The One That Got Away // Horan [editing]

Chapter 1 - Savior

Siena's POV

Niall. Niall. Niall. I was wrapped in Niall's arms, and there was nothing but us. I couldn't seem to find any piece in the buzzing world beside being so close to him. Just me and Niall. Together. He put his strong hands on my waist and pulled me ever closer so that my figure sunk all the way into his. What I had dreamt about for so many months finally arrived-

My alarm woke me up with a start, causing me to sit straight up. The weather report from Westmeath for today was being fed through my alarm speakers, the annoyingly happy voice causing me to reach over and slap the alarm off. That chirpy voice startled me every morning, but it was the only thing that never failed to annoy me enough to climb out of bed. But this morning, like others had been in the past few months, was different.

Letting go of a strangled sob, my shaky breath made me lose control of the start to my day very quickly. Panic attacks had plagued me my entire life, and the thought of literally not being able to tell Niall how I felt had been driving me up the wall the whole week. My trustworthy gut kept nagging at me, letting me know that it was now or never, but I was never brave enough to put myself out there without thinking I would automatically make a fool of myself as I had done so many times in the past.

The inevitability of facing school this morning loomed over me like a storm cloud, but I smiled contently at a click from the front door, signaling Niall was here to pick me up. My panic episodes first began when I made the move to Ireland at just five years old. Being ripped away from all of my family and preschool friends in California felt like my parents were intentionally making my life a living hell. As I settled down, I continued to be the unhappiest little kid around, but my salvation finally came in two forms: football and Niall.

I threw the sheets off of myself and ran to open the door, attempting to quickly wipe of the sheen of cold sweat covering my face and neck. I made my most valiant effort to collect myself for the boy on the other side of the door. I swung it open, and Niall stood there for a split second before immediately recognizing that something was wrong.

After engulfing me in one of his warm and soft hugs, he wiped my face softly with his thumbs. The most simple things this boy did for me were mind-boggling. I had never before met someone with such an unconditionally loving soul. It was in his genes I guess; and it was why our mothers had been trying to get us together for so long. Not that I would have minded. "What's the matter, love?" Niall questioned. "I've been telling you forever, Siena: why not just try seeing a psychiatrist? They know how to help you... I can't stand seeing you like this all the time," he said, tracing my cheeks with his fingers.

"I don't need a psychiatrist, Niall. I can deal with my own problems." My angry words surprised even me, but I turned away from him nonetheless, shocked that he would suggest seeing a specialist for something so manageable.

Lost in thought, Niall yanked me into reality as he tackled me to the floor and began tickling me ravenously. I momentarily forgot about our little argument as I giggled and screamed, I wriggled and squirmed until Niall got off of me and said, "Why aren't you dressed for school?" as he shook my arms playfully.

"I was about to get my clothes when you barged into my house!" I said with a huge grin on my face, and I started walking back to my room.