Hopeless

Chapter 43

A/N I'm going to skip some time, about three weeks, and they're at the last tour stop, Amsterdam. 

Niall's POV

Our tour was wrapping up, and Phoenix couldn't perform for us since we got the news that she had mono. She came to meet 'n' greets, did signings and interviews, and was still a part of the show, but she couldn't perform. It broke my heart not to be able to see my baby girl out doing what she loved, but I understood the medical reasons behind it. 

Ever since her last nightmare, which was the night before the doctor's appointment, I've felt like she and I have been drifting apart. Or rather, she was drifting apart from me. Tonight, after the show, I had a nice dinner planned out, because it was our last night on tour away from home. 

Phoenix's POV

It was our last night on tour before we went and did a couple shows in England to wrap up the tour. Then, we'd have about a month off, and then we'd have to hit the studio hard and crank out some more songs, if not, an entire album. Great. That was going to be fun. But at least I had a couple weeks off to finish recovering from the mono.

Niall asked me if I would accompany him to dinner after the show tonight, and I said yes. I was hoping to maybe break it to him gently that we weren't really going to work out. 

After choosing my outfit and scrolling through Pinterest for a hair and makeup look, I took a shower and blow-dryed my hair. I've been having more energy recently, so I've taken advantage of that slightly. I wasn't 100%, but I could do simple things like choose an outfit, take a shower, get ready for the day, etc. 

"PAYRIN! DANI!" I called out. The hair and makeup looks were a little bit more complicated than I had energy or patience for, so I would need my prep team to help me out. 

"Yes?" Dani came running in, Payrin following close behind. 

"For the last show abroad," I showed them my phone.

Dani immediately ran off to get her makeup palettes while Payrin grabbed the hair tools she would need. Dani came back and started on my foundation while Payrin clipped sections of my hair in order to complete the style I wanted.

***45 minutes later***

"I love it," I looked in the mirror in awe. It was gorgeous!!!!!!

After my hair and makeup were done, we had to go to the arena to wait backstage while the concert went on.

"Break a leg!" I wished to all the lads as they ran out on stage and performed their hearts out.

After the concert was over, Niall led me to a dock, and we got on a boat with lots of romantic lighting. He pulled out my chair for me, and we took our seats as the waiter brought us food: chicken alfredo: my favourite.

We both tucked in, and that chicken alfredo was the best stuff I've ever tasted! After dinner, we had some ginger ale, because I'm underage, and we both like it. 

"So," we both started to say at the same time. I giggled a little.

"Go ahead," I said, taking a sip.

"Ladies first," he insisted. 

I took another sip of ginger ale and took a deep breath. This could get ugly. 

"I, well, I wanted to say that I think it's time to go our separate ways," I said, slowly but evenly, gauging Niall's face the entire time. 

"I agree," he said after a little bit of time. 

"You do?" I questioned, curious as to why he felt that way.

"Yeah. We've been drifting apart for a while, and I'll always love you. You still love me, am I right?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Our love is still there, but it's changed. No longer is it that boyfriend-girlfriend love, but that brother-sister love," he went on explaining. 

My jaw dropped in shock. How could he have known I was thinking that exact same thing? I loved him like I loved Harry.

"So you don't hate me?" I squeaked out timidly.

"No, not at all. I actually admire you for having the guts to say what's on your mind. It shows that you're mature for your age. And that's a good thing," he answered.

I stood up, placing my napkin on the table, and Niall stood up too. 

"Besides, it's time that we go our separate ways. I'll be on tour a lot, and you're still sick, plus, you'll probably have your own tours as well," Niall helped me off the boat and onto the dock. 

We walked back to the bus in silence, holding hands. We were still fond of each other, but he was right. It's time. He could become even bigger, or I could become big, and then the pain and stress of touring, plus rumours of cheating and whatnot. I didn't want to have to deal with that right now. 

We climbed back on the bus, and he climbed into his bunk while I took off my makeup and brushed through my hair, changing into my pajamas as well. I had just exited the bathroom, my stuff in hand, when I was pressed against the wall. My stuff dropped as I was in shock of who had cornered me: Michael Clifford.

"It's been so long since I wanted to say this, but, I am in love with you," he whispered in my ear.

"Me too," I whispered back.