That Summer

Chapter 24

I turned my back to Niall and sighed heavily. “That’s not the point.” I said quietly.

He stood up and stepped in front of me. “Then what is the point?”

“The point is you shouldn’t hold my leaving without a goodbye against me. There’s no such thing as an easy goodbye, Niall.”

“Then you shouldn’t have left. You even said yourself that it was a mistake.”

“Holding it against me isn’t going to change the past. Nothing is going to make the fact that it happened change. You either forgive me or you don’t.” I said staring him in the eyes.

“What happens if I don’t? Would you just run again because you couldn’t face me?” He said, our noses almost touching. Niall seemed suddenly a lot more confident.  The shock must have been clear on my face because of the smirk that came across his lips. “Of course I do forgive you, Elizabeth. We all make mistakes.”

“Then why ask what if?” I asked, attempting to keep my voice steady. The proximity of Niall, especially so confident, was intoxicating.

“Maybe I was hoping that answer would have been different. Maybe I was hoping you would stay and fight for me.” Niall said snaking his arms around my waist. “After all, you did say you were in love with me.” He whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

He started to press soft kisses into my neck and up to the side of my jaw. “Niall.” I whimpered.

“Hmm?” He mumbled, still giving me kisses to my neck.

I pulled his face into my hands and stared him in the eyes. “If you didn’t forgive me I don’t know what I would do. Yes, my first instinct would have been to run, but my heart would tell me to stay. I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.” I whispered, stroking his face with my thumbs.

“Since that isn’t the case, what are you going to do?” Niall whispered himself, seeming to lose confidence.

“I’m going back to Santa Cruz.” Niall’s eyes dropped to the ground in disappointment, clearing not wanting to hear that. “To pack my bags and travel with you guys again.” I finished, causing Niall’s head shoot up again, but with a happier expression.  There was no turning back on this choice now. I knew from the moment I agreed to come out to see my dad I wouldn’t want to leave again.

“Are you serious?” He asked, his face glowing with excitement.  

“Yes,” I grinned. “I’ve missed you all too much to only stay for a visit.”

Niall tightened his grip around my waist, lifting me off the ground and hugged me. “You’re not going to regret this, Lizzy. I promise.” He said putting me back on the ground.

“I hope not, because I’m not just talking about the rest of the summer.” Niall cocked his head to the side, looking at me confused. “I’m thinking about using my year off of school to go with you and my dad on your European tour.” Niall’s jaw dropped. “It’s only a thought though! I haven’t actually talked to my dad yet.”

“Don’t tease me, Elizabeth Cade!” Niall said excitedly.

“I would never!” I giggled.

Niall hugged me again and held me close to him. “Do you think you’re making the right choice by staying? I don’t want you to think you have to stay because I want,” He paused. “Because we want you to stay.”

I smacked his arm playfully. “Shut up, Niall. Of course I think I’m making the right choice, I know I am. I would regret it if I didn’t.”

He chuckled. “Sorry, sorry! I just wanted to be sure before I got too attached to the idea of you being around longer.”