A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

ABBY'S POV

The sky was so beautiful, with clouds full of bright oranges, blues, reds and purples. It was just like a fairy tale. Riding off into the sunset with the one you love, holding hands, and all that mushy stuff. Niall and I talked about the meeting and what would happen if my parents said yes. I really wanted to go with Niall, but this feeling of leaving again was tugging at my heart and my stomach.

We arrived at the stables with everyone waiting for us.

"Where'd you guys run off to?", Liam asked.

"None of your business, nosy Nellie!", I defended Niall and myself.

Isabelle chimed in, "Oh Abby, did Niall get you that locket? It is absolutely beautiful! Can we see it?"

I got off my horse and all the girls crowded around me as I showed them the locket. I tried to hide the inscription as best as I could, but Bailee saw it and had to say something."Awe Abby, the inscription is too cute. Niall was your first!"

"Oh god, don't tell me you thought-goodness no! I'm still a proud you know what.", I gladly told her.

My mom came by to help get the horses back in their stalls. Niall had asked her to call all of the parents and to meet up at our house. All she knew was that the boys needed to talk to them about something. I didn't want to spoil the surprise, so I didn't tell her anything either.

After the horses were back in the stables, we all made our way into the house and us girls went up to my room to chat before the meeting.

"What do you think our parents will say?", I asked.

"I doubt they will even let us on the bus with them again!", Isabelle answered.

"What if they do say yes. We'd have to leave our families for months. I don't know if I could handle that.", Bailee sighed.

I took the chance to speak up and convince them,"It's going to be okay. I know it sounds scary, and I know that we might not want to leave everything we know and love, but this is the chance of a lifetime! How often do we get the chance to meet the boys of our dreams? And they even asked us to go on tour with them! We're special people to be able to spend this time with them. I know I'm scared of what is to come, but I am confident that I want to go and I hope that you guys will go with me."

Bailee and Isabelle immediately agreed that they would go, but it took Catherine and Emilia a while to finally say yes. I wanted this trip to be with all of my friends. I didn't want to leave anyone behind. I knew my parents would be weary about Niall and I, but he assured me that he wouldn't do anything. I believe him, but it's all up to my parents.

I heard someone opening doors down the hall and I figured that all the parents were here. Niall popped his head in my room and asked us all to come down for the meeting. I came out last and took Niall's hand. I am scared of what will happen but I want to go with him. I love him.

NIALL'S POV

Abby and I walked hand in hand down the stairs to greet the parents. As usual, she was happy to see everyone and never stopped smiling!

We sat down on a couch opposite of the parents and started to explain why we were here.

"Claire and John, you can be a hundred percent sure that Abby will be completely safe and that there will be twenty-four seven security on her.", I explained.

"I just don't think that my little girl needs to be with a teenage boy for months on end in the same bus. I don't want her going. I'm sorry son, I can't let her do this.", John tried to tell me. I wasn't in the mood to listen. Abby noticed I was tensing up so she rubbed little circles on my hand to calm me down. It wasn't working very well. I got up and went into the kitchen and let Liam try to explain it to them. Abby came in after me, pleading for me to come back out there and be strong. I just couldn't let her parents make all the decisions for her. She was turning eighteen after all.

"Niall, I know you really want this for me, and believe me I want it too. I just don't think my parents will ever let me be with you. Not in this way at least. I have wished to see you, hear you in concert for two years now, and I've done that. I'm very grateful for all you've done for me and my friends, but you don't have to worry about me anymore. I'll be okay. I can stay here while your on tour and then you can drop by when the tour is over. I'll always be waiting for you. I love you Niall Horan. I always have and always will.", Abby spoke in soft, sweet words as she kissed me.

"Abby, I know you want to be strong for me and the girls but you can let your guard down around me. I love you for who you are on the inside. I never, for a moment, thought about leaving you behind. I want you to be with me every step of the way. If that means staying here, I'll do it."

"Niall no, I never want you to leave the band. The boys are more than your friends, they're your brothers. I could never ask for you to do that. If my parents say no, I'll sneak out and run away with you. I'd do anything to be with you. Just don't leave the band."

Abby's words hit me like a brick. She was right. I could never leave my brothers. I didn't want her to stay here, but her parents might not forgive me for stealing her away. I had to take action and do something for Abby.

I got on the phone with management in London. Simon is the only man I have ever known who could make a stubborn man change his mind in an instant. If I could get to him, maybe he could change John's mind.

"Hey Simon, it's Niall here. You remember talking to us about the five girls that are supposed to be joining us on the America Tour?"

"Yes, is something wrong?"

"Well kinda, the parents are very concerned about their safety. Is there any way you can convince them to let the girls come with us?"

"Okay, put me on the speaker. I'll talk to the girls parents."

"Thanks so much Si!", I told him before I went back into the living room.

"Mr. Higgins, I have a man on the phone who would like to speak with you.", I said nervously before placing the phone on the table.

"Hello sir, my name is Simon Cowell and I am in charge of the boys. Their parents have entrusted me with their care. I can positively assure you that in no way is your daughter in danger. She will have twenty-four hour security detail on her and she will be able to contact you at any time, and you can contact her. She will have an all expenses paid trip, so their is no need to give her any money."

"Now sir, you must think I'm being a little overprotective, but I just want what is best for my daughter."

Abby spoke up,"Daddy, you don't understand! This is what I want. This is what I think is best for me. You always told me that I was a star. Why can't I shine with them? They are giving me the chance of a lifetime and you have to be selfish and tell me I can't go. I can make a name for myself with them, but you say you only want what's best. If you truly believe that, let me go!"

John's face went pale. He'd must have never had Abby speak up to him before. He was speechless as he got up from the couch, and slowly walked away into the kitchen.

I got up and walked in after him. "Sir, please just consider letting her go. Not just for me or you, but for her sake. She can sing beautifully, and with us by her side, she can really make something of herself. You used to know me. We lived in Ireland as next door neighbors and I was your daughters only friend. I know about everything; the accident and why you moved. Abby didn't understand because she was so little. She understands now, and all she wants is for you to grant her the greatest chance of her life. Please John, do this for her."

I had said my peace and walked back into the living room. Claire was comforting Abby, so I sat on the other couch. John came back and sat beside me.

"John, I think it's okay for her to go. She's almost eighteen and we can't hold onto her forever. She could start her career here and I don't want to be the one to stop her. Let her go John, let her go.", Claire spoke for the first time all night.

"Well, I guess you all are against me on this, so I guess she can go. As long as we can keep in touch! I have to hear from her at least three times a week. Just be safe honey.", John sighed.

Abby jumped up and have her dad a huge hug. "Oh thank you daddy, thank you, thank you, thank you! I will never forget this. I have to start packing! Thank you!", she kissed her mom and dad and rushed upstairs to pack.

Here was the start of our lives...