Dear Patience (n.j.h.)

chapter eighteen

"Niall, are you asleep?" Eva whispered into the dark room.

It was 2 am but she couldn't clear her head to the point where she could go to sleep.

Niall was on his third dream of that night to put it simply.

"Niall," Eva whispered again. She bit her lip in advanced remorse for her following action.

She shoved Niall off the bed resulting in a distorted groan from the man.

"What?" Niall asked confused.

"I'm sorry! I shoved you harder than intended!" Eva confessed while her hands covered her mouth.

Niall's eyebrows knitted as he went back into the bed and covered himself with the comforter.

"Is something the matter?" He asked pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I can't sleep." Eva started. "You're leaving soon and it has me thinking about our future, you know? I don't know...not like future but like, the week after? I don't know, Niall."

Niall could sense the unease in her voice. 

"Eva, what did your future look like before I was in your life? You were planning on marrying Ahmed right?" Niall asked.

She nodded and turned on her side to face Niall who's face was barely lit by the moonlight.

"I was. He was perfect for marriage. He had a stable job, he was a devoted Muslim, he was educated and he was just a nice person. But ultimately I was never made to be a housewife and I refused to put my dreams aside for someone else." Eva confessed.

"I want to be a journalist, I want to travel and share stories from different parts of the world. I want to be the eyes for people who only get to experience the world vicariously through others." Her voice was enlaced with determination to make her statements true.

"I just want to be happy and by meeting people and sharing their culture with the world... that's just what I want to do." She sighed before feeling Niall's gentle caress on her cheek.

"And you will, my love. The world is not ready for you." Niall smiled and Eva melted in Niall's touch.

"You really think so?" She asked sincerely.

Niall scoffed, "Are you kidding? Of course, I think so! Seevali, I know so. Who's gonna stop you?" Niall chuckled and she smiled.

"And for the record, I will never ask you to change your ambitions for me. I want you to chase your dreams until you've accomplished them." Niall said and lightly kissed Eva's lips.

"Likewise, Niall, likewise." Eva smiled against his lips.

She snuggled on his chest as Niall wrapped his arms around her and dragged his fingers up and down her back.

Her bare legs were entangled with Niall's and as silence befell the room, the couple went to sleep with the picture of the life they'd build clouding their minds. 

As the weeks have been flying by, Niall's luggage for the tour was also been increasing around the apartment.

Day by day, Eva would notice there was less of Niall's clothes in the closet they shared. More packages of toiletries and essentials that Niall would need on tour arrived almost daily. This all served as a reminder that Niall would soon be leaving her for a year.

Niall noticed the toll the upcoming date was taking on Eva.

"You alright?" He reached across the table for Eva's hand.

Eva quickly exited her train of thought and nodded. "Yea, 'course. It's just that there's a week left." She said and gave him a half-hearted smile.

She fought back the tears because she knew that touring was a part of Niall's job. How could she ask him to stay?

She couldn't.

"Eva..." Niall sighed and rubbed his thumb over her knuckle.

They locked eyes and they related their emotions to one another. Eva took a sip from her wine glass before eating more food off her plate. She looked past Niall to the restaurant art decor to distract herself.

"I'll be okay, Niall. We'll be okay. Truly." Eva said reassuringly, but more to herself than him.

Niall brought his lips to her hand and kissed it, "We will, Eva. I know it." He smiled and Eva nodded.

The couple resorted to talking about Eva's studies.

"The Dean's List? Seems...impressive." Niall said. "Didn't go to college, don't know what that is."

Eva thought, "Mm, well. I guess it's a kind of honor roll. It doesn't give me any incentive, more so a recognition than anything." She clarified.

"You're not tired from studying, love?" Niall asked and Eva laughed.

"Not at all, I enjoy it! It's only hard when I procrastinate, that's when I have you refill my coffee mug numerous times in the middle of the night." Eva chuckled.

"And I do it happily," Niall stated proudly and they smiled at each other.

"Niall?" Niall turned his head to the voice.

Eva's breath hitched once she realized a goddess was approaching them.

"Barbara," Niall stated gladly.

"Wow, you must be Eva. You've truly taken the world by storm being with this hooligan." Barbara mentioned as she broke from Niall's hug.

Eva chuckled, "It's no easy task. I'm sure you know about that, though." Immediately regretting bringing up their relationship.

Barbara laughed, "If only his fans knew what a child he actually is," 

"Could you all not talk shit right in front of me?" Niall scoffed.

"Fun fact, he would call me insistently, offering to make me ramen even though I'm dating Dylan," Barbara mentioned and Eva's eyes widened.

"Hm, interesting. Niall doesn't know when to give up. Very perseverent." Eva stated.

"Yes, very. But now he's found you and I'm glad he's moved on. You make a beautiful couple and, I mean, the tabloids can't get enough of you two. Moreso you, he's old news." Barbara joked while elbowing Niall.

He groaned as he covered his face meanwhile Eva smiled.

"What can I say? I'm just a fascinating person." Eva admitted and Barbara smiled.

"Well, let me know if he gives you any trouble, I'll make sure he gets a talking to. It's was lovely meeting you, Eva." She finished and walked away.

"So this ramen? I've never been offered ramen." Eva said sternly. Niall's face washed with a blush.

"Well, cause, you know... you like pasta. So I make that." Niall stated.

"Don't get your hypothetical bat," Niall joked, Eva smiled.

"I might have to."