that moment, I knew Niall had made his way onto a level of my heart where no one else had ever been.

~~~~

            I sighed, picking at the flowers on the ground. Niall was sitting next to me, his head on my shoulder. His head felt a bit heavy and I looked over to him. He was asleep. I laughed to myself and smoothed out his eyebrow. “You even look grumpy when you’re asleep,” I mumbled, smiling. Niall stirred a bit and I sighed. “I’m so sorry for making you worry, Niall. I made you get no rest at all.” I went back to picking the flowers.

            “I love you, Cordelia…,” I heard Niall mumble.

            My ears perked up and I glanced at him. “Huh?” I asked. “Niall?”

            He didn’t respond. I ran my fingers through his soft, blonde hair. I felt so happy and so secure. Maybe being with Niall isn’t that bad, I thought. But then I remembered the reason why I shut everyone out in the first place. What if he hurts me like everyone else? I wondered. That would just be my past, all over again. My feelings went from content to sorrowful once again. Maybe it’s better just to keep my distance.

~~~~

            I blinked, waking up. “Where am I?” I grumbled.

            “In my arms,” I heard Niall’s voice say.

            I felt myself blush and pull away. “S-sorry,” I apologized, feeling my face burn.

            “Nah, it’s fine.” Niall smiled. “You looked cold.”

            I shuddered. “I kinda am.”

            Niall reached out his arms and I scooted into them, enjoying his warmth. “Can’t we just stay this way forever?” I heard Niall ask me quietly.

            I felt the butterflies in my stomach again. “You make me happy, Niall,” I murmured quietly, closing my eyes. “I feel safe when I’m with you… and you listen to me, unlike other people.”

            Niall replied, “You make me feel the same way, Cordelia.”

            “But what does it mean?” I wondered aloud.

            “It means you like that person.”