That was the summer I met Niall

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

“There she is!” My Dad said, before whistling as I appeared at the bottom of the stairs holding Mia’s hand.

I smiled at my Dad and spun Mia around in a circle, causing her to laugh.

I watched as my Mom put down her magazine with a look of concern in her eyes and get up, making her way across the lounge.

“Honey, will you go get Ava’s food ready?”

My Dad began to protest but I noticed her give him the ‘look’ and he quickly exited the lounge, calling Mia to help him.

My Mom placed both her hands on either side of my face and wiped under my eyes with her thumb.

“You’ve been crying.” She stated.

My lip quivered and I attempted a smile.

She called me over to the couch and I followed her, sitting down too.

“Exactly 17 years ago today I was also packing my bags and sobbing, Ava. I didn’t want to leave, I couldn’t leave. Over the past 3 months your Dad had become a part of me, so I know how you are feeling. You are confused and helpless. I wish I could keep you here forever, baby girl, I really do, but Niall is going to leave for home soon too. If it’s meant to be then you two will find a way back to each other, and if not, there will be other guys, Ava.” She said, squeezing my hand.

“Not like him, Mom.”

She leaned over and kissed my head, pulling me into a hug. I breathed in her Mom-like scent and immediately felt at ease. I pulled back and smiled, genuinely this time.

“It’s me and Niall’s last night together, I must not, for any reason, be sad and ruin it.” I said with determination.

“I love you, Ava.”

 I looked up as my Dad entered the room with Mia close behind. He looked shaken up, pale, uneasy.

“What is it, Tim?” My Mom asked, sensing his uneasiness too. “Are you sick?”

She looked concerned as she got up and walked over to him, placing her hand on him forehead. Mia was playing happily on the couch with a few Barbies, oblivious to the scene around her.

I relaxed as my Dad walked out onto the porch, saying he just needed some air. My Mom followed him out.

“Ava,” she called over her shoulder. “go have your dinner now or else you are going to be late.”

I watched as she disappeared out the door and onto the porch before I got up and walked slowly through to the kitchen.

My Dad had placed my dinner of Macaroni and cheese on the counter and I quickly grabbed a knife and fork. Leaning on the counter I began to eat. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast, as I had been shopping, and I was starving.

‘The Mercury’ sat folded neatly at the far end of the counter and I reached for it, placing my knife and fork down and chewing what was in my mouth. Flipping through the pages I scanned adverts of people in need of babysitters, cars for sale, a story on a ‘miracle baby’ and other similar articles. As I was about to place the newspaper down and continue eating a face caught my eye. Blonde hair, Blue eyes, welcoming smile, it was a boy and that boy was Niall.