Totally Not Me ( 1D/ N.H. / Niall Horan)

Chapter 3

After class, Niall walks me out and is talking about how different schools are in the states. He is such a happy person and it is infectious. When he smiles, his whole face lights up. I envy him. Why can't I be so carefree and just take life as it comes to me?

We come to the building where his dad's classroom is and we part ways.

"I'll see you tomorrow." I say with a smile.

"I'll try not to run into ya...well, literally, at least." He laughs at himself.

I giggle as the memory of being run down by him from this morning resurfaces. I turn to walk away almost running into Brent standing there glaring at me. My smile quickly disappears and the memory hides behind my subconscious for protection.

"What are you doing?" He asks.

"Walking across campus to meet you. Should I skip next time? Cartwheels maybe?" I can't help it. He's such an ass!

"Very funny. You know what I mean. That kid isn't part of the group you were introduced to."

"Seriously, Brent?!" He has got to be kidding me!

"Cailin, I have worked far too hard to get to the top of this food chain. You know damn well how important it is to do this MY way in MY senior year. I will be damned if you drag my or my father's reputation down the toilet by hanging out with a lower class of people. Remember the deal we all made after your little 'episode' this past summer." He lectures as we reach his car.

How could he bring that up?! He was a part of the reason for that...what did he call it?...Oh yeah..."episode". Insensitive asshole!

This week needs to seriously fly by so I can escape to my dad's. I can survive this school year. I know I can. It's only one year and Brent is off to college.

* * * *

While I'm sorting my binders and doing what little homework I have from the first day of school, there's a knock on my bedroom door.

"Come in." I call and the door opens revealing my mom.

"How was your first day?" She asks as she seats herself at the end of my bed.

"It was okay. It's gonna take a little getting used to." I shrug.

"Cailin, remember the agreement we had over the summer? You were going to make your mark in this school. Brent has been nice enough to show you the ropes but you don't seem to be listening to him."

What?! Are you kidding me?! That "agreement" was her sitting me down and telling me to fit in like Brent. Oh! And HIM? NICE?! He's the definition of an asshole! Wait!...Did that jerk go tattle to my mom over me?

"Being Brent isn't exactly who I am, Mom." I confess.

"But it's who we are now. As long as you are living here while Brent is here, you will not embarrass this family." She states sternly.

"Fine." I sigh. I don't have a choice. This is my hell and I'm all alone in it. Why can't it be Friday already?!

She smiles, pats my hand, and leaves my room telling me dinner will be ready in five minutes.

I reach for my phone and text my dad, "Is it Friday yet?"

"How was your first day?" He responds immediately.

"Sucked."

"Hang in there. It will get better. I have a surprise for you on Saturday."

"What is it?" I smile at my phone and feel a small spark of excitement. He does that from time to time for me. His timing is always perfect.

"It wouldn't be a 'surprise' if I told you." Did I mention he's quite cheeky?

"Fine! What time are you picking me up on Friday?"

"Your mom wants to meet at a Starbucks halfway between here and there at 4:00."

"I'll see you then. Love you."

"Love you, too, Sweetie." He responds.

I let out a sigh and head downstairs for dinner.

* * * *

It's finally Friday and I've survived the week. Volleyball tryouts start on Monday and Lou is buzzin. I really like her. She's the only person out of these "approved friends" that seems to be halfway normal.

I've really tried to keep the peace when it comes to Brent's little world. I even haven't given Niall much attention. I really don't feel right about it. I could care less where someone is on the food chain but I really don't need it from my mom or Brent. I just wish there was someway I could explain it all to him but I really don't think he would understand my situation. I don't think anyone would.

The final bell rings and Niall heads out of class without even as much as a "goodbye". The guilt begins to course through my veins. He has done nothing wrong.

I gather my things and meet up with Brent to head home. He's talking with Ryan when I catch up to him.

"Are you coming to the party tonight too?" Ryan asks me with a head nod.

"No! She's at her dad's this weekend." Brent answers for me.

"That's too bad. It's gonna be a lot of fun." He says looking at me up and down again. What in the hell is his deal?!

"Maybe next time." I say with a forced smile...I just need to get the hell out of here.

Brent and I climb into his Land Rover and head home.

"You know, dating Ryan would only help your reputation." Brent suggests out of nowhere.

"What?!" I need some clarification here.

"He was asking about you today. Dating him would shoot your popularity straight to the top."

"I don't even know him. Why would I date him?"

"Shit, Cailin! You are so thick headed sometimes!" He growls at me through gritted teeth.

"Whatever." I roll my eyes and stare out the window the rest of the way home.

Finally, 4:00 hits, the exchange takes place, and I am with my dad. The minute we hit his place, the dress is off, my jeans are on, my hair is pulled back, and my contacts are out and replaced with my glasses. I, finally, exhale...I am me.

* * * *

Niall's POV

It's Saturday and the first day of my new job. This first week of school was so confusing. People out here aren't who they appear to be. Just when you think you meet someone nice, they suddenly think they are better than you. Of course my dad had to take a teaching job with the wealthiest, snobbiest town in the states. As the saying goes, "The higher the monkey climbs the tree the further up its arse you see". At least I befriended some lads who are going out for the football...I mean "soccer" team. They seem cool.

I arrive at the music store a good fifteen minutes before my shift. I'm giving guitar lessons on the weekends for some extra cash.

I get settled in my little room and look at my list of students...Jana Harrington is my first one today. That sounds like a good Irish name.

I begin to play some cords when there is a light knock on the door.

"Come in!" I holler.

I look at the black and white Converses that slowly walk in. Moving my eyes up, I notice the nice figure in a pair of light ripped jeans with a plain black hoodie. Long straight blonde hair hangs out of the bottom of her matching snap back and I stop at her eyes that are trying to hide behind a pair of black rimmed glasses. She freezes mid step and her mouth falls open.

My jaw hits the floor. There is no way in hell! Someone has got to be playing a sick joke!

"Jesus Christ!" I think are the words that just fell out of my mouth.

A/N- Hmmmmm...this is just starting to get interesting. Please do not forget to vote! Thank you so much for reading! :)