Be My Mascot

Chapter 51

30k reads?!? Holy shit thank you sooo much!! <3 <3 :D

Please read the author's note at the end!

Bailey's POV

The stairs creak loudly when I walk up to my old bedroom. It's still the same light mint green that I painted myself in junior year of high school. The small bed in the corner is neatly made and matching pillows are nicely placed on top of the duvet. Dozens of pictures of me and my old friends are pinned up around the my desk.

The room is as tiny as I remember it to be. I spent my entire childhood and teenage years packed away in this bedroom. I would constantly listen to music while perched up on the windowsill, watching the impossibly slow world go by in my little town. I would dream about moving away and becoming rich and famous and see my face everywhere on billboards and magazines. Unfortunately for my dreams, reality hit and I knew I would have to spare my fantasies and go to Uni. Looking back on it now, I realize how silly I was.

But there was always that odd little boy that would dream the same dream as I. He was three years younger than me and we were neighbors. If the unrealistic fantasy that we both shared didn't exactly work out for him either, that boy should be ready to leave this boring town and head off to Uni next month.

I still wonder if he continues to work in the bakery Frank used to work in. He was a fabulous baker, always cooked perfect rolls and muffins and pastries. When I had a stressful day at school, or just wanted someone to talk to, I would go down to that shop just to chat with the adorable curly haired kid. He was always there and always wanted to talk to me as well. I'd be lying if I said that his natural charm didn't spark an interest to me.

I remember fancying that boy for a good year or so. I never told him that I liked him, just because of pure nerves. My confidence didn't shine through until my first year at Uni. An ache rises in my stomach as I recall never saying goodbye to my friend. I didn't even see him the summer of my first year back from school.

Before I even know what I'm doing, I'm leaving the house and walking down the road and a few blocks to the familiar bakery in search of Harry Styles.

Niall's POV

When my feet finally touch Irish soil, I'm oddly satisfied and happy. I shouldn't be, though. It's strange and I don't like it. At the same time I feel excited and sad. I miss Bailey and it's only been a few hours, but I also miss home and I'm happy that I'm back.

Once I find my luggage at baggage claim, I leave the crowded airport and stuff the bags into the backseat of my car. I'm extremely tired from the trip.

The old guy sat next to me on the plane smelled like shit. He had a thick beard and a partially ripped shirt. The man introduced himself as Brian and when I mumbled a short hi, he immediately told me that he could tell that my accent is Irish and he proceeded to ask me what part of Ireland I'm from. Brian's first impression on me wasn't the greatest and I didn't want him to track me down in case he's some sort of stalker or rapist and shit, so I lied and said Dublin. Dublin's large enough, unlike Mullingar.

The drive to my parent's house is short and I pull into the driveway around seven o'clock. My eyelids are heavy and I find myself yawning while shutting the ignition off. I need to sleep. While carrying my bags to the front door, I can't help but sigh, wishing that these heavy bags were Bailey's. I wish she were here. I know she'd love Mullingar. It's small and barely anything happens here, but I admit this town is charming.

My thoughts of Bailey and tiredness overtake me and I don't even realize that the door opened in front of me until tight arms wrap around me.

"Niall!" My mum gleefully yells, snapping me back to reality. "I didn't know you were coming home so soon."