Enchanted N.H

Chapter 38

Niall wakes me up by spilling a hot cup of coffee on the duvet and cursing loudly.
The hot liquid slightly burns the skin on my thigh and I quickly strip the bedding and take my pyjama shorts off.
"I wanted to wake you with breakfast in bed", he pouts and frantically rubs at the coffee stain on the white bedding.
I gently take the cloth from him and pull him into a hug "Baby it's fine, please just leave it, we'll get dressed and then go out for breakfast at a nice place and on the way we will bring the bedding to a cleaner", I shush him and he sighs but goes to the bathroom.
While he gets ready, I fold the dirty sheets and place them into a big, blue IKEA bag, then I join Niall in the bathroom, kissing him from time to time when the upset frown reappeares on his pretty face.
"Wear a cute dress", he slaps my bum a little before rummaging around in the drawers looking for something.
"I look cute in everything Niall", I sass and he laughs but I do as he told me and pick a floral dress that I got with Elise on a trip to Munich.
We leave the house in Nialls car and I pick a playlist with some upbeat songs that I know Niall would enjoy.
Niall is oddly quiet and I wonder why he is so upset over a spilled cup of coffee and ruined bed sheets.
I reach to place a hand on his upper arm when he stops the car at a red light and he smiles at me but it doesn't reach his eyes, he seems nervous and distant.
He dismisses my questions about his wellbeing by telling me that he is just a little hungover from yesterday.
I don't believe his excuse, he doesn't get hungover from a couple beers, his Irish blood is making sure of that, but I decide not to bother him anymore.
If he wants to be moody and not tell me what's wrong, it's up to him but I will do my best to make his grey clouds disappear.
On Monday he starts an intense recording session for his new album, maybe it's this what makes him nervous.
At the café we get a small table at the back with a view on the river and Nialls face lights up when the waitress brings him a coffee and a tea for me.
We enjoy our time, just talking and having good breakfast food.
Niall is already planning Christmas, he is so considerate and keeps asking me if it would be okay for me to be spending Christmas in Ireland with his family.
I reassure him that it is and that I would love to stay with his family again, I would even prefer that over staying with mine.
Christmas at home has never been homey, or lovely after my Dad left and I am not really keen on catching it all up now.
I did forgive my father for leaving and my mother for picking random men over me but I don't see us as a happy family, ever.
That's why I am even more grateful that Nialls family is so welcoming and loving towards me.
"We could give your mother the set of pots she talked about", I suggest and Niall nods eagerly, chewing on his granola and quickly typing my idea on the notepad on his phone.
We keep brainstorming about presents and I stop Niall when he keeps suggesting ridiculously expensive presents for Theo.
He love his nephew so dearly that he just wants to spoil him.
"I wish we could just go on a normal stroll through the park after breakfast", Niall whines when we head back to the car and I hold on to his arm, leaning my head on his shoulder.
"We can go on a walk tonight, when it's dark", I suggest and he smiles, happy with my suggestion.
Walks in the dark were my favourite thing when I was struggling with assignments for work, the fresh air and the darkness always had a calming effect on me and never failed to ease my thoughts.
"Vicky, I just got a text from management, I need to hop in the studio real quick, something super important came up", Niall rambles and stares at his phone.
"I am sorry, I know we wanted to spend the day together but I will make it up to you, promise", he continues and I kiss his cheek.
"It's alright Niall, I understand", I reassure him but he still seems tense and nervous.
"Lia just texted me if we could go shopping for a new dress, apparently Lewis has a special date night planned", I chuckle, what a coincidence, now I don't need to cancel on Lia.
Niall smiles and insists on dropping me off at Lias place even though I told him I was fine taking the bus.
Lia is awfully giggly today and is bouncing around in her seat on the bus we are taking to the shops.
"What's gotten into you?", I ask her with a smirk because I can imagine that it's probably the thought of a date night with Lewis.
"Just general happiness", she squeals and hugs me.
We stroll through the crowded streets, heading from one store to the other but not buying a single thing, it's like Lia is purposely dragging out our shopping trip.
"Can we please take a break?", I whine after we exit yet another store with no bags.
Lia checks her phone, not paying attention to my whining and I wave my hands in front of her face.
"Oh sorry, Lewis texted me", she blushes and I fake pout.
"Your boyfriend is more important than me?", I cross my arms over my chest and turn away from her.
She joins my little drama show and throws her arms around me "I am sorry, no one will ever be as important than you".
With our arms linked, Lia leads us to a place for a drink and a little snack.
"This is the Pub I met Niall and Lewis in", I exclaim surprised when Lia stops in front of the wooden door.
"What a surprise", she laughs and I frown, remembering how Elise was complaining that the pub was not even on Google.
How did Lia find it?
We head inside and get a drink and some crisps.
I decide to question her and she explains me that Lewis texted her the location as it is his favourite place to grab a beer in whole of London. Makes sense to share that information with your girlfriend.
"What is it that you are constantly checking your phone?", I start to get irritated at Lia.
She doesn't seem upset that we haven't found a dress for her, she is not really paying any attention to what I am saying and she keeps texting someone, probably Lewis.
I don't get it, she wanted to meet, if she was busy why did she even ask?
"I am sorry, Lewis is having a bad day and he wants me to come home but I tried to tell him, I am spending time with you", she excuses her behaviour and I sigh.
Boys can be so childish when they aren't well.
"You should get home soon then", I tell her and she nods, both of us get up and we leave the pub again.
Just when we step out on the busy streets again, Niall texts me.
Niall:
Meet me at [location]
I will make up for the time we missed today
love, Ni xx

I smile when I recognize the spot on google maps, it's our spot on the hill with the little bench.
Another text arrives shortly.
Niall:
I called a taxi to pick you up, taking the bus would take ages!
I laugh, not wasting a second thought on why he knows where I am, too excited to see what he has planned for tonight.