If I Could Fly // h.s.

Chapter 16

Nichole and I wake up so early the next morning, we actually beat my aunt and uncle to the dining room for breakfast. While we are waiting on them to come down, we chat with Anna and tell her all about the gala and our gowns. She makes us promise to pop in and see her before we leave for the event next week. Not soon after, Aunt Jane and Uncle Richard join us and we spend the whole breakfast gushing and gossiping about the gala. They clue us in on which people to steer clear of and which ones we should be extra nice to.

"John Walker is a doll! He's the Vice President of the main company that funds the organisation. You girls will love him. I've actually got an engagement with him on Monday. We are going to visit one of the families we started sponsoring last year. Elijah, the poor little lad, he's four... He was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem when he was born. The doctors only gave him two years, but he's managed to hold out for this long. I don't see him lasting much longer, though," my aunt says sadly as she wipes a small tear from the corner of her eye.

"Do you think I could go with you, Aunt Jane?" I ask without thinking.

"Oh, sweetheart! That would be wonderful! I know he would love to have a new friend. Both he and his family are positively precious. You'll love them," she smiles.

"I'm happy to go. I'd like to do more things like that with you in the future, if that's alright. I love that you do so much for causes like this and I'd like to do what I can to help you." She reaches over and clasps my hand in hers.

"I would love that, Amelia." She squeezes my hand gently. "What time are you ladies going over to see the boys?" She looks between me and Nichole, her face breaking out into a grin.

"Speaking of, Amelia," Uncle Richard clears his throat as he chimes in, "I think it's high time that you have that boy over for dinner so that I can have a proper conversation with him," he says with a serious look on his face. It's all I can do to not crack up over how stern he's trying to come off as right now. I glance over at Nichole and she lets a giggle slip out. Uncle Richard doesn't miss it as he turns he glances over and cocks an eyebrow at her. "Oh, that goes for you, too, Nichole. At least I've met Harry. I know nothing of this Niall lad. Bring them both to dinner on Saturday night. Got it?" he asks as Nichole's eyes go wide as she just nods. He quickly tells us all good day as he kisses Aunt Jane on the cheek and heads out of the room. As soon as he's gone, we all fall into a fit of laughter.

"It seems you two are bringing out the papa bear in my sweet husband," Aunt Jane smiles fondly. "Alright then, go on up and get ready so you can go start preparing those poor boys. I'll try to talk him out of showing them his hunting collection while they're over. Don't want to scare them off, do we!"

We laugh and chat a few more moments before me and Nichole make our way upstairs so that we can get dressed. While I know we are just going to be hanging out around their house, I decide to try and dress a bit sexier than I normally would. I sift through my closet until I find an indecently short gray tshirt dress that I bought ages ago. I pull on an oversized flannel button down over it and slide into some black thigh high socks and booties. Grabbing our bags, Nichole and I call Harry to tell him that we will be there soon.

The drive to their house seems to last forever as we both twitch and puff in the back seat, obviously anxious and impatient to see Harry and Niall. "I hope he still likes me," Nichole says meekly beside me. The small statement takes me by surprise coming from my normally confident best friend.

"Of course he still like you, crazy. Why would you even say such a thing? You're not seriously doubting yourself are you?" I ask. She looks at me and uncomfortable shifts in her seat.

"Maybe a little. I don't know. It's different with men back home. But this is a famous musician. He's gorgeous and it's not like there's a shortage of women at his disposal should he be so inclined.." She says sounding a bit exasperated.