Picture Imperfect (Niall Horan)

26 - Niall

26 – Niall

I haven’t heard from Cassie in a few days, and it’s driving me mad. The last time I saw her was when we kissed in her bedroom. That kiss was beyond incredible and it was like she was telling me she felt the same way. But I won’t believe it for certain until she tells me herself because I don’t want to take the risk of losing her. I have tried calling her more times than I can count, but she hasn’t answered and I have thought about just going over to her house and asking her about it in person, but something is stopping me. I thought that when she kissed me everything was going to work out between us in the way I’ve wanted for so long, but now I don’t know. Did I scare her away?

It might be pointless, but if she hasn’t answered my twenty messages, then what’s twenty-one, right? As I hear the ringing in my ear, I lie down on the couch and pinch the bridge of my nose. I groan when it goes to voicemail. Again. Since I somewhat care about my pride I don’t leave her another message to listen to.

“Something on your mind?” Louis asks suddenly. I just shake my head no. “Is it about Cassie?” This time I nod. “Marley has been with Cassie nonstop for days now.”

“What?” I sit up.

“Yeah, every time I ask if we can spend time together she says she can’t because she’s with Cassie.”

I frown. “Cassie isn’t returning any of my calls. What is going on?”

“I don’t know mate,” Louis shrugs. “Girls are weird sometimes.”

“You got that right,” I mutter and stand up. “I think I’m going to go look for her.”

“Good luck,” Louis chuckles and turns on the PlayStation.

My first thought is to go to Cassie’s house but that’s where she probably wants me to think she is, so I try the shelter first. I have a little difficulty finding it since Cassie was the one driving when we went, but eventually I pull into the parking lot. When I enter through the back door, the woman who greeted us the first time recognizes me.

“Niall, is it? So nice of you to come by,” she smiles.

“Is Cassie here? I can’t get in touch with her.”

“No, dear I’m sorry. Cassie hasn’t been here since she came with you.”

I thank the woman and then leave. If I have to drive through the city all day to find Cassie, I will. The next place that comes to my mind is the tiny playground next her elementary school. Cassie once told me that she likes it there, she likes the memories that come along with her childhood. One time Angie took her there and she sprained her wrist trying to jump off. Cassie told me the story with a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face, even though it didn’t seem like a day worth remembering.

There is not a soul when I get there, so I just sit down on a swing, the chains creaking under my weight. Easily, I can picture a six-year old Cassie running around this playground, her brown hair in a pigtails and her glasses on her face. She told me one time that she didn’t get contacts until her freshman year of college because up until then she liked her glasses. Eventually, she wanted to try something new so she got contacts and now, never wears glasses unless absolutely necessary. It’s crazy to think about how well I know Cassie, but I don’t care. Not knowing her would be a loss to anyone, and it’s in that moment, as I am kicking at the dirt with my shoe, that I realize exactly where she is.

She’s home.

I thought about it, but I didn’t think she would be there. Now it’s obvious that she wouldn’t be anywhere else. Cassie’s father hasn’t been working much, and I know how close she is with her dad. She didn’t tell me why he’s not working, other than his hours have been cut down, so she gets to spend more time with him. Worry still rises inside of me because she’s not returning my phone calls. Obviously something is wrong, and I have a feeling it’s from the kiss we shared in her bedroom.