That Summer

Chapter 17

A few minutes after Zayn ran off I decided to head back up to my room and try to get some sleep; our flight to South Carolina was an early one. As I was getting into the elevator, I heard someone yell, asking me to hold the doors. “Thanks.” I heard and Irish voice say, stepping in with arms full of food.

“Have enough food there, Nialler?” I giggled.

“There is no such thing as enough food.”

“Apparently!”

“So, you know what I was doing. What were you up to at this hour, missy?”

“I decided to take a walk around the hotel, that’s all.”

“You’re frowning.” Niall said now frowning himself. “Please, tell me it’s only because you miss Claire.”

I smiled a little. “Yes, Niall. I do.” Why did Niall have to be so good at reading me? I swear, he is going to be the death of me. “Thank you, again, so much, for flying her out here.” I said looking up at him, only to find he was already looking at me.

“Lizzy, stop thanking me!” He nudged my shoulder. “You know I’d do anything to see that perfect smile of yours and seeing the way your eyes light up when you do.”

I felt a blush run across my cheeks. Damn you, Niall! My head screamed. “Still, thank you. I’m glad I got to see her before she went off to school.”

“Elizabeth Cade!” Niall stomped his foot. “I do not want to hear another thank you! It was my pleasure!”

“Okay, okay!” I giggled. “I just want you to know how grateful I am.” I rested my head on his shoulder. The elevator doors opened and we stepped out. “Well, enjoy your food fest, Nialler, but be sure to get some sleep, alright? We have an early flight tomorrow! Well, today.”

“Before you leave, could you maybe help me open my room door? As you can see my arms are full.”

I laughed at Niall’s pleading face. “Sure thing. Where’s your room key?” Niall started to look flustered. “What is it Niall? Why are you blushing?”

“My room key is in the back pocket of my trousers.”

“Oh,” I said blushing myself. “Do you still want me to help or should I go see if one of the boys are awake?”

“I don’t know how much longer my arms can take this. Could you just get it for me?” He asked, his face deepening red.

“S-sure.” I stuttered, my hand shakily reaching for his back pocket and quickly grabbing the key. “Here” I said opening the door and holding it open for Niall to walk through.

“Thanks.” He said dropping the food on the bed.

“Planning on eating on the bed?” I giggled, closing the door behind me.

“Yes, yes I am. It’s combining two things that I love into one.  He grinned.”

“Just don’t knock yourself into a food coma.” I said poking his stomach. He caught my hands and looked at me smiling, causing my stomach to twist in knots. “I should go.” I said in almost a whisper, pulling away from his warmth.

His smile faded and he stepped back. “Right, um, sleep well, Elizabeth.”

“Goodnight, Niall.” I lightly brushed my lips against his cheek and quickly left the room with my lips burning from the touch of his cheek against them.

I didn’t end up getting any sleep. Our flight was at seven in the morning and it was around six when my eyes finally started to shut, only to have them spring back open to the light of the lamp next to the bed. I let out a long groan as I felt a body get on to the bed with me and start bouncing. “It’s time to get up, Elizabeth!” My dad shouted. I pushed him off the bed and curled myself into a ball, refusing to move. He got back up and he ripped the covers off of me. “We’re already running late as it is! I do not have time to deal with your grumpy morning self! Get up and make sure you’re all packed! You don’t even need to get dressed up or anything.” I finally opened my eyes, sitting up and looked at my dad. His face softened when he saw the huge bags under my eyes. He sat down next to me on the bed. “Did you get any sleep last night?” He asked, rubbing my back.

“No.” My voice cracked. “I had just fallen asleep when you came in an woke me up.” I brought my hands up and started to rub my temples.

“Hopefully you’ll be able to sleep on the plane.” My dad gave me a small smile. “Before we leave I’ll make sure we get you some coffee. That should help you wake up a little.”

We made our flight on time. The boys kept telling me I looked terrible and that I needed sleep and I gave them all glares and they backed off.  I took a seat closest to the window on the plane and Harry sat next to me. “Are you okay?” He asked taking my hand and rubbing circles into it.

I didn’t bother to turn my head to answer him. “I’m fine.” I mumbled.

He sighed heavily. “No you’re not.”

I whipped my head around and looked at him, tears rolling down my cheeks. I was always an emotional wreck when I didn’t get any sleep. “I’m just so tried, Harry.”

“Then try and go to sleep. I hate seeing you so upset. You can use me as a pillow.” He offered.

I didn’t even hesitate before resting my head on Harry’s shoulder and shutting my eyes. “Sleep well, Elizabeth.” He whispered in my ear, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. 

I was able to sleep for the entire plane ride but when I woke up I felt like I was going to throw up. Harry and Liam had to carry me out of the air port and up to my room at our new hotel, where I eventually did throw up. Luckily, the boys didn’t have anything that day so my dad was able to stay with me and make sure I was okay.  I was much better by the next day. The boys had another free day and all wanted to go to the beach, since we were in Myrtle Beach. I wasn’t feeling up to it though, so only Zayn, Louis, and Harry went to the beach and my dad and Liam decided to meet with Paul and discuss their schedule. This meant that it would just be Niall and I, of course, life seemed to keep throwing us together. Why world why?