This Love (Niall fanfiction)

chapters 63

Niall's P.O.V -

After Cleo told me that she was hoping to watch The Grinch, a movie that puts her in such a happy mood, it was ruined by her fucking uncle. I'm glad she finally got it off of her chest by telling me.

Whenever she called me, I thought she was calling to ask where I was, not seeing the taped note. I answered the phone and her shaky voice completely took my by surprise. She told me she needed me.

That hit me harder than anything. Cleo cried harshly through the phone as I drove twice the speed limit. I told her to stay on the phone, but moments later, I hear a muffled noise, which ended the call.

As soon as I got in I began searching for her. I found her on the side of the couch. Once she looked up, she let out a deep breath she was holding. I bent down to her and wrapped my arms around her shaking, scared, and traumatized body tightly.

Whenever her breathing had increased, it honestly scared the shit out of me. I didn't know what to do. I have no idea why her breathing was so erratic. She looked so overwhelmed. My Cleo... crying her eyes out over her asshole uncle.

Seeing her in that state shocked me to the point where I couldn't do anything except tell her that she's safe with me. Her breathing calmed down once I had began breathing out loud. I guess her hearing me breath had calmed her down.

I look at the clock and it's noon. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and to have this happen today, kind of drained my Christmas spirit a bit.

"What are we doing tomorrow?" Cleo asks me while she stares at the Christmas tree.

"I don't really know. Maybe we could fly to my family's house tomorrow." I suggest, looking at Cleo.

"All the way to Ireland?" She says with big eyes. "Would we make it back on time for Christmas Day?" She continues.

"Yeah, I mean if you want to. If we leave in a few hours, then we'd make it there by 2 in the morning. We could leave from my house around 10 tomorrow, and make it back on Christmas Day around 7 in the morning." I tell her, getting up to get a glass of water. She follows me into the kitchen and sits on a stool.

"Does your family know about me?" She looks down while asking.

"My older brother and mother know. I didn't tell my dad, but I'm sure my mom did." I notice her bite her lip nervously.

"What?" I walk over to her.

"Nothing, just -um,  what if they don't like me?" She asks playing with her necklace.

I bring her hands down and press my lips against hers softly, our foreheads touching once the kiss is over.

"They're going to love you as much as I love you." I sprinkle kisses everywhere on her face until she groans playfully and hops off of the stool.

My height shadows over hers. Cleo only meets a little bit below my collarbones.

She reaches her hand behind me and smacks my bum.

"That was payback from last night." She says while running out of the kitchen. I chase after her as she goes up the stairs. I hear her laughing as she runs.

Cleo runs quick for a small person, but it's not fast enough to outrun me. I'm waiting until she gets tired then I'll get her. Better yet, I'll just hide.

I run behind her still hearing her laugh before I go into our bedroom and hide behind the open door.

"Niall?" She says laughing a little. "Babe, where'd you goo?" Cleo says in a singing voice. I try not to laugh at her because she'll find me instantly.