just the beginning ➣ one direction

chapter 16 // casey

double update today i could hear dana cutting a bitch from here due to my last update

-- flashback from yesterday ---

 3:28PM

I came home, exhaustively weary. I threw my book bag across the room, and plopped myself down on the living room couch. I was just in the mood where I didn't really cared, and all I wanted to do was sleep. I didn't know why I felt like this, I can't afford being fucked up on the second month of school.

I placed the pillow on the top of my face, and stared at the absence of light, blunt darkness. Till I hear, the front door softly slams. I stood up, the pillow slipped off my face, and I saw Louis standing there looking at me. He was wearing his football jersey, sweating but dried up.

"Are you okay?" He asked me.

"Yeah, why?" I replied.

"I saw you during football practice, and you left during the break." He seemed concerned, "You looked troubled when you left."

I grabbed the pillow that fell on the floor, and placed it on my lap. I leaned on it, and looked back up at him.

"It was nothing." I lied. 

Honestly, I still don't know why I left and why I was so upset, but I wasn't willing to tell anyone yet until I know, myself, the answer to why I was so iffy in the first place. 

"Don't lie to me." He placed his bag down next to him, and remained standing. "Hayley, Rachel, and Emma were worried."

"They shouldn't be." Again, I lied to him, "I'm fine."

He shook his head, he knows I'm lying, he knows when I lie. This time, he didn't fight or argue with me about lying to him, he just sighed and went upstairs. I kind of understand why they were so worried of me, because I'm starting to worry myself..

~~

 -- end of flashback --

October 16, 2013 - Wednesday

I exited the lunch line, holding the tray of food. Rachel was right behind me, and catched up. We both looked for a table that was available, but there was none. Till, I spotted Niall and Naomi sitting together in the far back table on the right. In all honestly, I didn't want to sit with them, because of my over rage of mixed emotions due to yesterday. Rachel spotted them also, and suggested we sit with them. I couldn't refuse, or she would know something was up, so she dragged me along with her.

Niall saw both of us coming, and waved at us. I waved back, peering a small smile across my face.

We both sat down, and Naomi greeted us.

"Hey guys." Naomi said.

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Rachel asked.

"Naomi's already planning our date for the carnival, and everything." Niall rolled his eyes, chewing on bits of his food.

I almost choked on the word "date"

"The Halloween Fair is not until two weeks." Rachel said.

"I just want to have a great time," Naomi looked at Niall, "with my most favorite guy in the world." Niall smiled, and softly kissed her on the cheek.

"By the way, where's Emma?" Naomi asked.

"Probably still on the lunch line." Rachel replied. 

Naomi nodded, and wen't back to her conversation with Niall. I watched them talk, and she even giggled at something he said. I couldn't help it, but to wonder, what Niall finds so fascinating about her and what they talk about. I snapped out of it, when Rachel asked me a sudden question.

"What happened to you?" Rachel asked, looking at me.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. I knew exactly what she was talking about, but why ask when Niall and Naomi are right in front of me. They stopped there little conversation just to listen to ours, and now I'm getting nervous.

"Nothing." I shook my head, and looked away to eat my salad on the lunch tray.

"You looked so upset yesterday." Rachel worried.

This attracted Niall's and Naomi's attention even greater. Niall looked at me, concerned and maybe even worried.

"Wait, what happened?" Niall also became concerned.

I just shook my head continuously, "Nothing happened, oh my god."

"You left early during the football practice, and you wouldn't even say bye or tell us where you were going." She continued, "You just left, with a troubling look on your face."

OH MY GOD. I didn't want to be reminded about what happened yesterday, I don't even know the reason myself on why I was so upset, yet everyone is dragging this on me like I should know all the reasons for my emotions. 

"Wait, you left early?" Niall said, still looking at me. 

I glanced at Naomi, who was staring at me, waiting for the words to come out of my mouth.

I didn't want to tell anyone my emotions, I didn't want to say anything, just yet. 

"I had to go to the bathroom," I lied, but I continued on, "My bladder was literally about to explode and I couldn't hold it in anymore.."

They all just stared at me, but then boasted into laughter. Hopefully, they believed me.

"Please tell me you're lying." Niall laughed.

I shook my head, smiling. Yes I was lying, but if they believed it, might as well use that story for a cover up.

Rachel changed the subject, now that she's assured that nothing bad happened to me. Emma and Harry joined later on, and we all talked and laughed. Lunch was over, and we all went out separate ways. I stood 10 feet away from Niall and Naomi, trying not to look there direction, but couldn't help, and glance at the sight. They hugged and gave each other a quick peck, and Naomi left. Niall looked at my direction, and I instantly turned around.

I felt a tap on my shoulder, and I turned back around to see Niall standing behind me.

"Hey, Casey, can you help me out with something?" 

I nodded, and waited for his request.

"Apparently Naomi is busy for the whole two weeks," He requested, "So do you mind, helping me prepare the Halloween Fair?" 

"My mom signed me up for community service and volunteer work, and apparently that would be good to put on my college applications." He continued, "Can you please help me out?"

"Yeah, of course, sure." I replied, "When can I help though?" 

He smiled, "Starting next week."

I nodded, and he politely mumbled a small thanks and walked away.

I wondered why out of all people, he asked me for help. He could have asked Harry, or Rachel or even Emma, but nope me. He asked me, and I kind of felt ecstatic.

end of chapter 16