It's Better In Black & White ✎ n.h.

Chapter 4

Paige's POV

"What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised.

"And how did you find my room?" I added as an after thought.

Niall's gaze flickered around the room nervously as if he hadn't thought out a response for those questions. 

"Uh, I'm hungry. I'm going to go get something to eat, do you want something?" Lauren asked me. I shook my head no and said a quick 'thank you'.

"Alright then, be back in a bit" she said slowly. She was obviously trying to leave us alone and I should not want that but for some reason I did. I wanted Niall to tell me why he was here but he wasn't going to until we were alone.

"I could eat something too" Liam commented absentmindedly. "Can I come?" he asked.

It was clear by the pink shade on his cheeks that he was blushing while he avoided Lauren's gaze.

"Uh, um sure why not?" Lauren said with a shaky laugh. I took my time in studying her face and realized that she was as nervous as Niall's friend was.

I couldn't help the smile that spread on my lips.

"Well are you guys leaving or are you going to stand there and keep talking about eating?" I asked with an arched eyebrow.

They both mumbled something I couldn't quite catch and then Liam opened the room's door for Lauren and followed her out, closing the door once he was out.

As soon as Lauren and Liam left, a really awkward silence spread between Niall and me.

I busied myself opening my suitcase and putting some of my clothes on drawers since this room was going to be my home for the next month.

The whole time I was completing that task, I could feel Niall's unnerving eyes on me.

"Are you planning on talking any time soon or should I catch up with Lauren and eat something?" I asked without looking at him.

I wasn't really thinking on catching up with Lauren, I know there is this little chemistry between her and the boy with the sweet brown eyes so I was not going to be the third wheel.

I only said this, hoping to get Niall talking, or leaving, whichever he chose to do worked for me.

I needed to call my mother and my boyfriend, Derek.

Jesus! I forgot to call Derek.

Mike probably already talked to him letting him know I got here about two hours ago, he's going to be so angry!

"So?" I urged him on, I really needed him to get this over with so I could make those two phone calls, but for some reason I didn't dare tell him that.

"At the elevator, you acted like you didn't know me or the guys, but like I had thought, you didn't forget who I was because you weren't surprised to see me in your room" his Irish accent was thick and he talked really fast so I found myself replaying what he said on my mind to understand what he said.

"I'm sorry about that" I said honestly; I didn't elaborate on why I did it and he noticed.

"So why did you do it?" he asked with a frown.

I didn't owe him any explanation, I didn't even know him.... but at the same time I knew I had hurt his feelings, I could see it in his bright blue eyes watching me unblinkingly, and I felt guilty.

"The guy I was with, Michael, he's my supervisor for this trip".

That was all I could say without mentioning Derek.