In time [H.S]

Chapter 4

Ashely's POV.

The next morning I woke up around 8. I didn't have classes today, I only had them every other day. I got up slowly to go make myself breakfast. I put on some slow music while making my pancakes so I can have something to hum to. I set my plate and juice on the table and started eating. while eating I got the feeling of being lonely. but I was kind of use to it since mom was never around back home. I ate my breakfast slowly and then made my way to my room. I quickly got dressed in some workout clothes. might as well start working out like I wanted to. I didn't have to work till 1 so I had time to kill. As I made my way out the door I took a small towel, some headphones, and my iPod. I didn't need my phone to distract me. I got to the subway quickly since it was a bit windy and made my way to the gym. On the way there I started thinking about Niall. I can't get over how he's been acting lately. He's been so distant and it's upsetting me. I thought he would actually text me back but it seems like he didn't care. Maybe I'll visit home this weekend to see what he's been up to since he's not coming anytime soon? I don't know. I just need to take all the stress off of me. As soon as my stop came I made my way out of the subway and up to the gym. when I walked in I went straight to the treadmill first. I turned on my music and started running. It felt so good to just feel free. I ran for an hour straight and boy did it feel amazing. When I went to switch to go to the stair master I felt someone looking at me. I turned around and saw the same girl from my class that tapped my shoulder. I wonder what's she's doing here? doesn't seem the type to workout in a social setting, but then again neither did I. I smiled at her as she made her way over to me.

"hey" she said. wow so she talks. I smiled and say "hey" back. I didn't know what to ask but "what's your name?" she quickly told me "Angel." wow what a pretty name I thought. but I wondered what she wanted from me?

"so what's up?" I asked. but as soon as She was about to reply she looked behind me and saw someone walk in. Her eyes widened with shock and fear. I turned quickly and saw Harry walk in. why would she be afraid of Harry?

"Hey are yo-" and just like that she's was gone. what is with everyone and disappearing? whatever I was fed up so I just went to the stair master and started working. I stayed for another hour but couldn't really concentrate cause Harry kept giving me side glances. I felt awkward so ended up leaving. two hours of working out wasn't that bad. i got my belongings and ended up lightly jogging to my apartment. I didn't want to take the subway at the moment. I was jogging up the stairs now to my place when I saw a body at my door. I was so surprised since I don't get that many visits but when I went closer to the person I squealed in happiness! "NIALL!!" I yelled really loudly. he whipped his head and smiled as he saw me walking to him.

"Ashley, I miss you" he hugged me tightly.

"come on let's get inside" I replied. he followed me inside and we sat down. he looked a little distraught and I wanted to know what's bothering him so much.

"Niall is everything okay?" I asked carefully. he shakes his head. but stays quiet. after a few more moments of silent he started speaking up again.

"Ashely I'm ready to start college but I wanted to know if I can stay with you, or at least till I get on my feet?" he said. I looked at him and gave him a look. I seriously wanted to know what was wrong but I didn't want to push him. So I just nodded. I got up to get some water.

"I'm going to shower, make yourself at home!" I yelled as I made my way to the bathroom. I turned on the shower and started undressing. I put my hand under the water real quick just to check the temperature. perfect. I stepped in and washed all the filth away. As I was scrubbing I thought about Niall. what's going on with him? he used to tell me everything and now he won't even tell me what's wrong. I'm getting worried. and he added more tattoos and piercings then the last time I saw him. I thought he didn't want to do anymore for awhile? and I thought he wasn't coming to college till at least January? what is going on? so many questions but I should just give him time. he'll tell me right? he has too. I washed my hair and scrubbed my body with summer eve, it smelled amazing. As soon as I was done I made my way over to my room and got dressed. I looked over to the clock and noticed I had an hour till my shift so I might as well put my uniform. I left my hair naturally dry and went to go join Niall in the living room.

"sooo tell me how's college life so far?" he asked.

I slightly laughed, "it's okay I guess, classes are okay but every time I leave my house I feel as if I'm being watched"

when I said that he looked at me with a face of concern. I waved it off though. "of course that's just how I am. you know cause of the past" I replied quickly. but he didn't seem so convinced.

time passed and we just sat there talking about him, the classes he was going to take, his family, my classes and about him getting a job. but I was most excited to be in school with him again. even if it won't be for all of our classes at least I'll have him. I looked at the time real quick and saw that my shift was going to start soon so I told him I'll be back by 9. he waved and replied "okay." as I made my way over to CVS I started thinking. Niall's been acting strange since 2 months before senior year ended. I should get to the bottom of this and help my best friend out. he was always there for me and now it's time for me to be there for him. as I made my way into the store I saw we were fairly busy. i went to the back and put my stuff in my locker then made my way to go clock in. I saw that I would be at the cashier again today. which I really didn't mind since It was fairly kind of easy and no one really bothered me. Unless it was a unpleasant customer but I barely got those. As I got to my station I looked over at the time and inwardly rolled my eyes. I hope time doesn't go slow. As I was cashing out people my eyes landed outside and I saw Harry talking to someone. I quickly shook my head and told the customer to "have a nice day!" when I went to look back outside Harry was gone. maybe I was hallucinating? that boy has captured my mind. and I hate it. he's so mysterious. As the line slowed down I looked around and started thinking. Maybe I should start talking to co-workers and make friends? I am kind of lonely. But I don't want to come off as weird. my whole point of coming to New York was to get out more and have fun. But I can't do that when everyone was constantly acting strange around me. Oh well, for now let's just get this shift over with. I'll start making friends tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow hopefully someone wouldn't mind to talk to me bedsides Niall.

Niall's POV.

She can't find out.. I have to keep her safe for as long as I can. What she doesn't know won't kill her.