Seeing Blind |NH|

Chapter Forty Eight

For the next couple of weeks, I watched Esta as much as I could while also doing all the promo we needed to do.  By December, I wasn't any closer to figuring her out.  And neither were the guys.  They each swore there were moments where they felt certain they saw something.  But no one had anything definitive.  And no one wanted to push it, either. 

Louis even took her out for drinks one night and tried to get her to talk but apparently, she didn't give any hints away as to how she may or may not feel about me.  By the time we were about to head back to the UK, the only thing I had gotten was further in love with her.

The night before we left, I ran into Patrick while taking out my trash.  He was headed downstairs to go pick up Miriam.

"Last night in LA for awhile, eh?"

"Yeah.  A couple of more weeks and the break begins."

"When are you coming back?" He asked.

"No idea, to be honest.  Going home and then was planning some travel with some friends."  I paused, hesitating.  "Patrick, can I ask you to do something for me?"

"Keep an eye on Esta until you come back for her?"

"Huh?"

He laughed a little, "It's pretty obvious.  And it's become quite obvious that you are now aware of it."

"Am I that apparent?"

He smiled, "Ohh yeah.  To me.  But then again, I noticed it awhile back."

"Geez, how long ago?"

"Umm, probably around the time Jace reappeared back in the Spring."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah."

"Geez." I said, my face reddening.

"Don't worry.  I'll watch her and help keep her occupied."

"Keep her from finding someone?" I said, softly and concerned.

"She already did."  I looked at him.  "You, Niall.  She already found you."

"You think so?"

"Oh yeah.  We outsiders often see it before those on the inside.  Miriam mistook you two for a couple, remember?  I mean, whenever I mention one of you, I generally mention the other.  Plus, when you guys left after dinner back in November, she commented about how she felt bad for mistaking you two for a couple but that she was surprised because of the way you both spoke about and looked at each other."

"Do you think she knows?"

"Yes."

I looked up at him, shocked, "Really?"

"I think so.  But I think she's suppressing it."

"Why?"

"Because she's terrified.  She's never had someone who treats her the way she should be except for you.  So I think she knows but I think she doesn't know what to do with it.  And she's scared to admit it to herself because she's scared of losing the one person who has stuck around."

"What do you think I should do?" The elevator dinged and we both walked off heading towards the garage.

"She told me the other day you suggested she be alone for a while and that she really wants to try to do that.  And I agree.  But don't be gone too long, Niall.  She's not as resilient as she needs to be yet and I'm not holding my breath that Jace won't be back.  Or someone new.  You know I'm on your side and I will do my best to keep her busy.  In fact, I got her an interview for Monday at my job.  She's a shoo-in because I've talked her up so much.  I'll definitely be able to help you out." 

He said all this as we made our way outside into the parking garage.  We came to a stop.  I needed to go in one direction and he needed to go in the other. 

"I appreciate that," I said, softly.

"I'll also see what I can dig out of her.  Maybe get her to admit how she really feels."  He nudged me again.  I smiled, blushing.  "I need to get going.  Have a good time.  See you when I see you?"

"Yes.  Say hello to Miriam for me."

"Of course."

We said our goodbyes and parted ways.