My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter 9

Elizabeth's PoV

I finally gave in and texted Niall.

'hey u up?'

I got an almost immediate response which surprised me since it was only 9:00 in the morning.

'hey I was just thinking about u'

Aw, he was thinking about me. That's a good sign right? I smiled and texted back. 

'so I was thinking maybe we could hang out today?'

'yeah sounds good when?'

I hesitated before answering.

'when's the earliest I can come?'

'10:00 maybe?'

'ok sounds great bye'

I texted quickly.

'bye'

As soon as I shut off my phone, I started to tear apart my closet, looking for something to wear. 

"No, no, no, no..... Maybe, no, no...." I said to myself, throwing clothes everywhere.

I finally decided on this and went I get ready. An hour later, I was standing outside of the apartment nervously. I rung the doorbell and Niall opened the door.

"Hey Elizabeth, I hope you don't mind, Mandi took everyone somewhere to eat so it's just you and me for now."

"Um, yeah, that's fine," I said with a smile.

Niall sat on the couch, "I hope you don't mind watching another movie. It's pretty much the only thing we have to do here."

"Yeah, that's great," I said, joining him on the couch.

We sat there for some time before Niall turned to me and said, "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, what is it?" I asked.

"Well, I think I like someone but I don't know how to tell them," he said, avoiding my gaze.

Wait, what? He likes someone? Who? It's not me, is it? No, it couldn't be. He has tons of girls who would do anything for him, most of them better looking than me. It's probably someone else.

"You should probably just tell them," I said, "If you don't, they might not think you're interested. Besides, it's only three little words, right? How bad could it be?"

"I guess," he said, "I want it to be special though. I really like her."

"Niall, no matter what you do, it'll be special if it comes from your heart," I said, forcing a smile. I can't believe I'm giving my crush advice on how to tell a girl he likes her. I'm never going to get a chance with him now.

Niall smiled back, "You know what? You're right. Elizabeth, ever since I met you, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind. I'm in love with you and all your little things, so please, please say you feel the same."

I was so taken by surprise, I had to check to make sure I hadn't just imagined it. Niall freaking Horan just told me he's in love with me! I smiled, "Of course I do, Niall. I always have."

Niall smiled and hugged me tightly, "You have no idea how happy I am right now," he whispered.

I just smiled more and hugged back, "I love you, Niall," I said.

"I love you too," he replied.

Mandi's PoV

"So why are we here again?" Liam asked for the millionth time.

"I told you," I said, "Niall invited Elizabeth over and we need to give them space."

"Oh! You're trying to set them up, aren't you?" Louis said.

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm doing. Now can you all just shut up about it?"

"Fine," Harry said, "But this better work."

"Of course it will," I said, "Now where do you guys want to go?"

"How about bowling?" Louis suggested.

"Am I the only one who thinks its pointless to give them space if they're both to scared to do anything about it?" Zayn asked.

"Fine Zayn, if you're so sure about this being a terrible plan, let's make a bet," I challenged.

"Really, Mandi? Don't you remember how our last bet ended?" he said.

"20 pounds," I continued.

"Fine, but you're going to regret it."

"Oh, I'm sure I will," I said sarcastically.

"So how about that bowling?" Louis said awkwardly.

"Yeah lets do that," Liam agreed.

Zayn and I continued to glare at each other.

"Okay then," Harry said, "Let's go!"

We arrived at the bowling alley and rented five pairs of shoes. I've always been super competitive, especially with Liam, so by the end of the game, it had turned into a contest to see who could outdo who. Despite this, we all ended up having fun.

We got back to the apartment to see Niall and Elizabeth hugging all romantic like on the couch.

"I knew it!" I yelled, causing Niall and Elizabeth to jump, "I told you!"

Zayn glared at me am handed over a twenty pound note.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Seriously, Mandi? That's all you have to say?"

"Oh, and congrats," I added.

Niall was blushing like mad, "What are you doing here anyway?" he asked.

"We got back early," I explained, "I was pretty sure you guys would work things out and I was right!"

Elizabeth laughed, "Hey, is it okay if I stay over for dinner? We're having mushrooms at my house tonight and I heard you guys are having lasagne so unless you want to make your best friend cry...."

"Of course you can," Liam said.

"Just don't be all lovey dovey at the table," Louis said, "I'm not sure about you guys, but I actually like having an appetite."

We all ate  while Elizabeth and Niall made eyes from across the table. It was cute, really. Not to mention, I was 20 pounds richer from it.

At the end of the day, we all said goodbye to Elizabeth and left her and Niall alone to say their own, separate goodbyes.

I went upstairs and texted Nick for a bit before I went to sleep.