She's Not Afraid (Niall Horan Fanfic)

Chapter 32

“Let’s go to the beach,” Erin exclaimed. I nodded and ran into my room to change into my maroon bikini.

I walked out onto the wooden patio. Aluminium railings led down the stairs to the sand and two white hammocks were hanging from the corners of the deck. There were also two wooden deck chairs like the ones back at home and a wooden table between them. Two swimming towels hung up on hooks on a wooden sign reading, ‘Beach’. I grabbed the lime one and walked out onto the sand. I squinted at how bright the sand was.

“Here you go,” Erin smiled holding the lilac towel and handing me my sunglasses.

“Thanks,” I smiled back as we walked toward the water.

There were only a few people scattered around the beach, most of which contained families and small kids.

I lay down my towel upon the soft white sand and stretched myself over it comfortably.

“Turn me if I fall into a slumber will you?” I asked in a British accent.

“It’s unfair, why can’t I also be good at accents?” she moaned lying down next to me. I shrugged and closed my eyes.

“Riley?” a familiar voice exclaimed. I turned my head to the side and groaned in the most pained tone I could congregate.

“Rachael?” I raised an eyebrow sitting up.

“What are you doing here?” She looked shocked and kind of afraid for some reason. I guess she left her possie behind and now she’s only one person.

“I want to start a hair and make-up salon. Erin’s here to be a chef, and you?” I asked glancing up at her.

“I’m a waitress for the time being. Erin, how did you afford to do all this?” She frowned at Erin. How does she know about Erin’s money problems.

“Did your mom save up the money?” she asked again.

“No, actually Riley’s dad is lending me the money,” she explained gulping nervously.

“For everything, cooking classes and a place to stay?”

“Yeah we stay right th-“ Erin grabbed my arm away from pointing at the house as I sent her a confused look.

“-On the other side of town,” she finished for me looking up at Rachael again.

“That’s awfully nice of him. I wish I had the money to study and reach my full potential,” she sighed. Is she trying to ask me for money?

“What potential?” I muttered as she glared at me.

“Well, I best be off. Maybe I’ll see you guys around?” she smiled.

“We’re very busy so I doubt it,” I shrugged getting up as well. We waited for her to turn the corner behind a bunch of bushes before we walked back up to the house.

“So, care to explain that?” I raised an eyebrow falling into my hammock.

“We were best friends up until grade nine.” I found myself gasping. “We knew everything about each other. Long story short, the entire time she was using me. I did her homework for her and helped her get through the grade, I introduced her to my other friends who she stole away and I sometimes offered her a place to stay when she ran away from home. Her dad’s a drunk and her mom’s hitched onto meth,” she sighed.

“Just goes to show everyone has a problem and something they’re fighting against. Never think you’re worse off,” I nodded taking a sip of brutal fruit I found in the mini-fridge behind me. I tossed one at Erin.