While We're Young

Chapter 7

        I open my eyes and they connect with bright green ones. I smile.

"Hey, Maddy!" Maddy has changed from her black and white waitress blouse and skirt and into a loose black shirt and skinny jeans. Now she definitely looks my age. I think for a moment them suggest we just hang out in my hotel room.

"I mean, if that's alright with you. I know it probably seems a little boring," I continue on, but Maddy shakes her head and says it's fine, she loves to relax. So we begin walking to the elevator.

"So, Maddy. What brings you to London?" I ask, starting up a conversation. 

"Oh I'm just here to study abroad for one year. I'm in my first year of college and I'm majoring in art history. I took it as an AP in high school and surprisingly I really enjoyed it! My professor suggested I come here since I want to study abroad because of the architectural designs and different art galleries," Maddy pauses as we step into the elevator and push the button to my floor. Since she mentioned art, my ears perk up a bit and I say, 

"Oh, I love art! I've been to the National Portrait Gallery recently while we've been here in London. I really enjoyed it and the rooftop restaurant was so amazing it was like a mouthgasm!" I moan slightly remembering the food and laugh. Maddy laughs as well and continues, 

"I've been there! The food was probably my favorite part of the museum to be honest. Since I'm really studying here I've been to so many incredible museums like the Serpentine Gallery, Tate Modern, Whitechapel Gallery, and the National Gallery! They all had so much wonderful art! I'm very glad I chose London for my study abroad!" Maddy grins and laughs lightly. Wow. She is serious about art. The elevator dings and the doors open. I can feel a hint of excitement rolling off Maddy. Excitement because I'm a friendly person or because I know the boys? Don't know, don't care! I swipe my key and push the door open, revealing my slightly messy room.

Maddy enters and I follow closely after, closing the door quickly behind us. I jump upon the bed and pat my hand on the soft covers beside me. She giggles slightly as she awkwardly jumps onto the bed and settles herself next to me. 

"So, " I begin, kicking my shoes off and gesturing as an invitation for Maddy to do the same and get comfortable, "where are you really from? I'm beginning to notice breaks in your accent, you're American aren't you?" Maddy nods her head and sighs,

"Yes, I've already picked up the accent, surprisingly fast actually. I feel so at home here. True, I don't have many friends besides my acquaintances at the school I'm studying at here. Still though I'm so used to everything here. Oh, and sorry for totally ignoring your question. I'm from New York. I attend NYU and it's okay so far. Not many nice people in New York unfortunately but you get used to it." I nod in understanding. I have heard that New York is filled with a bunch of busybodies but hey it's the city, the big apple- whatever that means. 

"What about you?" Maddy asks. 

"Not as exciting as you. I live in Wolverhampton here in England. I go to Northicote High School. We're on summer break right now but this upcoming school year will be my last before I go to college. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do with myself yet but I hope to get into Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts. Thinking of doing something with drama… or maybe singing if I can get the courage." Maddy's eyes widen a bit and she asks, sounding surprised,

"You can sing?" I breathe a laugh and respond,

"Well, sort of. I'm nothing amazing like the boys but I don't know I'm not terrible. Liam taught me how as I grew up with him." And this leads into Maddy asking about how I grew up with Liam and why I travel with him. So I tell her about my parents and life as Liam Payne's orphan cousin. She understands it all pretty well and doesn't ask too many questions. Damn this girl is pretty cool. Now I don't want to leave London! 

"How long will you guys be out here in London?" Maddy asks, mirroring my own thoughts.

"We still have about a week left here but then we head out to Harwich." I see Maddy's face fall a bit. I know, not much time, huh? May as well give her the best week of her life. I pull my phone out and send a message to five recipients.

Want to come by and hang out? This girl is pretty awesome. Hurry up and txt back.

In only half a minute I get a response from Louis

Any reason to hang with my bestie some more. Be there in a min.

Ouch. "Bestie." That hurt a bit. Am I already becoming really attached to Louis in a romantic way? He's still my best friend! Oh, a text from Liam!

Sorry, taking Zayn out to movie. Be safe, don't tell her anything very personal! Stranger danger, remember?

I laugh at the last part. So that leaves Harry and Niall. Very quickly, they both text me.

Sure, got nothin better to do. See u soon.

and

Awe sweet yeh let's watch movies and mess about! Pillow fight pillow fight!

Niall's makes me laugh. Maddy, still not knowing that I'm inviting the boys, gives me a questioning look. I grin and wiggle my eyebrows. 

"What?" Maddy asks. I just grin wider.

"C'mon, what is it?" She asks again, lightly shaking my shoulder. I poke her side and say,

"You'll see soooooon!" She pokes me back, making me squeal. Curse my excessively ticklish body! Suddenly there's a knock on my door. My grin widens to lip-tearing point and I jump up and run to the door, avoiding more evil pokes of torture from Maddy. I open my door and there they are, all 3 boys, grinning like a bunch of dorks. Well, who am I to call them a bunch of dorks for grinning while my mouth is close too splitting. I turn around.

"Maddy, I think you've been introduced to these boys." And Maddy's smile is brighter than I've seen it so far.