Picture Imperfect (Niall Horan)

21 - Cassie

21 - Cassie

"I need to tell you something," Niall says as soon as I answer the door.

"Um...okay," I say. I really don't want to talk to him right now. It's probably not the best idea.

He takes a deep breath. "Cass...about last night..."

I mentally groan. I knew he was going to want to talk about this, and I was dreading it as soon as I left his room earlier, after I had given him his birthday present. I meet his eyes. "There isn't anything to talk about."

He frowns. "What? Of course there is! I mean-"

"Niall," I say, interrupting him, "just because it made me feel something I shouldn't be feelings doesn't mean we're together, okay? I just got out of something with your best friend and I don't want to ruin things between you two. We're friends, alright? I think it should stay that way." I hate saying this, I really do, but it's the truth. Last night the alcohol had taken a toll on my judgment and I was caught up in the moment. Niall is my friend, I keep telling myself. Niall is my friend.

Niall just stands there with his hands at his sides, mouth open. No words come out, though. "I..."

I back up and put my hand on the door. "I've got to go, Niall. We're leaving today and I haven't even started packing yet." I turn around but I am stopped by Niall's hand on my shoulder.

"Wait...Cass," he pleads, and I almost want to turn around. Just as I meet his eyes he says, "Never mind. Forget it."

I purse my lips and nod, and then close the door, the last thing I see is Niall running a hand through his hair. I feel bad, I really do. But I can't do this, it's so unlike me. I don't want to be that girl that dates more than one guy from a group of friends. The thought alone makes me feel slutty, and I've never felt that way before. I lean back against the door and slide down to the floor, hugging my knees. Parker appears above me, a confused look on her face. I stand up, walking over to her. She don't question me, and I'm grateful for that. The last thing I want to think about is kissing Niall.

For the next three hours, Parker and I watch the first Twilight movie and part of the second, slowly packing in the process. "How are these books?" Parker asks. "I've never read them."

I crinkle my nose. "Not that great, honestly. When they first came out everyone thought they were amazing. Not so sure about that now. They're much better than the movies for sure."

Parker just nods. It was the part in New Moon where Edward was telling Bella he was leaving. "Robert Pattinson is so hot. Team Edward!"

I roll my eyes. "Don't you already have a hot British guy?"

She sighs. "You're right."

I laugh. "I'm Team Jacob. He's so-" I'm interrupted by a knock on the door. At the same time I hope it's not Niall, I do hope it's him. I breathe out a sigh of relief when I open the door and see who it is.

"Hey," Marley says, walking inside. She has her suitcase rolling behind her. "I checked out of my room early, and I thought I could hang out with you guys until we leave for the airport?"

"Sure," Parker replies. "We are just packing and watching New Moon."

"Oooh! Good, I love these movies!"

I raise an eyebrow. "You do? There...not that great."

"How can you say that?" my blonde haired friend exclaims. "I'm a sucker for vampires."

"Then watch The Vampire Diaries. That show is so much better than these movies," I say, sitting down.

"Yeah, do that!" Parker agrees. "I've been watching that, it's so amazing."