Black And White : A Niall Horan Fanfiction

30.

As me and Niall approached my house after a short walk with Evie I shot my hand out and grabbed his arm. He turned around and looked at my hand.

"What?" he asked.

"When we go in my dad will most likely be in the kitchen probably shorting my presents out, Carol will 100% be sat on the sofa drinking coffee and Tyler's at school I hope. My dad will be the main one to convince that your a good guy so just let me do the talking and it will all be fine. OK?" I said all at once.

"OK. Why would your dad be sorting out presents? Is it your birthday?" Niall asks.

"Yeah. My 20th," I told him.

"Why didnt you tell me?" He sounded a little offended that I hadn't told him.

"I didn't want you to do anything like get me a present or a card. I actually hate birthdays but every year my dad throws this big party with all our relatives and family friends. I always end up going though because I know my dad plans it super early so he knows everyone will be free," I explained to Niall. It's true, I hate birthdays.

"Oh," is all Niall said.

I nodded, smiling, and started to make my way down the drive with Evie walking alongside me. The front door opened and Evie ran forward. My dad stood there staring at Niall. I looked back at him and he had his head down, looking at the floor. My dad's eyes moved to me and I smiled at him.

I reached the door and whispered to my dad quietly so Niall couldn't hear, "Be nice, please."

He gave me the I always am look and stepped forward to shake Niall's hand.

"Who is this handsome young man?" my dad asked and pulled away from the handshake. I knew my dad knew who Niall was already but I appreciated that he wasn't saying anything about him being a world wide celebrity and treated him like any other boyfriend of mine. Wait, Niall isn't my boyfriend. Any other friend of mine.

"I'm Niall. It's nice to meet you," Niall said. He shot a quick glance at me and I smiled at him.

"Niall this is my dad, Ben," I said to Niall.

"So are you staying for Lily's birthday breakfast?" Dad asked Niall.

"I should probably get going. Me and the boys are back working tomorrow," Niall said. My face dropped.

"Please stay, just for breakfast at least," I begged Niall. I didn't want him to leave, my birthday would be so much better with him, "I'll let you get me a present," I said quietly.

"I guess I could stay for breakfast," Niall reluctantly said. I knew he was desperate to get me a present and I could tell he was already thinking about what to get me.

I smiled and took hold of Niall's hand. My dad moved to the side and I walked past him leading Niall into the the living room to meet Carol. That wasn't as bad as I though I said said to myself. Sure enough, Carol was sat on the sofa, drinking he morning coffee out her favourite mug and watching some gardener programme. When she saw me she paused her programme and and put her coffee down.

"Happy birthday darling," Carol said as she walked towards me. She pulled me in for a hug. She was always warm and smelt amazing.

After my mum died I was so scared that my dad's new wife would be like all the horrible step mothers in fairy tales but she was the complete opposite. Whenever I was mad at my dad or I was having a bad day she was always there to listen and comfort me. Of course, she could never replace my actual mum but she was the best step mum I could have asked for. She's helped me through so much and she won't ever know how much I appreciate her.

"Thank you Carol," I said and hugged her a tiny bit tighter.

She breaks away from the hug and looks Niall up and down, "Your part of that boy band, I've seen you on the TV and in the paper and on the news. How strange that a famous person is in my house," Carol said. I looked at Niall with I'm so sorry eyes. I couldn't read his face like I usually could and it worried me.

"Yeah that's me. I'm not in your house for long, I was actually just leaving its just Lily wanted me to meet you so I'll be off now," Niall said. I stare at him.

Before Carol had time to reply, Niall had began walking back towards the front door. I looked back at Carol quickly before running after Niall.