Stranded

Chapter 25: Facing Fears

 [Dedicated to @bieberpurplesneakers for letting me hack her computer. Whahaha!]

Niall’s POV

My stomach grumbled, signaling that it is again time to fill myself up, making a long noticeable sound. Soon, everybody’s attention was averted from Zayn to me. I felt the heat in my cheeks rise up several degrees as the rest of the group stared at me, trying to hold their laughter.

“What?” I shot everyone a look. “I’m just hungry, you know. My stomach is only expressing itself.”

 “You’re always hungry, Niall.” Said Liz, who was beside me, moving a bit closer. I thought about it for a second and realized that she was right. We just had a quick snack of microwaved popcorns a while back and I’m hungry again.

“It’s just my Irish appetite, I guess.” I made an excuse, hoping that none of the girls have Irish blood running through their veins. That was a good excuse, though, I guess.

Lea made a ‘tsk’ sound, mean as always. She rolled her eyes at me and went on eyeing my body, probably wondering where I put everything I eat. It was a good thing Rae interrupted, or else I could’ve melted in Lea’s gaze.

“I guess we should send a pair inside the pantry to get some food and supplies.” She suggested. Smiling, I looked at her, then at Louis.

“Not me and Louis.” She added at once. “Another pair, perhaps?”

“I’m not going in there unless it’s the end of the world.” Angel said. “Who knows, maybe there are still ghosts of the past passengers haunting the ship.”

“Me neither.” Liz agreed. Erin only nodded, probably reconsidering the thought.

“Cowards.” Lea hissed. “I’m in.”

“I guess that means Liam, too.” Louis said.

What? Lou, you shouldn’t let Lea and Liam go! The opportunity is meant to be for you and Rae. Boy, when did you start being lame? You could have- My voice-over was interrupted by Liz, who seemed to get what I was thinking. She shook her head, discouraging me as if she is telling me it was a bad idea.

Our group broke apart into pairs, since each of us were assign to do tasks, but Louis went with Zayn and Angel while Rae accompanied Harry and Erin. I watched them ‘break apart’ and ‘go to separate ways’, smiling but shaking my head at the same time.

“You’re crazy.” I heard Liz say behind me.

“I heard that.” I turned around to face her. Her arms are crossed, rested below her chest, and her eyes did not leave me. She is acting like Lea, but of course, she couldn’t possibly outdo Lea’s inborn cruelty. I shrugged her off and started walking towards our SOS sign, which we didn’t strip off in case a plane flies by.

Liz, who always had something in mind to talk about, was peculiarly silent. She just sat opposite to me, staring at the vast horizon, not saying a single word. Sensing that something might be wrong, I asked her a question. “Did I do or say anything wrong to you?”

“No, you didn’t.” Her voice was low and sad, making me frown in curiosity.

“Why aren’t you talking to me, then?” I asked.

“You may not have done anything to me, but maybe the way you acted a while back affected Rae.” She said. Since I’m still not used to Liz being very soppy, I tilted my head, wondering what I’ve done wrong.

“That’s bullying.” She added. “You’re not supposed to make a big deal out of their kiss. It’s theirs, anyway. You’re not involved.”