The Side You Don't Hear (1D)

Chapter 26

Not edited. Blah.  Sorry, not sorry. Enjoy munchkins.

Niall's POV

                I whistled cheerily as the boys and I made our way down the hallway to visit Louis, who is now, thankfully, awake.  It's the first time we'll have gotten to speak with him since he practically died yesterday, and we're all looking forward to it.  Liam was swinging a bag of Lou's favorite snacks, grinning like an idiot.  There's no doubt who is on his mind right now, but I can't say his newfound happiness is necessarily a good thing in the long run.  We all know Harry could turn up again at any moment, and I personally don't know how he'll handle the situation. 

                Zayn was leading the way, coming to a sudden stop as we reached Louis' door.  He turned, shooting us a grin, before pushing the door open and letting out a cheerful bellow as he belly flopped on top of Louis, who let out a breathless 'oompf' at the weight.

                "A simple hug would have sufficed," he mumbled through a mouthful of Zayn's hair.

                "Where's the fun in that?" Liam questioned, joining the dog pile, but supporting his own weight.

                "There is none!" I added, throwing myself on top of Liam.

                "I can't breathe," Louis huffed out, pretending to choke.

                "Oh, stop overreacting," Zayn grumbled, pushing us off of him so he could get up.  Louis let a smile crack and sat up in his bed slowly.  There was still a bandage wrapped around his head and he had a bit of a black eye, but other than that, he looked fine.  As the snacks were dished out and the conversation started flowing, I couldn't help but tune out.  Louis was talking to Liam about how he was able to hear everything happening while he was in his coma, which Liam found very interesting and helped him fill in the gaps.  Zayn seemed to be on the same page as me, seeing as he had checked out awhile ago and was now staring at his phone.  I opened a new bag of chips, popping one in my mouth, just as my phone started to ring.  It was a blocked number.

                "Hello?" I answered cautiously.

                "Don't react," the unmistakable voice on the other end said, "make up a lie and leave the room." 

                "It's my mom, I'm gonna take it outside," I mumbled to Zayn who simply nodded, not looking up from his phone.  I walked out, closing the door quietly behind me.  I held the phone to my chest as I walked to the stair well before bringing it up to my ear again.  "Harry!"

                "Hey Niall, how's it going?" he deeply chuckled, a sound I missed very much.

                "Good, mate, but it would be better if you were here!" I exclaimed, unable to hold back a smile.  It didn't matter how mad at him I am, just hearing his voice makes it all okay.

                "I know, I'm sorry.  I'm doing everything I can," he sighed heavily.

                "What exactly are you doing?" I asked Harry curiously.  As far as I knew, all he was doing was running away from us, not trying to get back.

                "I really don't know," he answered honestly, "but I promised Alice I would bring Clark back, and as much as I've fucked up recently, that's one promise I don't want to break if I don't have to."

                "then just come back, man!  We love and miss you!  We'll handle everything with management and keep you hidden if that's what it takes, but we just need you back.  Nothing is the same without you," I pleaded with him, letting my desperation seep into my voice.