Picture Imperfect (Niall Horan)

24 - Niall

24 – Niall

“You alright, Niall?”

I look to my left and see Harry standing next to my bunk where I’m laying, staring at the ceiling. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

He sees right through my lie. Sometimes I forget how well the lads know me. “Did you want to talk about it?”

“Not really,” I admit. I would prefer to think alone right now. Harry just nods and then walks away. I sigh and then resume what I was doing before I was interrupted, which to be completely honest, wasn’t much. I was just spacing out, thinking about Cassie. She came by yesterday and I had a really good talk with her about my life and how I couldn’t help her with her school work, and my feelings for this girl are only growing.

It’s obvious that we’re more than friends. Anyone can see that. There is something between us, I’m sure of it. We’ve kissed more than once and I know she felt something too, she had to have. She is such a good person she is holding back from us because she is sparing Zayn’s feelings. It seems that Zayn has been thinking quite a lot about that one girl he met at the club on my birthday but he doesn’t want to talk to anyone about it.

I just hope Cassie can see that isn’t as heartbroken as she thinks.

What are we? We’re more than friends —I hope— but we’re not acting like we’re together. It’s driving me mad. I don’t think I can handle this anymore. I need to talk to her. “Has anyone seen Cassie around today?” I ask Parker and Marley who are watching some reality show.

“She hasn’t been around,” Parker answers, “but she said she had an exam tomorrow or something so she is studying.”

“Oh,” I sulk and plop down next to me. I don’t want to bother her so I will stop by later. It’s one in the afternoon so I will talk to her later.

“I know you’re in love with her,” Parker tells me and my head snaps over to look at her, eyes wide.

“What?” I almost gasp.

“It’s pretty obvious,” Marley interjects like it’s obvious.

“I-I’m not in love with Cassie,” I stutter but I like the way the words sound. I feel my cheeks warm and I hate it.

“Look, he’s blushing!” Parker grins. “Niall, I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m not in love with Cassie,” I repeat again, and the girls exchange a look. I roll my eyes and change the subject. “What are we watching?”

“Say Yes to the Dress,” Marley says.

“Oh no,” I groan.

“How have you not seen this?” Parker asks.

I scoff. “Because I have a dick.”

“You’re so discusting!” Parker cries and hits me with a pillow. I hit her back and she sticks her tongue out at me. Two hours pass, and it’s pretty much torture, so I leave to go talk to Cassie.

“Do you know where she is?” I ask Marley, who shrugs.

“She’s probably still at home. Why?”

I ignore her question and put on my shoes, but I hear Parker answering Marley’s question by saying, “Because he loves her!”

*****

When I knock on Cassie’s front door, I wait about thirty seconds before someone opens it. It’s a woman, and I know she’s Cassie’s step mother. We’ve met before.

“Niall! It’s so good to see you!” she exclaims and lets me inside.

“You too, Mrs. Barnett. Is Cassie home?” I feel like we’re fifteen and I’m taking Cassie to the school dance or something.