Dance Without Me | n.h

Chapter 14: Bittersweet Memories

Chapter 14:

Confusion.

That's all I feel when I think about Niall. One minute he sends me daggers with his eyes and the next he checks on me to make sure I'm home safe.

It's infuriating trying to figure out what he's thinking because I'm not even confident he knows what he's thinking. I can't do anything without it relating back to him. Oh, look at that bird. It makes a really beautiful noise but it annoys the crap out of me. You know what else I love and hate at the same time? Niall. Hey, look at that piece of bread. You know who else I bet ate some bread? Niall. Hey speaking of the Roman Gladiators, why does Niall hate me?

Yeah. Pretty much.

I wipe my eyes and sit up in bed. It's 11:30 a.m. I've slept in late again.

I throw on some sweats and walk down to the living room. I'm expecting a lot of chatter and the clanking of dishes but instead I hear nothing. Either everyone is gone or still asleep. By the lack of a couple cars in the driveway, I assume they went off to rehearse or something.

I sigh as I see the dirty dishes scattered around the kitchen and adjoining living/dining room. I may as well keep myself occupied.

I pile all the dishes from the living room and dining room on the kitchen counter. Scrubbing them all meticulously, I throw them into the dishwasher and press start. I grab the Clorox and clean off all the wood or granite surfaces. I may as well tidy up a bit so I pick up random objects on the floor and return them to their proper homes.

The dishwasher finishes so I put the now warm dishes in the cupboards. Finally, I vacuum the carpets. As I finish I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. I look over at a sleepy Zayn in only boxers and sweatpants.

He yawns and smiles at me.

"Can we hire you?" He laughs looking at the now clean area.

I shake my head and smile. "No, but you can learn how to use a vacuum." I laugh.

He walks into the kitchen and makes himself cereal.

"Is everyone else asleep?" I ask.

"No. They're out. Um, Brook went to a friends house last night. Liam and Harry are scheduled for recording till later. Louis is at Eleanor's dorm and Niall is just doing errands or something."

"So it's just you and me?"

"Yup. You wanna do something?" He asks.

"Um, I was actually just gonna take a walk." I reply honestly. He looks upset but just shrugs it off. Aw, I feel bad. He must be bored out of his mind. Especially being here alone.

"I'd love if you'd come though." I add.

He smiles and nods. "I mean, if that's okay I will yeah. I just need to change." He hops up and darts up the stairs. I roll my eyes and put his bowl in the sink. Slobs these boys are.

I figure sweatpants and a sweatshirt are okay for just one walk so I go put on sneakers. Zayn comes down the stairs and we both head out.

At first it's quiet, but it's nice. I feel close to Zayn and this just makes me even more comfortable with him.

"You guys did great last night. Everyone loved it." I start the conversation.

"Yeah, well, not everyone." He sighs.

"What do you mean?"

"A lot of hate comes our way." Zayn frowns and shakes his hair before readjusting it with his hands.