Hostages

twenty three

- Andrea -

I stopped the water of the shower, pulling a towel into my hair then drying my body with the other. The guilt hung in my stomach again making me feel sick just as I remembered last nights events.

Don't get me wrong, I like Niall. At first, he was a total ass and I didn't really put a lot of thought towards him as a person, but after what happened last night, I started to like him. I started to develop trust in him. As much as I loved last night with Niall, Louis is who I wanted. I am in love with Louis. He was everything to me and he made me the happiest person on earth.

I need to talk to Niall.

After stepping back into my dirty clothes, I towel dried my hair, letting it fall into it's natural blonde waves. I looked in the mirror, leaning over the porcelain sink. My stomach churned sickly, a tight knot forming in the back of my throat. I took a deep breath.

I splashed cold water over my face and up and down my arms to help cool me down. Swallowing hard, I stepped out of the bathroom back into the living area of the bus.

I regarded the boys. Liam was on the phone, probably talking to his girlfriend, meanwhile the other three sat there talking about football. I smiled weakly. Football was Louis' favorite and he would kill to talk about it.

"Oh, look who's finally out of the shower." Harry exclaimed, everyone's attention turning to me. Niall glanced up at me with a charming smile. Guilt struck me hard. I swallowed the clogging knot, forcing a smile. Niall's faded.

"You take forever." Zayn nagged, raising eyebrows and smirk on his face. He was a tease, but he was growing on me.

I laughed. "Sorry, I was thinking." I admitted, taking the spot next to Niall on the small bench/couch. He gazed at me, but my eyes were attentive on Harry.

"About what?" Harry interrogated, leaning forward in his seat having his elbows placed firmly on his knees.

"Oh just me stuff." I waved it off with a shrug and a light sigh at the end. I didn't dare to look at Niall or he would know something's up. Plus, I can still feel him staring at me intently.

Liam turned back to us, stuffing his phone into the pocket of his black jeans. "That was Paul. The hospital called him saying the operation went great and Louis is, in fact, still breathing."

I breathed loud with relief and a smile rose on my face. Some cheers and chatter were shared about the room. He's breathing. Oh thank God.
"They say we can head in, but have to wait because he's still sleeping and they don't want us to disturb him." Liam added.

"Then what are we doing sitting here?" Harry shot up eagerly, already out the door. "Let's go!"

We all rose up, following after him off the bus. I remained close to Harry and Liam, the two of the chattering about whatever. I just pretended that I was listening. I couldn't walk with Niall right now. That would give me more guilt. Plus, I don't know what to say to him yet.

Think of it, I'm going to see the guy I'm crazy for with the guy that I may or may not have feelings for. What is my conscience doing to me?

We walked into the building, back to the waiting room where we were last night. There weren't any patients or guests, but there were doctors and nurses running around and talking.

The boys took a seat. I paced back and forth frantically and eager to see Louis. We have gone through so much together in the last twenty fours hours. I just need to see him. I just need to talk to him. I just need to tell him how sorry and how thankful I am.

"Andrea, can I talk to you for a minute alone, please?" Niall's voice called out to me. He stood up and dug his hands into his pockets. God, he was so cute.

I glanced up at him, biting my bottom lip. I nodded, the knot only getting thicker and my stomach getting sick. I crossed my arms over my chest, following him out of the room, back to the same spot we were yesterday.

"What's wrong?" Niall questioned me, leaning up against the wall. He sounded worried and a little upset. What do I say, what do I say?

I shrugged, shaking my head as I nibbled on my thumb nail. "Nothing," I paused, "other than the fact that Louis was shot yesterday and nearly died."

He stood there, his expression not changing. His eyes fixated on me so strong, the hold was unbearable. I shifted uncomfortably, avoiding contact.

"Okay," he said. "Now tell me the truth."

I sighed taking a deep breath. "Look Niall," I finally spoke. No going back. "Last night was amazing. I loved it a lot. But I also am madly in love Louis. Don't get me wrong," I paused to take a breath, stepping forward, grabbing his one hand out from his pocket and holding it. "I do really like you."

No words from him but I could see by the look in his eyes, he was mad. Furious.

"But I love Louis."

Niall shook his head, pulling his hand back, stomping back into the room, leaving me behind. I just screwed this up didn't I?

[A/N]: Quick authors note! If you haven't already noticed, I changed the cover. There's something new. "A SERIES". That is correct! I'm making Hostages a series! The next two books are gonna go in depth a little more on Andrea and her past! I'm sooo excited to get started on this! I'll keep you posted! Love you!

~Lilli