The Switch

Chapter 29 | And We're Off

c h a p t e r 2 9

a n d w e ' r e o f f

NIALL.

"We're what?" I blurted, eyes wide.

Harry nodded and grinned again. "Yes, you heard me correctly. We're flying to Oregon, tonight. We're going to surprise the girls. Get packing boys, we have to be at the airport in two hours!"

"Wha- how- when-" Liam said, just as surprised as I was. "How did you even find out where they live?"

"I have my ways," Harry said, waggling his eyebrows. "I've been in contact with one of their friends, Leah, for the past few days. She's been helping me out. She also agreed to keep it a surprise, so she's the only one that knows."

"This is crazy," I protested. "This is a bad idea." I couldn't possibly face Liv after all the horrible things I said and the way I treated her.

Harry frowned. "Niall, it's my fault that you and Liv are all screwed up. So I'm fixing it. If you really love her, and she really loves you, then you two will sort it out. You have to do this- the past few months, all you've done is write depressing songs and lay on the couch."

I refused to acknowledge the truth behind Harry's words. Yeah, I've been miserable, but I'd given up on having hope that things would get better.

"That is true," Liam agreed. "You need her as much as she needs you."

"Besides," Harry said cheerfully. "Lou is already ready to go."

I turned around to see Louis in a fresh change of clothes, his suitcase ready beside him. "When do we leave?" he asked, his features bright with excitement.

A nagging feeling prodded my brain as I thought about Harry's idea. Was I really going to do this? Go to Oregon? I sighed and shook my head before reluctantly walking towards my room. "How long are we staying?"

Harry and Louis cheered loudly. "I don't know how long, mates. Prepare for a week, I'd say?"

An hour later, the boys and I were on a cab to the airport.

As we stepped into the Heathrow Airport, I felt my stomach knot up tightly. "I really don't think-"

Harry slung an arm around my shoulder and steered me towards our gate. "Mate, it'll be fine. Let's go!"

Liam sighed. "Haz, you come up with the craziest ideas." He smiled before adding, "But they're for good reasons."

Harry grinned and laughed. "Thanks, Li. Now cheer up, maybe you'll find a cute Oregon girl!"

Liam muttered something under his breath but still walked after us towards the gate.

A few minutes later, the plane engine rumbled as we began to take off. My thoughts drifted to nothing but Liv as I gazed out the window. The fear that she'd never forgive me stabbed at my heart relentlessly. I needed her.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind; I hastily grabbed my notebook and scribbled it down before I forgot. Louis, who sat next to me, glanced over curiously. "What are you doing, Nialler?"

As I showed him the page, his eyes lit up. "Ooh, that's a good idea, mate."

"Now, you're not excited, are you?" I smirked. "To go to Oregon?"