Take Me Back

1 - Jenna

The air briskly hit my skin when I stepped out of my small London flat. I was on my way to get my regular latte from the coffee shop a few blocks away. My boots clonked on the pavement as I started my walk. I waved to woman from the bookshop I knew and got caught off guard. I turned my head back to look in front of me and ran into somebody. I looked up and saw who I bumped into.

Him.

He had grown a few inches, definitely gotten fitter, and had stopped bleaching his hair, but the moment I saw those familiar blue eyes, I knew it was him.

"Niall?"

"Oh my god, Jenna!" He embraced me into a warm hug. I had missed that feeling so much. 

"What are you doing here? I thought you stayed at home?"

"I did for a long time. I just moved here a couple weeks ago for my company. It's called Modest! Golf Management". He seemed so enthusiastic about his work. It was refreshing to see Niall confident and happy after all those years in school being a timid young boy. 

"I'm so proud of you Nialler! I never knew you were a golf guy". 

"Yeah, I started playing to ease my nerves and it soon became my passion.  I missed you so much, Jenna. I never got to have any close friends in college. Maybe it was because you're irreplaceable". His grin turned into a frown as he looked down to his feet. "Why didn't you ever text me or call me? You told me you would every day. I never even got a happy birthday or a merry Christmas". 

In that moment, guilt hit me like a train. I guess I never realized how much he really cared for me. "I'm sorry, Niall. I really am. I guess I got a little overwhelmed with school and all". My excuse was lame, but it was better than telling him the truth: I sort of forgot about him.

"It's okay. I know you had better things to do". He fake smiled at me.

"Hey!", I exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood. "I was just on my way to get coffee, do you want to join me? We can catch up and chat some more".

"I would love to. Which shop is your favorite? I tried the one down the road from me, but it was overpriced and not that good...plus they didn't even have pastries or sandwiches". Of course that was his complaint. My best friend, the foodie.

"Don't worry, you can get a sandwich at this one". We both giggled, and it took me back to those times under the bleachers where nothing really mattered.

"I must say, exquisite taste in coffee. This..." He slurped up the last bit of his drink. "This hits the spot. And the food was great".

"I told you you would like it! I still know you better than anyone".

"True. So, what's up in the secret life of Jenna Samson? Any crazy job or secret boyfriends?" I laughed out of my nose, which caused him to laugh.

"Well, I work for a publishing agency. I work from home most of the time, though, since I'm an author. Haven't released a book yet, but we're getting there. As for boyfriends, I'm out of luck. I've just about given up on men" I joked. 

"I wouldn't give up hope just yet. You're beautiful and have a great personality. You'll find somebody, don't worry". Niall was always such a kind guy towards everybody. I still have no clue why he would want to be friends with me. "But maybe I should take my own advice. All the girls I've taken out have either dumped me or cheated on me". My heart dropped. Even if he was all grown up now, he was still a sensitive guy who just wanted somebody to love him.

"I'm sorry, man. I know that must be hard. But keep on truckin'. That's what my dad used to say to me". At those words, he smirked. I was glad that I could help him. 

"Well, I have to get going. I was actually on my way to work when I ran into you. Even if I own the company, I still get yelled at for being late".

"Niall! You should have told me! Now get out of here, before you get mobbed". I chuckled and gave him a final hug. He was never very responsible with time.

"Wait, Jenna, let me put my number in your phone so I can text you. We should hang out this weekend at my flat. Just like old times!"

"Sure! I'm down for another classic Horan sleepover. I might have missed those the most. Even though you always pick the worst movies". He playfully punched my arm as he typed in his contact.

"I will text you later, okay? See you, petal".

"Catch you later, Blondie".

He tussled his hair and cheekily smiled. "You're gonna have to think of a new name. Decided to go natural again".

"Whatever, Nialler. Go do your fancy golf job". I smiled as the bells above the door chimed with his exit. I missed him.

A/N: hello and welcome to take me back! i know that the whole best friends promise is usually if they're both still single by 45, but i'm not about to write a story with a middle aged Niall. anyways, i hope you enjoy this story! i might update daily since i have nothing else to do since im in quarantine and i love to write :p