Corpulent || N. Horan

Three

Niall

" I love you too, Mum." My eyes are rolling by the time I finish my sentence and immediately, I hang up.

Please don't make me out as some kind of snob, because I'm not. Wouldn't you do the same if your mother calls you every hour just to see if you're still alive?

I know she cares for me and I am living on the other side of the world, but come on.

My thoughts get interrupted by a loud noise coming outside of my locked door. I leave to see what the commotion was about, and once I do, I go help.

Johanna was cleaning up orange paste that was dropped on the floor by little Daisy, who was laughing her head off. Lottie's back was facing Johanna and she was wearing headphones, so she didn't hear anything.

I retrieve a roll of paper towel and hand it to Johanna. She smiles gratefully and takes it.

" How's school going for you, Niall?" Johanna starts the conversation whilst throwing the dirty towels in the garbage. I lean on the sink while replying.

" Pretty good. I made a couple of friends already." Maleah, or Val pops into my mind.

" Oh, well that's great. I wish Louis was as fast as you when he first started." She replied.

Coincidently, Louis suddenly walks in and stands next to me. Although he was 20 already, he was as skinny as a thirteen year old boy. I don't judge him though. I was like him last year, before I decided I wanted to look buffer than a shrimp. Louis isn't a shrimp though. He's got that mouth of his that notifies that he is the age he is.

He gives me a nod and grins before jokingly kicking Lottie in the shin. " You idiot." She retorts while sauntering out of the room. I chuckle before turning my attention to Johanna, who started talking again.

" Oh, Lou. I'm sorry but I can't take you to your group session today. Lottie has an important cheer meet that she has to attend. Can you drive?"

" No. You already know I don't trust myself anymore." Louis says. My mind is directly confused since I didn't know what they both were talking about. Out of nowhere, both Tomlinsons look at me.

" Um hi."

" Niall dear, do you know how to drive?" Johanna asks.

" Yes. I got my license a month ago, but I'm only allowed to drive in Ireland." I say.

" Oh well. Good enough for me. Can you take Louis to the library and possibly pick him up?" Johanna asks.

" What for?" I was still confused.

" He has this group session he has to attend every week and we have no one to take him. Would you please drive him there?" She was practically begging and of course, me being the humble guy I am, agreed even though I have a fifty/fifty chance of getting caught.

Ten minutes later, I am strapped up in the Volks Wagon they own with Louis in the passenger's seat next to me. My palms were getting a little sweaty since everything was backwards in the States and I barely passed my driving test last month.

" Here goes nothing." I say under my breath.

Thankfully, my driving was a success with no cops pulling me over. I'd have to thank Louis for calming my nerves by telling me the stupidest jokes that still made me laugh.

When I pulled into the lot, Lou scurried out of the car, but knocked on the window signaling me to roll it down.

" I'll give you two options. You can stay and read like a bookworm or get a higher chance of being arrested. Your choice." He said.

" I'll stay here. I don't mind looking through the books. How long will you be?"

" My session is only an hour and a half. Do you mind?" He asked. I shook my head. " Nah, of course not. I'll be in in a few. Just go ahead."

" 'Kay. Thanks man." He gives one last nod before jogging towards the entrance and entering. Before going in, I go through my phone and check all of my social media. Once my finger is strained from scrolling, I leave the car.

A musty scent consumes me as I walk in. Only a few people are scanning the shelves, while others are either at the front desk or using the computers.

I look for Louis, but with no progress, I give up and start checking out the books. I come across a story that seems interesting enough for me to read, so I rest on the nearest chair and begin reading.

For what felt like only ten minutes, someone tapped my shoulder. Turning, I find Louis with someone next to him. Val.

" Hey Ni. We're done, but I promised Leah to get some ice cream after." Louis explained. " Oh and this is Maleah. Leah, this is Niall. He's staying with my family for a while."

" Actually Lou, I already know Niall. We go to the same school." Val says looking anywhere but me.

" Yeah. Val is helping me around the place for a few days." I said.

" Val?" Louis questions. " Yeah. I call her that. I like it."

Val's response was a small smile.

" Anyways, we should go now. Leah's parents only want her out for a half hour." Louis started heading out towards the exit, but Val stopped him.

" Lou, I'm not really in the mood for ice cream anymore. Just go ahead and eat. I'll call my dad." Val said.

" What? Nonsense. You never turn down sweets with me. You're going with us whether you like it or not." Louis started tugging at her sleeve and pulling Val.

I see her trying to restrain a little, but easily gives up and lets Lou pull her. I trail behind them.