Possibility

Chapter 15 - Falling

It started as a light drizzle, and I laid there, listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the canvas, accompanied by the sound of Niall's steady breathing. I tried to supress the urge that had been building up for a little while, but soon realised I wouldn't be able to fight it for much longer; I was deeply in need of a toilet.

As quietly as possible, I got out from my sleeping bag, threw on a fleece jacket and some shoes, before I slipped out of the tent and into the rain. The cool air and the raindrops hitting my face were surprisingly refreshing, and a nice change from the slightly clammy sleeping bag.

I made my way to the Portaloo, and was glad to discover that it was lit up by a small lamp. The feeling of relief turned out to be momentarily though; just as I had locked the door and sat down on the toilet, I noticed the sudden shift in the weather. The sound of the rain hitting the Portaloo became much more rapid, and I could only assume it was now pouring down outside.

My assumptions were soon confirmed, when I opened the door ajar to peek outside. I closed the door again, and stayed inside for a few minutes, hoping the rain would slow down again, but with no luck. I was forced to accept defeat against the weather and pulled my fleece closer around me, regretting that I hadn't put on a more waterproof jacket, before I exited the Portaloo and set off in a sprint towards the tent.

I realised too late that running had been a bad idea, as my feet disappeared beneath me, a scream slipping out of my mouth as I fell, and I ended up on my back in a shallow puddle. For a moment, I just laid there, too dejected by myself to bother to get up again straight away. Knowing I'd probably get sick if I didn't do something about my situation though, was motivation enough for me to get back up on my feet and walk as quickly as I dared to the tent.

I entered the tent, and jumped once I turned and noticed Niall sitting upright in his sleeping bag. His hair was messy and the expression on his face made it clear he had been asleep moments earlier. He looked a bit tense though; almost worried, in a way.

"Did I wake you?" I asked him, apologetically, as I plopped down next to my sleeping bag; almost certain that that was the case. Niall didn't seem to bother with my question though, as he looked me over before his eyes met mine.

«What happened?» He asked concernedly, as he reached out to touch my shoulder. Whem his hand made contact with the fabric of my fleece jacket, his eyebrows knitted together. "You're soaked." He noted, then retracted his hand and seemed to inspect it for a few seconds. "And muddy?"

I almost laughed at his confusion, realising he must have been abruptly awoken, either as I entered the tent or just before. The worry showing on him though made it easy to control my laughter.

"I slipped on the wet grass."  I replied, hoping the answer would put him at ease.

He seemed to register the pouring rain just then as he looked towards the roof of the tent. Then, he sleepily rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands; the sight making a smile find its way to my face.

"Payson, what were you doing outside in this weather?" Niall asked as he turned towards me, the sleepiness eventually seeming to diminish.

"I was deeply in need of a toilet visit." I shrugged, giving him a sheepish smile.

"I also kind of wanted to do a bit of gymnastics." I added, before he got the chance to reply, my voice raised slightly, as if I was especially excited about that part. Niall only seemed even more confused than before, so I didn't wait long until I continued my joke. "I must admit though, tumbling really isn't my thing." I said disappointedly. 

Niall chuckled loudly then, as he shook his head, his confusion vanishing.

"Was there any drinks this evening that I forgot about?" Niall laughed, probably surprised by my unusually bubbly mood.