RECAP

We ran over to them just as Niall walked out of the back door and gaped at what he saw.

“I told you to watch the barbeque for five minutes and you light it on fire?!” Niall cried, waving his arms around.

“You know I can’t barbeque!” Harry cried in defense.

Niall sagged his shoulders, “I know.” He sighed in exasperation, upset the food was singed to a crisp.

Liam arrived with a fire extinguisher and sprayed it on the large flames.

“Well, on that note- takeout anyone?” Zayn suggested with a hopeful smile.

We looked at each other and nodded in unison before cracking up in laughter.

I think I’m going to like these people.

 ____________________________________

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Eleanor looked at me with her mouth hung open. “You’ve never been to Disney World before?” She cried in surprise.

I nodded glumly, looking up at her from my spot on the floor.

We had finished eating and were now just hanging out. The boys were around the campfire singing songs while Niall played the guitar. The girls were lounging around on the couches inside the entertainment room.

“That’s basically child abuse!” She said, completely serious.

I laughed, staring at her in disbelief, “You’re crazy, Eleanor.”

She rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. Perrie jumped up and clapped her hands in excitement.

“Let’s go sing with the boys!” She said, grabbing Sophia and Eleanor by the hand and yanking them up. She turned to me expectantly and motioned to the door with a huge smile.

“Alright, alright.” I laughed, getting up slowly from the fluffy carpet.

We all filed through the door and laughed when we saw Harry and Liam had jumped into the pool with just their boxers on.

I made my way over to where Niall was sitting and sat beside him.

“Hey,” I said with a smile, bumping shoulders with him lightly.

He looked down at me, the flickering lights from the fire making patterns on his face.

He seemed to study my face for forever before he broke out into a huge smile.

Niall leaned over and nuzzled my ear, “Hey to you too,” He said quietly.

I laughed and touched my nose to his.

“I’m so lucky to have you,” I told him honestly.

He scoffed in response, “If anyone I’m the lucky one.”

I stuck my tongue out at him, “Not even close, Horan.”

Eleanor giggled from across the fire pit. “You two are so cute.”

Louis poked her, “Am I cute too?” He looked at her with puppy dog eyes.

She tried to look indifferent to him but soon was grinning like the Cheshire cat.

She nuzzled into the side of his arm and looked up at him, “I suppose you are.” She teased, lifting her chin to meet his lips.

I turned away to give them their privacy. I noticed everyone was calming down for the night and looked almost sad.

“Why does everyone look so upset?” I asked Niall in confusion.

Niall’s face dropped, he hesitated before he continued. “We’ll have to leave in less than a week for our tour. We’ll be gone for almost ten months with only a few couple day breaks in between,”

I must have looked both upset and shocked because he took my hands firmly in his own and looked into my eyes.

“I was going to tell you sooner, but… I guess I wanted to just pretend we had more time.” Niall sighed as he looked into the fire.

The light reflected off his liquid blue eyes and I squeezed his hand.

We both just stared into the flames for a few moments before I spoke again.

“I just got you back,” I said quietly, “but I’ve heard that absence makes the heart grow stronger.” I said weakly, trying to bring light into the sombre mood.

He looked up at me quickly in surprise as if he expected me to never want to go through with dating him once I had heard about the tour.

I gave him a small, sad smile in return and he stroked my cheek affectionately.

“You’ll always have me, Ni.” I smiled.

“Thank you, that’s exactly what I needed to hear right now.” He kissed my temple and rubbed circles on my back.

I leaned my head onto his shoulder and closed my eyes, inhaling the delicious smell of his cologne.

No matter how long he would be gone for, it was important to remember how I felt right now in this moment. I could have fallen asleep right then, but I looked up to the sound of wet feet hitting pavement.

“Well, looks like we interrupted a snooze fest. Right on time, right Liam?” Harry said, plopping down beside Perrie.

Liam nodded in agreement, wrapping a warm towel around his shoulders. “I’d say so.” He grinned, his eyes falling on a sleeping Sophia who was sprawled out on the outdoor couch.

I didn’t fail to miss the smile that tugged at his lips before he looked away quickly. I swear I could see him blushing, but it was too dark to be able to tell for sure.

“Harry! You’re getting me all wet!” Perrie cried in horror, scooting closer to Zayn.

“Zayn, Perrie’s talking dirty to me again!” Harry complained jokingly.

Zayn raised a dark eyebrow in amusement, turning to Perrie. “Babe, I thought you weren’t into little boys. How is he turning you on?”

I coughed loudly to hide my sudden bubble of laughter and it seemed I wasn’t the only one.

“Little boy, huh?” Harry deadpanned, challenging Zayn with his eyes.

Zayn raised his chin, daring Harry to respond.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Zayn replied, “Little boy.”

Harry narrowed his eyes until he resembled the Asian man from the Hangover, Mr. Chow.

“But that makes you a pedophile then, Zayn…because you are so into me.” Harry said seriously.

Zayn burst out laughing until he could hardly hold himself up. Soon we were all clutching our stomachs trying to regain control of ourselves.

“Oh… my… god,” Eleanor gasped for air, fanning her eyes.

I slumped against Niall, exhausted with the days’ events.

“Let’s sing a song before we all head off, yeah?” Perrie suggested hopefully. I smiled at her eagerness to break into song.

Everyone but me nodded in agreement. It seemed like so long ago since I had sung at choir practice. I definitely didn’t want to test my rusty vocal chords out with talented musicians.

“I’m feeling like an acoustic version of ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz.” Niall said, shooting a sideways smile at me.

“I love that song, that man is a genius.” Louis said in agreement.

“Sounds good to me,” Zayn said with a smirk.

Everyone nodded in consent and Niall started with the chorus, looking at me as he strummed on his guitar.

“Well, you dawned on me and you bet I felt it

I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted

I fell right through the cracks

Now I'm trying to get back-“

Harry did the electric slide and joined in, harmonizing with Niall. I laughed happily as Eleanor, Sophia and I clapped to the beat of the song.

“Before the cool dawn run out

I'll be giving it my bestest

And nothing's gonna stop me but divine intervention.

I reckon, it's again my turn

To win some or learn some.”

The rest of the boys joined in and soon I was smiling so big I was sure I looked like a goof.

I started humming quietly as I enjoyed the sounds of my friends singing.

Perrie took the next verse and my eyes nearly popped out of my head as I heard her voice. She caught my look and winked at me cheekily. I blew her a kiss and laughed.

Harry paused and looked over at me, “Come on Grace, sing with us!”

I blushed a deep scarlet, “I would ruin it!” I laughed, looking anywhere but him.

He stuck his tongue out at me and started singing again and I smiled. I was perfectly fine with listening.

Niall leaned towards me as he sang the next part of the song, capturing my attention immediately.

“There's no need to complicate.

Our time is short.

This is our fate,

I'm yours.”

The words struck home and seemed to hold a whole other meaning to our relationship. It felt so natural, being with him. It really was fate.

I knew that I was tearing up a bit but it didn’t matter. I already knew I was home- I hadn’t felt anything like it since the accident until now.

These people were my home.

---

My eyes felt like a curtain that was too heavy to lift. I yawned loudly, stretching my arms out as I tried repeatedly to beat the heaviness in my eyelids.

“Ni,” I mumbled, “mm tired.”

He laughed, brushing a piece of hair from my forehead.

“Let’s get you home, princess.” He replied, plucking me from the couch where Eleanor, Sophia and I had all been drifting to sleep on.

We said our goodbyes with promises we would see each other very soon, and I passed off my number happily to my new friends.

Niall helped me into the car and surprised me with the fact he would be driving us himself. Up until now, we had always had a driver take us places.

“What’s the occasion?” I teased him tiredly.

He shrugged, “It gets old having people wait on you hand and foot. I want to be able to go out with the girl I like without an entourage.”

I nodded, “I see what you mean,” I rubbed my eyes, trying to focus on Niall and not how lovely it would feel to rest my head against the window and sleep.

My eyes drooped at the thought.

I was barely coherent as we drove back to my house but damn was I trying.

“Niall, distract me please. I want to stay awake,” I sighed, still rubbing at my eyes.

He chuckled lightly, “All right, what did you do before we met up today?”

I shuddered at the memory. “Actually, I kind of almost drowned.” I said, embarrassed.

Niall looked at me sharply, “You wha-?”

Flash!

Niall stopped mid-sentence as he looked gravely in the direction the bright light had come from.

“Was that a…” I started, confused as I peered into the car stopped next to us on at the red light.

Flash!

“Sh*t!” Niall swore as he threw open the glove box, rifling through it crazily until he found two pairs of sun glasses.

He passed them to me quickly. “Put these on, fast!” He hissed, trying to block my face from the man with the camera.

“I don’t know how they found us! My managers specifically gave them fake leads so we could all get together tonight.” He said through clenched teeth.

My heartbeat picked up, I had never seen Niall angry before, and he was livid.

“Niall are you okay?” I asked hesitantly, placing my hand on his forearm.

 He moved away quickly, “Don’t do that, they’ll see.”

Flash!

Niall was turning a not so healthy shade of red as the camera man got even bolder and leaned out of his window, trying to get closer to our car.

The light turned green and Niall pressed the gas pedal to the floor. My head snapped back in surprise with the speed of which he was driving.

“Niall, please slow down.” I said, trying to be calm. I was scared. The last time something had gotten out of hand while driving, my family ended up dead. I didn’t want that to happen to anyone.

He must have heard the desperation in my voice because his face softened, “I’m sorry Grace, they just make me so angry. We can’t let them see you yet. Especially in the middle of the night in my car. We have to lose them.”

I nodded, looking at the black SUV easily following us through the streets.

“Do whatever you need to lose them, I trust you.”

Niall nodded and set off again, slower than before but kept up a decent speed.

He turned sharp corners in attempts to lose them but nothing seemed to be working. We had been driving for about half an hour and we were both getting frustrated.

“You would think they would have some decency…” I muttered, annoyed that people went to such extremes as these paparazzi had.

Niall grumbled something in agreement and I sighed as he wrenched the wheel to the left. The car was going too fast and missed the turn we had taken.

“Niall,” I yelled excitedly, “they missed the turn! Quick!”

Niall made several more random turns before we ended up in what some would call the ghetto.

We were parked in front of an old hotel that had a locked parking garage you needed a code to get in and out of.

Niall looked at me and back to the hotel.

“I think we should stay. They’re going to be looking for us all night now that they know I’m with a ‘mystery girl’,” He rolled his eyes, “I could get a car to come get us but I think it makes the most sense to just get some sleep. It’s really late and I’m sure Luisana and Michael would understand.”

I hesitated, “Okay, I’ll text them and let them know what’s happening.”

Niall nodded and gave me a tender smile before opening his door to pay for a room. We were parked out front and once you got your room you were given the code to get into the parking garage.

I bit my lip nervously. “Could you get a room with two beds please?” I asked shyly.

He laughed, “No problem, Grace.”

---

We were sitting on our hotel balcony’s floor watching as the paparazzi sped around the area frantically trying to catch a sight of the car we had been driving last night. We had a large pepperoni pizza in front of us and a one litre of coke. I was munching on my piece immersed in thought.

It was amazing how just the mere sight of Niall with a girl had triggered such a reaction. It was ridiculous, really. That a regular teenage boy couldn’t drive with a girl without being stalked by creepy older men with moustaches and sketchy agendas.

“They’re like flies on sh*t.” Niall muttered in annoyance. I snorted unattractively and immediately felt my face heat up. Oh, that was embarrassing.

“Don’t cover your face, you’re cute.” Niall said. I peeked up at him through my fingers and saw him staring at me in amusement.

I scoffed at him and pecked him on the cheek.

“You’re amazing.” I said simply.

He lightly poked my nose. “You’re perfect.”

I stared at him a moment, trying to come up with one word that described Niall.

“You’re mine.” I grinned, when I decided that Niall was too unique to fit under one word.

Niall drew closer to me, looking at my lips. “Always.”

He trailed a finger down my nose and across my lips, leaning in. I closed my eyes and moved towards him, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

Niall pressed his lips to mine and I felt fireworks erupt in front of my eyes, I pressed closer to him, and soon I was on the floor with Niall on top of me.

He kissed me hard and passionately, everything I had been craving since I first realized how I felt about him.

When we broke apart we were breathing heavily. He rested on his elbow, hovering over top of me with a small smile on his lips.

He leaned forward and gave me a smaller, innocent kiss. He rested his forehead on mine and we stayed there for a few moments before he spoke up.

 “Grace, I want you to know that I haven’t felt this way before. You make these emotions I didn’t even know I had come out of me in whirlwinds and I’m left standing there breathless and craving more. Your personality is to die for and every moment I spend with you is better than the last, if that’s even possible. I know I’m going away and it would be hard, but I don’t want to lose you,” He paused for a breath and I could tell he was nervous.

I held my breath in anticipation, excitement and nerves battling each other for dominance.

Niall took my hands in his and squeezed them lightly, “Grace, will you be my girlfriend?”

I looked up at him in adoration. “I think you are the most caring, genuine person I have ever met. You make me feel complete, happy, and alive. I would love nothing more than for you to be my boyfriend.” I grabbed his face and brought his lips to mine.

“Seal it with a kiss?” Niall whispered with a laugh.

“Say no more,” I smiled against his lips, holding onto him tightly.

It would be hard, but I knew that we could do it.

Always.

______________

Hi guys! I have no excuses. I kept saying to myself, "Kyla, you have to update!" And then the next day, "God, woman! Why haven't you updated yet?!" So... I finally managed to get some time to update for you wonderful people.

I hope you enjoyed it :) I feel like it kind of sucks, but I tried to make it cute.

Some drama/action will be coming, so don't you guys worry ;)

Please COMMENT! :) If anything, I love to see your comments the most. It makes me so happy to read them. Again, sorry for the late upload. I'm thinking of making a regular updating day, but I'm not sure what day that would be... Probably late monday nights. MAYBE.

Anyway, enough rambling. Love you people :)

xoxoxo

Kylaaaaa <3

Random question thingy:

(I wonder if you guys actually read this...)

WHAT IS ONE WORD YOU WOULD DESCRIBE NIALL WITH? :)