Picture Imperfect (Niall Horan)

22 - Niall

22 – Niall

Fuck!

What the bloody hell is wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just tell her how I feel? I had the perfect opportunity—hell, she gave me one—but I chickened out. I couldn’t tell her how I feel about her.

The fact that she told me we’re only friends made me second-guess myself. Before this morning, I would have told her without a second thought. I would have poured out my heart and soul to this girl. But now, I can’t do it after she told me that we shouldn’t see each other.

Just because we shouldn’t, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings for me. I know she does, she has to. There is a connection between us, and I am going to do something about it. She is going to realize that I’m here. I will be waiting, however long it takes.

But the main reason why I couldn’t tell her how I feel is because how much she is considering Zayn’s feelings. Of course he’s my best mate and I would never do anything on purpose to hurt him, but Cassie wasn’t on purpose. I didn’t mean to fall for her. I just did. It was an accident, but I don’t wish it didn’t happen. Cass is such a good person it hurts me. It hurts me to not be able and kiss her right now. If she and Zayn hadn’t dated, maybe we could be together right now.

But we’re not, and that’s going to change.

“Tell me something that no one else knows,” I ask her. “Who is Cassie Barnett, really?

“Okay,” she laughs a little, thinking. Then, her expression turns serious. “I’m afraid of not being remembered.”

I turn so I am fully facing her. “What do you mean?”

Cassie looks up at the sky, pumping her legs so she swings back and forth. “I don’t want to die a nobody. And I don’t mean famous around the world, no. I mean like I want to make a difference in people’s lives. Give them what they don’t have. I don’t take what I have for granted, and I want to…give back I guess. That’s why I volunteer at shelters. Some are for animals, but mostly they are for homeless people just looking for a meal.”

I just stare at her in awe. Who is this amazing girl and how am I lucky enough to know her? “That’s…amazing—you’re amazing,” I say before I can stop myself.

Cassie laughs and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, smiling. “Thanks, Niall,” she says quietly. “I think the main reason why I am so into photography is so that I can capture the moments worth remembering. I don’t want to be forgotten as some random person from Nashville, I want to make a real difference. It just makes me feel…good to give people what they don’t have. I don’t need half the stuff in my house. How is that fair?”

“Most people wouldn’t admit they don’t need most of what they have,” I tell her. It’s true. People just want and want and want and never give. That’s one of the main reasons why the band did that single for charity. We know that with the exposure we have we have the opportunity to address many serious issues around the world.

“Well, Niall Horan, I’m not most people,” she grins and keeps swinging.

I stare at her, willing her chocolate eyes to meet my blue ones but she doesn’t. She just kicks at the dirt, keeping her eyes on her shoes. “You should take me there.”

“Take you where?” she asks.

“To one of your shelters that you volunteer at. I want to see what you do. I admire it, Cassie, really. It’s so incredible. The world needs more people like you.” I’m telling the truth, and I know I may be over-doing it but she needs to know that she is a wonderful person.