Something New [n.h.]

chapter one

6.14.18

The music playing in the ballroom was pounding, and the dance floor was crowded with tangled feet. Happiness filled the atmosphere as everyone celebrated the newly married couple. No one's face was missing a smile.

Except for one.

He slammed the glass down at the bar as he sat there, downing yet another shot of strong alcohol.

A low sigh escaped his mouth.

He peered over his shoulder to get a good look at her. She smiled as she talked with family members. She had been smiling all night. He couldn't get over how beautiful she looked tonight. Though it wasn't a surprise to him, she looked radiant all the time.

He looked away and squeezed the bridge of his nose, knowing very well that he shouldn't be thinking like this. Especially when she was married, to his best friend nonetheless.
Suddenly, he felt an arm wrap around his shoulder and squeeze him tight.

"Lad, I'm gonna be honest with you right now," Louis sighed, "You look miserable, a complete wreck really."

Niall rolled his eyes while his voice slurred a bit, "Ah fuck off will ya, Lou?"

"Listen, I know you're in a tough spot. You have feelings for Emmie and she's a married gal now." Louis sighed.

Niall narrowed his eyes, thinking to himself briefly before responding, "Why do I have the slightest feeling of deja vu right now?"

Louis chuckled, "Because a year ago Emmie was in your spot...desperately in love with their best friend while they were in love with someone else." Louis said, a little too dramatically for Niall's liking.

"Oh right, how could I forget?" Niall frowned sarcastically.

"Sorry mate," Louis sighed realizing that Niall was right.

"Why am I not surprised that you two are at the bar?" A voice teased from behind them.
She sounded so happy. Niall couldn't help but feel his heart crack over how happy she was, because it wasn't because of him. But it was selfish. He should be happy for her, not mad that she never gave him a chance.

"There's the blushing bride." Louis cheered turning around and smiling brightly at Emmie.

"C'mon let's take a shot...the three of us," she smirked, remembering very well how every time they would go out, it was always her, Louis and Niall that would take shots together. "Just like old times."

"That's my girl!" Louis exclaimed with a devious smirk himself.

Emmie noticed right away how quiet Niall was, but she didn't question it. It had been a long day for everyone, she just wanted to assume that he was tired.

Niall knew that if he took one more shot, that he would be one step closer to being over the edge. But nonetheless, Emmie ordered three shots of tequila for them. Niall cringed at the sight of tequila being poured into the glasses, he was never a fan.

"On three or after three?" She jokingly asked Louis while she sprinkled the salt on the spot in between her index finger and thumb.

"I'm embarrassed you still have to ask." Louis shook his head in disappointment. "How many times have we been over this?"

Emmie giggled before the three of them began counting down together, "One...two...three."

The three of them tilted their heads back, letting the sting of alcohol run down their throats. They cringed at the taste as the shot settled in their stomach.