This is not the end~ Fourth book in PLMI series

Anticipation-18

-Mackenzie's POV-
I felt my phone buzz in my pocket mid dance move so I stopped, sighing and walking over to the stereo, shutting it off.
Niall's contact popped up on my screen. I smiled and clicked accept. My breathing was heavy from all the dancing.
"Hello?" I answered and I heard some commotion over the phone.
"Hey Kenz....where are you?" Niall asked. I ran a hand over my ponytail and sighed.
"At the dance studio. What time is it anyways?" I asked him, looking around the room for a clock.
"Dear Lord Mackenzie.....you're gonna hurt your foot doing that. And...it's 4:00. I only called you because I woke up and you were gone. Come home soon. Alright?" He asked gently. I sighed, and nodded, but then realized he couldn't see me.
"No, I'm fine Nialler. I'll be home soon. I have to help Britt pretty much all day. Are...you okay? Why did you wake up?" I asked and I could feel his smile radiating through the phone.
"I don't know.....probably cause you weren't here. Why did you go?" He asked and I sighed.
"I dunno. It relaxes me." I replied.
"You're crazy." He replied. I could see his tired smile in my mind.
"Sometimes you need a little bit of insanity to do great things." I whispered over the phone. I heard him sigh as if he were annoyed.
"Kenz. It is way too early for Shakespeare." He grumbled and I laughed.
"That wasn't Shakespeare genius. Did you even go to school in Ireland?" I asked, running a hand over my sweaty shoulder.
"Yes! Of course!" He defended himself.
"Alrighty. I believe you. It's just a matter of paying attention or not." I trailed. I heard his defeated sigh over the phone.
"Just...tell me next time you leave...or send me a text or something....I.....was scared..." Niall whispered and I laughed at his sudden topic change.
"Aww. You're so sweet. I'll be home in a bit love." I said.
"Okay. Don't be too long. I miss you." He whined and I chuckled again.
"Aww.....in that case....I'll be home in a couple minutes." I said and he laughed.
"It's fine love. Take your time. Love ya. Bye." Niall said.
"Love you too Niall." I said as I hung up. I sighed and looked at the wall, which was lined with mirrors and glanced at my reflection.
I have changed so much. I used to be....so....innocent. Now....I'm more independent. More.....I don't really know. All I know is...I've changed. And I know Niall sees it. It's....still not the same as it was for us...before...everything. I feel like we still haven't.....I don't know...talked about some things. I'm a big fan of ignoring problems until they eventually just...go away. Plus...I feel like he's really.......holding on tightly. Too tightly almost. I know....he's scared I'll leave again, but I'm not planning on it. I love Niall........but...I have to talk to him about....every thing.
I sighed and grabbed my jacket and my car keys.....as well as my bag and headed out the door. I ran into someone as I opened the door and quickly fell on the ground. It was a...boy? Man? Seemed as if he were Niall's age, but I'm not good at guessing.
"Sorry!" I mumbled and he chuckled.
"No. No. It was all my fault love." He replied...his London accent was thick and sent a shiver down my spine.
He offered me a hand and pulled me up to stand again. I pulled on my jacket and looked to see he was still watching me, glancing at my bare stomach. Pervert.
"What's a girl like you doing here all alone so early in the morning?" He asked, attempting to flirt with me. In my mind, I laughed. But outside.......I grinned stupidly, deciding to have some fun with this guy.
"Dancing. " I replied sarcastically, as this is a dance studio. His face fell.....seeing I wouldn't flirt back with him.
"Same. Hey....I've seen you around here....." he whispered, coming closer. My heartbeat quickened and I took a step back, suddenly nervous.
"Oh?" I asked, my hands beginning to shake. Maybe...I shouldn't have messed with this guy.
"Yeah....what's your name...?" He asked and I smiled.
"Grace." I lied instantly, not wanting to tell him my actual name....just in case.
"Well....Grace....how about you and I...dance together sometime.....?" He smirked, I knew instantly what he meant.
"I have a boyfriend." I replied instantly and he chuckled as if this didn't matter. He came closer to me, grabbing my wrist in a painful manner.
"He doesn't have to know." He whispered in my ear. I fought to keep my breathing steady and act as if I wasn't scared. But....I was. This situation...so reminded me of Trey and the horrors he brought upon me.
I pulled my wrist away from him and slapped him across the face hard and firm, raising my eyebrows at him. His eyes flashed anger and I turned on my heel and walked out the door.
"Jerk." I mumbled as I threw open the door to my car. It was still dark outside and I sighed as I got in and started the car. My excitement kicked in as I saw lights on inside our flat.
I got out of my car, grabbed my bag out of the back and sighed as I unlocked the door and walked inside. Liam was up already, sitting at the table by himself, drinking a cup of tea. I smiled as I walked in and threw my keys on the counter before sitting next to him.
"Hey." He whispered and I smiled and grabbed a muffin from where they sat on the table.
"Hey. You okay?" I asked as he kneaded his hands together, looking up nervously.
"Yeah. Just...super nervous. What if something goes wrong?" He asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Nothing will go wrong. You worry to much." I replied. He nodded, knowing this was true.
"So....why were you up so early.....?" He asked and I shrugged. I actually had a nightmare...which Niall didn't know about...but I didn't tell him that. I can deal with it on my own.
"Couldn't sleep. Too much energy." I replied. He nodded and we sat in silence for awhile. All the secrets I was keeping from Niall were drowning me and pulling me down. I need to talk to him...and soon.
"What's really the matter Kenz....?" He asked. I only shook my head.
"It's nothing Liam. Really. I better...go check on Niall." I said, using an excuse to leave the room. I didn't want to talk about this.
I walked into mine and Niall's room and peeked into our bedroom, seeing him asleep in bed. I smiled lightly and walked into the bathroom, getting in the shower. I heard the door open and Niall stuck his head through the curtain,making me jump and scream. I knew it was him, but it just made me jump. I've been more and more jumpy as of late. Niall laughed and shook his head, but didn't move.
"What the heck Niall?! You scared the crap out of me!!" I scolded and he laughed. I ripped the curtain shut quickly, not wanting him looking at me any longer. Jerk.
What is it with guys in the morning? Are they supposedly more perverted in the morning or...what?
"Can I join you?" He asked from behind the curtain, confirming my thoughts. I sighed and pulled it back to see him pouting. I rose my eyebrows and pulled the curtain shut again.
"Not after scaring me like that." I said, huffing as I ignored his presence, flipping him off before I shut the curtain. He laughed and I heard him shuffling in the bathroom, probably changing. As the wedding is at like....two.....we needed to get ready and get up early. We have pictures at noon, which will probably take until one thirty. Meanwhile....before that....I have to make sure Niall is okay.....make sure Britt's hair is done.......and help set up. It will be...stressful. I was so excited last night....that's part of the reason I couldn't sleep. I got one hour before getting up to go dance at two. I know.......stupid...right? I quickly shook my head...clearing my thoughts and getting out of the shower.
Niall was changed and in his suit already.....looking handsome as he looked back at me. His hair was still messy and sticking up oddly like it always does in the morning.
"Hot." I said as I walked out of the bathroom to grab my dress. I don't know why...but Britt has chosen me over Alexa to be her maid of honor. I still think Alexa should do it .....but I guess it is her choice.....and secretly.....I think I'm glad she chose me.
​​​​​​ I dropped the towel, not minding that Niall was watching me and pulled on the dress quickly.
I quickly looked myself over in the full length mirror and nodded, I really like this dress. It was a pale shade of peach and brought out the color (or lack thereof) in my skin. I quickly pulled on the matching shoes and looked at the clock. Oh wow. 6:00? Already?! Gosh, I was dancing for a long time....
I headed back into the bathroom and looked at my hair. I brushed it through so the girls would be able to do it. Then, I washed my face and put some lotion on it....observing my pale face.
I winced at my snowy white skin and I felt Niall's arms wrap around my waist.
"Don't put on any makeup today." He whispered and I looked at him as he laid his head on my shoulder.
"Why?"
"Because.....you're so beautiful without it." He whispered. I blushed and he laughed, kissing my hot cheek.
"No....my skins too pale....." I whispered and he laughed. He untucked his shirt and lifted it, revealing his pale skin underneath. I laughed and ran my hands over his stomach.
"We can be white together." He said and I laughed and pulled him in for a kiss.
"How's your chest....?" I asked as I pulled away from him, walking out of our bathroom and into the kitchen, where Liam still sat.
"Alright. Hey Liam. It still hurts a bit...and....I don't understand....they said I was....cancer free...." he said and I sighed.
"I don't know." I offered, but I felt a pang in my chest, feeling myself lying to him broke my heart.
"Liam. You better get dressed." Niall said. Liam seemed to snap out of his trance as Britt came into the kitchen. She was carrying her dress in plastic, passing me.
"Are you ready?" Britt asked as she passed me to kiss Liam's head and Niall's cheek. I nodded and walked out of the kitchen to pull on my coat. It was snowing lightly outside. I am going to be...freezing. At least I don't have to wear heels.
Apparently.....me, Britt, Alexa, and Kendall were heading to the church before to get ready and do hair and everything like that. She wants to set up. And....since Liam can't see her in her wedding dress...the guys will be here until it is time to take pictures. Well...Liam will at least. Harry and Zayn might come to help set up. Niall is designated to stay with Liam to make sure he doesn't get so nervous. And....as for Louis....I have no idea.
"Do you have absolutely every thing?" I asked and she thought for a moment.
"I'm pretty sure. We set up before...so everything we need should be there....." she trailed. I nodded and watched as she pulled her coat on. Niall came up to me and kissed my forehead, buttoning my coat for me.
"Don't catch a cold." He whispered and I laughed, pinching his cheek.
"Alright mummy." I teased. He rolled his eyes and leaned in to peck my lips quickly.
"You know what I mean. See you later." He whispered. I nodded and Britt pulled me out the door.

A/n- When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
-Psalm 34:17-20