Like Before (Niall Horan)

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Million Dollar Question

I woke up on the couch. I hadn't had the heart to return to my room after Niall walked away. I sat up and ran my hands through my hair. It was still early in the morning, the sun just rising. Of course I couldn't sleep in, even on a weekend. 

Happy Birthday to me.

I got off of the couch and walked into the kitchen to start some much needed coffee, also noticing the time. 5:30. Of course. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and stifled a yawn. I had only gotten a few hours of sleep and I knew I was going to regret that when it was time for my party, but I knew there was no chance of me going back to bed now that I was up. It was already pretty hot and I was happy that I was still in my shorts from yesterday or I would probably be dying of heat stroke by now.

The coffee maker beeped letting me know it was done and I gladly took the mug and sipped the hot liquid. I never really liked coffee until I started all these distractions and then it became my best friend. I couldn't even taste it anymore, it kind of just kept me awake, which was probably a bad thing to be addicted to.

I sipped at my drink for the next hour or so, waking up as I went. By the time eight thirty rolled around Sarah was up and trying to get Tia up. I ended up going to take a shower and grabbing a pair of sports shorts and a tank top to wear since I was going to have to change for my party anyway. Steph actually picked out my dress for the party.

Sarah noticed I was awake and blinked at me when she rounded the corner. "Oh you're up. I wasn't expecting you for at least another hour." I saw her put a bag behind her back and walk toward the door with it. Curiosity perked its head up, making me wonder what the bag was.

"I couldn't sleep."

"Too much excitement?" 

"Something like that," I lied, of course I knew it was just because I was used to getting little sleep now.

"Well, Tia and I are heading out."

"I thought you didn't have to bring her until noon." I wondered aloud looking at the clock. "Its only quarter to ten."

"We're just going out for a bit. I want to make sure she's all set before the party tonight."

"Alix!" I heard a little screech behind me and I turned just in time to be lunged at. "Happy Birthday!" Tia wrapped her little arms around me and I squeezed her back.

"Thanks," I smiled, "I wish you could be at my party."

"Sarah said I could come to watch a little of One Direction but I told her it was your night and we would have ours another night. Probably tomorrow night when we can make a cake together." She grinned at me and I smiled again.

"That definitely will happen tomorrow night," I promised. 

"Alright, time to go. Happy birthday, Alix." Sarah leaned in and kissed my cheek. "See you at seven." She kept her eyes on me until I nodded and then she was out the door. 

I figured they would all be waking up soon, so I found myself back in the kitchen. I decided I'd make waffles, scrambled eggs, and bacon. I turned around in time to see my blonde haired best friend trying to sneak up on me, with six sleepy boys behind her. 

"We've been spotted! Let's go!" Steph ran up and hugged me as she pointed behind her.

"Happy birthday to you," the boys voices started together in the familiar tune, "happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Alix, happy birthday to you." They finished at the same time and I smiled at them.

"Thanks guys." Steph hugged me again and mumbled something along the lines of 'happy birthday' and took her plate of food. Each of the boys came up and followed Steph's lead, giving me a hug and grabbing a plate. When Niall was the only one left I smiled at him a little and nodded. I didn't want to make things uncomfortable, even though that wasn't really possible for me now, so I grabbed my plate and went to sit beside Steph. Niall followed and grabbed his plate sitting between Zayn and Liam. At the other end of the table.