Eighteen [Narry AU]

[13]

Niall

The days I'm counting down to the trial are getting smaller in quantity and my anxiety is becoming larger. I can't help but sit on the edge of my bed to prepare myself.

Dan Richards is an awful person.

His friends at school have cornered me multiple times. Threatening me, telling me I better not send him to state prison. I didn't even know there were so many types of prisons. County, state, federal. I just thought jail was jail.

I haven't told Harry anything about them coming after me. He's busy with footie and his school work he needs to stay on track with. Scouts show up at many of the footie matches and tournaments, which means universities are watching him. They've been watching him since last year. He's had a ton of offers. Of course I still hang out with him every day but I refuse to bring up anything that could stress him out.

He's still debating on meeting his half-sister, which I understand. He's been pushing it away. His mind has been preoccupied with looking at every university thrown his way. I've had my eye set on Point Blank, since forever.

"Niall, what's wrong?" Harry speaks up, glancing at me. Apparently I've been in thought for too long.

"It's January 15th." I say slowly. "5 days" I mumble, shaking my head.

"Ni, you're completely distraught over this trial. You haven't even started for your portfolio. You have 6 months." He states softly, focusing all his attention on me.

"I'll get it done. After the trial is over" I gulp. "I'm okay Haz. Let me just, get my shit together. I don't want to distract you from your work and getting your life in order either" I say softly.

"Niall you mean a lot to me. You're not a distraction. You're important. And it's not like I have many places to choose from. I'm staying here or near here. I'm narrowing in on University of London or Imperial College." He looks at me.

"You could go anywhere Haz. Why choose a university in London?" I ask

"Because you're going to be in London. And I'm going wherever you go" he smiles.

"That's not fair to yourself and your future. What are you going for, again?"

"Law" he looks up "Didn't I tell you that like, 5 times already? Ni you're really in a rut. Please relax yourself." He wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a hug.

"I know, I'm sorry" I hug him back, his presence calming me. He just knows how to make you calm by simply ou hugging you or even holding your hand.

"Good. Have you finished my song yet?" He smiles cheekily.

"Your song? Wow, someone's cocky. No I haven't, I'm still working out the exact lyrics. Chords are perfect now though, I can play the instrumental if you want, but that's all you get" I grab my guitar. I carefully play the entire song, making sure I don't accidentally sing any of the lyrics. I hum along to the tune, and when I finish I look back up at Harry.

He's smiling fondly at me, his eyes boring into me. "You're so talented Niall. You know that?"

"I've been told. Get back to work, okay" I chuckle, rolling my eyes.
————

Like I mentioned, the days are going so slow, yet so fast. It's the day before the trial. The last 3 days I've been tripped, kicked, beaten a few times by dan's followers. I've avoided Harry and my friends at all costs so no one would see them. I hide in my room from my ma. Everyone is assuming Im just isolating myself to deal with my feelings about the trial.

Currently I'm hiding in the bathroom, trying to avoid any of Dan's friends. I'm literally standing on the toilet seat in a stall and squatting, so my feet aren't visible.