Running Into Destiny (Niall Horan)

Chapter 12: Truly, Madly, Deeply

Two months later

Emma's P.O.V.

"Harry, I'm worried about Natalie," I blurted out when he finally picked up the call.

"Is everything okay? What's going on Em?" he asked.

"I honestly don't know. I mean, I just... She's acting more and more like she used to... when she was dating Andrew," my voice lowered.

"Do you think she's seeing him again?" His voice lowered as well. I heard the boys laughing and joking around in the background.

"No, she's not. Natalie never leaves the apartment any more unless it's for school or work. She hasn't gone for a run in ages, and she loves running. She hardly ever smiles, and constantly hides in her room. Lately I've been hearing her cry herself to sleep as well. I don't know what's upsetting her; she won't talk to me," my voice quivered as I told everything to Harry. I could hear him get up and walk away, the background noise becoming less prominent.

"Oh Em, don't worry about it. We'll figure this out, yeah?" he spoke soothingly through the phone, trying to keep me calm.

"Yeah, I just wish you guys were here," I said rubbing my forehead. "She was more like her old self when you guys were around, and I bet Niall could get Natalie to tell us what's on her mind.'

"Why do you think that?" he asked confused.

"I don't know, it was just the way she interacted with Niall. I've never seen her so open with anyone like that before."

"Huh, well I think it's safe to say that we all know that Niall fancies Natalie. The lads and I tease him about it all the time, but he hasn't admitted it out loud that he does yet." I could hear Harry's deep laugh, and it made me smile a little.

"I would say that Natalie likes Niall but she hasn't exactly been the most sociable person as of late."

"Yeah, I suppose," Harry's deep voice rang. "Well Emma, I've got to go. We'll talk soon, yeah?"

"Alright, talk soon Harry. Miss you all," I tried to disguise the sadness in my voice.

"We miss you three as well. Say hello for me."

"I will. Goodbye, Haz."

"Goodbye, Em."

I hung up the phone and looked at my best friend. Natalie laid across her bed snoring lightly, her ear buds barely sitting in her ears anymore. I heard Anna come in behind me.

"How's she doing?" she asked quietly.

"I don't know Anna, she refused my offer to go for a run again. I'm really worried about her. She's not herself anymore."

"I know. I talked to Jimmy, asked him if he would talk to her."

"And?"

"Said he would tomorrow. Here's hoping all goes well."

Natalie's P.O.V.                 The Next Day

It had been nearly a week since Niall and I skyped last. I knew we didn't have much time, but I missed him dearly and wasn't going to pass up this opportunity. We texted constantly and he called when he could, but it just wasn't the same. When we skyped I could pretend we were in the same room, talking face-to-face. I missed having him near. We were bantering like usual when I heard my doorbell ring.

"Hey Nat, it's me!" a familiar voice called loud enough for me to hear.

"I'll be right there! Go ahead and let yourself in!" I yelled over my shoulder.