~Juli's P.O.V. ~
My cheeks feel stiff with the dried up tears. I stopper crying long ago, not because I got over it, but simply because I cried my eyes dry.
I just sat there rocking Maddie back and forth. El and Louis left the house for a little while to go sightseeing. I know they only left to give me some privacy.
I can't believe myself. I should have just listened to him. My feelings for Niall are stronger than ever and I pushed him away. It's enough to make me want to pull my hair out.
I set Maddie down in her crib and walk out into the living room. I'm not even sure what to do with myself. Maybe if El and Louis stayed here we could have found a movie or something to watch, but I'm alone. I just have to get him off my mind.
On a usual basis, I would study or watch television, but I'm too wiped out to do anything. I stumble up to my room, eager for a nap. I convince myself that if I get some sleep, this will all go away.
Maddie starts wailing only a couple minutes after I crawl into bed. A sigh escapes my mouth as I jump up to grab her. When I get to her crib, I reach down and pull her out, making sure to support her fragile body.
"It's okay. Shhhh." I whisper into her ear as she continues to bawl in my arms. Her face is starting to glow a red color and tears stream down her face.
I rock her in the rocking chair, trying to soothe the crying. But no matter how hard I try, my efforts fail. "Please stop crying, Baby. You're going to make Mummy cry." I chuckle a little.
I'm about to surrender and place her back into the crib when a knock comes from the front door. I hastily stand up and bring Maddie to the door with me. Before I check the door, I look in the mirror beside my Grandma's china cabinet.
I look like complete crap. My hair is in some type of nest on the top of my head and my cheeks are still blotchy from crying. I groan, knowing there's no way to make myself look anymore presentable.
My free hand grips the knob and I open the door, expecting to see Eleanor, Louis, or even Grandma.
None of those people are at my door.
"Niall...." I gasp. My eyes widen to the size of golfballs and his blue orbs meet mine. I feel weak in the knees. Maddie completely stops crying at the sight of him.
Panting, he keeps his hands on his knees. His chest moves up and down as he struggles to catch his breath. "Hi." He wheezes between breaths. "I need... to tell you... something." Niall manages to get out.
I feel like my prayers have been answered. Finally I could tell him how sorry I am. I nervously adjust Maddie in my arms. "How did you get here?" I ask.
"I ran." He chokes out. "I need to talk to you." His breaths are finally evening out.
I nod. "Uh, yeah, okay. Come inside."
He mumbles a small 'thank you' and follows me in the door. I gesture for him to trail behind me up the stairs. I can't help but wonder why on earth he would run here. There's a taxi system in Chicago for a reason. Nevertheless, I'm bursting inside that I have another chance to see him.
"Let me put her down." My eyes flicker down to Maddie. I walk into my room and set her into the crib. I hear Niall's steady footsteps behind me.
I stand up and turn to face him. His hair is tousled on the top of his head and his eyes are pinned to his hands. He looks so adorable, but of course I keep that to myself.
"Listen, Juli, I...." Niall starts.
"Yeah?" I ask. The anxiety is building. I feel like jumping up and down, just to release some of this energy.
