Fighting the Distance ~ {n.h.}

Chapter 10: Blindsided

Niall's POV

"Wow," Liam exhales. "That's..."

"A lot," Zayn finishes. "I'm really sorry I gave you shit earlier for not seeming happy about NYC. We completely understand," he says, motioning to the other guys.

"Thanks boys," I smile, looking down at my palms. "I just don't know what to do, ya know? We haven't talked in nearly two weeks. I've texted her every morning and she hasn't responded to anything."

"Just give her time, Nialler," Harry says, offering a slight smirk. "I know it's hard, but she's doing what she needs to do, and you have to respect that, no matter how hard it might be."

"You're right," I agree, sighing. "But I really am excited for our launch in the States. I think that's the best news I've heard in a week," I chuckle, the boys smiling back at me.

"We're here for ya...always," Louis chimes in, Harry, Liam, and Zayn nodding in agreement. "Now let's get a bite to eat. I don't know about you lads, but I'm starving."

What would I do without these guys?

~

Brooke's POV

I'll be honest...not talking to Niall for the past two weeks has been a great change for me. I feel really awful saying that, but it's true. I've been going through so much here while he's having the time of his life with the band. I can't blame him for that, but it sucks to hear about how much fun someone's having when you're going through complete hell. And the entire time, when we'd talk, it'd be focused on either One Direction or the drama with Chad and Melissa. I feel like Niall and I lost sight of what's important--each other. And more importantly, I had lost myself throughout the process. I became so focused on keeping everyone happy but myself, and I began feeling miserable every morning I'd wake up. I've needed to take this time to focus on myself, my studies, and a break from Niall.

Since I last talked to Niall, he's sent me good morning texts, but I can't bring myself to respond. I feel like that as soon as I respond, I'll be sucked back into my misery. I'll feel awful for taking time for myself and I'll lose sight of what's best for me. I've always had a horrible habit of putting others before myself and that's something I can't continue doing for right now. 

So where does this leave us? I really don't know.

Since that day, the drama with Chad has actually subsided. He's backed off and he and Melissa have ceased communicating with one another. Whenever I see Chad in my building, we acknowledge one another and maybe say hi and leave it at that. A couple days after my meltdown with Niall, I saw Chad sitting in our study lounge downstairs.

"Hey Brooke," he called, getting up from his seat. "Can I talk to you?"

"I really don't--"

"Please, just hear me out," Chad begs. I reluctantly nod and sit down across from him, arms folded.

"I just want to apologize."

"It's way too late for an apology, Chad," I laugh, rolling my eyes. "You have completely ruined my life. My grades have suffered because of you and so has my relationship. I have no one now thanks to you."

"Please let me finish," he begs. There's a few moments of silence before he begins again. "I made a complete ass of myself and I was jealous and ridiculously selfish. I truly am sorry for everything I've caused you. I don't know what got into me--truly, Brooke. And I know I've lied to you before, but please believe me when I say how truly sorry I am for everything I've caused you."

"I appreciate the apology Chad," I confess. "But please do me a favor."

"Anything," he responds, eyes hopeful.

"Leave me the fuck alone," I spit back as I get up from my seat and walk into the elevator to return to my dorm room.

So since then, I haven't communicated with him at all. Things have finally calmed down, but the one problem that remains is my relationship with Niall. I've felt stronger than ever since I stopped talking to him. Does that mean we need...a break? 

Maybe I should call him.

Taking a deep breath, I dial his number and put my phone to my ear.

~

Niall's POV

"Brooke?"

"Hey Ni," she exhales, her voice uncharacteristically flat and monotone.

"How are you? Are you okay?" I ask, concerned.

"I'm great actually, thanks for asking," she tells me.

Now I'm confused.

"Oh, that's, uh, great. I've missed you...why haven't you answered any of my texts?"

"I needed time to myself," she responds shortly. "Can't you respect that?"

"I wish you'd told me," I reply shortly. "Time to yourself is perfectly okay, but you can't just cut me out like that. I've been worried sick about you, babe."

"Please don't say that," she says.

"Say what?"

"Never mind. Look, I've been thinking about this a lot, and--"

"About what?" I interject. "Us?"

"Yeah, us."

"...And?" I question, becoming seriously worried.

"Maybe we need to take a break, Niall," she answers me.

"W--what?" I choke. "W--where is this coming from? I love you, Brooke. Please--"

"I love you too, Ni, but honestly, I feel like this relationship has become very one-sided. Everything has either been about you and the band or the issue with Chad and I feel miserable all the time. I don't feel a connection with you anymore and being away from you is so hard. I think maybe we need time apart to focus on ourselves. I think it's what's best for me and what's best for you too."

I couldn't even respond; this came out of left field. Is she seriously breaking up with me? And over what? I know she's had a lot of shit going on, but I've been there for her throughout everything.

"Ni? You there?"

"You know what?" I respond, feeling anger boiling up inside of me. "I hope you're happy. Our album release has been set for NYC and I was gonna come surprise you. The boys pushed for it because they know I miss you so much. So Brooke, I hope you're happy. I think a break is exactly what we need."

"Oh, Niall, I'm so--"

Before Brooke had the chance to finish, I slammed the phone onto the ground.

~~~~~~~~~

HEY GUYS! OH MY GOSH I AM SO SO SORRY I HAVEN'T UPDATED IN LIKE 9 MONTHS!!

I'm finally on summer break! My life has been an absolute disaster (both in good and bad ways, I guess) and I've finally had time to return to Wattpad. I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to update and I know this is kinda short, but I hope you like it nonetheless :)

So what do you think? Surprised? Whose side are you on: Brooke's or Niall's!?