My Lucky Star (One Direction Affection: Book 2)

20: Knock Some Sense Into Me

♧ 20: Knock Some Sense Into Me ♣

I raise my arm, pointing the remote directly towards the TV screen, hoping to find something to watch rather than having to bare another minute of hearing how much Harry loves Paige's long legs or how Paige loves his dimples. If I wanted to be in a room full of mushy-gushy romantic stuff, I would've rented the whole Nicolas Sparks section at the video store on my way home from work.

I sigh, turning my head towards them for a brief second. Paige is resting her head against Harry's shoulder, her legs tucked underneath her as Harry messes with something on her wrist. Looking closer, I see that it's a small colorful bracelet. One that you see young girls making with a bracelet making kit. Then, I notice that Harry has a similar one on his wrist. 

Are those relationship bracelets or what?

I look away from the happy couple.

In all honesty, I'd probably think they were the cutest couple ever. However, right now, just seeing them happy reminds me how screwed up my love life is. Or lack thereof. How do I even begin to explain my situation with Niall? 

If there even is a situation to explain, which at this moment, I'm not so sure.

"How long do you think it'll take?" Paige asks and it takes me a minute to realize that she's talking to me. 

"Maddy," Harry says, pulling my attention back from the TV. 

"Huh?"

Paige laughs, leaning her head on Harry's chest as he rubs his thumb across her arm soothingly. "I asked how long you think it'll be?"

"For?" I ask confused.

"For Zayn," She says with a laugh. "He's been up there for a long time."

"Oh," I say as I look down the hall where his room is. The door is still shut. "Knowing him, he's probably still not done with his hair."

Harry looks at his watch, "We're already a quarter of an hour late. If he tries perfecting that quiff of his, we'll miss the party."

"Hey, I heard that!" 

Zayn's voice booms and we all look down the hall. He comes out dressed in fitting pants and a nice dress shirt. My gaze falls to his hand, which is holding a colorful green present bag. 

A present. 

I look back at Harry and Paige, who are already getting up. In Harry's hand, another gift bag. Why am I so stupid? Of course I'd need a present. This is a surprise birthday party and I forgot a birthday present. Why did it slip my mind? I could've stopped on my way home from work or last night. And now here I am empty-handed. 

Zayn catches my gaze. "What's up?" 

My eyes drops back down to his present. "I totally forgot to get Niall a gift."

"Oh, well I'm sure he's not expecting presents," Paige plays off.

"Yeah, I mean, he's not even expecting a party, so don't even worry," Harry agrees as he pulls his jacket on.

I bite my lower lip, still thinking. Even if I did get him something, what would it have been? It's not like I have a lot of spending money and I'm sure everything he wants is super expensive. I barely got my first paycheck and it's not even enough to cover rent for a month, let alone food and utilities. How can I afford a decent present? 

"I still feel like I should get him something," I mumble.

"Well, just make him something real quick," Harry says looking at his watch.