Stole My Heart

Chapter Two: Your Song

Dedicated to Lauren, just because she's awesome.

We were halfway through the student parking when I remember that I had a spare key to my brother’s car. (“For emergencies only,” my brother had stressed so many, many times.)

“Hey, we can take my brother’s car if you want. He takes a bus down to the University after his classes here. He won’t be needing it anytime soon.” I said.

What!? What did I just say!? Obviously I couldn’t drive yet, and I didn’t think Niall was 17 either, meaning if we did end up taking the car, it would be illegal whether I was driving or if he was.

“No, no. I can’t drive legal yet. And if you are a Year 11 like you say you are,” he winked, “then you can’t either. Not a problem though. Where we are going isn’t very far.” He said with a smile on his face. Then he paused. “You might want to put your stuff in the boot though.” Niall heaved the huge, and sliding, backpack onto his shoulders.

I laughed and told him of course. Once we were done locking up the car, now packed with my stuff, Niall began rolling his broad, muscular shoulders. He then cranked his neck to both sides, and I heard a pop come with each roll. Left, right, left, right. I was mesmerized. By God, this boy is beautiful... I remember thinking.

“Shall we go then?” I said quickly in hopes he hadn’t seen me stare at him, again. I was so nervous around him, but at the same time, I don’t ever remember being myself more than when I was with him. It was so bittersweet. I giggled nervously  and nodded at him. We started off towards another building near the school, where Niall ran in and grabbed a big black case that he threw over his shoulder and onto him back. It’s shape was curvy and I quickly realized it was a guitar. Niall played guitar. Are you freaking kidding me?! It’s like this kid was perfect! I sighed and we began walking next to him again.

We had only been walking for about 7 or 8 minutes before we came upon a beautiful park; the trees were at least 8 meters tall, forming a beautiful archway that stretched across the whole park. Their branches were bare and patches of snow covered the ground. People were scattered around the park; some sitting in benches, some walking their dogs or talking to others. He grabbed my hand and led me over to an empty park bench, sat me down and opened up the case.

“So, you know I told you I could sing?” he sounded anxious.

“Yesssss?”

“Okay, well… well I also play guitar and..” his sentence trailed off.

“And?”

“And… and I also write songs.” He turned bright red.

“Really?” I let my fascination come through.

“Yeah. You wanna hear some?”

“Course I do.” I smiled.

“Okay.” He reached into the case and brought out a light colored guitar with a dark brown neck. He put the strap on his shoulder and plucked a few strings to make sure they were in tune.

“Alright now, don’t you go laughing at me now, you hear?” he joked.

“Cross my heart.” I flashed another smile.

He started playing. It was the most beautiful melody I’d ever heard, or so I thought. Niall’s voice came out quite at first, gradually becoming louder as he gained confidence throughout the song. The word matched the chords on the guitar perfectly, Niall’s voice guiding them along.

I’ve tried playing it cool, but when I’m looking at you, I can’t ever be brave ‘cause you make my heart race.

I looked at him with a dumbfound expression on my face and a mesmerized look in my eyes.