Muse

Chapter 3

After listening to my professor groan on about creative writing for two hours I am grateful to go relax and have lunch with Niall. That class was nothing like I had expected and honestly, it wasn't in a good way. Thank god I met Lacy. She's so friendly and seems actually genuine, which is not easy to say when someone's living in New York City. Before I left she gave me her number and mentioned that I should stop by at the party and say hi so she can introduce me to her friends.

I'm not really sure how she knew that I'm going to the party, but I guess it's not really that abnormal. I start making my way off campus and onto the busy city streets of New York.

The rush of the cars, the bustling people, the exhaust fumes, the smell wafting out of the many Starbucks just on this street alone all create this undeniable atmosphere. Even though I had lived in California, it wasn't in the city, so this was all new to me. I came from a small area where everyone knew each other and worst of all each other's business. That's partially why I had to leave. I felt suffocated there and once the incident happened it only intensified that feeling.

After getting bumped about ten times too many, I finally am able to see the overly bright Panera sign coming into view. As I walk in the glass doors, I am instantly surrounded by the warmth and smells of the restaurant.

That's the thing about New York, even though there were Paneras in rural California, there were never any like this. Everything was modern with harsh angles and only soft pops of colors. Looking around, I don't see Niall yet and not wanting to be rude, I decide to wait to order until he gets there.

I choose a table that's small and cozy by a wall that's all one window. Grateful to get rid of all of my heavy bags, I relax into my chair. Unfortunately for me, modern furniture is not all that comfortable. There are all types of people in here, you have the dark poetic types, the classy stay at home moms, the busy business owners, the slouchy artsy types and practically any other New York stereotype you can think of.

My phone only says 1:10. He's probably just running a tad bit late, with all of the foot traffic outside its a high probability. I start fiddling with the bright yellow daisy in the delicate vase on our table.

How is this party even going to go? I mean I'd been to a few house parties when I was in high school, but they usually weren't very big and there was little to no alcohol involved. Hah. I'm not naive enough to expect that tonight. I'm just hoping that my outfits that I brought were appropriate enough. I have a feeling that almost everyone there's going to be in skin tight dresses that barely cover their ass.

Just as I started getting lost in my thoughts there's a thud by my feet and a blur as an attractive blonde sits across from me. Niall's already ordered us food and is handing me my sandwich.

"Sorry I'm so late, my professor held me back and there is just too many goddamn people in this city that have to go to the same area I am"

He's visibly flustered and his cheeks are splotchy from exertion. His wispy blonde hair, that was so flawlessly styled earlier is now going in all directions indicating he probably put his hands through it. Even with this, he is still absolutely stunning. All of the girls in here are all giving him lustful glances and giving me death stares.

Apparently he had kept on ranting that whole time, complete with the hands flailing. I gently place my hand on top of his only hand that's actually still anchored on the table. The simple gesture instantly shuts him up and an embarrassed look replaces the aggravated one that had just recently contorted his handsome features. Finally it's someone else's turn to be embarrassed today.

"Niall. It's okay, really. I didn't even notice that you were even that late."

As I said this I had pulled my hand away, leaving an odd empty feeling. Relief instantly washes over him and that boyish smile that fits him so well has reappeared.

"On a lighter note, let's hear more about this party, shall we?"

I politely nod and take a sip of my drink.

"Well, it's at my fraternity and it starts at 6 but no one actually shows up until 7"

"Oh so you're the fraternity type of guy huh?" I playfully tease while taking a bite of my sandwich.

A faux offended look is plastered on his face. "I am offended that you have stereotyped me so harshly Olivia. I thought you were so much more than that" he returns, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Well maybe you just don't know me as much as you think you do Horan."

"Maybe I'll just have to change that now won't I"

A giggle escapes me and honestly I was loving this playful banter between us. He's just so friendly and nice, so nothing was forced with him.

He's looking at me smirking, but with an expectant gaze, "Well then, get talking"

S

"Pushy much?" I retort. "Well, I grew up in rural California, not in the areas that were surfer clad and ridiculously tanned, so don't even ask."

His smirk only deepens as I continue.

"My there wasn't too much going on in the small town that I lived in. There were not many people there and they all knew everything about one another. They all were able to tell you secrets about the others family secrets like they were public knowledge. So basically nothing went unnoticed. The other issue was that basically no one ever leaved. So my whole family lives there and were quite appalled when I left."

I choose to skip the whole part about what really made me leave deciding that he doesn't need to know. "I had always had an inclination towards art since I can remember. I was constantly coloring in a coloring book or drawing doodles on every piece of paper I could find. The idea of art school just felt natural. Thankfully I got accepted here and well, here I am"

He's already finished his food by then and is smiling appreciatively. I've never met someone who smiled that much in my life I mean his cheeks have to start hurting sometime. I laugh at his goofy grin.

"What are you laughing at? Did I get something in my teeth?"

"No, you just are always smiling and it seems to be infectious"

"Well, I have been pretty bad about always smiling..."

"Okay smiley, your turn to get talking" and Niall starts on about his small town family life in New Jersey with his perfect family. He explains about how on weekends his parents would take him up to the city and he was instantly in love. To him, having in life just seemed right. He adds in little funny family stories that have my stomach hurting from laughing too much.

Looking at my phone it's already 3:00. Niall had apparently noticed about the same time and offers to walk me home. The walk home was about as hilarious and sweet as the lunch had been. There was never that awkward silence between us.

"I'll text you when I'm on my way to come pick you up, it'll probably be around 6:15."

"That sounds great, what is everyone there going to wear?"

A shocked look crosses his face, "about that, I had forgotten to mention that this is an ABC party tonight"

"An ABC party?"

"Yeah it's an anything but clothes party. Your an artsy girl, I'm sure you can think of something creative" he winks.

"Well... What are you wearing?"

He laughs a throaty laugh, " I guess you're just going to have to wait and find out now won't you?"

I groan as I start opening my eyes and he starts walking away, "God, you are just so aggravating Horan." I call after him.

He cocks his head over his shoulder, practically shouting back "Always Olivia, Always"

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This is a longer chapter finally:) but thank you guys so much for all of the support with the voting and comments you all have left. Sorry it took so long to update, school has been so hectic, so hopefully this next chapter will be up soon. If this chapter hits 5 votes I'll update early okay? Love you all😘