That Magical Summer

Chapter 14

“Monkey!”

“Tiger!”

“Dog!” You laughed as Ellie and the boys frantically tried to guess what you were acting out. You ran hysterically around the campfire on your hands and knees, of course not making a sound. You love charades.

“Lion!” Niall cried out as your finger went up to your nose tapping it wildly while pointing back at Niall.

“You got it!” He fist pumped his way to the picking hat, where he secretly slipped a small white slip of paper from it. A wide smile appeared on his face as he read it.

“Can we play something else?” you heard Ellie whine from beside you.

“Yeah. This is getting boring,” Louis agreed from the other side of Ellie.

“Bu-but I had a good one this time!” Niall complained putting on his best pouty face.

“What was it?”

“Hannah Montana!” he smiled trying to flip his hair.

“I bring beer!” Zayn declared as he strolled in a big red cooler. You watched as he began to pass brown bottles of beer down the row of people. As the bottle approached you, you passed it on. 

“You don’t want one?” Zayn asked as he broke off the top of his. Everyone did the same, as they started to chug down on the alcohol wildly.

“I don’t drink,” you muttered.

“Me neither,” your head turned to face Liam. He was bundled up in his gray turtleneck jacket, before the fire. His hands were pressed together in front of his face, in attempt to keep warm. It was the chilliest of the few nights that you’ve been here.

“Your loss,” Niall giggled as you could see the effects of alcohol already kicking in. Harry, Ellie, Louis, Zayn and Niall soon began running around the campfire in a wild game of duck duck goose.

“I’m gonna get you,” Louis squealed crinkling his nose like a mouse.

“Never!” Ellie cried boldly running from the fit, British boy. Seconds later you watched as Louis caught El from behind, enveloping her in his lean arms. She made an odd squawking nose before collapsing into a fit of giggles as they both fell hard to the floor. They rolled around for a while, arms entangled. Harry, Niall and Zayn were still running like maniacs around the open campfire on their high.

“I’m a unicorn!”

“I’m a butterfly!”

“And I’m Niall Horan! Suck on that!” You looked across the log bench to see Liam still sitting there quietly. His eyelids had grown droopy like they always did when he started to become tired. You admired the way he stayed up for the boys, knowing that they would need him to tuck them all into bed. And Liam was going to be that guy.

“Ding! I just thought of an amazing idea!” Harry said pointing to the invisible light bulb above his head.

“What is it?!” Ellie said running over, obviously very eager and excited to see what he had to say.

“Let’s go swimming,” a look of crave and desire ran over his face as he stripped of his shirt. You were ready to shield your eyes if he were to move down to his pants, but he didn’t. He instead started to run. At top speed, the others followed after him. You looked over at Liam, who was giving you the same worried look. You were about to say something, when he stood up. He looked at the watch on his wrist mumbling something, before sprinting out after them. As soon as Liam and the rest were out of sight, you ran into your house grabbing a few towels from the closet knowing that they’d need some. You went back outside to see four shivering boys hovering anxiously around the fire. Ellie was sitting on the log, holding Liam’s jacket against herself. They all looked crazy in your opinion. You went by each one of them handing them a fresh, warm towel.

“Thanks Y/N,” Louis said dizzily. The others nodded in agreement.

“We should get you kids home,” Liam announced taking charge.

“But Liammm,” Ellie cried clinging onto Liam’s neck. You clenched your teeth.

“Come on guys. I’ll tuck you in,” he said wrapping his arms protectively around Harry, Louis, and Zayn.

“Hey! Wherever I go, Ellie goes,” Louis said nobly.

“Okay Lou. El can also stay with us at Niall’s tonight. Come on Nialler,” he said as Ellie rested herself once again into Louis’ arms. They would actually make a really cute couple…

“Niall?” you looked to Niall who was sitting stubbornly on the log with his arms crossed.

“Nialler?” Liam tried again.

“Come on Niall. I’m sorry. It’s nearly 1 o’clock. It’s time to go to bed,” Liam said trying not to get irritated.

“It’s okay Liam. I got him,” you said avoiding his gaze like you always did. You let them leave as they walked towards Niall’s house.

“Niall?” you walked over to him.

“Y/N?” he mimicked.

“Let’s go,” you chuckled. He gave you another pout.

“Can we stay out here? I like it out here,” he said a smile reappearing.

“Me too Niall. But it’s getting late. Let’s go,” you said grabbing for his hand. His eyes flickered from your bound hands back up to your eyes.

“Okay,” he whispered as you helped him up. As soon as he got up, his knees became wobbly as he struggled to walk straight. You wrapped an arm around his neck, helping to keep him up and balanced.

“Thanks Y/N,” he slurred sloppily into your face. You smelt his crazy alcohol breath, nearly dropping to the floor. But you forced a warm smile anyways.

*Liam’s POV*

“Come on Ellie. Let go,” I tried to force the strong girl off of Louis but she wouldn’t budge. Louis was fast asleep but Ellie was clinging onto his torso for dear life. Before I could plead her any longer she was out. I sighed leaving them on the couch where Louis couldn’t make it any farther.

“Come on Zayn. You can sleep in here,” I cooed pushing him into one of the empty rooms. The house was dark and ominous but I could still make my way around it. He fell lazily to the bed in a second.

“And lastly Harry’s turn,” I mumbled setting Harry down a little gentler than I had with Zayn.

“Thanks mom,” I heard him mutter face down into his pillow. I sighed. This is why I don’t drink…

         I noticed he still had his shoes on, so I helped him by slipping off his converse and socks. I instantly brought my thumb and pointer finger to my nose, clenching it tightly to block out the stench of his sickening toe jam.

“Night Harry,” I called before leaving his room. I thought about falling asleep myself because I was dead tired from watching them run around like mad-men and er-women. But knowing my duty, I better go check on Niall to make sure he’s not giving Y/N a hard time.

       I left the silent house in my footsteps as I shut the door slowly, making sure to wake any of them. I made my way across the grassy yard, walking back to the campfire. I walked past Y/N’s place which was only a few steps away from Niall’s. I froze when I saw it. Niall and Y/N were standing on her porch. I clenched my fists when I saw Y/N’s arm around Niall. I stepped back hiding behind a dark bush, holding my breath. I watched in silence as I saw Y/N release her arm from Niall. Niall then flipped her around, and kissed her.