Tangled

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

The morning Australian sun shone through Tatum's window as she moved furniture back and forth in her room. She had been meaning to redecorate for ages, but never really got around to doing it. And now she knew exactly why. Nothing worked the way she wanted it to and no matter where she placed things, she continuously went unimpressed. Picking up some old school books, she tucked them inside a hefty bag, setting it aside to be taken to the library on a later date. Although school had ended quite a while ago, stupid mathematic equations and useless information about past historians floated around in her brain endlessly. The one thing she really could thank any of those pointless ideas for was her acceptance into Alistair University. The letter of approval hung proud and unwrinkled on her wall next to the bookcase. If looked at close enough, one would be able to catch sight of the small tear stains her father had left when she had shown him the paper. The expression in his eyes was strong and let Tatum know how happy he truly was for her. His daughter had grown up to be such an intelligent, caring and passionate young woman and now she was going off to college to make something of her life. What more could a father ask for?

"There's someone at the door for you, Tatum!" Tess screeched from the foot of the stairs, not bothering to climb a few measly steps to let her sister know properly. Especially when it was for a person she knew Tatum wanted to see. "You better come quick before the paparazzi show up."

Ignoring her rude remark, Tatum raced down the staircase and flung open the door, revealing a smiling Niall Horan. With his hands stuck deep in the pocket of his jeans, he barely had a chance to say 'hello' before Tatum attacked him. Her lips crashed into his profusely, taking him by complete, but pleasurable, surprise.

"If this is how you plan on greeting me every morning," Niall joked, holding onto her waist. "I'm going to come over more often."

Tatum rolled her eyes and dragged him inside with her, forgetting the fact that she still had an entire bedroom to clean up. At the moment, spending time with the blonde haired boy seemed like the better choice. She led him up to her room, kicking the door open and inviting him to sit on her bed while she searched for something in one of the drawers.

"What happened in here?" Niall asked, his voice laced with astonishment that a girl's bedroom could be so messy. "Did you have a party without me, babe?"

She scoffed. "No. Mum would kill me, first off. And second, I was trying to clean my room. I hadn't expected you to come over...and well, now I can't finish."

"Why not?"

"Because you're here."

Niall stood up. "That's no reason to not clean your room." He paused, an idea springing into his head. "I could help!"

Tatum had already turned back to her drawer, pulling out her favourite DVD. It was her personal copy of Shrek. She had only watched it a million times, but it never ceased to lose its touch. Maybe it was the epic adventures Shrek and Donkey had to endure in order to make it to the castle, or maybe it was the cute romance between Shrek and Fiona, but either way, it had always been her one movie to watch no matter what day of the week. And now, Niall would have to sit through it with her.

"But we're supposed to watch Shrek!" She whined, holding the DVD close to her chest.

Niall began picking up the random things strewn on her carpet, deciding where to put them. "We can watch it later."

Tatum heaved a long sigh, but decided it was best not to argue with the lad. They scattered themselves around the room, ordering things the way she wanted. For the next half hour, they discussed random thoughts and made jokes about the dumbest of things. Tatum liked spending time with him. He may not have known it, but it was the first time she had anyone besides the members of OSG over for nearly a year. She had missed the feel of having a friend next to her, talking to her like they were actually enjoying themselves instead of hating on her inwardly. As she folded and put away the last of her many shirts, a hesitant question from Niall sucked the life out of her.