That Summer

Chapter 12

Niall didn’t look like his normal happy self.  I smiled back at him and he turned his attention back to the interview. “I see that you boys went out to dinner last night,” The interviewer said looking up at a picture of all of us leaving the restaurant.  “With Elizabeth and who is that other girl?” The picture zoomed into Claire. “She looks very similar to Elizabeth.” The interviewer added.

“That’s Claire, Elizabeth’s best friend.” Liam said. “She’s a lovely girl.”

“Zayn, you look cozy with her.” The interviewer said.

Zayn blushed. “Like Liam said, she’s a lovely girl.”

I looked over at Claire and saw that she was blushing as well.

“So you all went out to dinner to get to know her? Is she from here?”

“No, actually, Niall flew her out here to surprise Elizabeth, she had been feeling a bit homesick so he wanted to do something nice for her, isn’t that right, Niall?” Liam said, looking over at Niall.

Niall blushed. “Yeah, I didn’t like seeing her sad.” He said playing with his hands.

The audience let out a long ‘aw’.  “That is so sweet. She must have been very excited.”

“She was.” Niall smiled weakly.

Everyone could see that he was forcing smiles and not himself, even the interviewer. She steered the conversation back to their music and neither Claire nor I were mentioned again, which Niall was clearly grateful for.

The interview finally ended and Niall sprinted out of the studio before the director yelled ‘cut’. As he ran out I looked after him, desperately wanting to make him feel better. “Go.” Claire nudged me.

“What?” I asked her confused.

“Go after him. I know you want to.”

I smiled at her appreciatively and ran off in the direction Niall went to.  I decided to check the dressing rooms first. I knocked but didn’t get a reply. I knew he was in there because I could hear movement. “Niall, I know you’re in there. Please, let me come in.” I heard the door unlock and I immediately opened the door and ran into Niall’s arms. I felt him slowly and reluctantly wrap his arms around my waist. “What’s wrong, Nialler?” I said pulling away enough to look into his eyes.

He rested a hand on my cheek, and stroked it with his thumb. “I’m fine, Lizzy, really.” He smiled slightly.

I frowned. “Don’t you dare lie to me, Niall Horan! Now, try again.”

He sighed and pulled out of my arms, sitting on the couch in the dressing room. “It’s hard, Lizzy.” He said putting his face in his hands.

“Niall?” I asked after a few silent moments.

He looked up at me. “What is it, Elizabeth?”

“You said I wouldn’t lose you.” His expression became confused. “Shutting me out isn’t going to help either of us. We can get through this, together.” I said stepping forward.

“Fine! You want to talk?” He said angrily, standing up and striding over, now inches from my face. “Why, Harry?”

“You were the one who encouraged me to go after him!” I replied, just as angry now.

“And he slept with someone else!” Niall yelled. “I wouldn’t have done that to you! I held you in my arms as you cried because of him! I flew your best friend out to see you just so you would smile again! There is something between us and you know it! You just don’t want to admit it because of him!”

“Fine!” I screamed. “You’re right, Niall! Are you happy now?!” I let a tear roll down me cheek. “Maybe there was something between us but it doesn’t matter anymore! I made my choice and it’s Harry!”

“Elizabeth, look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t feel anything. I’ll leave you alone and never mention it again and I’ll move on and just be your friend.” He said staring intently into my eyes.

I shook my head and tried to step back but Niall scooped me into his arms and crashed his lips to mine. Instead of being sloppy and lust filled, it was soft but desperate. I put my hands up to his chest, balling my hands into fist in his shirt before pushing him away.  “I’m sorry,” Niall said pushing me away from him and walking toward the door. “I’m so sorry.” And with that he was gone again, leaving me standing there shocked and confused.

“There you are!” Harry said, smiling, walking into the room, minutes after Niall ran off. I had stayed in the same spot, not moving, unsure of what to think or feel. “Are you okay? Where’s Niall? Claire said you went to go find him.” He said stepping toward me.

“He ran off again.” I managed to say.

“What happened?”

I looked up at Harry, guilt twisting knots into my stomach. “He kissed me and then ran off saying he was sorry.” I couldn’t lie to Harry. He didn’t deserve that. He looked shocked and then I saw the sadness in his eyes. We just stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity. “Please, say something.” I begged.

“Why?” Was all Harry managed to get out.

“He told me he had feelings for me last night, but he made it seem that he understood that I didn’t feel the same way. I knew he was upset during the interview so I went after him to try and talk it out with him but we just ended up screaming at each other and then he kissed me. I’m sorry, Harry. Please, don’t hate him. He’s hurting right now and he wasn’t thinking clearly. Just be mad at me, please.” I finally let more tears out. I couldn’t hold them back any longer.

Harry pulled me into his arms and let me cry. He pressed light kisses into my head. “I don’t hate either of you.” He said kissing down from my head to my cheeks. “I don’t blame him for doing it. If I was in his position I would have done the exact same thing. You’re wonderful, Elizabeth. It’s hard not to instantly love you.”

I pressed my forehead against his. “Do you think we’ll be able to get past this, Harry? He’s my best friend. I need him in my life. Knowing he’s upset is killing me inside.”

“I know, Lizzy. He’ll come around. I know he needs you in his life as much as you do. As much as I hate to admit this because I’m a jealous fool you two do have a strong connection. He just needs some time.”

I pressed my lips against Harry’s, curling my fingers in his hair. He snaked his arms around my waist, and rubbed my back slightly. He wanted to make the hurt go away. “Thank you.” I said breaking the kiss. “You know, I don’t know what I would do without you as well, right? You’re important to me too, Harry. Please, don’t ever forget that.” I pecked his lips quickly.

He smiled. “I know.”

 “Are you two love birds done now?” Liam asked, crossing his arms over his chest, leaning in the doorway.

Harry and I both blushed. ”Yes, sorry, Liam.”

He came into the room and shut the door behind him. “Ready for that long conversation I promised?” He said directing us to take a seat on the couch. Harry and I both groaned and sat down. “Good!” He said clapping his hands together.