All Along

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

He dropped me off at school that morning, still chuckling at me. I honestly didn’t think it was that funny. I was a bit embarrassed. I mean although it was harmless and he’s my best friend, it was my aunt and how awkward.

Anyways, he waved as he pulled away and I walked into the prison they seem to call high school these days. As usual I was not excited to be here at all. I’d much rather spend the day with the boys or in bed eating pizza rolls or something. I absolutely adored those yummy little things. But I had to continue on pretending like I didn’t hate it here. Although it would be wonderful to be lazy, I just couldn’t sit on my bed for the rest of my life. This was my last year and it was time to start looking at the future, whether I liked it or not.

People stared and whispered their snide remarks; nothing out of the ordinary. As my third period ended, I walked over to my locker and entered my combination. I opened it to find two textbooks, a notebook, a couple of worn out pens in the corner and a small brush with hair ties inside that I’ve had since first year. On the door was a photo strip with four small pictures held up by a tiny purple magnet. They were of Liam and I a couple of weeks ago.

The heavy weight returned to my chest as I looked at them. The first was of us, smiling with Liam’s arm around me. The second was us laughing. I remember Liam had said something about the photo booth and it being “bloody horrendous”. The way he had said it and the word itself sent us both into a giggle fit. The third was Liam covering his ears annoyed and me pretending to scold him with an attempted mean look. It wasn’t very convincing though because you could see me smile. Liam had that affect on me. I could never stay serious. The last one was us kissing. I wasn’t a fan of PDA and that was not what the picture was supposed to be. We had planned on doing something quirky and cheeky but at the last second he grabbed me and kissed me. We were facing each other and his hand was holding my face. Both of our eyes were closed and I had a hint of surprise on my life. It looked just right.

I was in my thoughts remembering that night when a petite blonde with enormous blue eyes and freckles across her noses tapped me on the shoulder. I jumped a little, startled. Mainly because I didn’t really socialize with anyone at school.

“Oh hey sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s alright…” I answered a bit confused.

“My name’s Charlie and I’ve been piping up the courage to come and tell you that I’m sincerely sorry for what happened and what you’re going through. I can’t imagine what that must be like. So if you ever need anything or anyone that isn’t here to criticize or judge you, I’m here. Or if maybe you just want a friend to grab coffee I’m here too.”

With that she smiled lightly and went to her own locker about fifteen from mine. I watched her, still not moving from my spot. That was the first time anyone had tried to be my friend and not just using me to get to the boys. She looked genuinely sorry and concerned.

Charlie opened her locker and I could see why she would be. Her locker unlike mine was very decorated with blues and greens. In the middle were two pictures hung up by silver magnet frames. The one near the top was her with an older man, which by the looks of it, probably was her father or an uncle. Near the bottom there was a picture of Niall with a heart drawn in the bottom right corner in pink ink.

I smiled to myself, she was a Niall girl. It’d probably mean the world to her if she met him. And for some reason I wanted to give that to her. There was something about her I like. She looked honest and true. I guess I admired that, not a lot of people were like that now.

Later day right before lunch, I got a pass to go to the front building. When I got to office I saw the little Irish boy himself sitting on chair with a brown paper bag on his lap. When he saw me he jumped out of his sit like the leprechaun he is and exclaimed, “Ellie!”

The woman sitting on the computer glared at him and he whispered, “Oops, sorry my bad.”

“Niall what are you doing here?”

“Well Harry told me you went back to school and I remember how terrible the food was so I brought you some!” he said smiling bright.

“Thanks Horan.” I said reaching up to ruffle and mess up his blonde hair.

“Ellieeeee don’ttttt” he whined.

“Are you going to stay and eat with me?” I asked wanting his company. Niall, like Louis, just brought everybody’s spirits up. I needed that more than ever these days.

“I thought you’d never ask.” He said as we walked towards the picnic tables outside.

“Besides I want some of your fries.” He added simply.

“You didn’t get your own?” I asked shocked.

“Of course I did, Ellie. Come on, who are you talking to you? I just want more.”

I laughed. Of course, I thought. That was a pretty dumb question.

He took out two burgers, two fries, and two milkshakes. I grabbed the one that said no mustard or pickles. I hated both of them. They were disgusting and I was grateful Niall remembered to ask them to take it off of mine. I took the vanilla milkshake and left Niall the chocolate one. As for the fries I grabbed the one that looked like it had more because I liked bothering Niall. Haha, I was hilarious.

“So how is it?” he asked, his mouth full of food.

“Ehhh, it could be better I guess.”

“Are there any pretty girls you could introduce me to?”

“Well depends. Pretty as in on the outside, there are plenty. However if you want pretty on the inside, your chances are slim.”

“Why can’t I have both?”

“Of course you can. I just don’t know many.”

He laughed. “Oh Ellie, alright.”

I looked around and saw Charlie walking out of the building holding out a tray of food. She looked around as if she was looking for someone. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Niall. She could only see the back of his head but I guess that was enough. She got a huge smile and started for the opposite direction.

Without thinking I yelled “Charlie!”

She whipped around and a waved my hand to let her know it was me.

Niall turned around confused to see who it was. They must have made eye contact because she turned a bright color of red.

I signaled her over and she looked surprised. I don’t blame her. I’m usually not social and I normally sit by myself in the grass reading or doing something.

She came looking at the ground, sneaking glances at Niall.

“Hi Charlie, this is my friend Niall.”

“Hi nice to meet you.” He said giving her a smile and extending his hand.

“H-hey. I’m Charlie.”

“She mentioned that.” Niall said, his smile growing wider.

“Oh yeah, duh.” She responded, flustered.

“Would you like to join us?” he asked.

“Umm…” she looked at me, as if asking for permission. I nodded and she sat down next to me, diagonal from him.

For the rest of the lunch, there was small talk. When lunch was nearly over, Niall said “Sorry I gotta go girls. It was great meeting you Charlie.”

“Same.” She replied, now more at ease.

“I’ll catch you later Ellie, oh and by the way you said there weren’t many girls here with beauty on the inside as well outside and I’ve clearly found one.” He said winking at her before he left.

Charlie blushed and giggled. It was all very cute if I do say so myself.

“Thank you Ellie. You did not have to do that.”

“I wanted to.” I said giving her a soft smile.

We threw our trash away and headed towards the building.

“Besides, I think he liked you.” I added.