A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

Chapter 20

Authors Note:

I'm so sorry that it has taken so long to update. I've been so busy lately and I really haven't had time to write. I really want to make this story as good as it can be, so please be patient with me.

I also want to thank all of you who read, comment and vote on my story. It shows me just how much you guys like my story.

Thanks, love you all

Xoxo

~Taylor Elyse~

Chapter 20

NIALL'S POV

"I'm so sorry you had to hear it like this. Before you commit to anything, you have to know that she WAS your best friend back in Ireland. John and I never really forgot you. You were both so little and I didn't think you'd remember her. She was only three and you have to understand that. I'm so sorry Niall.", Claire tried to explain.

"I can't believe it! I've found my best friend again. It's been so long since she left. It's a miracle that we've found each other. Do you think I could help make her remember?"

"I don't know if she will?", Claire answered.

"I have the perfect idea. We have some trails to ride and a picnic to get too! We should be off. Do you have the picnic packed?"

"Not yet. Lets go before they suspect something."

We rode through gorgeous meadows and rolling hills before we got to the lake. It was a small clearing with a large willow tree at one end. We rode over to the massive tree and Claire pointed me in the direction of my friends.

"I'll go back and get the last of the picnic ready and have it here in about twenty minutes. Can you stall her for that long?", she asked.

"Yeah, I think I can manage it.", I smirked.

"Good luck!", Claire shouted as she rode back to the house.

I turned in the direction Claire pointed out and rode for a good while until I spotted them.

"Hey babe, it's been to long since I saw that beautiful face of yours.", I smirked as I bent down to kiss my girl.

"Well okay then. That was a bit awkward.", Liam announced.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself.", I answered back. "Oh Abby, did you want to tell them or should I?"

"I'll tell them..Umm...Niall and I are dating. It probably wasn't that big of a surprise to y'all anyway.", Abby blushed a bright pink.

"Wow, your accent is really coming out now.", I pointed out.

"I'm know I'm to country for you, sorry babe.", she smiled at me.

"Well, how about we ride and see the rest of your beautiful home.", I announced. I bent down and whispered into Abby's ear," I have a surprise for you after we get done."

We rode all around the lake but I made sure we didn't get close to the willow tree until I knew the twenty minutes were up. We stayed back so I could ask Abby if she would ride alone with me to the willow tree. She agreed and rode up to Bailee and asked if she would lead the way back to the stables.

We said our goodbyes and I lead her up to the willow tree. I saw a red and white checkered blanket spread out and a picnic basket waiting under the tree. We sat down among the long branches of the tree, with sunlight breaking through, casting shadows on our skin. I pulled out our sandwiches and drinks and we had a lovely meal. I wasn't really sure if she would like the surprise I had for her, but I was going to give it to her anyway.

"Abby, there's something I want to give you."

"What is it Niall?"

"This.", I reached into my pocket and pulled out the golden locket.

"Oh Niall, it's beautiful. This old locket of mine is getting a little to old to wear anymore. Thank you so much."

"Who gave you that locket?", I asked, to see if she could remember.

She looked down, trying to remember who I was back then. "Well, I can't seem to..wait a minute, I remember a little boy with brown hair and blue eyes give me this locket. He gave it to me in Ireland, the day I left. His name was Ni...", she looked up, and knew that it was me.

"I remember that day like it was yesterday Abby. I had a little chat with your mother. She told me about your past and how we are connected. I can't believe we found each other. Do you still have that picture of you in the locket?"

"Yes I do. We were so little then, but I do remember you. All I remember about Ireland is you." She opened the locket to reveal a worn down picture. In the locket, there was an inscription 'Don't forget me'. It was something I always said to her every day before we went home back in Ireland.

I opened my locket to reveal a picture of me and the inscription that she said 'Never'.

"Remember when we took that picture?", I asked her.

"It was the only sunny day in Ireland around Christmas. We took the picture outside my house. I can't believe how much we've grown up and you, you're a star! Oh Niall, I've missed you!", Abby started to cry.

I grabbed her in a hug and rocked her until she calmed down. "May I?", I asked before she agreed and took off the old locket. She put the picture of her in the new locket and placed the old one in her pocket. She pulled her hair off to one side and I slid my hands down around her neck and kissed her cheek. She turned around to look at me, the gold locket gleaming every time she moved.

"Open it.", I asked.

Abby opened the locket and saw that there was a new inscription inside. 'You were my first'.

"Oh Niall, it's beautiful. Thank you.", she turned around and kissed me.

"How did I deserve such a girl like you?" My heart raced every time I thought about our first kiss. She was my first love, and hopefully my only love.

"We should be getting back Niall, it's getting kind of late."

"Alright, but can we take our time. I want to spend as much alone time with you as I can. Come on, lets go." I held my girlfriends hand as we rode back to the stables. This turned out to be the perfect night. Then I remembered what I have to do tonight. How can I convince Abby's parents that they should let their daughter come with me on a world wide tour? I guess we will just have to figure it out, together.