I sat down comfortably on the floor, using an empty coffee bean sack for some warmth. It was freezing back here. My mind was racing. Who are these people? They know my father? They killed him. And Niall? Why is he being so protective? A kiss on the cheek? What the hell?!
I soon feel asleep, knowing that something unpredictable was going on just out side the door.
*Niall's POV*
I couldn't believe it. Audrey. I've spent all of this time protecting her, not even knowing what she looks like, besides from our childhood memories. Natilie has been my care taker since I was 17. She's always taken care of me, and now I'm 22 and having to help her out, with Audrey. Audrey was my best friend when I was 7, even though girls had cooties then, she was different then too. I never thought I would see her again.. And here she was. Literally showing up in my drive way.
"Natilie." I heard a cold voice call from the door way directly in front of me.
"Oh.. Look who else is here, 'the hero'. Niall James Horan." I recognized that voice. Cole. He made my father disappear.
"Low blow, mate." I jabbed.
"Look, Joseph, what now? You want even more money from us? My brother didn't leave us your precious cure. I don't know how many times I have to tell you that," Natilie chimed in.
Joseph's eyes studied her face hard. His jaw clenched, eyes tuned black with hatred.
"You're lying," he gripped her face hard between his hands. I stepped forward, and said
"Get your hands off of her. Now."
He looked at me and laughed. "What are you gonna do boy? Go cry mommy? Oh, wait, she's dead," he pushed the knife in a little deeper.
My fists clenched, nails digging into the palm of my hand as I reached for the weapon at my side. The gun was loaded.
"I will use this. Now get the fuck out!"
My jaw was tightened, teeth gritting against each other. I relocated my index finger to the trigger, and was ready to shoot.
"You'd better back off, mate. We're going. But don't mistake, we'll be back," he laughed and walked out of the front door.
I took Natilie's face between my hands, checking to see if she was okay. Her eye was severely bruised, and her nose was sore, but she would be okay.
"I'm going to go get Audrey... Hey, Natilie, thank you. I didn't know it was her.. And I'm glad I get to know her.. Even if it means almost getting killed."
She smiled weakly, and nodded as I strolled to the storage room. I felt my hands relax as I reached for the door handle, looking Down seeing blood run down through my palm and between my fingers.
"Damn.." I whispered to my self as I opened up the door, finding Audrey asleep. I smiled too my self, slowly walking over to her. I watched her sleep. She was so peaceful, so innocent looking. I repositioned a strand of hair, moving it away from her face. My fingers still had traces of dried blood on them, as I stroked her arm, easing her into consciousness.
"Hello, princess.. Did you have a good nap?" I smiled at her.
*Audrey's POV*
A gentle touch brought me from my sleep, accompanied by a velvet voice. When I saw it was Niall I immediately sat up.
"What happened? Please tell me. I'm scared Niall." Words flowed from my mouth so fast I didn't understand what I was saying. He wrapped his arms around me and hummed, "shhh.... It's okay. No one is going to hurt you. Shhh.."
Tears welled up in my eyes and I clenched to him tighter.
Once I settled down, he pulled away.
"Do you want to stay at my house? I know you just met me, but still.. I don't think you need to be alone. Or at least come eat dinner with me... That's the least I can do."
I nodded, "Only dinner."
He helped me to my feet, and we walked back into the shop to find Natilie. She was leaning on the counter, struggling to keep herself up. I was now fully awake, so Niall took long strides over to help her.
"Natilie? Are you okay?"
She looked up at him, smiled, and fell into his arms.
"Okay, she's dehydrated. Come over here to hold her up, I'll go get some water. She's going to have to come back to the house with us," he instructed as he got a glass of water and a straw from the tap. I nodded and got Natilie to open her eyes.
"Audrey, you okay?" She asked me.
"Y-yes, I'm fine. I'm more worried about you."
"Here," Niall commented, "drink some of this."
She sipped from the straw until the glass was gone, and we collected her things and another glass of water as we closed the shoppe.
