Beside You

Chapter 2

My drive home was agonizingly slow without Niall beside me. Sure we're going to be texting, calling, face timing, and having short visits, but having him here permanently would be better.

When I got home, I watched Netflix for hours on end cuddled up under the thick comforter on our bed. I wasn't even paying attention to it though; background noise was all it was. When I finally shut it off, I slid off the bed, and brought the comforter with me to the window seat. I sat criss cross staring out at the stars, marveling at their breathtaking beauty. They shined bright but not as bright as the moon. "I love you." I whispered scrunching my tiny hand on the window, as if somehow Niall could hear me talking to the moon. I hopelessly continued my for-longing gaze at the iridescent sky in awe. Hoping for these months apart to go by fast.

Niall's POV

I know, I know, it's only been a couple of hours, but being with someone every waking second of your life and then having to leave them for months and months on end is hard. Of course we'll be talking the whole time, but it's just not the same as having her here with me.

I propped my head against the plane's window gazing around at the glimmering stars and the luminous moon. As I pressed my callused hand against the frigid surface, I closed my eyes, took a deep breathe, and whispered "I love you." When I opened my eyes again they landed particularly on the conspicuous moon. "What was that mate?" Louis questioned from the seat next to me. "Nothing, Louis, nothing." I lied trying to reassure him, while patting his unclad shoulder.

AraBella's POV

I jolted awake as my alarm's irritating racket filled the room. Rolling over I grabbed at the air reaching for the source of the unholy noises, only to

be met with the cold rough surface of the wooden floor.

Rubbing my head I let out a exasperated groan. I had fallen asleep in the window seat last night and had completely forgotten it this morning.

I groggily crawled across the floor to the bedside table where my phone was perched. It was still rattling and jingling from the unruly disturbance it had created.

"SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!!"

I yelled, infuriated I actually had to get up. Finally I turned off the alarm looking at the clock to see it was 7:30 am. "Ugh, I hate getting up." I said to no one at all.

One shower, a spilt coffee and many outfit changes later I was on the way out the door to my beloved little 2004 red Jetta. As soon as I walked outside, the frigid October air engulfed me. The sudden change in temperature making chills strike up rather quickly on my skin.

Looking around I saw how the slightly swaying leaves of auburn,maroon, and gold complimented the grey blue background. The leaves are scarce on the trees though, due to the climate change known as Fall. I've always liked London this time of year. I don't really know why, but it just gives off a different feeling then it does in America.

I got into my car on the way to school. Oh school. Any other time I would give a detailed list of why I despise the place, but this school is different. Chelsea College of Arts the whole reason I was in London to begin with.

Somehow through my escapades in highschool I had managed a full ride to the over sea school. Even though the change was scary, I really like it here. I'd rather to go to school to study something I really enjoy then to sit and learn about the parallels of a triangle.

I turned into the school's parking lot. Surprisingly finding a parking space on spot. I turned off the engine and mentally prepared myself for the first day , third year. Just then my phone started ringing and I couldn't stop the foolish grin from appearing on my face as I read the name of the caller.

"Hey dear." He said groggily as I answered the phone. "Hey Niall." I said grinning. "I wanted to make sure I didn't miss sending you off to school." He said. I could practically hear his charming smile in his voice. "Well just your luck I've just pulled into the parking lot." he chuckled lowly. "I love you Ara." he said more serious. "I love you too Horan, but I've got to go before I'm late. Also you've got a concert later mister so I suggest you go back to sleep darling. It's 4 am there." I went on as I got out the car and walked towards the building. "Ahaha! Arabella Tonkin, always looking out for me." "Its my job kid." I chuckled. "I love you Niall."

"I love you too Ara." Pressing the end button on my phone, I finally walked into the school building.

After a couple of hours of classes I had signed up for to pass the time, my favorite one came around; Drawing and Painting. This year I'm taking module three which, inevitably, is the last course. After taking a seat by my friend Christian, the professor walked in.

"Alright class it's nice to you've joined me for another and final year," she started. bowing her head as a low chorus discontent sighs chimed throughout the room. "Yes yes I know, but let's not dwell on that. Let's paint!" she exclaimed throwing her short arms in the air. Professor Hedden was a short stocky woman with the most straightedged blonde bob I've ever seen. She has heaps of character and that why I absolutely adore her. Not to mention she's a remarkable artist, inspirational none the less.

"Alright everyone go grab a canvas to put on your easels. Today we're doing pop art of celebrities. Oohh exciting I know." We all went to the back to grab a canvas from the limitless stash, forming a line. Christian and I ended up going at the same time. "Come here you." he said holding out his arms for me to except his welcome. Christian was one of the few people I had first met when I came to London two years ago. We met in Drawing and Painting: Module One, and since that class we've been best buddies. Christian is about 5'8, has brown hair, and stunning green eyes. He also has this very nearly trimmed chin strap and it'd be a crime if he ever shaved it off. I jumped into his hug giggling. "Long time no see stranger." I laughed. "Oi! Stranger? I'm deeply offended by that Arabella." he said with a mocking tone as he pulled away from the hug. Immediately putting his hand over his heart trying to play hurt. I laughed and ruffled his dark hair realizing the line had moved very quickly. I grabbed my canvas and went back to my seat Christian soon following suit. He leant over to me with a grin plastered on his face. "You gona draw your pop star boyfriend?" He questioned. His grin growing wider every second. "No Christian I've already done him." I chuckled pushing his face out of my space. "Oh." he said raising his eyebrows. "Did you draw him like one of your French girls Jack?" He asked trying to mock Rose as best as he could, though he failed. I smiled at his stupidity and completely disregarded his question. "I'm doing Zayn this time. He asked me to paint him the next time I got around to it."

"I promise I'm straight but I'd be gay for that boy." Christian said looking off in awe. I presume he was going through fantasies in his crazy little mind. I just shook my head and laughed starting on a sketch of Zayn.

After two hours of sketching Zayn and endless banter with Christian, class was over and I was ready to head home. Heading down the halls to my car I looked at the time only to see that it's 4pm which meant it's 11am in New York, where Niall was. Continuing my journey down the hall, I whipped out my phone and pushed my strawberry blonde hair out of the way as I dialed my boyfriend's number. I was finally out of the building when I listened to the continuing chorus of rings. Pick up I thought. As the chorus of rings ended and led to his voicemail I closed my eyes and sighed disappointedly. Putting my phone up I continued to my car thinking about what Niall could be doing right now.