piper [n.h.] -Discontinued.

Chapter Seven

"How about we start with your childhood? That way we can build up to now, and then we'll know a lot about each other." I suggest. She's quiet for a minute.

"I don't think I should talk about my past. Maybe this isn't such a good idea. I should go home."

"That's not your home, Piper. He's not your home. I already told you that you could stay here with me for awhile."

"But we just met. It feels weird."

"Stop using that excuse. Who cares if we just met? I make friends fast, and I'd like to think of us as friends now."

"Well, okay. I could use a friend."

"And here I am."

"Thanks, Niall. I'm really glad I caught you watching me dance." She grins, and her perfect smile is back.

"When you put it that way I sound like a stalker." I laugh, and surprisingly after what she's just been through, she laughs too.

"So on to your past.. you can tell me. That's how we build a relationship. You say yours so I know about you, and I tell you mine."

"But, I don't really want to right now. Can we do something else that might bring us closer?"

I raise an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"

"You pervert!" She hits me in my arm and I stifle a laugh. She smirks at me.

"What? What did you think I was thinking?" I smirk right back at her.

"I think you know. But I thought we could watch a movie and order some Chinese food. That's what friends do, right?"

"Maybe in the sappy romantic chick flicks, but not in reality."

"Oh, I just..."

I let out a long sigh. "Gimme the number to the takeout Chinese place or whatever." She smiles and catches me off guard when she hugs me. I stand still for a moment, then wrap my arms around her waist. It's awkward, but I really don't mind.

"What movie do you want?" I whisper in her ear. She pushes away and thinks.

"Ummmm. How about a comedy? I could really laugh right now."

"Okay. You pick one out on my Netflix. I'll go call the China man."

-------------

"So what did you decide on?" I come back into the living room and she's laying on the couch.

"Friends with Benefits."

I nervously cough. She looks up at me. "Don't worry, it's suppose to be funny. And Justin Timberlake is in it. I couldn't say no."

"Okay. Sounds good. I ordered us everything on the menu because I didn't know what you liked."

"You didn't have to do that for me."

"But I wanted to. Anyway, I got my paycheck today."

"Oh. Where do you work?"

"I work with my buddy Derrick at his dad's construction company. Not what I plan on doing forever, but it pays well and I get to be with my friend."

"Wow."

"What?"

"I didn't expect you to work at a construction company. Maybe a tattoo parlor or music store. But not that."

"Well the outfits I get to wear are pretty damn sexy. Cutoff jean jackets, tank tops, tight jeans that make my ass look big. The whole package."

She cracks up, and I can't help but smile at her laugh. It's unlike any other laugh I've heard. It's sweet and adorable, yet loud and makes you want to laugh along.

"I'll have to see that someday." I swear I see her wink at me.

There's a knock at the door. It's either Derrick or Chinese food. I almost forgot that Derrick lives here too.

When I open it, it's just the delivery boy. I'm relieved because I didn't want to see Derrick's face when he saw Piper here.

"Thanks." I say, paying and taking the food from his grip.

"Smells delicious. I haven't eaten all day."

"It's only two."

"Exactly. I haven't eaten all day."

"Well dig in because this costed as much as a new car."

"Don't make me feel guilty."

"Sorry. I was kidding."

"I can't believe you'd make me feel bad after what happened to me already! Trying to make me feel worse?"

I stand with my mouth open as she starts laughing.

"I'm kidding! Oh, you should see your face!"

"Oh hardy har har. Very funny smart ass."

"Hahaha, oh. That was good." She wipes a tear from her eye.

"Are we gonna watch this movie or not?"

"We are. Can you close the curtains? I like watching movies in the dark."

I nod and do as she wishes. I'm already learning stuff about her.

"Thank you."

I sit down next to her, leaving a little bit of space between us. I hand her a few cartons of food. She presses "play" on the remote and the movie starts.

As it starts, I hear her slurping on the noddles. I glance over at her and her eyes are glued to the screen; she almost misses her mouth as she brings the chopsticks up.

"Quit staring." She says. I look away, embarrassed.

Before I overthink this whole situation, she scoots closer to me, almost on my lap. Her head lays on my shoulder, and a few strands of her blonde hair get in my mouth.

During one scene, the two "friends" decide to have sex. They get pretty wild and I'm glad it's dark in here or she would see me blushing.

"Don't get any ideas." She jokes.

"I won't." She giggles at my reply. Deep inside, I feel a little disappointed, but then I remind myself that I shouldn't take advantage of her.