Niall
Natalie seems uncomfortable in the icy winter air as we walk home from the nearby café. She’s awfully quiet and stares straight ahead, barely paying attention to anything. Her hand is hanging limply in mine as I try to keep it warm in my grasp.
It’s been like this since she arrived in London two days ago and saw the snow floating down from the grey sky. Any time the guys tried to get her or Anna and Emma to go outside and play in the new snow, Natalie would stay inside and watch in melancholy from the window. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t want to join if she looks so upset. I just don’t understand Natalie some days.
I sigh deeply and squeeze her hand gently. Her gaze flickers towards me and she gives me a weak smile. I reciprocate with a similar smile as we head up the walkway to the flats.
We head to Liam’s flat to hang with him, Zayn and Anna. As soon as we get there Natalie discards her coat and boots, making her way to the kitchen. She reappears a moment later with a cup of tea steaming in her hands. I stare at her as she makes herself comfortable on Liam’s window seat. Her eyes never leave the sky as she sips on her tea. I sigh and join Zayn on the couch.
“You okay, mate?” he asked.
“I’m fine, but Nat isn’t,” I replied quietly so only he’d hear.
“She isn’t saying much either, is she?” he sighed. I just shook my head.
“Wonder what’s got her so down,” he commented as his gaze drifted over to her.
“I haven’t got the slightest clue anymore,” I mumbled. “Why can’t I break her walls down?”
“Because she’s the only one who knows how,” Zayn answered.
“I guess,” I agreed as I ran a hand through my hair.
“Just give her a little while, Niall. She’ll crack eventually,” Anna spoke up from behind us. Zayn and I nearly pissed ourselves in surprise.
“How long have you been listening in?” I asked quietly.
“Since you sat down,” she shrugged.
“Anyone ever tell you it’s rude to listen to other people’s conversations?” Zayn laughed.
“Yeah, but I didn’t listen to them,” Anna smiled.
“Of course you didn’t,” Zayn shook his head in amusement.
“Do you know what’s bothering Nat?” I asked.
“No,” she said, her body stiffening almost immediately.
“Liar,” I said calling her out.
“What’s that Liam? You need my help? I’m coming,” Anna said as she ran down the hall.
“You’re no help!” I yelled at her back.
“That’s the point Leprechaun!” she yelled back at me over her shoulder.
“Why is Anna of no help?” Natalie asked quietly from her perch on the window seat.
“She wouldn’t help us find the remote for the telly,” Zayn lied easily.
“It’s sitting beside the TV on the console,” Natalie pointed out, looking at us suspiciously.
That was the first emotion I’ve seen her portray other than sadness since she’s gotten here, which is pretty sorry to say. But it’s the truth. Natalie’s been so distant lately and not just to me but everyone. Louis is taking it the hardest because those two had gotten real close over the past couple months, and he’s been working his arse off to get her to laugh and be happy but it’s been to no avail. She’s remained quiet and eventually gravitates away from us all.
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Running Into Destiny (Niall Horan)
Fanfiction[BOOK ONE] She puts on a tough girl act and tries to prove to the world that she can take it on single-handed. In reality, she's just scared. Scared of being left, of being hurt. But what happens when she runs into someone who makes her feel safe...
