The Struggle •Unedited•

Chapter 38

•Elisabeth•

Sweaty and half-way recovered, Liam and I were on our way to Niall's to see what he was up to. We texted him to see if he'd join us earlier, but there was no response.

His driveway was mostly empty, his Jeep resting on the concrete with an open space behind it. I pull in and we head to the front door.

Knock-knock.

Seconds pass and there's no answer. As my balled fists lifts to make contact with the door once more, the lock begins to rustle. The door opens slowly, revealing a tired looking Niall.

"Hey," He grumbles, moving aside, allowing us to walk in.

An inaudible gasp escapes me as I take in the sight around us. The place is a mess. Nothing compared to how Niall usually keeps his home. Piles of dirty clothes sits on one couch as Mason lays on another

"Uh," Liam stammer, obviously trying to avoid the obvious, "We invited ya to the gym. Reason for a no-show?"

The blonde sighs and plants himself in between two piles of laundry. "Sorry, mate. I've been cleaning all day. Began yesterday, actually."

My eyebrows rise, "And where's Louis to help with this?"

Rolling his eyes, he huffs. His hand come up to his face and rub his eyes vigorously. Aggravation is clear in his tone.

"Another part of the reason why I was a no-show today," His hands fall from his face, revealing tired blue eyes. "The asshole snuck out last night so I have to watch the kid."

Snuck out? What is he? 16?

"He's been feeling ill, too. We can't figure out what's wrong with the kid."

We turn to look at the toddler who lays on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket. His brown hair a bit messy and his eyes dim.

"Hemmings also has me working like crazy," he continues, "I mean I mostly work from home but he's persistent I'm getting the companies website updated to his info and what not."

I look around. The environment silent with the soft hum of a children's tv show buzzing in the background. I mean the place isn't too bad.

"You know," I begin, looking at Niall, "I can help."

I sigh and turn to Liam. "I'm sure Liam can help too?'

That came out more as a question than a demand. His forehead scrunches, obviously confused. "What?"

"Yeah. C'mon. It's not that bad."

His shoulders shrug, "Fine."

Niall chuckles lightly and lifts himself up from the couch. "Honestly, guys. You don't have to. I should be done in a few hours."

"Well, maybe we can cut that time down." I smile.

Niall places the kid in his room for a nap as Liam and I begin to sweep the parameter. In no time, the place begins to look like its old self. The laundry piles are gone and in the washer, Niall is dusting the windows and countertops, wearing ridiculous rubber gloves, as Liam mops and I fold fresh clothes that have just came out of the dryer. Music echoes through the house and soon we're laughing up a storm as Liam dances with the mop, dressed in ridiculous apron. I slip on Louis' boxing robe and join him as we dance goofily. Niall's laugh booms as he takes out his phone to record the moment.

After playtime, the house now smells like fresh lemon and the music is lowered to a minimum. The other two reside in the bathroom, finishing off the cleaning duties while I finish folding the last of Louis and Mason's clothes.