The Brunette

Chapter 44

(Bella's pov): I wake up.

I was dreaming.

It was all a dream.

Being on the roof, Zayn and Niall fighting, falling off the edge, saving Niall...

the kiss.

It was all a dream.

Im suddenly feel a bit upset. I don't know why and I can't find any reason why Im sad that I never actually said I love you to Niall and kiss him...

I find that Im alone in my room.

Did Niall leave?

I feel a burning pain in my cheek and arm so I get up to change the bandages.

As I walk into the hall, I find Im not alone in my small apartment. I hear singing coming from the kitchen and I recognize Niall's voice. "Into a room where its nine in the afternoon, and we know that it could be. And you know that it should. And you know that you feel it too." He sings, unaware of my presence.

He seemed to be making pasta, setting it up on the dining table. There was a distinct smell of garlic in the air. "'Cause its nine in the afternoon." I sing, leaning on the wall. He smiles slightly, still not acknowledging me, "You're eyes are the size of the moon. You could cause you can so you do." He returns, spooning pasta onto a plate. He's acting like Im not even here.

"We're feeling so good, just the way that we do, when its nine in the afternoon." I step forward lazily and wrap my arms around him from behind, burying my face in his strong back. He seems to relax at my touch, moving with more ease. "Back to the street, down to our feet, loosing the feeling of feeling unique." He sings in his masculine voice, a lot deeper compared to my alto voice.

"Do you know what I mean?" We sing in unison, making me smile. Niall turns around and picks me up, waiting for me to wrap my legs around him before he moves. He sets me down on a seat, kissing my cheek. I listen to him sing the rest of the song to me, his voice soft and gentle like a warm breeze wafting through the room.

He sets two plates on the table, both mountained high with pasta. He drizzles alfredo sauce all over both, using exaggerated motions while smiling charmingly. I giggle as he places a sprig of green herbs on the top of the pasta, finishing it off with grated parmesan. "Nice presentation Niall." I poke his cheek teasingly.

He chuckles, looking pleased with himself, "Its nothing, I just..." He blushes, not even bothering to finish. He straightens and takes an oven mitt off the counter, slipping it on one hand before opening the oven.

The smell of garlic in the air increases as Niall takes out a tray of garlic bread out. He places two slices on mine, using small flourishes. I giggle, "Niall, if you're trying to impress me, its working." I say, resting my head on my hands. "I wasn't trying to impress you but..." He pauses for a moment. "Oh, this is the night, its a beautiful night and we call it bella notte." He sings quietly, a smile playing across his hands.

He steps back and turns the dimmer so that the room is dark enough only enough to see the sparkle in his eyes. "Look at the skies, they have stars in their eyes, on this lovely bella notte." He continues, going into the kitchen for matches and lighting the light pink candle in the middle of the table. "Side by side with your loved one, you'll find enchantment here." We sing in unison.

"The night will weave its magic spell when the one you love is near." He sings softly in my ear. He gently pushes back a strand of my hair from my face before sitting in front of me. It takes a moment for any of us to say anything, "Impressed?" Niall says, smiling shyly. I nod, "Very." I giggle. He beams, "Wait until you taste the food." He says, making both of us laugh.