Then There Was You

Dream Lover

The following three weeks had passed by quickly for Vivian. The weather had grown increasingly warmer and her eighteenth birthday was approaching–only a few days away–and with spending every free moment with Niall that she could, really, the girl had never been happier. They had dates at the drive-in, went for sodas at Betty's, spent a fun evening at the county fair in the next town over, and on one wicked hot afternoon, found themselves at Vivian's favorite secluded spot: Big Oak Pond.

It was a small swimming hole, tucked up a ways on some lush land that Vivian's family owned. Giving the spot its moniker all by herself, it was a special place she had gone to since she was a child; spending the dog days of summer keeping cool in the water and swinging from the rope that was tied to the big oak tree right on the bank. No one knew a thing about it. She had kept it a secret from everyone in her life, even her bestest friends, not wanting to share her serene and magical little place with anyone.

Until Niall.

Camped out on a picnic blanket, Vivian had brought Niall up to Big Oak Pond only a couple of times, once when they were on their way to the fair just to show him her secret place, and another to watch the sunset one evening after having some ice cream at Sunday's. But there they were, on a scorching late Wednesday afternoon having just finished up a nice packed meal that Vivian had made for them. She had decided to pick him up at the shop after school let out, Niall asking Phil who kindly let him take the rest of the evening off. It was very nice of him, but Phil knew how hard Niall worked. He also knew who Vivian was, or more importantly, who her father was and he would do anything to keep things pleasant.

Niall was leaned back on his palms with Vivian nestled snugly in between his bent up legs. Her back was laying against his front, clad in only a white tank as his dirty work shirt had been removed and lay crumpled beside them, and her arms were hooked over his thighs. They quietly watched a few of the roaming ducks float around the dank colored water as they sat, a refreshing light breeze whizzing around them.

Vivian closed her eyes, a little contented hum easing past her lips as she counted the padder of Niall's heart thumping against the back of her neck. She felt like she was in heaven like that with him. With her head resting on his chest, Niall tipped his chin down and nuzzled his nose into her hair, taking in a tiny breath. She smelled so pretty, like a field of blooming wildflowers. Vivian felt the adoring gesture and turned her face to look up at him. He smiled at her, his heavy gaze swarming over hers before he leaned in to press a soft kiss to her lips. He would never love anything as much as he loved kissing her. She was so gentle and kind, every ounce of her better than the last. Niall knew he was the luckiest fella on the planet and being there with her–Vivian cradled against him, her tender kisses on his lips–he was sure he would never take her for granted and always do everything to keep her safe.

She was the only girl he had ever felt that way about.

"This is my favorite place on earth," the young woman sighed out as she turned her attention back to the bathing ducks in the middle of the pond. She rubbed her palms against the outside of Niall's knees, oblivious of the days-old grease splattered on his jeans. "And now I get to share it with my favorite person."

Niall chuckled, pushing a kiss to her temple before he reached up to gently card his fingers through the side of her flowing hair, brushing it from her face. It made Vivian's eyes flutter. "Guess that makes it my favorite place now too, eh?"

"But of course," Vivian agreed with a sheepish giggle.

There was another moment of peaceful quiet before Vivian turned her head slightly towards him again, Niall's fingers stalling at the ends of her hair. "Niall, can I ask ya somethin'?"