Lost at Sea || Niall Horan (In Editing)

Chapter 27

Erica’s POV

1pm

I stood in front of the mirror admiring my reflection. Black is such a horrible colour. Maura had taken Chrissy, Danielle and I shopping for new outfits for dad’s funeral. My dress was a simple spaghetti strap dress that finished above my knee. It had a simple belt around my waist allowing the skirt to flow freely.

There was nothing exciting about my dress, I didn’t want to look amazing, just decent.

Danielle came up behind me wrapping her arms around my waist,

“You look stunning Erica, your Father would be so proud.” That was all it took to make me smile.

I saw Maura and Chrissy standing behind us with tissues in hand and sad expressions. It was going to be a hard day.

The boys, Paul and Simon met us outside. Niall instinctively appeared beside me clutching my hand. He knew this was going to be hard for me, that I was going to cry a lot.

“You look beautiful.” He whispered in my ear. I gave him a small smile and Louis joined us by wrapping an arm around Niall’s shoulder.

“Just remember that we’re all going to be there for you. Just think, in 5 hours you’ll be on a plane with us heading to the UK. Maybe Harry can take you to Cheshire, just for fun.” I smiled, he remembered the first conversation he had with my Father.

2pm

I sat in the front row between Niall and Danielle who were both holding my hands. Every now and then Danielle would squeeze my hand giving me shots of reassurance.

“Good afternoon, today we are gathered to remember a great man. Damien Mitchell was a man who...” I zoned out as the Priest started.

In front of us stood his casket. It was white with navy blue rims, a traditional navy casket. I had selected white lilies to surround his casket, his favourite flower.

Niall squeezed my hand, I looked up to see him staring at me intently.

“Time for you to go up there babe.” I nodded and stood flattening my dress as I made my way to the microphone. I had spent the night writing Dad’s eulogy with a little help from Patricia and Niall.

“First of all I would like to thank you all for coming today, it means a lot to me. My Dad was a great man, I spent little of my life with him but I always looked up to him. I know little of his life before he met my Mother so I won’t do into any detail. He always had a burning passion for sailing and for football. Sometimes when I would go aboard The Carolina we would pretend to be separate teams. He would always be Chelsea whereas I would be Liverpool. He would usually win. His love for that ship was incredible. Every time he came home from a voyage he would some amazing story to tell and an incredible souvenir for my from an exotic land. He always put others before himself, which is what many of us saw recently. He put our safety before his own which resulted in nearly all of us coming home safely but unfortunately him loosing his life. But I know he would be happy. He died is a place he loved more than life itself and doing what he loved. Daddy you will be missed by many, but no one more than me. I love you.”

There were very few dry eyes left in the room as I walked back to my seat.

Danielle stood and hugged me tightly whispering,

“You were amazing.” I sat beside Niall who instantly wrapped his arm around me and I cried into his shirt. The priest got us to stand for several hymns but Niall and I stayed seated. I couldn’t bear to stand at see his casket once more.

“Now we have a performance by the One Direction boys.” I looked up at Niall through my tears. He gave me a small smile and stood up. Danielle instantly took me in her arms and handed me a tissue. I watched as the 5 boys walked onto the stage and Louis sat at the piano.

Niall picked up his microphone,

“Afternoon, my name is Niall Horan, I’m Erica’s boyfriend. The boys and I here met Erica on this ship and it was easily one of the greatest moments in our lives. We chose this song to sing for Erica, it wasn’t written by us but we mean every word. This one is for you Ezzy.” Niall sang first... (watch video on side)

Another day has gone

I’m still all alone

How could this be?

That you’re not here with me

You never said goodbye

Someone tell me why

Did you have to go?

Leave my world so cold

Every day I sit and ask myself

How did love slip away

Something whispers in my ear and says

The boys all joined in for the chorus...

That you are not alone

I am here with you

Though you’re far away

I am here to stay

You are not alone

For I am here with you

Though we’re far apart

You’re always in my heart

But you are not alone

The boys continued to sing as Niall stared into my eyes. Tears poured freely down my cheeks. This was easily one of my favourite Michael Jackson songs and the lyrics fit so perfectly with the situation.

“You are not alone Erica.” Zayn whispered into the microphone as Louis played the final chords.

The audience clapped as they bowed and walked to their seats. I stood and pulled Niall into a tight embrace.

“I love you Erica.” He whispered quietly into my ear,

“I love you too Niall.”

We all went aboard The Carolina for the luncheon after. Niall didn’t leave my side once, not even to get food. Shocking right? Many people came to send me their condolences and wished me the best of luck in the future.

Some even asked where my Mother was so they could speak with her. I just couldn’t wait to get on that plane and arrive in London with the boys.

4:30pm

We all stood at Melbourne airport in the departures lounge waiting for our flight number to be called. Louis got stuck in customs for having carrots in his bag, only him.

We all bid farewell to a tearful Chrissy who had to stay behind and continue working on the ship as the lifeguard. Harry was a mess as we took a seat, he had fallen hard for my Christina.

 My phone dinged signalling I had a message. I was surprised to see it was from my old friend Stella from Brisbane. OMG babe I just saw the news! Let me know when you’re back in Brissy so we can meet up. BTW... ZACH GOT A BOYFRIEND EEP!!!!

I sighed and texted her back, Hey babe. I’m heading to London right now. I’ll Skype with you tomorrow, promise. GO ZACH!!! So proud :’)

Niall glanced over my shoulder,

“Who’s Stella?” I turned to face him,

“She was one of my best friend’s back home. I’m gonna Skype with her tomorrow when we arrive in London.” He nodded and took my hand,

“Come on the plan is boarding.”

A/N

GUYS!!! I have internet here at Rainbow Beach :D I’m hitting up Fraser Island in a few days! Get to drive on the beach *fist pumps* So excited!

PLEASE read my other stories guys! I need more votes and comments! PLUS I’m thinking of restarting my Zayn story... not sure if I like the plot anymore. Tell me what you think!

Song for da chapter: Be Myself by Aiden Grimshaw

Bye everyone...

Bree xx