Accidentally in Love

Accidentally in Love {Chapter 23}

Author's Note: Hey guys!  Sorry this chapter's a bit short, hope y'all still like it!  :)  PS- Thanks to you guys I placed second in the One_Direction_Awards and am still in the running for the 1DAwards.  Thanks so, so, SO much!  Keep commenting, reading, and voting :D

xxx Jess

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When the concert had ended and the curtains had gone down, the fans began emptying out of the theater.  MaryGrace and Jessie were about to stand back up, but Danielle placed a hand on MaryGrace’s arm.

“Let the theater empty out first, we don’t want the fans to follow us backstage,” she said laughing as if it had happened before.   MaryGrace and Jess nodded in agreement.  They sat for ten more minutes until there was not a single Directioner left in the theater.  The all rose from their seats almost simultaneously and began walking to meet up with the boys backstage.  They followed the path of the tunnel-like winding hallways, passing almost twenty doors and rooms, each with a different purpose.  Five pairs of high heels echoed against the concrete walls, floors, and ceilings.  Security guards stood every few feet strategically placed to protect the performers each night.  The girls finally came upon the correct door and knocked before the door was opened up just enough for a guard to check that everyone had the appropriate pass hanging around their neck.  He opened up the door once every one had been checked, letting them in.

Louis had already changed into a T-shirt and beanie and was lounging on the couch, sending a tweet about how much he’d enjoyed tonight’s show.  He ran over to greet Eleanor.  Zayn handed in his earpiece to the stage crew then jogged over to talk with Perrie, Jess, Eleanor, and Louis while still in his suit from their encore performance, I Want.  Perrie greeted Zayn with a kiss on the cheek and began praising him for his spectacular performance.  

Danielle spotted Liam still lingering in the stage wings and ran forward, curls bouncing, balancing on her high heels.  Liam was helping the stage crew pack up the earpieces, feeling bad that they had to pack everything up by themselves.  He wrapped her up in a tight hug as his smile multiplied by ten.  Harry, on the other hand, had yet to appear. 

Niall was next to enter the room, also dressed in his suit.  MaryGrace saw him enter and ran over to him, throwing her arms around his torso in a hug.  He hugged her back, but seemed kind of distant, almost like he wasn’t paying attention.  MaryGrace noticed just before she was about to congratulate him on his performance.  

“What’s wrong babe?” she said with a puzzled expression and a concerned tone.  Her eyes searched his face for an explanation.  He focused back in, breaking his train of thought.

“I’m fine,” he said letting his eyes turn to the floor.  She turned his shoulders so that he was facing her again.

“Niall, I’m no dummy.  What’s wrong?” she said with worry evident in her voice.

“Well,” he hesitated.  Should I say anything?   She could see the hurt in his eyes. “I saw you in the audience with a guy,” he said trailing off.  Her eyes widened with realization.

“Niall,” she said as a sparkling smile surfaced on her face “that was my cousin Sean!  He was here with his 12-year old niece.”  A look of understanding crossed Niall’s face just before his smile spread wide.  The sparkle had returned to his eyes and he was fully alert now.  “Babe,” she said speaking softer “you’re the only one for me.”  Her voice hadn’t faltered one bit, she was positive of her words.  “I haven’t even been interested in anyone but you for the three months we’ve known each other.”

He looked down at her, touched by the truth in what she’d said.  They stood looking into each other’s eyes with a silent exchange of mutual understanding.  He was at a loss for words.  He thought she’d let her down and in the end, what she’d said had made their relationship even more real.  In that instant, Niall pushed a section of her blond locks behind her ear, letting his hand rest gently on her shoulder.  He moved it behind her head, pulling her towards himself.  He was desperate for her.  Her eyes fluttered closed as their lips met and this time, the sparks flew.  It was like they were kissing for the first time all over again, but even better.  Niall combed his fingers through the roots of her hair and MaryGrace held on to Niall like she would never let him go.

“GEEZ!  Do you guys ever come up for air?!” Louis said rather loudly, shaking them out of the moment.  MaryGrace and Niall locked eyes for a second before simultaneously doubling over in laughter.  

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