Seeing Blind |NH|

Chapter Thirty

At first, in those first few days away, I hesitated whenever Esta texted me, choosing to not reply as a means of not making her life miserable when I couldn't be there to help pick her up off the floor again.  But when she texted after several non responses from me, appearing to be upset, I decided I was being ridiculous.  Jace had no right to dictate who she could and couldn't be friends with.  And, well, quite frankly, she had become my best girl friend and I wasn't about to lose her because she was dating an asshole.

About three weeks into our US leg, she called me.  Considering she hadn't called the entire time I had been gone, I found it odd, so I picked up.

"Hey, Esta," I said, slightly concerned.

"Hey, Niall.  What's up?"

"Not much.  Getting ready to do soundcheck.  How are ya?"

"I'm good.  I was calling because I wanted to let you know that I will be out of the country for a few weeks and my phone will be off.  I didn't want you to think I had just disappeared again."  She laughed a little.

My face fell.  "Oh." I paused.  "Uh, where are you off to?"

"Costa Rica!  I'm so excited.  I've never been there before."

"Oh, that sounds fun.  I don't think I've ever been there before, either."

"Well, I'll let you know how it goes.  Maybe one day we can go."

"For sure."  I paused, again.  "Uhh, who are you going with?  Yourself?  Friends?"

"Jace."  Jace.  I rolled my eyes and groaned a little.  "Something wrong, Niall?" 

"Oh, no, sorry.  I...my stomach just started to feel iffy."

"Oh, do I need to let you go?"

"Uh, no, I think I'm fine.  You know, you really should have a phone on you while you're gone.  How come you don't do that?"

I could actually hear her shrug.  "I don't know, I guess I just like the thought of unplugging when I'm on vacation."

"Oh, well, I guess that's not a horrible idea.  But I'd love to see where you're staying and what fun things you get yourself into.  Just think about it.  If nothing else, you should at least be able to call someone in case of an emergency."

"Yeah, I guess that's true.  I could do that."

"How long are you going to be gone?"

"A month, maybe longer.  Jace and I never really plan too far in advance."

I was being motioned by Louis that soundcheck was starting.  Shit.  "Hey, I hate to cut this short, but I'm being summoned.  When are you leaving?  Can I call you back in a bit?"

"We're leaving this evening.  If you get the chance, sure.  I'll be sure to take lots of pics for you.  And, yeah, maybe I'll keep my phone on.  Just in case."

"I think that's a smart decision."

"Okay, well, bye Niall."

"Bye, Esta.  Have fun."

"Ditto."

We hung up.  Soundcheck that day went differently because my mind couldn't get off the fact that she'd be in a foreign country with that asshole. 

As soon as soundcheck ended, I called her again, but her phone had been turned off.  Fuck, Esta.  I hoped it was only off because she hadn't called it in yet to keep it on.  Otherwise, quite frankly, I might go stir crazy not being able to talk to her.  Plus, as much as I hated him, and as much as I knew he'd break her heart again, I hoped he wouldn't do anything to make it to where she'd be left in Costa Rica alone and upset.  If he did, I'd break his face if I ever saw him again. 

The next several weeks went like a blur.  I didn't hear from Esta and every time I called her I got the temporarily turned off message on her phone.  I continued to text her though, knowing she'd get every last meme I sent her upon her return.

At the end of October, our tour ended, and we had maybe a week to recover before we started promoting our next album, "Made in the AM," which would be our last.  For a while.  We had decided a while back to take a break.  It was something we all needed.  But, as excited as I was about being able to sleep in and not work for days and weeks on end, I was also a bit nervous.  I had been doing nothing but touring and recording for the last five years.  What the fuck was I going to do with myself come mid December?

Since the first few promo appearances were set for the US, I headed back to LA.  When I got to my apartment, I found Patrick waiting for the elevator.

"Hey, Niall.  Welcome back."

I shook his hand.  "Thanks, Patrick.  How have you been?"

"Good.  Got myself a new girlfriend."  He smiled broadly at me.  The guy was one of the nicest people and I was really happy for him.

"That's awesome, dude.  Now, you know she's gonna need mine and Esta's approval, right?"

He laughed.  "Yeah, I know."

"How long have you been dating?  What's her name?"

"Her name is Miriam.  I met her about a month ago, and I'd say we've been 'official', if that's what you want to call it, for about two weeks."

"Any pics?"

"You know it!"  He pulled out his phone and pulled them up. 

"She's beautiful, man.  I'm happy for ya."  I smiled at him.

"Thanks."  We got onto the elevator.  "So, have you heard from Esta?"

I shook my head.  "Nah, last I heard, she was in Costa Rica."

"Yeah.  I nearly choked when she told me that she'd be in a foreign country with that dick."

"Ha!  Me too."

"Did she tell you when she'd be returning?"

"No.  She said she and Jace don't plan that far ahead."

Patrick snorted.  "Ain't that the damn truth.  I swear, that same day she left, earlier she had been talking about some new job she was excited about starting.  I honestly think that asshole sets out to ruin her life.  She won't have a job when she gets back and I can guarantee he won't be with her, either."

I just shook my head.  We got to our floor and went our separate ways.  "We're doing dinner sometime this week, Patrick.  With or without Esta, I need to meet this Miriam."

I smiled at him as he laughed and nodded while entering his apartment.  "Will do.  Welcome back, Niall."

"See ya, man."