The Joke

Chapter 17

Niall's POV

"What the hell do you want?" I yell, when I see Miranda and members of management in our hotel room. In fact, I freaking know the reason they are here.

"Don't act like you don't know," Carla talks to me with such a "oops too bad you're gonna do what we told you" kind of look.

Annie is in the middle of this, confused, looking at me and then them, trying to understand.

"What are they talking about, Niall?" she asks me and I can tell she's already worried.

My fingers run through my hair and I sigh.

"Miranda will be with him every single moment. That's all." Courtney informs her, forming a fake, mean and ironic smile on her lips. I gaze at my girl now , whose stare is on me and her body almost still.

With the corner of my eye, I see Miranda grinning like she won at a modeling contest. Why is she so mean, why?

"Oh," Annie speaks, her gaze falling down the concrete floor.

"Why did you bring her here anyway? We had informed you that I'll be here with you and show up with you." Miranda speaks and I don't know how long I'll be just looking at her, not opening my mouth to send her back to where she fucking belongs.

Annie feels uncomfortable, I see it from her awkward moves. Her eyes are glossy, about to overflow streams of tears. I won't let all this mess last further, no.

"Okay, get out of our room." I demand this time, opening the door and pointing outside.

"You'll come to our rehearsal by 6, be there with Miranda." Newton says and they leave except for her.

"Do you think I'll let you be so easily? I'll let this take my place?" I grab her from her wrist and lead her out.

"Shut the fuck up because if I explode, be sure that you'll be the first one running to avoid the fire." I warn, clenching my teeth.

"You hurt me!" she almost shouts, jerking away her hand from me. I slam the door on her face and thankfully she doesn't knock at it again. It takes a moment to realize that Annie isn't where she was just a minute ago and I panic. I don't know why I panic, but I do.

"Annie!" I call her out, looking for her.

"Please," I hear her small voice responding. She's locked in the bathroom and her little sobs are what makes my heart ache .

I don't know what to tell her, because I know she'll be right and then, I won't be able to find any excuse to soften her her mood or to cover my mistakes. Stupid coward mistakes.

My forehead touches the white-colored wooden door and I sigh.

"Baby... I'm here, we can talk..." I suggest and my voice seems exhausted, literally.

She unlocks and opens. Her face is pale and her mascara has marked black streams on her cheeks. I can't see her like that. Oh and it's all my fault,  everything.

Without a single word, I take her into my arms and her small hands are placed on my chest. She's sobbing and I haven't any idea of what to do to make her feel better.

Suddenly, she pulls out of my hug and looks straight at me, her eyes full of tears.

"I feel so humiliated," her voice breaks and I feel guilty once again.

I wait for her to continue as I can't respond. What I have to tell her anyway? That I should have informed her that Miranda would come here too and be with me? I freaking know I should, but I also freaking fucking know that it won't help right now.