Affection | N.H

Chapter 13

("So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling because life's a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about." -Marilyn Monroe)

It is too hot, way too hot.

I open my eyes slowly and find Niall beside me on the bed. He is shirtless and his arm is on my stomach. I am sweating so bad.

"Niall.." I don't know what made me call out his name. I shouldn't have woken him.

"mhmmmm."

"Niall, I am sweating." I say, my voice small. I wipe my forehead and then my neck with my bare palm.

"What?" Niall's deep, raspy morning voice questions. "The air conditioner is on Tarisha, what are you on about?" he sounds annoyed as he takes his hand away from my body. I cringe at the loss of his touch.

"No, it is really hot." I say restlessly. I sit up and blow inside the shirt I am wearing to give my body air to cool down.

Niall opens his eyes finally and sits up. "Why are you sweating.." he mumbles as he takes in my appearance and checks the air conditioner's temperature."Tarisha, it is really cool in here. Wait.." he pushes himself off the bed and walks out of the room, closing the door behind him so that the room stays cold.

A minute later he comes in with a stand fan in his hands. He places the machine in front of me beside the bed and plugs it in. "Here, are you feeling any better?" he asks in concern. I nod before collapsing back on the pillow.

..

"Tarisha, wake up it's noon." Niall's heavy voice wakes me up.

I went back to sleep earlier? What is happening.

I slowly sit up and lean against the head board of Niall's bed before opening my eyes. Niall is sitting beside me on the edge and smiling.

"Are you okay now? I didn't turn off the fan or the air conditioner."

"Thank you. I am feeling better." I weakly smile.

"Let's get you to your dorms. You can change and then I can show you around Victoria." he says standing up.

..

"God Tarisha, how long do you fucking take?" Niall complains. He is sitting on Sophie's bed covering his eyes with his hands as he wouldn't be nice enough to stay outside while I changed.

"Niall stop complaining or get out." I roll my eyes, though he cannot see.

"Fine, I will wait."

"You can open your eyes now." I say grabbing my hair brush.

"At last." he groans. His eyes fall on me as he looks at me from top to bottom. "Finally jeans ey?" he laughs.

"Should I take that as a compliment?"

"Your wish." he laughs. "And, I will be waiting at the car. Just come down whenever you are ready." he says before walking out.

Wow, thank you. Thank you for crushing all my self esteem just like that. Thank you for making me question my appearance once more.

I take off my jeans and put on my loose, patterned pants. I take off my tank top and throw on a pink sleeveless blouse followed by a cream cardigan. I am sure Niall will stay away from his comments now.

I remember to grab my purse and phone this time. Not like I plan to spend much money anyway. I need to save up for a car.

When I walk up to Niall's car in the driveway, Harry is having a quiet conversation with Niall. "What the fuck?" Niall shouts as he shoves at Harry's chest. He didn't realize my presence yet.