His Second Chance

Part 1

Feb 2013, O2 backstage

She sat in the couch while patiently waiting for him to finish. Tonight was their first show of the Take Me Home tour and every single one of them was excited to be here. She didn’t know what to feel. She was happy but she was scared too. No, she was petrified. What if he didn’t like it? What if he would hate her? Not a chance. Niall was not like that. He loved her more than anything else. No matter how flawed she thought she was, and no matter how many times the fans told her she deserved to die, Niall always made her feel perfect. To his eyes she was, and somehow she kept telling herself to believe that to calm her nerves.

‘I shouldn’t do this.’ She thought to herself. But deep within her, she knew she had to.

She debated whether or not she would do it tonight. No, not yet. Tonight was supposed be a great night. She was not going to ruin it for him.

But would it really be that bad?

Suddenly, before she could think of escaping, the door slammed open and four sweaty boys hurried in.

“Elo love!” Louis plopped himself on the couch beside her.

“Hey.” She said, feeling a bit disappointed when she scanned the four faces and did not see those blue eyes that she was so familiar with.

“Where’s Niall?” she asked growing even more anxious as the time passed.

“Got in trouble.” Liam said distractedly, as if this was something common to them.

Actually it was. Niall was always reprimanded for swearing during performances. Sometimes, for doing little stupid things that the management doesn’t like. She wondered what it was about this time.

“I’m so hungry.” Harry complained like a little child.

“Me too. Let’s go grab something!” Liam chimed and they both ran outside the room.

She looked over to the side and saw a raven-haired boy almost passed out in the chair by the mirror with all the light bulbs. He looked so tired. They all were. But despite how tired they were they all had this contentment in their eyes. They are living their dreams, and she was genuinely happy for all of them.

“Hey.” She heard his voice come in. He was tired too, but there was something else a bit off about him.

“Hey baby.” Louis said before she answered him. He was trying to imitate her voice in an exaggerated manner. He likes mocking them and making them feel awkward, he always thought the two were too cheesy, but he was really happy his best mate finally found his bird.

Niall smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. She noticed, and she knew something was wrong. What was bothering him?

“I’m gonna grab something to eat too.” Zayn talked to no one in particular while standing up, and walking towards the door.

“Hey wait up.” Louis said pushing all of his weight off the couch. “You coming?” he motioned to the couple.

“Nah. I’ll be there in a while.” Niall answered. She realized he was still standing by the door, never leaving. Not even to give her a hug.

He usually did, every time after he performs. She didn’t mind how sweaty he was, his after show hugs were perfect and full of happiness… and love. Where was her hug tonight? She badly needed one given the circumstances. She still hasn’t left the couch.

There was an awkward silence that filled the room. Neither one bothered to move towards the other. Neither one bothered to look at the other in the eye.