Church Boy ♱ nh

Chapter 9

*A week later*

"Niall," Ms. Conaway whispered, knocking gently on Winter's bedroom door. "Niall, are you still awake, hun?" She pushed the door open to find her daughter and the neighbor boy, curled up together on Winter's bed. She sighed, her shoulders falling. "Niall," She tried again, using a soft voice as to not alarm him or wake Winter.

Niall thought he could hear his name in his sleep, and it prompted him to blink his eyes open. It took him a moment to register, but as soon as he spotted Ms. Conaway in the doorway, he quickly shuffled out of Winter's bed, embarrassed for having been caught in such an intimate position. He still wasn't sure what him and Winter were. They didn't really have a title yet. It was just Niall and Winter. They weren't a couple, but they weren't really just friends either. Niall knew that for sure, because friends don't cuddle and leave little kisses on each other like him and Winter had, now, on several occasions.

"Sorry!" Niall said, standing still beside Winter's bed.

Ms. Conaway chuckled. "Don't worry about it." She then cocked her head toward the door and said, "Would you mind joining me in the kitchen for a cup of tea or something? I'd like to speak with you." Niall swallowed hard but nodded his head. He was nervous.

Niall sipped carefully from his tea, watching Ms. Conaway as she sat across the table from him. She dipped the tea bag in and out of her cup, letting a long breath out of her mouth. Her eyes never met with Niall's as she said, "Are you comfortable here, Niall?"

"Yes," Niall said, without even having to think about it. He felt far more comfortable with Winter and her mother than he did in his own home, now that he'd been staying with them for two weeks. "Yes, I am."

Ms. Conaway smiled. "That's great to hear," She said, "But... Niall... your father must be so worried. I mean, the police have been in and out of your home." Niall already knew about this, but he kept quiet and let Ms. Conaway continue. "People from your church have been roaming the streets, handing out notes about you going missing, and they're saying to contact the police with any information. And, you know... I don't mean to come off as offensive, because you're a great boy and I know Winter enjoys having you around. But, when you asked to stay, I assumed you only intended to stay while the camp was in session. And then I expected you'd return home once that first week was over. But it's been two weeks now, Niall, and I just don't feel right about hiding you here anymore. I've thought about it, and if I were in your father's shoes – I'd be beyond upset at my neighbor for hiding my own child from me. I can't imagine how devastated your family must be – missing you and all."

Niall nodded, dropping his eyes. He didn't want for this moment to come, but he knew it would eventually. He knew he couldn't stay with Winter forever, though he certainly wanted to. He was deathly afraid of returning home, for he knew his father would be completely ripped apart about this whole incident. And, of course, he adored every moment he had with Winter Conaway. Why would he want to leave her?

"Okay," Niall whispered, his voice cracking.

Ms. Conaway frowned, "Honey, I hope you can understand where I'm coming from. As a parent, myself, I can't keep you from your father. It isn't right."

"No, I understand," Niall said, "You're right, Ms. Conaway, and I'm sorry for putting you in this position. I'm extremely grateful for everything you've given me this past two weeks, and for opening your home to me. Thank you, thank you so much." He swallowed and blinked as tears flooded his eyes.

Ms. Conaway took Niall's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze, saying, "You'll be alright, kiddo. Remember that me and Winter are always here and you can always turn to us if you ever need anything, okay? We're neighbors, and neighbors look out for each other, am I right?" Niall nodded. Ms. Conaway smiled. "Now you go on and cuddle with my daughter for one more night. We'll send you home tomorrow, alright?"