Your Greatest Mistake

Chapter Sixteen

Niall's POV

I opened my eyes to Riley. She was still asleep. I slipped away silently and walked to the bathroom. I decided to take a shower. I set my phone on the sink and let Pandora stream random songs by unknown artists. I let the warm water hit my body as I stood there motionless. I took a deep breathe and reached for the shampoo. I took a pretty long shower, hoping it would wake me up. After rinsing out the conditioner, I shut the water off. I reached for the towel on the sink and dried myself off. I wrapped the towel around my waist and sighed. I picked up my pajamas off the bathroom floor and walked out. I was greeted by the sound of Riley yelling. She was on the phone with someone, probably her mother.

"No mom! They told me what you said!" She yelled.

"No wonder dad is divorcing you. You're vicious. No, no I'm done mom. Just don't call anymore. I'm done with you!" She screamed.

I heard her phone hit the floor and the sound of her exhaling. I peered into the living room and saw her sitting with her head in her hands. I frowned as I walked into my room. I dropped the towel and grabbed a pair of boxers. Then I reached into my drawer and grabbed shorts. I decided that I didn't need a shirt. I brushed my hair out of my face and looked into the mirror. Have I always looked this tired? I heard her bedroom door close. I decided that I should go check on her. Check that she isn't cutting. I knocked on her door and poked my head in. She looked up and grimaced. I walked over to her and smiled.

"Can I sit?" I asked.

"Mhm." She muttered.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"She said that it is my fault that I don't live there and if I'm lucky enough, she'll let me come back." She said.

"So you're leaving?" I asked with a frown.

"Do you want me to stay?" She asked.

"Absolutely." I smiled.

"Okay, then I will." She laughed.

"I love you. Like a lot." I said.

"I love you too babe." She whispered.

We sat for a few minutes in the silence. I wasn't really sure what to say.

"I'm gonna get dressed." She said.

I guess that was my que to leave. I nodded and kissed her on the cheek. I got up and shut the door once I left. I decided to get my guitar out and play a little. I retrieved the guitar from my room and took it into the living room. I sat down and put the capo on the third fret. I began to strum and hum. I started to play Falling Slowly from Once. I didn't really remember the first verse, but I knew the chorus.

"Take this sinking boat and point it home." I sang.

Riley walked into the room and began to sing with me.

"We've still got time. Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice. You've made it now. Falling slowly, sing your melody, I'll sing it loud!" We sang.

I decided to skip to my favorite part of the song. I looked her straight in the eyes and sang to her.

"You have suffered enough, and warred with yourself, it's time that you won." I sang.

I saw her eyes fill with tears that silently rolled down her face. She smiled as she sat and listened, crying. I put the guitar down and motioned for her to sit on my lap. She sat and I held her in my arms, slowly rocking her like an infant. She buried her head in my chest and cuddled up to me.

"You're so beautiful. I wish that you could see just how amazing you are, flaws and all." I said.

"I'm not. I'm broken." She said.

"Stop saying you're broken. You aren't broken silly." I said.

"But, people have told me I am." She said.

"Well, you aren't." I sighed.

She released a loud sigh and kissed my neck. I leaned my head into hers and closed my eyes. Maybe we could go back to asleep.

*Author's Note*

Hey guys, I'm so sorry I am being so slow with updates! I'm trying to keep up with my school work. I will try to update as often as I can, promise! Love you all c: