Darling Harbor (Niall Horan)

Chapter 13: A Moment in Time

Copyright © 2013

BREE’s POV

What’s taking Niall and Harry so long outside? I glance at Paul at the driver’s seat fiddling his finger at the steering wheel impatiently. It took a while before I can finally realize he was staring back at me through the rear-view mirror, smiling. I giggle to myself upon realizing and smile back at him.

“What’s wrong?” Louis asks at my sudden emotion. He sits across me in the little booth inside the recreation vehicle, the table between us.

“Nothing.” I shake my head and look away smiling. Liam and Zayn both find their way to lie on the plain couch opposite us with their headphones on.

I look out the window where I spotted Niall and Harry discussing something between them, keeping their voice low, as if we could hear them if they do otherwise.

In split seconds, a frustrated Louis bolts out from his seat and walk to the door of the RV. His next sudden action caught me completely off-guard. I quake as he slams the metal wall three times and screams at Harry and Niall, another characteristic of Louis that I find odd but amusing. In effect, Harry and Niall quivers and walk quickly in, intimidated by Louis.

I would never want to see another angry Louis for the whole trip, not anymore. On the other hand, he’s a good friend to me. I never felt more comfortable with a guy like him before. Louis and I are opposite poles. He likes to crack jokes and make everyone laugh while I am more reserve and would want as much as possible to keep silent. But then again, we’re dragged together with same interests, adventure like surfing, racecars, jetski and he just taught me skateboarding earlier; one of my most favourite experience just now.

I still can’t get over the fact that he asked me about my sexuality earlier. “Which do you prefer, boys or girls?” His voice echoes to my brain. Yes, I may be a tomboy but I like boys. I like Niall.

“Hey Bree.” Harry greets cheekily, looking down at me after putting his bag at the back of the seat. “May I sit with you?” He asks, anticipating.

“Yeah…” I nod. “Sure.” I wave my hand to his direction and scoot to the side to allow a space for him. Thankfully, we forgot about his attempt to kiss me yesterday. Well I already did, I hope he does too. Sitting beside him is not that awkward anymore. At least I made it known to him that I am not into hooking up. I hope he gets it.

Paul then shortly starts the engine of the vehicle once Niall and Louis seated across Harry and I. Seconds later, the car is moving.

Niall has been distant to me since I saw him yesterday outside the yacht, claiming he was searching for signal. Even when I tried to smile at him a while ago, his response is a little bleak with thoughts I can’t decipher. I wish he would somehow let me know what’s wrong. I thought we’re even fine now after the elevator incident.

“So what were you two up to?” Louis chides, glancing at Niall and then to Harry.

“Nothing.” Harry speaks up timid, tracing his sight to Niall in a permissive way.

I stare at Niall, intending to catch his eyes. An involuntary smile pulls from my face causing for him to smile back. Looking at him does not make sense but somehow I know we are communicating, understanding everything just by looking through the window to each other’s souls. It was more than words can hold; a still moment where I don’t want to be anywhere else but just here in front of him, witnessing his sweet smile.

Niall suddenly disconnected and drags his sight to Louis consequently from his nudge in the elbow. I shrug off and return to consciousness. I pull out my camera from my bag and act as if nothing extraordinary has just happened.