He Never Does || n.h

Chapter 24: Brown M&M's and Golden Clovers

Chapter 24:

"There's the birthday girl!" Niall hops up from the kitchen bar as Nina walks in through the front door.

"The big two-zero!" Liam whoops from the grill on the patio.

He lifts her up and spins her as she laughs into his chest.

"Thanks babe, love you." She pecks him as he puts her down. I smile at them. I'm honestly so far past hating her. I just want him to be happy.

I live by the theory that if you love something, you don't just let it go, you fight for it. But if you lose the battle, it's okay to move on. Love, fight, lose, repeat. It's a slightly sad cycle but in my opinion it works better than either clinging to desperate hope or never trying at all. I tried my hardest, but I accept defeat.

I even got Nina a present as a peace offering. I remember Niall said she liked reptile skin so I got her some snake skin pumps from Chanel. I think she'll like them.

Nina said she didn't want a huge party, she is saving that for her twenty first birthday, so the boys planned her a cute barbecue in the backyard. Just her closest friends and family. It's tasteful and fun so I'm actually not dreading it.

"Everyone is already out back babe, we are just waiting on you." Niall leads her out back.

"Oh my god, this is perfect Ni! Thank you!" She kisses his cheek and he smiles. Maybe she isn't a horrid bitch, either that or she's a really good actress.

I sigh and continue cutting watermelon for the fruit salad I'm making.

After chopping for literally twenty minutes I carry the bowl out to the table and join the party. I mindlessly chat with people for the majority of the time. Small talk about the weather, plans for college, predictions for football...everything.

"Yeah, I'm planing on going back in January. I need to actually do something with my life." I laugh with one of Nina's friends. Stephanie, I believe.

"Hey Steph, do you mind if I steal Rosie for a minute?" Nina asks politely, leaving Niall's side for once.

"No problem birthday girl! Bye Rosie." She waves and walks away.

Nina begins to walk away from the main party so I follow her until we are out of earshot. I have a bad feeling about this. I nervously sip the champagne in my hands.

"You look lovely." I compliment her simple white dress.

"Oh thank you!" She smiles and another awkward pause resumes. I never said we could be friends, just that I don't hate her.

"So, Rosie, I wanted to have a girl to girl talk with you." She begins.

"Uh huh..." I reply not sure where this is going.

"I really don't want to be offensive, but I know as a fellow female you'll understand where I'm coming from." She tries to sugarcoat whatever she's about to say.

"What's up?" I nervously ask her.

"I don't know how to say this...I guess basically I'd appreciate it if you kept your distance from Niall." She says.

"Oh, right." I nod, now understanding what this conversation is about.

"I know you two are close, and that's fine. I just think you should step aside for awhile. Maybe try to stay away from him. I'm sorry I sound like a complete bitch, but you already hate me anyways so I guess I have nothing to lose." She shrugs.

"I don't hate you." I deny.

"Please, you've been jealous of me since you met me. I just think it will be better for everyone if you and Niall discontinue your relationship." She states like this is a business deal. Her sweet attitude, which was clearly forced, is now gone.