Privilege

Chapter 19

In the time that Harry had been arrested, the fundraiser had more or less been thrown on the backburner, however, it eventually catches up with them- resulting in a very intense, very exhausting week that passes in a whirlwind of phone calls from florists, caterers, drivers and alumni.

There is a slight miscommunication regarding the payment of the live models that had been hired for the event; luckily though, they manage to fix the problem in time- promising the models that the amount of networking they’ll have at their fingertips is enough payment all in itself. Somehow within all the madness, Niall still manages to write a paper for French and ace a History test. Apparently, he is excellent at multitasking.

By the time Saturday morning rolls around and everyone is finishing up packing their luggage and cases as they wait for the limousines to pull up, Niall is feeling pretty damn good about himself and the preparations for the fundraiser.

Before they attempt to divvy themselves into the waiting cars, Niall gathers everyone into the foyer, climbing to the third step of the staircase before shouting for everyone's attention. They fall silent instantly; more than a dozen pairs of interested eyes look up at him, seemingly riveted in whatever nonsense Niall has to say - this feeling of authority is something he’s never experienced before - and Niall wonders if this is the kind of power Louis experiences every day.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for all of your hard work these past couple of weeks," Niall announces, gripping the banister tightly in his fingertips. The group below him nods their heads in acknowledgement of his appreciation as he lifts his blue folder, containing the guest list and spreadsheets, breaking down received as well as pledged donations, "and although my father always says, 'Never count a chicken before it's hatched,' I think it's safe to say that with the money we've already made, and all of the money we stand to receive from the auctions tonight, we will more than reach our goal," he reveals with a satisfied smile.

Everyone cheers and hugs, congratulating each other and Niall grins proudly from his perch - he’s positively beaming – staring down at the students of Privilege, down at his friends. He feels like he’s flying… like he’d really done it- he saved what these kids held dear, their home.

Niall catches eyes with Louis, who gives him a proud smile and with a smirk, he winks at him. Niall then searches for Zayn and his heart possiblyskips a beat at the pure adoring look in Zayn’s eyes; Niall can’t help but look away with blushing cheeks. The only smiling face missing from the group of privileged kids is Harry, who had an important press interview to clear his name once and for all. Niall’s smile falters a bit, because Harry’s lacking presence can surely be felt, but immediately shakes his head, reminding himself Harry promised to meet them at the fundraiser.

Everyone rushes ahead into the cold as Niall pauses to close the doors behind them. The three chauffeurs are just gathering up the last of their things and Niall is about to thank them when he sees something flutter from the corner of his eye. His heart jumps as his gaze snaps in the direction, but there’s nothing. He could have sworn he saw something or someone, but maybe it’s just his growing paranoia. Honestly, who could blame him after everything that has happened?

He begins walking towards the cars and that’s when some movement out of the corner of his eye catches his attention once again - and he realizes that he’s not just going crazy, or being paranoid. His eyes narrow as he sees Stacy speed walking away, hurriedly marching across the crosswalk to get to the other side of the street. Niall feels his heart stop at the sight of her… what the hell had she been doing over here?

Niall keeps his eyes keenly on her figure as she nearly mows over a group of freshmen girls who had paused to chat along one of the pathways before someone shouting his name causes him to lose his focus and he loses her in the crowd.