Trust Me (A One Direction Fan Fiction)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

If it was my decision, I would not be here. He is the man I need to talk to; so everything- place, time, who would pay- was all up to him. The subject was mine to discuss, but we had to do so on his time. It was a bit ridiculous, I know, but I was in desperate need for good advice. Calling Louis, I knew it was the best choice. Harry always said he gave the best advice, even when he was stuck in his own situations. So when I see his brown quiff, that Lou always styles perfectly, enter the doorway at this expensive café, I straighten up, ready to get down to business. But no, Louis doesn't see it this way. He sits down slowly, then looks up to meet my eyes.

"Niall, my boy! Why are you so tense and serious?! Very unlike you!" He muses.

It is in this moment that I realize maybe I am a little too tense, and I'm taking this very seriously when I'm not really sure what the situation is. My mind is clouded, and I'm so confused. But that's the reason why we're here; for Louis to give me a push in the right direction.

I don't know how or when, but the waitress has placed two blueberry muffins on the table along with coffee and cream. Louis reaches for his coffee, avoiding the cream, and takes small sips. I'm not a fan of coffee, but I do enjoy blueberry muffins. I wonder if Riley likes them too? Oh no. Did I really just think that? I can't even- I place the muffin down, not feeling so hungry anymore. I think Louis has seen my hesitation, because he delicately introduces his mug to the table. He looks at my face carefully, taking in every inch. This makes me uncomfortable, so I shrink back a little further into my seat.

"Niall, what's wrong? I haven't seen you so sulk and dark like this since- well you know."

Who doesn't know? That's all anyone ever worries about when it comes to me. The constant threats and conversations- filled with profanity- with people who I shouldn't have cared a damn about. I always get myself into messy situations. But that was the worst. Family. Family? Who am I kidding? Friends of who I thought was family.

Greg. My brother. My guide on into really understanding life. His friends, though, they didn't like me. And of course they didn't like how I sang. Every time I was home, they would abuse me with their "banter" and playful hits. My brother was unfazed. He laughed with them, adding in his own commentary here and there.

I still feel wrapped in their hold every so often, maybe because I still have no clue whether or not he realizes it wasn't some game for them. It wasn't a game for me. It really did hurt me. Maybe it's because I'm sensitive or maybe it's because I was so sure of my brother's care over hate towards me. I don't know, and I don't think I ever will. It took me long periods of time to reveal these horrors to the guys.

I kept it within me for so long- Cause let's face it, yeah? Anyone who hears what happened will just think I'm a pussy. And you know what? They don't have to hold that opinion over me because it's true. I am a fucking pussy who will cry over the treatment of my brother and his pathetic friends. And not a day goes by that I hate myself for it. That's why for publicity, we made fans believe that I am constantly hurt and terrified from the rude comments from some fans.

But in reality, I could care three shits about the opinions of people I don't know. I care about loyalty within family. So now, everyone checks up on me every once in awhile. Because they think I'll grow dark again. I'm sick of it. Everyone thinking I'm weak. I'm over it. As long as I believe I'm okay, I will not fall back under the strong hands of wrath and pain.

But today, I don't feel so sulk and dark like Louis believes I may be. I'm in desperate need to find this girl. I want to know her. But how do I do so the right way? So I brush away Louis's thoughts with reassurance that I'm truly just fine. I explain to him what had happened just a week ago from today, and he listens. He really listens. The thing I like about Louis is that you can really tell whether or not he cares about what you're telling him. His eyebrows knit together; his eyes don't show humor. It's in this moment where you see the man Louis hides under his young skin.

When I'm done talking, Louis's eyes look to the table, moving like he's thinking in rapid speed. A few moments pass by; I grow so impatient that I'm convinced the clock is haunting me. Eventually, he looks up from the table and I feel my heart slowing.

"What did you say her name was?" This question takes me by surprise for some odd reason. Does he really care about her name?

But since Louis is Louis, I answer with a smile. "Riley."

"Riley, yeah? That's a bit strange and slightly ironic." He senses my confusion.

"Really? You don't know?" I give a slow shake of my head.

"Riley. It's Irish. Meaning courageous; brave. You know, you can tell a lot about a person just by knowing their name. If you think she will retaliate from you, you're wrong. I think she'll be quite curious mentally, no matter what reaction you may get. She could be a snob, but you could change her. She will be open to the ideas, but still stand her ground. You have to realize right now, if you want to form something with her, you have to be prepared for any obstacles being thrown your way, even if she doesn't put them there. Do you think you're ready to take in something like this?"

Yes. Years of searching; searching for what? Love? Someone to be with? Has the miner finally found the gold? Is she the answer I could possibly need in this place? Maybe I'm thinking way ahead of myself. I don't know anything about her. But I'm ready to find out. So I tell Louis I'm ready, and he's beaming. He starts rambling off about our "game plan", and the whole time I'm sitting here with a wide smile, agreeing to everything. You know why? Because I am going to meet her.