Modest Delusions - Book 3 (Larry Stylinson AU)

Chapter 17 - Ready for the worst

Chapter inspired by – ‘Hurricane’ - MS MR (really inspired the hell out of this chapter, give it a listen.                                         Embodies all of Niall’s feelings so well)

                                   'Lies' - Marina and the Diamonds

Ready for the worst

By the time Jennifer stopped crying the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon, it took Niall a long time to get her to sleep. He made her soothing tea and helped clean up the mess Harry had left in his wake but Niall couldn't shake the heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Zayn had rung over and over again, he had gotten wind of Harry still being missing and was desperate for answers. With Niall trying to ignore him Zayn went and harassed Logan at his apartment. To Niall’s complete surprise, Logan kept his mouth shut. Great that mean Niall would have to tell Zayn about Jennifer. He shuddered at the thought but was grateful Logan, with his condescending smirk and beady green eyes didn't drop that bomb on Zayn. 

Jennifer, asleep in his arms woke with a start she jumped and looked up at him, a terrified expression on her pale face.

Niall moved to look at her, "What are you okay is the baby-"

For the first time all day she smiled, "it's kicking," she whispered. 

Niall beamed, "Jen that's-"

She gingerly took his hand and pressed it against the left part of her stomach,  he gasped and then giggled. "Oh my god!"

Jennifer smiled but then it turned quickly into a frown when Niall said, "I can’t believe Liam is passing all of this up!"

Jennifer dropped his hand, she didn't meet his eyes.

"Oh Jen I am so-"

She shook her head, "It's fine, " she whispered. "I think I'll go to bed... thanks for today Niall. I'm sorry about Harry..." she slowly stood up and began to walk to the door.

“Jen, wait!” Niall called but it was on deaf ears, she retreated to her bedroom and the door clicked shut. He swore under his breath and stood up, picking up the cups of tea he carried them silently to the kitchen. He could hear her quietly crying and it pulled on his heartstrings but, what could he say? She was a mess, sometimes sure she was fine but being pregnant and heartbroken was a dangerous mix or emotional hormones. He looked back at the hallway as he opened the door and sighed. His phone rang again, it was Zayn and with a long sigh he answered. 

“Hey,” his voice was hoarse. 

‘Where the hell are you? I have been trying to call you and-‘

“I’m coming to the loft, we need to talk,” Niall said sternly. 

Zayn was silent. 

“I’ll be there soon,” Niall said. 

‘Where are you?’

Niall bit his bottom lip as he walked through the dark street, “Jennifer’s…”

‘Wait, what? I thought she-‘

“I’ll talk to you when I get home, have you found Harry?” Niall was afraid of the answer he already knew.

‘No,’ Zayn said with an audible sigh, ‘I went to douche bag’s and-‘

“Logan’s? Niall smirked. Zayn really, really didn't like the guy. Niall didn’t either but his distaste was lightening... just a little.

‘Hasn’t seen him all day apparently,’ Zayn said and Niall bit his tongue, for once he didn’t want to punch Logan’s lights out.

“I’ll see you soon, okay?”