See You Again

chapter six

This isn't what I had planned on doing so early in the morning. My mom has dragged me out to the grocery store a little ways away from the lake house.

"But didn't you guys just go to the farmers market? We don't eat that much," I complain.

"Honey, you can't get everything at a farmers market. Plus I forgot a few things. Your dad was rushing me telling me he was hungry or ready to sit down and whatnot. He's where you got that trait, you know?" I laugh as I grab a box of Little Debbie's brownies. "Jennifer! You know those aren't good for you! Especially since you'll eat the whole box in a day!" I kind of shrug a little. "So."

We continue getting stuff that lives up to my moms healthy living standards. Why can't she let loose just a little for vacation?

"Mom don't forget to grab my mozzarella sticks! I'm gonna go grab yogurt."

I head towards the dairy section at the other side of the store to get my favorite snack. Once I head back, I see someone standing with my mom. They seem to be in deep conversation when I approach.

"Hey darling, this is Maura," my mom says and I instantly remember the face of who she's speaking to.

I smile and shake her hand. "You're Niall's mom correct? I'm Jennifer." She confirms my belief and that explains why she answered the door a few days ago when I invited Niall over to eat with us.

"We're just picking up some stuff we couldn't find at the market the other day," my mom says. Maura tells us she's picking up things for dinner and how much she dreads cooking such a big meal.

"Why don't you guys come? It'd be nice to have some girls around." Going to Niall's finally? I mean he comes over to our place all the time so maybe it'd be good to go there once. I tell my mom it's a good idea and she gladly accepts.

After saying our goodbyes to Maura and picking up a few more goods, we check out and leave.

"Mom, what do you think I should wear tonight?" I ask for advice to which she raises her eyebrows.

"Looks like you're worried about impressions?"

"No, it was just a casual question. Should I go t-shirt and jeans or something more formal like a sundress?"

"You like him, don't you?"

"No."

"Yes you do."

"No I don't."

"Jennifer's got the hots for Niall." There goes her wiggly eyebrows.

"Shut up. You're wrong."

There's a moment of silence.

"I'd wear that striped dress of yours. He'll like it." I try to hide my smile before giving up and letting myself laugh at my mom and her attitude. She gets me and I'm so glad she's always there to help.

Later, I sit on the edge of my moms bed watching her do her makeup. She claims she doesn't want to look too overdone but truth is, I think she wants to impress the neighbors. They're quite possibly the only friends my parents have a chance at making in this small town. Mrs. Moore was nice and all but she was older than my own grandma. Us kids visited her more often than my parents did.

"You should go finish getting ready," I'm told by my mom who knows I need as much time as I can get. I agree and go to my room to put on my outfit. I've got my makeup done up a little with my hair in waves. The black and white striped dress is paired with a green military style coat. As for shoes, I'm not sure if I should go with black and gold sandals or my white converse. I decide to ask for my moms guidance.

"Definitely don't wanna be too dressy. Go casual with the converse."

So I slide my shoes on and my entire family waits on my mom to finish up.

"I'm ready, I'm ready! Come on, let's walk over." We walk next door and wait for them to answer the door. It's Niall. He's dressed in a light blue button up and khakis, making him look so irresistible.

"Hey guys, come on in!" He lets everyone inside the house and I wait to walk in last. I take in all of my surroundings, checking out the new additions.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Niall says with a huge smile on his face. "The kitchen is that way and-" he begins. "You've forgotten I used to come here all the time when Mrs. Moore lived here. I know where everything is."

I look around some more, taking in all the differences. The place has changed so much due to some simple decor changes. It brings back so many memories.

I walk into the kitchen with Niall following behind. I greet his mom and introduce myself to his stepdad whose name is Chris. He seems friendly and by the looks of the home, he's into hunting. I wonder if he ever takes Niall hunting.

My mom helps Maura put some finishing touches to her cooking while us kids sit at the table waiting patiently. My dad and Chris seem to have clicked almost instantly as they laugh and talk, beers in hand.

Once the food is done, we're all served and we each finish pretty fast. The food was incredible and Niall claims it's because of his moms Irish roots.

Now, Chelsea and I sit out back watching the two boys play a game of soccer. We take turns cheering for each of them and offering our dumb cheers. After the games is over, the victor aka Niall suggests that him and I go for a walk. I'm a bit suspicious until I Phil tells me he's not going because he promised Chelsea he'd teach her some soccer.

As we walk we talk about our plans for the year. He says he plans to get a better grade in calculus and I tell him I want to start playing tennis again.

"Are you any good at calculus? Tutor me?" He jokes.

The two of us also talk about his older brother Greg being in the military and having been part of it for two years already. I tell him stories of arguments between me and my siblings. By that time, we're near the lake. We walk along the water and we take in the view of the orange sunset along the horizon.

"This is so beautiful, the view. Probably the prettiest thing I've seen in a long time," I tell the boy standing next to me.

"Not me," he says and I look up at him. His face is serious as he stares deep into my eyes. His blue ones seem to captivate me so much that I can't look away.

At that moment, he did it. He leaned forward and kissed me. I felt tingly inside, filled with shock and surprise. I kiss back immediately.

We stayed like that for a while longer, him pulling back first.

"You're so cute when you blush," he laughs. I hug him tight as he rubs his hands on my back in a vertical motion. In this moment I'm so comforted. He then pulls me back gently by my shoulders.

"You've made me the happiest guy in these past few days."

"You've made me the happiest girl since the day I met you, Niall."

"I hope you'll let me continue making you happy," he replies.

I like him. A lot. And I'll do anything possible to make him as joyful as he makes me.

sooo here's is the inevitable moment we've all been waiting for! how about any ship name suggestions? what about #Jiall? let me know if you've got anything you'd like to suggest!