Back to Reality: Niall's Cancer Battle sequel

Chapter Six: New Place

Chapter Six: New Place

"Just Niall Horan?" Harry looks at me like I announced I wanted to become a butterfly. "Niall, you're still Niall Horan." He steps towards me, trying to convey that he holds no intention of hurting me, but still I flinch away.

"No Harry, I'm not Niall Horan anymore. I'm this media made version of Niall Horan." I gesture down to myself, from my bleached hair to my black and white converse.

"Niall, you're still the same loveable blonde Irish we all love." I scoff at Harry. He's just trying to feed me the bullshit that the media spoon-feeds us.

"I'm not even allowed to grow out my brown hair. What if I want to be a brunette for a change? And what about this constant wardrobe change? When was the last time I got to wear anything I wanted?! I only just got those stupid wires out of my mouth!" I find myself yelling out all the changes I've had done to myself since we blew up in the media eyes. I was always being changed. Always morphed to fit this perfect description of a teen heartthrob sensation.

I'm sick of it.

"What are you saying, Niall?! Stop talking in fucking circles and just tell me what you're saying!" My eyes widen at Harry's outburst. When he's angry and starts yelling his voice is even deeper than normal.

I walk back over to the bench, sit down with my head in my hands, and pull at my hair. "I just want a simple break. That's all I'm asking. I want to be out of the media's eyes for a bit. Is that too much to ask?!" My voice cracks and I feel the tears start falling again.

How could one amazing afternoon turn into this crying-filled night? Why couldn't everything just stay perfect. Why did I have to come back to reality?

Harry slowly comes back to me. He plops down into the bench with a groan. We stay silent. I refuse to break it. I've already told him what I want.

"You're right," Harry breathes out and I look up at him. "You're absolutely right. We need a break from this crazy world. We're all going insane."

"So you agree with me?" I ask, sitting up and wiping away the loose tears. I was sure he would argue with me again about how the media was practically our best friend.

"Of course I agree with you."

And that's all I need to hear. To know someone I love is on my side and actually understands. That's all I could really need.

~~~~~~

The next morning we're all packed and ready to get out of our hotel room. We gather into the car, piling out luggage into a separate car that will follow us, and then drive off, waving goodbye to the hotel staff outside.

I sit by a window and lean my head against it, watching buildings pass by us. We could be staying at any one of these tall skyscraper hotels. I sigh. I'm not looking forward to another new room.

"So boys, where would you like to stay this time?" Louis asks, he's driving with Harry in the passenger seat. He looks at us through the rearview mirror, waiting for an answer.

"Just pick a nice place. We always settle in fine," Liam says.

"Maybe somewhere with a nice pool to lay out on," Zayn includes.

"Niall? Any ideas?"

I sigh. "Just bring me to a place with food." I shut my eyes and picture myself on the cliff again, my arms out by my sides as I just breathe in the salty air. I want to go back there and just on the edge, overlooking the rocky waves below. But I know I can't.

"Harry? Are you calling someone?" I open my eyes to see Harry looking back at me, his phone in his hand as he scrolls through contacts. "Who are you calling?" Louis asks.