Cheat » n.h.

10- Again

•Erin Krei•

I had decided to go back to school after three days of staying home. I knew it would be awkward, having to face Harry and Niall all at the same time. But, it was time to go back to reality free many days of living in paradise. By paradise, I mean not having to deal with anyone.

I blew out a breath as I observed my appearance in the mirror. My dark brown hair was thrown in a messy bun and my torso was covered in a floral print crop top, which was paired with black skinny jeans and my black Converse All Stars. I needed to look presentable after looking like shit for a week.

I ran a hand over my makeup free face. "C'mon, Erin, you can do this." I said to myself before slipping on my denim jacket and slinging my back pack over my shoulder.

"Ah, you look nice today. Glad you're going to school today, honey." My dad said, looking up from his daily newspaper.

I responded with a head nod and a small smile. I grabbed some pop-tarts and slid into a stool. I took a bite as I pulled out my phone.

"How's that Niall boy? You haven't talked to him in a while." He asked.

I furrowed my eyebrows, curious as to why my dad was suddenly so interested in knowing about my life. "Um, we are going through some stuff." I answered awkwardly.

"Oh," he frowned. "I'm sorry."

It was silent after that, only the sound of my dad drinking his coffee and pages turning. I wondered where Mom was because it was strange that she wasn't up and in the kitchen making pancakes. She was definitely an on-hands mom.

The time to leave for school and I was actually dreading it. I couldn't avoid them forever, though. Harry and Niall were one of the most important people in my life, despite the situation.

I left my house without a word and drove down the road to school.

//

"It's good to have you back, Erin." Liam said, patting me on the back lightly.

"Yeah, we were beginning to think that you died." Louis chuckled.

"No, well, I mean, I have to face reality some time, right?" I shrugged, rolling my eyes. "I'm just not looking forward to reality, that's all."

Louis and Liam nodded in understanding. I sighed and bit the inside of my cheek, waiting for class to begin.

-

Soon, I was regretting even coming to school. My next class was Quantam Physics, the only class I had that I enjoyed. But, Niall was also in that class.

I slowly made my way into Mr. Harrison's class. When I arrived, my eyes frantically searched around the room, looking for the familiar pair of blue eyes. I emitted a gasp when I found them, and his lips parted once he saw mine. Shaking my head, I remained calm and took my seat in front of Niall.

"Okay," Mr. Grayson announced, his loud voice projecting throughout the room. "Today, I will be distributing your end of the unit test. I will give you forty five minutes to complete the test and if you do not finish it in the time allotted, oh well."

I squeezed my eyes shut before swallowing. I opened my eyes and let air escape between my closed lips. "Thank you," I muttered quietly to Mr. Grayson as the packet of paper landed on my desk.

In the corner of my eye, I noticed Mary glancing at Niall. She knew what was go in on and she knew how awkward it was for me right now. She shot me an apologetic look. I shrugged.

"No talking, no creating disturbing noises, no cellphones and most importantly, no cheating."

It was silent as everyone focused on their test. About two minutes into the test, as I was on question seven, I felt a vibration on my lap. I looked down, seeing a message on my screen.

-have the answer for number six??

I clenched my jaw, glancing behind me to see Niall looking down at his lap, awaiting a response from me. Let me tell you something, he sure as hell ain't getting one from me.

I returned my attention to the test. Halfway into the test, again their was a vibration on my lap. I hit my lip, trying to resist looking at it, but , I couldn't help but glance.

-number thirty?

By this point, I was becoming pretty annoyed. My jaw clenched as I typed out my response.

-oh yeah, it's stop trying to fucking cheat, niall.

I finished the test twenty minutes later and I slid out of my seat to place the paper on Mr. Grayson's desk. I felt Niall's footsteps in back of mine, but I went back to my seat as if I hadn't known he was here.

Mr. Grayson ended class once everyone was done with the test. I immediately left the room and waited by some of the lockers, waiting for Niall to leave the room.

Once I took sight of his white Chuck Taylor's, I pulled him by his wrist. 

"What the hell is wrong with you, Niall? I thought we went over this, no more cheating."

He seemed taken aback by my sudden outburst, but I didn't really give a fuck.

"I'm sorry, Erin." Niall said, his blue eyes full of sincerity. I couldn't care less if he was being sincere, I was done.

"No, Niall. Sorry doesn't do it anymore. I gave you plenty of chances to make it up to me and you didn't." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Don't bother saying you won't do it again, because you said that the last time."

"Erin, I swear - "

"No. I'm done, Niall. I can't do this." I could hear my voice beginning to crack, but I couldn't cry over this. Over him.

"No, please. I'm so sorry." Niall begged, his hands coming up to grip my shoulders.

I shrugged his hands off. I bit the inside of my bottom lip, shaking my head as I looked into Niall's eyes. "Just don't talk to me anymore, okay?"

Before he could respond, I turned and walked away. I ignored the calls of my name as I headed into the girls bathroom. It wasn't long before In was sitting in a puddle of my own tears.

•Niall Horan•

I can't believe I was so stupid. If it weren't for that stupid college. If Erin only knew the reason why I cheated, then she wouldn't  be so mad at me.

My feet carried me out of the school. I needed to go talk to Amber Hall, the head of Grant University. I needed to tell her that I didn't want to go to Grant, not if it meant losing one of the most important people in my life.

Luckily, the drive to Grant wasn't very long, about two or three hours, but I could manage. Before I drove off, I sent a quick text to Ed, asking him to meet me at the gas station so I could pick him up.

I started the engine of my car and started my drive.

//

"I don't know how you're going to get out of this, mate. Won't your parents know if you're not going to Grant?" Ed asked, getting in the passenger seat.

"I don't know," I got into the drivers seat. "I'll figure it out eventually."

"It sucks ass that you're in this situation. I know that Erin meant a lot to you, it would suck to see you guys end." He shrugged.

I put the car into drive, pulling out of the gas station. "She did - does mean a lot to me. I won't let her get away from me this easily. I won't. I'll find away to get her back."

Ed chuckled. "Okay, man. But first, let's go talk to this Amber chick."

I nodded. "Yes, let's."

With that, I started the two hour drive that could possibly change everything.