Redemption

4 - Conversations

Chapter 4 - Conversations

When I wake up the next morning, I shower and dress in black leggings and a gray sweatshirt, something comfortable to get me through the day. I make myself some breakfast before going down to the parking garage to drive to class.

The sky is dotted with clouds, making it feel very dark and gloomy. The weather is starting to get colder each day as we near January. I constantly check my phone to see if I have a text from Zayn. Ever since Harry told me about Zayn and Rebecca, my mind thinks about it every chance it gets. I don't know if Harry said that just to hurt me but the slight pain of it being real eats away at me.

The campus is crowded like every other Wednesday, and my teeth chatter as I walk to the building where my class is located. "Hey, you!"

I stop to look to see Shawn's blond friend from last night running up to me. He's out of breath by the time he reaches me. Up close, his eyes seem to be the bluest I've ever seen.

"I didn't get to properly introduce myself last night. Shawn was being a dick, but I'm Niall," he laughs nervously, holding out his hand. I smile, shaking it. I'm surprised by how noticeable his Irish accent is, but I absolutely love it. It's crazy to think I know so many foreign exchange students, but I know our university has great options in studying abroad. Why would anyone want to come to Minnesota though?

"Oh, well, hi. I'm Amber," I introduce myself. He gestures to the doors of the building, opening one for me. I politely thank him as we enter into the heated building, making my muscles relax at the warmth.

"I know who you are. Shawn talks about you all the time." He says sheepishly. I blush, tucking some hair behind my ear. He does? I thought I never meant anything to him.

"Oh," I simply state. We walk up the stairs to the second level where most of my classes are.

"You know Harry?" Niall asks, rounding a corner with me.

I shake my head. "No, he's friends with Zayn Malik."

"You know Zayn?" Niall asks, his eyes holding a dark look to them. I nod my head even though my apprehensiveness tells me something weird is going on with all of these guys.

"Well"— he smiles, maybe a little too forcibly—"Zayn's a good guy." Niall puts back on his smile. We both stop at the same door, giving each other weird looks.

"You take this class?" I ask him.

"Yeah, I just transferred in after changing my schedule." He laughs, opening the door for me.

"I can help you get caught up if you need some help," I offer, sending him a nice smile. He returns it, sitting next to the empty seat in the front row with me.

Before the class starts, Niall and I talk up a storm. Apparently, we're both really into astronomy. We talk about different constellations and stars. I find myself leaning into the conversation, learning that I needed someone to talk to me about the same interests that I have.

When Professor Kent arrives, we take notes on marketing on social media and how to display advertisements. Classes like these can be boring but I know that it will help me in the long run. I highlight and color coat the important parts before packing up my items towards the end of class. Niall invites me out for coffee but I decline because I have to meet Jasmine for lunch. I give him my number, saying we should catch dinner sometime.

As I walk to my car, I see a flash of bright blond hair running towards me. "Amber!" she shouts, waving her perfectly manicured hands. I pretend to not hear her but she calls my name again.