Play Your Cards Right

Chapter 10: Meet My Family

My phone has been ringing off the hook for the past couple of days. My parents are worried and I need to get home quick before I'm grounded for the rest of my life. Yeah. They would go there.

"Ding Ding!" My iPhone buzzed an the the edge of the my bedside table.

Another text from my mother flashed on the screen. I read it aloud to Niall while snuggling into his chest on the cheap hospital bed.

"What Room are you in?" I repeated the message. Oh gosh. They're coming to my room! I hesitantly texted her the room number and floor hoping she was far away.

Niall's eyes grew wide. He moved from me leaving his half of the bed empty. It was cold once again, but I would have to endure it and be a big girl. Lately I haven't been my bold self. I've been this broken little cry baby worrying about the past and not the present. I guess that's what created this situation.

I whimpered as he escaped from my touch. He kissed my forehead and pulled the covers back up to my shoulders. I smiled as his lips rested on my skin and drifted away. There was a knock on the door as Niall quickly shuffled to his seat acting as if he's been there the whole time.

"Mrs. Melrose?" The doctor called through the wooden door frame. I wasn't used to being called by my last name. Mostly because I tried to hide the fact that I was part of that family.

They were the typical perfect family. My older sister was happily in college with her soccer scholarship. My younger brother was the perfect angel to my mom and the entire world actually, but not me. I was the middle child. Bracing High-school by myself because I'm expected to breeze through it like my sister.

"Your relatives are here to visit you." He continued allowing them to enter.

I stared blankly at the worried expressions upon their faces. I glanced at Niall who never took his eyes off me. He nodded indicating he was there for backup.

"Hello. Mom and Dad." I stuttered blinking my eyes. Two people stood at the opening of the door. Their brown hair and freckled cheeks were friendly and well. Normal.

My dad was 6'4 and my mom was 5'7. I'm supposed to be tall when in fully grown, but nothing's been happening. My dad wore one of his best suits and my mom wore a cute flowery summer dress.

"Kristi!" They both screamed and ran to my bed. I was soon overwhelmed with kisses from my mom and a huge hug from my dad. I smiled realizing how loved I was. Another person skipped through pushing my parents aside.

My little brother climbed up on my bed and hugged me until I turned blue.

"Hey Nick." I returned hugging him back. It was really weird how he was acting so loving towards me. He's usually the annoying little pest making my life terrible. But not today. I actually like this version of him better.

Soon it was a family group hug. Well everyone except my sister.

It hurt, but it felt good at the same time. I don't know how to explain it.. My injuries hurt from the pressure, and I also liked it.

We sat there speaking about what happened last night and how I got my injuries. Many gasps and sad sighs filled the room. My mother's eyes were soon watery and my dad's neck vein popped out like usual.

"Do you need me to take care of this punk?" Dad growled balling up his fist ready to strike the nearest eligible guy.

"He's already taken care of." Niall spoke up. They turned their heads in his direction. Their eyes inspected his injuries and they looked at each other whispering something to one another.

Nick stared at Niall like he was his idol or something. His eyes sparkled at every word he said. Niall looked at me not knowing what to do. I waved my hand encouraging him to continue speaking.

"Um... Dyl- he is in the hospital in another room. I kind of broke his arm and leg.." He added watching my parents responses. He didn't dare say his name in front of me because he knew I would start crying again and he would be too embarrassed to come comfort me in front of my parents.

They shook their heads in awe shocked at what they just heard. My father's fist clenched and he arose from his chair. Advancing towards Niall, I watched his body continue to tense. Here we go. Goodbye Niall. I prepared myself for the worst.

My father is known for being, well, physical. He doesn't hesitate to swing a punch, no matter who it is. He was also a rather rash man. He came to conclusions very quickly and sometimes it wasn't a good reaction. Usually the person gets hit in the process. That's why he knows nothing about my past relationships. 

He towered over Niall intimidatingly. I covered my eyes.

It was pure silence, until I heard the familiar smack. I peeked through the open spots of my fingers to see Niall and my father shaking hands and hugging. My father patted himon the back creating a slapping sound. Nick joined in, wanting to be in the manly moment. 

I laughed at his struggle and how Niall opened a little space so he could sneak in. Surprisingly things were going well. Dad was thanking him for standing up to Dylan and protecting me.

Niall's confidence came back and a smile spread across his face as he hugged my father. I smiled at how well they got a long.

"Mr. Melrose?" Niall caught my father's attention separating from him.

"Call me Jeremy." He smiled patting him on the back. Niall smirked at me before opening his mouth to speak. 

"May I date your daughter?" He asked timidly. I never got the chance to tell anyone about Niall and I. Honestly, I didn't plan on it either. I thought we were keeping this a secret.

I glared at Niall angry that he told them about us. He smiled with an 'oops!' look. Yeah. Oops.

"Certainly! But that's not really my decision." My dad replied. All eyes fell on me and the room grew silent. My mom grinned at me almost jumping out of here seat with anticipation. Niall looked up to me and waited for me to answer.

"Sure." I smiled cutting through the anxious atmosphere in the room. My dad patted him on the back again almost like he was welcoming him into the family.

"Blecch! Gross!" Nick screamed making a puking sound.

"Well. That's our cue to leave Jeremy." My mom whispered grabbing him and Nick before saying goodbye.

"Get better soon Kristi. Call us when you can come home or if there are any problems." He kissed my forehead and exited the room after my mom.

"Bye Kris. Bye Niaaaaallll." Nick giggled before running to keep up with my parents.