Darling Harbor (Niall Horan)

Chapter 21: The Great Abandon

 Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2013

NIALL’s POV

I have let the familiar feeling of excitement and nervousness take over me as I walk along the hallway of our floor in the hotel. I remember the same feeling when I first tried out for X-Factor, and then the first time the boys and I went on tour. But those were more of excitement as I know I’m doing what I’ve been dreaming to do. This time, as I head to Bree’s door, I am more of tensed because I am pretty much unsure of what my confession has leaded us both into. And I didn’t know I would feel this way towards her. Everything was just too fast, but I have never been this certain of what I feel. I love her. Does she love me back, or she doesn’t?

I know I have settled earlier that maybe she feels the same way, but as I get closer and closer towards her door, I can’t help the apprehensions rush through every vein in my thick head. I have quickened my pace just so I can get this over and done with.

I take a deep long breath as I approach her suite with the door surprisingly open. I let go of the breath I was holding and pry at the room. It’s odd. She never forgets to close her door.

One thing, or person, catches my attention and it is the cleaning lady who just emerges from the bathroom with some cleaning materials in her hands; white cloth and spray bottle. She looks at me stunned and is about to speak when I interrupt her.

“Excuse me. Where’s the girl who’s occupying this suite?”

She looks to her side and frowns, thinking, “You mean that beautiful brunette?” She asks me, and I already am aware who she refers to as being that beautiful brunette.

“Yeah?” I respond immediately and I am so anxious for her answer. I wasn’t even aware that I am already fidgeting my fingers at my side.

“Well you already missed her. She just checked out.” What?! What the… are you kidding me?

She must have observed the frustration and confusion written all over my face as she quickly redeems me by adding, “But she just left minutes ago… you can still catch her I think…” Her voice fades as I don’t wait for her to finish. As soon as I hear her say she just left minutes ago, I run swiftly to get to the elevator. What the heck? Bree’s already leaving?

God must be on my side today as the lift opens almost immediately and I quickly get in. I anxiously press the #1 button to take me to the lobby. What is she thinking? I thought she won’t be coming back to Brisbane until Monday.

While inside the four sided metal box, I can’t help but think of the possible reasons that Bree has decided to leave early, but I can’t think of something really. I don’t remember doing anything wrong, or remotely something that will hurt her. In fact, we were happy before I even left her suite. Did I freak her out with my confession of love? There must be a rational reason why she leaves this soon, and worst, without even telling me. Or maybe it’s an emergency. If that’s the case, then I should totally be there for her. Ugh, I don’t even know which is which.

I wish this lift could just go down within 15 seconds before she’s gone, or else I will spend the rest of my life being dumbfounded not knowing what’s happening with her.

Fortunately for me, the elevator has finally dinged open, and I just practically rush outside to the lobby, my eyes scan the place, determined to see the brunette who owns my heart. I still haven’t seen her though. Has she left already? I panic and consider my next option. I approach the counter and ask the receptionist for a certain Bree Lawrence who just have checked out of the hotel.

“Yes, she just checked out.” The receptionist confirms and her eyes stare at me with worry, affected with my frazzled state. I freeze in despair at her answer, my shoulder felt a little bit heavier now. I notice her look behind me and she widens her eyes as if she just found the light, “Oh, there she is!” Her lips point beyond my side and I instinctively trail her sight.