The Runner (Niall Horan Fanfiction)

Chapter 1-Escaping Reality

Niall walked with his head down, waiting for his train to arrive. He felt something hit him in the stomach, and the air rush out of his lungs. “Watch where you’re going, dumb ass!”  Niall looked down at the girl who had bumped into him. “Sorry love.” He chuckled, offering her a hand up. “You’d better be.” She replied angrily, taking his hand and allowing him to pull her up. “I am.” He half smiled. “Do I get to know your name?” The girl standing before him frowned slightly. She pushed her long blonde hair out of her face.. “Kaylie. And yours?” Her voice was softer, less angry, but her expression was stony. “Carter.” The lie rolled off his tongue so easily he had to hide his own surprise. He couldn’t be recognised, or the boys, security and management would be on him in minutes, hence, he’d dyed his hair back to its natural brown. “Well, I would say it was nice to meet you Carter, but considering the situation, I’m not sure it is.” She turned to leave, but he grabbed her shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry Kaylie.” He said again. “Is there any way I could make it up to you?” He smiled at her, and she couldn’t help but smile back. “You catching the train to Paris?” She asked. Niall nodded. “Me too.” She stated, turning back to face the tracks as the train rolled in. “Come on then.” She sighed, pulling him into the line with her.

Niall threw his head back, laughing loudly. Most of the passengers in their carriage had left by now, the two loud teenagers disturbing their sleep, work, or were just bothering them in general. “Are you serious?” Niall asked, his face bright red from laughter. “Dead serious.” Kaylie replied, grinning. “Then he looks at me like I’m some kind of freak and walks off.” She said, setting Niall off into a fit of laughter again. “Look it’s the tunnel!” He said excitedly, looking like a child as he pointed out the window.  He turned back to face Kaylie as the train entered darkness momentarily before the lights flickered on. He’d only know her for an hour, but he felt the same way as he had when he met the rest of One Direction, close within minutes. He pushed the thoughts of his old life out of his head and shifted his weight, leaning back into his chair.

Kaylie studied the boy before her carefully. Carter. His brown hair was styled up into a fauxhawk, with bits sticking out at weird angles. His baby-blue eyes could stare right into you, as if he was reading your mind, yet be kind and reassuring at the same time.  It worried her. She was running away from her past, and she didn’t want him to find out. Someone so innocent and carefree shouldn’t be riddled by the injustice of it, but she felt as if he already knew.  “So, Carter. Why are you going to France?” She asked. It was obvious that he wasn’t poor, his designer clothes made that obvious. She doubted that he’d have come from a troubled family, so she wasn’t sure why he’d leave London. “Fresh start.” He replied. It was obvious he didn’t want to continue with the subject. “You?” He asked, looking down at her. “Same.” She pushed her air off of her face again and leaned on his shoulder. “I’m tired. You don’t mind, right?” She said quietly, closing her eyes. “No, it’s fine.” He replied.  “Thought I saw a girl brought to life,” He sang quietly as she drifted off to sleep. “She was warm, she came around, she was dignified. She showed me what is was to cry,”

Niall woke with a start. It took him a few moments to realise where he was, and who the girl asleep on his shoulder was. “Kaylie. Kaylie.” He whispered, shaking her lightly. “Kaylie wake up!” He laughed. “Shut up.” She hit him, her voice groggy from sleep. “Ow!” He laughed again. “Kaylie, we’re in France. Wake up!” She finally sat up, looking out the window at the farmland that flashed past the train. “We’re in France.” She repeated him, amazed. “We’re in France!” She said again, a grin spreading across her face. “Do you want some coffee?” Niall asked, standing up and stretching his legs. “My arm’s dead! Thanks a lot!” He joked, attempting to swing his arms, only one was moving. “You’re lucky I’m left handed.” He said, moving off to get their coffees.

Niall stood by the coffee machine, waiting for the plastic cups to fill up with their drinks. He looked over at Kylie, who sat in her seat, listening to her iPod. Looking at her now, he realised how much he had, and how much he would have to lie to her. ‘She doesn’t deserve this’, he realised, and shook his head. She waved at him through the glass and he smiled back. ‘Suck it up’, he told himself. ‘It’s only gonna get worse, this is your life now.’ He picked up the drinks and some sachet’s of sugar and carried them back to the practically empty carriage. “Here you go.” He smiled, handing her a cup and a couple of sugar packets. “Thanks, Carter.” His stomach dropped, but he faked another smile. “What are ya listening to?” He asked, hoping to change the subject. “Bon Jovi. Don’t hate!” Kaylie laughed and hid her face in her hands. “Really? I love Bon Jovi!” Niall replied. “Don’t be ashamed!” He laughed, pulling her hands away from her face. “We’re almost there. Do you have a plan or are we just going to wing this and hope we find somewhere to stay?” He asked, standing back up.