The Niall Novel

*MPOV*

As my eyelids flutter open I feel his arms tighten around me. He seems so peaceful, his breathing so even. This softness in his features is abnormal. The corners of his lips are, for the first time in a long time, almost pulled up in to a smile.

" Jerry," I whisper, tracing my finger over his jaw bone. " Jerry, we've got to get up." He moans loudly, rolling over. I nudge his shoulder lightly.

" 5 more minutes Meg," he mumbles, hugging his pillow. Rolling my eyes, I climb off the bed. I slip on my shorts, scanning the room for my shirt.

Not on the floor.

Not under the bed.

Not in the bathroom.

I roll my eyes again, slipping on a blue plaid shirt belonging to Jerry. I roll up the sleeves to my elbows and slip on my Converse.

Quietly, I tiptoe into the bathroom. The sound of the running water is almost dull. I run my wet fingers through my messy hair, tying it up.

" Meg" he calls, tapping on the door. " What are you doing up so early?" I open the door only a crack. He smiles a lazy smile, the smell of alcohol lightly oozing from his breath.

" I'll only be a moment," I say, trying to close the door. He puts his foot in the crack,stopping me. I push it harder, trying to force him out. " I'm almost finished. " He huffs loudly pushing the door towards me. I walk over to the sink, slightly annoyed. I stare into the mirror, focusing on the reflection of him striding towards me. He comes forth slowly, leaving a gentle kiss on my cheek. He sets his hands on my hips, fisting the ends of the shirt.

" Is this my shirt," he breathes, his his nose brushing up against my cheek. I nod slightly, my cheeks filling red. He pulls himself closer to me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

" Take it off," he presses his lips to my neck, sucking lightly. I wiggle away, to his displeasure.

" Not right now," I giggle, slipping out the door. His footsteps echo down the hall behind me.

" Where are you going ?"

" To Niall's flat. " He looks at me, slightly puzzled. " He's asked me I help him unpack."

He rolls his eyes, " Not in that you're not. " he fists the back of the shirt, pulling me to him. Turning to face him, I shove him away.

He grabs my wrist, tugging me in again. Without a word, he begins to unbutton it.

" Knock it off," I yell, undoing his actions. He slaps my hands away, pinning them to my sides. Again, he undoes the buttons. " Why can't I wear it ?" I pout, batting my eyelashes. He lets out a sharp sigh, his fingers wrestling with mine. With his thumb, he pushes one of mine back.

"Ow!" I yelp, pulling away. He wraps his hand around my wrist tightly, again, pinning it to my side. " You're hurting me!"

He smiles a bitter smile, tightening his grip.

" Let go," I yell, shoving him in to the wall. He draws his hand back, expressionless, sending it shooting across my face.

My eyes widen in terror. He licks his lips, leaving his mouth agape.

" I-I didn't mean to Meg," he stammers. He reaches his hand out, to press his cool fingertips to the red mark on my cheek. I back away quickly, practically tripping over my own feet. " Come back he hollers as I dart down the hall.

" Where are you going," he mumbles, following me out the door. Without another word, I walk down the street, in the direction of Niall's flat.