Across the Hall

Chapter 1

       "Goodnight, everyone! Hope to see you all very soon!" And with that, Niall Horan jogged backstage, joining his family and friends, all on a post concert high. It was the final show of the "Where We Are" tour; the five boys no longer boys at all. Niall was now twenty-two, and ready to settle down a bit. He loved seeing the world, but was glad they weren't going straight from the stage to the studio. Sitting in one of the plush chairs in their dressing room, he rubbed at his aching knees. They were one of the main reasons for the hiatus, needing knee surgery and time to heal.

     The next morning came too early for his liking; Niall staring bleakly into his Styrofoam coffee cup as he listened to his doctors drone on. They were weighing the pros and cons of each possibility, even the risks of him never being able to do his famous jumps again. Niall personally felt as long as he could get a round of golf in without nudging those awful sweaty knee braces up hole after hole that he could live without the leap. He watched the doctor pace around the room before settling into his leather chair, going over his notes.

"Well, Niall, I'm not going to sugar coat things. You have some wonderful surgeons here in Ireland that will be more than happy to accommodate you, but if you want the best of the best, you're going to need to do a little more traveling. Of course, you'll have to stay there for a few months until you're clear to fly home." Travel? Stay? Niall's mind was suddenly buzzing with all this new information. Where would he have to go? Would he be able to make it there without his mum, and Greg, and the lads?

"The best surgeon in this field is actually located in Dallas, Texas. You're lucky its autumn now, the worst of the heat is over. I'll give you a packet of his information; look it over. I'll see you in a week for our final consultation, and help you schedule an appointment where ever you decide." Niall took the packet dumbly, thinking about the turn of events. Flying out to Texas, staying in the States while he healed. He needed to talk it over with his mum; Maura was going to be the one taking care of him those first few days when he'd be most immobilized. After many cups of tea, some heated moments, and a few shaky confessions, Niall had made his decision. 

"American Airlines flight 557 from Dublin to JFK now boarding."  Two planes. Almost twenty four hours in the air. Niall sat anxiously in his seat, daring not fidget, lest he wake his dozing mother. She agreed to spend some time with him in Dallas until he was a little more mobile, the lads and his brother making plans to fly in and visit him. It was going to be hard, but Niall knew he needed the best to take care of him. They'd taken a virtual tour of apartments near the outpatient center, leading to a decent two bedroom just down the block. It was nowhere near as big as his own flat back in London, or the family home back in Mullingar, but it had the amenities of what he needed to get back on his feet, doing what he loved. They landed in Dallas late in the evening, the warm night air tingling the over cooled air on Niall's arms. Dallas was so much different now that he wasn't being shuffled around to venues, being able to take it all in.

"It's no Mullingar, but it seems nice." Maura eased, dropping the last suitcase into the back of the taxi, handing the driver the address. Niall settled into the backseat, watching the pinks and purples of the Texas sunset fade into navy blue. Country music wafted through the taxi; the driver an older man with a beard and a mean Southern drawl. He prattled on to Maura about how much they were going to like being there, that there was something for everyone in that city. Niall only wished his something was a hot shower and nice place to sleep. The place had already been made up, thanks to God for having friends worldwide. Grabbing their luggage from the back, and seeing the driver off, Niall was happier than he'd usually be that he had a first floor flat. Guiding Maura in first, he was about to shut the door when the door of the apartment across opened; peals of giggles seeping out.

"I'll see you when I get off work. Pizza?"  He saw her for just a bit; already memorizing what he could of her features. Blonde hair. Brown eyes. No sign of fuss and priss, just jeans, an old concert tee, and beat up Converse. She smiled at Niall as he reached for the door, and he smirked back. Maybe Dallas wasn't going to be so bad after all. Not if he could get to know the girl across the hall..