The Brunette

Chapter 22

Chapter 22(Bella's pov): Niall leads me down the busy streets towards the Starbucks. We're holding hands again. I don't know why, but I like holding hands with him. It makes me feel less alone. His hand are strong as he's guiding me expertly around the masses of people yet gentle as he holds my hand so that he won't hurt me. His hand make mine look small.

Our hands fit a little awkwardly so I shift my hand a little so that it fits better. He looks at me and smiles a little, mid-sentance. I hope that wasn't that weird. We were friends. I didn't like him and he didn't like me.

When he accidentally kissed me he said  that he was dreaming about his crush. Right now, he tells me about his life in Mullingar, Ireland. He hadn't mentioned her yet. "So, what about your crush? Hm?" I asked when he paused. His cheeks heated up just slightly. He looked nervous. Looking around the crowd. "Oh, well, uh..." He said, running his free hand through his hair. I giggle. He's so adorable when he's nervous. 

We quickly arrive at the Starbucks we originally went to yesterday morning. Its weird how we met just a day ago and now he's my best friend. He's just that amazing. We enter the cafe to find a somewhat short line waiting to order. We get in the back of the line and continue talking. I get a text, I sigh, assuming its Zayn again. I check the screen. Harry. He put his name in as "Harry<3".

"Hey love .x

Me: Hey Styles xx.

Him: Are we still on for tomorrow?

Me: Yeah

Him: Bring a swim suit

Me: We're going swimming?

Him: And Im making you dinner so wear a dress too

Me: K I'll see you then xx.

Him: yes you will ;) .x

I giggle immediately. I cant wait to see Harry. "What are you giggling at?" Niall asks smiling. "This guy Harry, I met him yesterday after our song." For an instant, Niall frowned, like he was upset or confused, but he instantly smiled warmly again in a split-second. I wonder if I just imagined it.

We're in the front of the line. I order a java chip frappuccino for myself and order Niall a Mocha because he refused to waste any more of my money. We wait at a table for them to call our names. "So," he starts. "This guy Harry, you met him after our song?" He asks indifferently.

(Niall's pov): "Yeah, he's amazing, Im going to see him tomorrow." She answers with a smile.

Shes going on a date.

With him.

Not me, him.

Harry is probably the guy with the curly hair I saw her talking to. I cant believe this. I cant believe I actually thought for even a second that I had a chance with her.

Im so stupid.

Of course she doesn't like me.

She thinks I like her as a friend.

Of course, she would never like me. 

They call our names. I try not to look bothered about Bella's date. Bella gives the girl who serves us our drinks her job application. "You're almost sure of getting the job." The blonde says while looking over the papers quickly. Bella smiles and says her good byes. As we walk out the door, Bella takes my hand in hers. I look at her. 

She's sipping her coffee, looking out on London, her eyes full with wonder as she takes it all in. I smile slightly. She's so ethreal and lovely.

I can't just give up on her.

Its only one date.

No big deal.

Im just overreacting.

(Bella's pov): We talk about which one is better, iced or hot coffee. "But iced coffee is basically like a blended candy bar with coffee mixed in." Niall argues. "Exactly." I say smiling up at him. I frown slightly. "What's wrong?" He asked, concerned. "Im so short." I say, standing on my toes. Now we're practically eye level. We smile at each other.

I giggle and go back to my normal height. "Being short isn't bad, its actually really cute." He laughed. I let go of his hand so I can look for a mall on my phone. I find one a block past our apartment buildings in the other direction. I put away my phone and hold Niall's hand again.

"Are you ok with holding hands?" I ask him. He smiles at me, amused, "Yeah, whatever's cool with you." He says. Our trip to the mall consists of us arguing, laughing, and talking. Its an open mall, stores littering the area in some sort of pattern. If you go farther in, you realize that theres a second floor. I find a map and locate a store I like. Its not that far away because we can see it from where we are.

Once in the store, I see a wall of bikinis. I rush over to them excitedly. I find the styles I like and take a few pairs in the colors and patterns that look good on me. "I thought you were only getting a purse." Niall said as he helped me get a turquoise thats a too high for me to reach. "Harry's taking me swimming tomorrow." I say smiling.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

comment vote share message love you xx.