A Twist of Fate [niall horan]

Chapter 18

Niall's P.O.V.

Nothing but complete and utter sadness took over my body for the past couple hours. Losing my nanny felt like a metal rod had been shot through my heart, a thousand times. The pain was unbearable. Out of all my nuclear family, I was closest to my nanny. Without her, I probably wouldn't be the we person I am today. Often times she took the place of my own mother, taking care of me as if I were one of her own. Deep down, I think I was her favorite grandson despite all the shenanigans I caused around her when I was younger.

After giving the speech at the funeral, I wanted to break down in front of the crowd of people before me. Despite the constant nagging in the back of my mind to just run off, Aubrey's smiling face kept me going. If I had brought one of the other lads, most likely Liam, I don't think I would have been as comfortable with them as I am with Aubrey. It wasn't that the boys have never seen me like this, hell they've seen me in even more worse states, but Aubrey seemed to understand me better than all the lads combined. I wasn't sure if it was because she had gone through similar situations or it was some underlying feeling developing inside me. Whatever it was, it was somewhat taking my mind off the death.

Two of the most important people in my life were now gone; I'll never see them again. Sometimes I felt like I was being with such cards in life just to see how much more of a shitty life I could tolerate. Sure, I was the heartthrob of millions girls and had a successful career, but that was all superficial. Internally, though, I was dead. The only speck of light coming into my life at the moment were my family, the lads, and Aubrey (at times).

"Niall, sweetie, we're here. Come on," my mom's voice sounded through my ears. We had finally gotten back to my mom's home, where my mom was meeting Greg and Denise so they could head over to the cemetery for the burial. There was no way I could handle seeing another person I love disappear almost ten feet deep into the ground.

Aubrey appeared right by my side, as I exited the car, before she looped her right arm between my left one. I happily obliged with her keeping up with the whole "dating" act. In my defense, I had only mentioned to my mom that I was bringing a friend whom was a girl with me. Obviously she misinterpreted my statement by thinking Aubrey and I were boyfriend and girlfriend. Although, a small portion was actually enjoying all the fake affection Aubrey was giving me. Even though she was putting up an act, I couldn't help but imagine something legitimate going on between us. But just a week ago, I flat out rejected Aubrey only due to the fact that I wanted to protect her. I knew in my current state there was no way I could date her. She deserved someone who would dedicate everything and every minute for her, someone who treated her to the very best of the best. That wasn't me; Aubrey deserved a whole hell lot better than a jerk like me. Grace's death had completely messed up my social life as well as my love life.

"I want ya t' meet sumone when we get inside," I leaned over and whispered into Aubrey's ear as we climbed up the steps leading to the door. Aubrey looked over at me with a puzzled look, clearly confused on what I was talking about. "Theo, my nephew. He's barely t'ree an' half," I proudly said. Every time I came back home to visit , the little fella grew bigger and bigger. Time really flew by, it seemed like.

"Are we staying back while your mom goes back to the cemetery?" Aubrey asked me as we reached the door. I nodded my head at her before slipping my arm out hers, but quickly reattached our arms by linking our fingers together. Immediately her head snapped up towards me before she sent me a small smile. I knew this was hard for her especially after our confrontation last week. I don't think I've ever felt worse about rejecting a girl.

Once we stepped inside the warmth of my mom's home, I was greeted by Greg, followed by Denise right behind him. "Good t' see ya bro, miss'd ya tons," Greg stated as he engulfed me in a giant hug. I embraced him back with all my might, savoring the moment. Breaking us out of our little hug fest was my mother's small sniffles.