Seeing Blind |NH|

Chapter Twenty Two

The next day we all got on a plane but went our separate ways.  One Direction went to Manila.  Esta went back to LA.

I wouldn't see her again for over three months. 

In that time, I had officially started dating a girl I had met back in Australia - Melissa.  When I initially met her, I wasn't sure about it.  For some reason, I felt as if I wasn't supposed to be with her.  But, after everything that happened with Zayn, I decided I didn't want to live with what ifs and called her up.  Why shouldn't I be able to date someone I like?  Right?

I flew her out to London when our tour took a break in April.  She came with me to a charity party that Louis and Liam attended, as well.  Of course, paps saw us but it is what it is, I guess.

I remained in touch with Esta, of course.  We did video calls here and there, in the beginning, but once my focus turned, we didn't talk as much, but I did my best to make sure we did enough to maintain our friendship.  Each time I talked with her she seemed to be doing better. 

Around the beginning of May, our talking had slowed down.  I had become quite busy with Melissa and she seemed to be busy with whatever it was she was doing.  But, I never felt like we stopped being friends.  I would send her random memes and pictures, and she did the same.  We just didn't spend so much time actually hearing the other's voice.

Towards the end of May, I flew Melissa and I out to LA for a couple of days to get a few things from my apartment.  I also really wanted her to meet Esta. 

Wanting to surprise her, I didn't tell Esta I was coming back early.  When we got off the elevator, Melissa was a bit nervous.

"What if she doesn't like me?"

"Are you kidding?  She's going to like you."

"But isn't she, like, one of your best friends?"

"Well, yeah, I guess she is."

"So, her opinion matters."

"I guess.  But she's going to have a great opinion.  Relax."

I opened my door first and put our bags inside.  I turned to Melissa who was looking at the two doors closest to mine.  "411."

"That's hers?"

"Yep."  I walked over to her door.  "Ready?"

"No," she said, letting out a small laugh.  "Couldn't we surprise her tomorrow?"

"Shush.  She's going to love you."

"And what if she doesn't?"

Holding her hand in mine, I knocked on the door with the other.  I heard nothing.  I knocked again.  It wasn't terribly late, and I guess she could be out but then I heard a yelp.   The door flew open and Esta flew into my arms.

"NIALL!!!" 

I laughed at her excitement.  "Hey, Esta!" I said, happy to have her in my arms again.  I held onto her tightly and picked her up off the floor.

She let go and stepped back.  "You're back early."  She paused as I saw her eyes fall behind me.  "Hi," she said.

"Esta, I want you to meet Melissa.  Melissa, this is Esta," I introduced them.  "Melissa is my girlfriend."

I smiled at Esta.  I thought everything seemed fine but what I didn't notice was the strange look that flashed across Esta's face before she stuck out her hand.  "Nice to meet you, Melissa."

"It's nice to meet you, Esta.  Niall has told me so much about you."  Melissa smiled.

"Babe, who's at the door?" I heard a familiar voice come from behind Esta. 

"Oh, it's--"

And just then I saw the face I had been warned would return.  What the fuck was he doing here.

"Niall, you remember Jace."

'I sure as hell do', I thought, not bothering to hide my own facial expression at that moment.