Our Story

Chapter Four

Hello loves! First, thanks SO much for reading. It really means a lot. Towards the end of this chapter, I introduce a new character. I haven't chosen a name yet because I know a few people are interested in being in my fanfic. If you are interested, just let me know. I will be choosing someone today! Contact me on Twitter: @Completely_1D

Also, sorry this chapter is a bit short. I'll make it longer next time! Enjoy.

     "Talk? Um, sure. Come in." I motioned Niall into my apartment. My mind was racing at a hundred miles per hour. What could he want to talk about? He seemed angry almost. I couldn't help but feel insecure for something I might have accidentally done to offend him. He walked through the doorway completely wet from the rain. 

      "Let me get you a towel," I said. I ran upstairs before he could protest. My heart was pounding as I ran back down and handed it to him. He took it and dried off his hair. He still didn't speak.

      "What is it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked nervously. He still said nothing. But he looked up at me, straight into my eyes. And his eyes had the same look they had when I had first opened the door. There was a tint of sadness in them. And something else... longing? He still didn't speak. He kept running his hands through his hair and biting his lip as if he were trying to put what he needed to say into words. 

     "Want to come sit down?" I asked softly, motioning to the couch. As I walked towards my living room, he caught my arm. His touch was warm despite being soaked in the rain and it sent tingles through my whole body. I looked down at his hand and back up to his eyes. He was staring at me intently. Finally he spoke.

     "No, it won't take long. I'll just be here for a few minutes," he said. He dropped his hold from my arm and shoved his hands deep into his pockets. His demeanor shifted from frustration to nervousness which sent me into another flurry of confusion. I nodded and waited for him to continue. 

     "How was your date with Harry?" he asked. The question caught me off guard. Why would he be wondering about my date with Harry? Was there something I didn't know? I snapped myself back to Niall's question.

     "It was pretty great," I muttered. I offered a small smile but he still seemed frustrated about something. The suspense was weakening. "Is that why you stopped by? To see how it went?"

     He gave a small chuckle and put his hand behind his neck as if trying to rub out the tension there.

     "No, that's not why I'm here. Not even close," he mumbled. His frustration was causing me to become frustrated and impatient.

     "Then why-"

     "I really like you, Grace. Not like a friend. More than that." I stood there speechless with my mouth hanging slightly open. "And I know Harry beat me to you but I'm not letting go without letting you know how I feel. And I feel... like you should be mine. I haven't known you for too long but every second I spent with you, you just kept proving how different and special you are. And seeing you leave with Harry tonight nearly killed me. Harry... he's my brother. I love him. And I'd never hurt him. But if you would just give me a chance-"

     "Niall," I whispered. He waited for me to continue. Only, I had no idea what to say. I really liked Harry and the way I felt about him is something I haven't felt in a long time. But when I look at Niall, I see someone amazing. And I'd be lying to myself if I said I didn't feel something for him, too. Maybe not at strong as what I feel for Harry, but strong enough. I shook my head in frustration. He interpreted my struggle as rejection to his confession.

     "I understand," said Niall. His voice was barely a whisper. He turned to leave and I wanted to stop him but I wouldn't have a reason to. I didn't know what to say. My heart felt like it was being torn. He opened the door and made his way out.

     "No, Niall. Please wait. Please," I begged. He slowly turned to me, his eyes filled with more sadness than before.

     "No, it's okay. I get it." And before I could stop him, he was down the driveway and in his car. I stood in my doorway letting the cold brush against my skin hoping it would numb the mess of emotions that I was feeling. No, it's okay. I get it, his words kept replaying in my head. If only he knew. If only I knew. 

 

     It was Saturday. The boys are playing at the ampitheatre and Harry invited me. I was excited about going until I realized how awkward it would be with Niall there. I had stayed up all night thinking about Niall's confession and the sincerity in his eyes and the shakiness in his voice. I couldn't help but admit that I had unspoken feelings for him. I also thought about Harry and how right it felt being with him. How easy and natural it was. When the sun came up, I was still wide awake mulling over the previous night's events and I had come to the conclusion that I had no conclusion. 

     I looked at my calendar and my eyes and spirit instantly lit up. (Y/N) was coming home today! I squealed at the realization and hopped out of bed. (Y/N) was my best friend since we were in diapers. She had gone to New York for a few months, visiting family, and she was finally coming back today. Unlike me, she was tough. She was level headed and always knew what to do or say. She would know what I should do about the Harry and Niall situation. She would know exactly what to do. 

     "I have no idea what you should do," (Y/N) said. I gave myself a mental whack on the forehead.

     "Are you serious? You're no help at all!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. She laughed.

     "Okay, calm down drama queen. It's not the end of the world." (Y/N) wasn't exactly a huge fan of One Direction. She didn't know much about them and would usually tune out whenever I would go on a obssessive rant about them. I don't even think she knows any of their songs or what they look like. I gave myself another mental whack at my best friend's ignorance.

     "No. Help," I said, eyeing her. She laughed again.

     "Okay, okay," she mumbled, holding her hands up in surrender. "I'm going to tell you what I'd do, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's what you should do."

     "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Continue." She rolled her eyes.

     "Well, they both seem like great guys, Grace. Amazing even. And by the sound of it, you really like Harry. But the way you describe Niall, I could tell you like him, too. And I think you should..." She paused. "I think you should give Niall a small chance. Just to see how it feels. That way, you won't go on wondering 'what if'. You know?"

     I groaned and put my head into my hands. "No, I don't know." 

     "Well that was all my advice for the day.  I think you should go get ready for the concert."

     "I can't believe you won't go with me," I moaned. I scowled at her and she gave me the same expression back.  

     "Yeah, as much as I'd love to be in a arena filled with screaming, hormonal girls, I'll pass."

     Another mental whack. I ran upstairs to get dressed.

     Tonight is going to be very interesting, I thought.