That Summer

Chapter 20

It wasn’t until the next morning that Zayn and my phones started to blow up with texts and calls from the boys. Zayn was brave enough to answer Liam’s call, thinking he would be the most sensible to talk to. I on the other hand would only speak to my dad. “Elizabeth, things are getting out of hand over here. Liam is stressing out, trying to comfort a confused Louis while Harry and Niall are blaming themselves. You need to come back and make things right or at the very least answer their calls.”

“They’ll be fine. Zayn will be back in a few days so they don’t need to worry.” I said rubbing my right temple with my free hand.

“It’s not Zayn their worried about! He actually returned a phone call and explained why he left and when he’s coming back!” My dad yelled.

“Yelling at me isn’t going to help!” I yelled back.

“Do you care about the boys at all?”

“Of course I do!” I sighed. “They’ll get over it. I’m going this for them.”

“Why are you doing this? Did Harry break up with you? Is that why you left?”

“No, Dad. This wasn’t because of Harry. I broke it off with him because of what I did.”

“Lizzy!” Claire shouted, now outside the bedroom door. “Come out to breakfast with Zayn and I.”

“What did you do, Elizabeth? I’m sure you two can get over whatever happened.”

“I have to go, Dad. I’ll call you later. I love you.” I didn’t wait for a response and hung up.

“Was that your dad?” Claire asked coming into the room and sitting down next to me.

“Yeah, it was. He’s upset with me now. The other boys aren’t exactly taking the news very well.”

“Maybe you should got back then. You said Harry took the news well and that he wants to still be friends.”

“What about Niall? It wouldn’t be fair to be around either of them. It’s better for all of us if I walk away from both of them.”

Claire sighed and stood up. “Fine. I’ll stop being a downer and get some food into you.” She gave me a small smile.

Breakfast with Zayn and Claire was great. They really were really great for each other. Looking down at my plate I thought of Niall. I had ordered the same breakfast I did when we all went to breakfast for the first time, the first time Niall and I started to bond. I really missed him. “Are you okay, Liz?” Zayn asked.

“I’m fine, sorry.” I smiled weakly.

“You were thinking about Niall, weren’t you?” He smiled at me.

“No,” I lied. “I just spaced out for a second.”

I knew Zayn could tell I was lying but he decided to drop it anyways, which I was thankful for.

The rest of the week went by the same. My thoughts drifted to Niall more than I would have like. When I wasn’t sleeping I was working. I had decided that since I invited myself into Claire’s apartment I should help out with the rent. Zayn went back to South Carolina, which Claire was sad about but knew it was time.

It was August now; I still hadn’t talked to any of the boys, except for Zayn of course. My dad’s birthday was coming up and I had been thinking of gifts to get him. “What about a shirt?” Claire suggested.

“What kind of shirt?” I asked.

“Ugh. I don’t know.” Claire slouched in her chair.

“I don’t know either.”

The doorbell rang. “Go get the door.” Claire whined.

“Why do I have to get it?” I whined as well.

“You’re closer and I’m letting you live here!” She countered.

“Ugh. Fine.” I said standing up. I opened the door and was tackled to the ground. “What the--” I started but was interrupted.

“Lizzy!” Louis squealed. “I’ve missed you!”

“Sorry, Elizabeth. I couldn’t hold him back. He was just too excited.” I heard Zayn chuckle.

“Is that Zayn?!” I heard Claire yell, her voice getting closer. “Zayn!” Claire squealed, tackling him.

“Hey babe.” He kissed her cheek.

“Lizzy, I’m so happy to see you!” Louis said hugging me again after helping me up.

“I’m happy to see you too, Lou!” I smiled.

“Why did you leave?” He frowned. “And why haven’t you returned any of my calls or texts?”

“I just needed too, and before you ask it had nothing to do with Harry.”

“You never tell me anything!” Louis pouted.

“I just didn’t want you to hate me.”

His expression softened. “We could never hate you.”

“I left because I cheated on Harry with Niall and I broke it off with Harry and he said he was fine but I couldn’t stay and face both of them every day knowing I hurt Harry and love Niall.” I said letting out a deep breath, forgetting to breathe while speaking.

Louis’ jaw dropped. I looked down at my hands, afraid to look at his disappointed face. “You do realize we all could see that you love him, right? We all saw that you cared about Harry but not like Niall.” He said hugging me again. “Harry and Niall have been mopping around thinking it was their fault that you left. They don’t hate each other if that’s what you’re thinking as well.”

“Thank you, Lou. You’re a great friend.” I smiled into his chest.

“Does this mean you won’t shoot down our request to coming to Florida with us? Before you try and say no, we want you to be your dad’s birthday present from us. I mean, Zayn and I did sneak all the way over here. Please say yes. It would mean the world to him. He really misses you, we all do really.”

“I don’t know, Louis. I miss my dad too but I can’t afford to go out and there and I have work.” I sighed.

Louis rolled his eyes. “It’s already taken care of, silly! And as for work, you don’t need that job just come back and work for us!” I gave Louis a look. “It was worth a shot.”

“I’ll go with you two and see my dad but only for a visit, alright?” I smiled.

“Yay!” Louis smiled. “This is going to be your dad’s best birthday ever!”

“You’re doing the right thing.” Claire said patting my shoulder.

“Shut up, Claire.” I laughed nudging her. “Go be with Zayn.”

“Okay!” She smiled, pulling Zayn into the apartment.

“When are we leaving, Lou?” I asked getting a bottle of water out of the kitchen.

“In two hours.” He smiled cheekily.

I spat my water out. “Two hours? Louis!”

“Better get packing!”

I left the kitchen and started to pack as fast as I could.