Be My Mascot

Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Bailey's POV

"Babe, are you ready?" Niall peaks his head through the closet door where I'm stationed, sitting on the ground. "Kyle texted me that they're waiting outside." He holds up his phone as he speaks.

I carefully toss in the last few shirts and pants that are on white hangers before zipping the bag shut.

"Okay, I'm ready."

I rise to my feet and use the palm of my hands to flatten down my shirt. I reach out to take my suitcase, but a hand stops me.

"I got it."

I smile as Niall grabs the handle before leaving the small and dim-lit room. I follow after him, grasping my purse and phone which I carry. He's lugging his own suitcase as well.

My grin slowly fades into a frown when Niall holds open the door for me to exit.

This is our last day living in this dorm.

The final semester has ended. Every student on campus is packing up and leaving for the summer. Niall and I didn't want to part ways just yet. I know that at some point in time, he'll be going home to Ireland, and I will be returning home as well.

But, for now, we thought of an idea to give us some more time together until that day arrives. Niall, Aubrey, Kyle, and I are all going to the Southport beach for five days. Aubrey was in charge of renting a house, which, she did. Any information about it was not shared.

But, as I stare at the empty dorm room in front of me, other thoughts beside if the house even has a roof are racing through my head.

Countless events took place in this very room. Intimate, humorous. I could go on.

I wasn't really ready to forget this special place. I'm certain that next year Niall and I won't be able to live together. He'll have a different roommate that won't despise him and I. I'll probably have one as well.

"Bailey."

I turn around to see Niall intently staring at me. The door is still wide open.

I take one final glance at our room. The sheets have been stripped off the mattress, the two single beds are pushed apart from their original position of being closely pushed together to create more space for Niall and I to sleep in. All our pictures are no longer posted on the clean white walls.

It looks boring, which is a high contrast from what is previously appeared like yesterday. Every single article of clothing and smaller items such as photo frames are all stored away in two different suitcases.

Niall's presence is known when he encloses me into a tight hold from behind. A soft kiss in pressed to my cheek.

"Come on, baby." The soothing tone makes me close my eyes and sigh. I step away from his embrace, finally ready to part ways with the dorm room. I'm afraid if I stare at it any longer, I'll never bring myself to leave.

I reach the door and step into the hallway, waiting for Niall. He joins me seconds later, holding a key. It's placed inside the keyhole, twisted, and then pulled out when the click sounds. My hand is taken in his and we walk down the vacant hallway.

"There they are!" Aubrey claps when we exit the building. She's standing by Niall's car with Kyle. We walk up to them, and my grip on Niall is retracted when Aubrey whisks me away in a warm hug. I let out a laugh as she twirls me around.

"Put me down!" I giggle.

My feet touch the pavement again. I whack Aubrey's arm, and she dramatically stumbles back, pretending to look hurt.