clarity ✕ n.h

three

"Are you a virgin, Erica?" Niall smirked.

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Niall and I began to become friends a few weeks ago; it all started because he gave me a ride to the mall.

"Natalie?" I questioned the beautiful girl as she silently stared outside the window.

"Yes?" She said.

"Since your boyfriend own the mall downtown, have you any idea when and where I can get on the bus?" I asked her, but she shook her head as a reply.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The bus doesn't go around at all this weekend. Don't know why," She shrugged.

"Oh." Was all I said.

It was quiet for a while until Niall was the one to break the silence.

"I can drive you. I have some business to attend there too." He simply said.

I smiled, "Thank you so much!"

He shrugged as a response. Instead of talking to Natalie and I, he took his phone and walked out of the room.

"Why is he always so silent." I mumbled, slightly kicking the chair from under the table.

Natalie smiled sadly, "Niall has a lot to worry about.. He hasn't been very talkative since his parents died and he.." She swallowed the lump in her throat and I realized after a minute that she could not proceed.

"I said too much." She stated.

I nodded. "Sorry." She added.

"Nah it's fine. I would certainly not have my life story told to some stranger. You're a good friend Natalie," I breathed, walking towards my dorm.

I wanted to take a shower before Niall and I left for the mall, so I did. After my shower, I put on some makeup before grabbing my purse.

The car ride was silent; even though I tried to make it less uncomfortable by talking a lot. Instead of helping, it made it even more awkward. In the end, I shut my mouth and stayed silent until we reached our destination.

"When do you want me to pick you up?" Niall asked, breaking the silence I had grown to love.

"Oh, whenever you're ready. I don't want to be a burden or annoy you." I mumbled the last part.

He took my phone and sent himself a message with my name before giving me a smirk, "I will call you then, Erica." He said.

"Thanks." I replied, feeling as if my heart would break out of my chest.

His hand slightly touched mine as he gave me my phone back. I blushed, why did I suddenly get so embarrassed?!

I hurriedly got out of the car, waving goodbye. A few minutes after his car left, I was still standing on the same spot. He had this charming character, but I couldn't help but feel it wasn't the real him.

When my heart beat was normal once again, I walked inside of the large mall. And the fact that Natalie's boyfriend owned all of it made me speechless.

My thoughts went back to Niall. Ariel had informed me it was his birthday next week along with hers. That's why I came here; to buy them a present. But what do you give to people who have everything?

For Ariel, I bought a simple bracelet with a heart shaped emerald on it. It was ravishing. I was sure Ariel would look ravishing wearing it as well.

I bought a t-shirt for Niall. It was adorable, and I couldn't help but smile a little when I pictured him wearing it. It didn't really seem like his style, but I was sure he would appreciate it anyway. It was too cute not to buy anyway.

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"So what did you buy," Niall asked after a few minutes of silence.

He had picked me up exactly five minutes after I had called him, asking if he was ready to go soon. Five minutes.

"A present," I smiled, slightly looking at him, "It's Ariel's birthday next week." I could see the sadness on his face as I didn't mention his birthday. Was i teasing him too much?

"I see, what did you buy her?" He asked, his face and voice as cold as ever. He looked like he didn't care at all.

"If you actually was interested in what I bought her, I might have told you." I said, slightly annoyed.

We didn't say a word the whole ride back to our dorm. Not a word.

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heeeeeyy guys!! im back with a another (boring) update! the next part will be quite exciting, so stay tuned for more! i have winter break right now, so I'll post the next chapter when this chapter gets 100 reads. love you!
vote and comment to keep me motivated!