The Dancer's Daughter (1D)

Chapter Twenty-Five

It took only a day to convince the doctors that I was fine. And less than a day after that, I was on the road with the boys again. I refused to talk to anyone but Zayn and Skylar, who was traveling with us still. I was debating whether or not it would be worth it to bring her back to London with us... but what would her parents say? I was very angry with Liam still, but... I knew deep down that he was just worried about me. I sighed to myself, stopping the mixer and leaning on the counter in thought.

I'd been making cupcakes, because I was craving them like crazy. Actually... I'd been having some pretty odd cravings lately, and cupcakes was relatively normal. I think Zayn was relieved when I told him what I wanted this time. He bought me the mix himself.

"Everything okay?" Niall asked from behind me, sounding really worried. Last time one of the boys had spoken to me, I'd screamed in fear (because they can be freaking ninjas sometimes!) and then yelled for half an hour about how I didn't want to talk to anyone. I felt bad now, that I'd scared one of my best friends badly enough to actually not talk to me.

"Could be better. I don't know, I have a killer headache," I told him softly, not turning around. I could almost hear his relief at not being shouted at. Then he seemed to register what I'd said.

"Want some asprin?" he asked, stepping a little closer. He didn't sound worried anymore, and that made me want to smile. So maybe it was time to start talking to the others again... right, Haley, focus!

"No, no thanks. I'm okay, I promise. I... um... I'm sorry, Niall. I know I've been a real bitch lately," I told him, finally turning around. I had tears in my eyes, and I could barely see his shocked expression through them. He stepped forward and immediately hugged me.

"Nobody blames you. We all feel terrible," he assured me. I frowned but hugged back.

"No, but you didn't do anything wrong! I know, and I've known all along, that you don't deserve my anger. I just haven't been able to get rid of it! Seeing her again... it was hard to let her go. And she told me that I can't see her again until I die. And I'll admit that maybe... just for a few seconds... I may have wanted to die. But I could never leave you guys, any of you!" I told him, finally letting my tears flow. "I'm so sorry I've been pushing you away, especially since I'd promised I wouldn't!"

He stayed silent for a while, just hugging me and rubbing my back. Just letting me cry and get it all out. I appreciated that. "I want you to know that we'd all miss you too much if you ever left. We all love you, just Zayn does in a different way. You're like the little sister I never had!" he told me. Which I foudn kind of funny since he and I were nearly the same age. "I can't imagine what you're going through, because I've never been there myself, but I know it must hurt you. It's been hard to see you so upset, and it's been harder to know I can't help you. But I'm not angry with you for pushing me away. You needed space, and I should have respected that better. I'm just glad you're letting me in now."

I just nod, knowing that I can't talk yet. He seems to understand, because I can feel him smile. "Hey, you were making cupcakes? Want some help? I promise I want eat all the batter!" he exclaimed.

"Sure, you can help. And you won't eat any batter if you want to keep your tongue," I teased, only half kidding. I really wanted those cupcakes. Nothing would stop me from getting them.

The next hour was spent mixing and frosting cupcakes. After making sure I'd eaten two, I decided to use the rest as an apology gift to the boys. Time to break my silence. To say I was nervous was an understatement.

Niall's POV

I watched Haley carefully, knowing her mind could change at any time. She'd been acting very strangely lately... none of us could figure out what was going on, not even Zayn. It was like she'd become a different person after she woke up... but our Haley was starting to shine through again.