It's Better In Black & White ✎ n.h.

Chapter 11

Paige’s POV

“You are what?!” Lauren’s almost-shriek didn’t startle me at all. I saw it coming. We had known each other for a week. Just one week; and I already knew her very well.

“I’m gonna hangout with Niall tonight” I repeated patiently. I’m sure the shock would wear off eventually.

“Anyone else?” she asked, curiosity seeping into her voice.

“No. I think it’s just the two of us” I said slowly.

“Oh-my-god-you’re-going-on-a-date-with-Niall” she gushed, without bothering on pausing or breathing between words.

“It’s not a date, Lauren!” I exclaimed, with a roll of eyes following soon afterwards.

“It so is!” she argued. I let out a frustrated breath.

“We are hanging out, that’s it. I can’t be going on dates, I have a boyfriend!” I blurted out.

She saw my closed expression and arched an eyebrow.

“Does Niall know that?” she asked, already knowing the answer but still ready to make her point.

“No” I murmured softly.

“When are you going to tell him?” she inquired. I gave a sharp shrug and she sighed.

“You know you have to tell him. If this kid likes you, he deserves to know the truth, so he’ll know what he’s getting into. I know you’re about to argue that he’s not getting into anything and blah-blah-blah, but just let me talk and listen okay?” I nodded and she continued.

“Whatever happens tonight… he deserves the honest truth. It would suck if he found out by someone else; and no I’m not threatening to tell him if you don’t. This is your problem, you have to deal with it. I’m not butting in more than giving you advice, I really don’t need the drama.

Now, I know you’re going to keep telling yourself that this is not a date and whatnot and you’ll try to believe it. I can’t stop you from thinking whatever you want but I can say this. If you guys go out to eat after ‘hanging out’, which by knowing Niall I’m sure you will, then look for these signs:

1. If he tells you to order whatever you want, it’s a date.

2. If he argues to pay for you, it’s a date.

3. If he finds any reason to make physical contact, for ANY silly reason; it’s a date.

4. Cellphone. If it’s on him, then it means he’s expecting his friends to text and ask him how things are going. If he doesn’t have it anywhere in sight, he wants nothing to distract him from you. That would be a date” Lauren stopped talking when she saw my are-you-serious-look.

“Okay, fine. I’m done anyways, just keep those things in mind” she mumbled.

“Yeah, yeah I will. You need to chill a bit” I joked, bumping my shoulder against hers.

“What are you talking about? chill is my middle name okay? You should be excited though, you know how many girls wish and pray at night to be in your place? Going out with Niall Horan is a pretty big deal missy” but her mocking tone was cut-off by a couple of unsure knocks on our suite’s door.

“Oh God, that’s him” I whispered, suddenly feeling nerves crawl up my skin in the form of goosebumps.

“Flirt like there’s no tomorrow and have fun!” Lauren gushed quietly before reaching to open the door.