Within [Rewriting. Please don't read.]

Chapter Five

Every desk was taken soon after. I let Alice know, just in case she needed to. She then raised her arm in the air and put a finger to her lips.

All the kids mimicked her, and a wave of silence rushed into the classroom, drowning the excited chatter of fifteen seven and eight year olds. Impressive.

After a few seconds of this newfound quiet, she slowly lowered her hand and her finger, followed by the rest of the class, before motioning for me to stand up. She then started to speak.

"Hi guys. I have a special surprise for you. This is Liam, he's going to be helping me teach you for the next week and a bit. I expect you all to be on your best behaviour for him, just like you are for me. Oh and don't be shy with him, he's very nice and funny. Tell a joke Liam." She said with a wink, putting me on my spot.

"Erm...why did the chicken cross the park?"

"Why?" Everyone chorused.

"To get to the other slide!"

The whole class broke into feverish giggles, including Al, who I caught chuckling behind her hand.

The laughs continued for the next minute. Who knew that little kids were so easy to please? Scratch being a philosopher, I could be a comedian.

"Okay guys, that's enough. If you're good, he might just tell another one at the end of class. We're learning a new song today so come sit in a circle. Liam, mind grabbing my guitar and helping me down?"

"Sure".

Once the whole class was settled in a circle, with Alice and me in the middle, a cute little girl with pigtails raised her hand.

"Liam?"

"Yes love?"

"You talk weird. Why?"

"That's because I'm from England. We all talk like that there."

"Oh. So does that mean everyone in England would think I talk weird if I ever went there?" Her question made me chuckle.

"I don't know, you'd have to see for yourself. By the way, what's your name love? So I know for next time you raise your hand."

"Jamila."

"That's a beautiful name." I replied warmly.

"Thank you." she said, flashing me an adorable gap toothed smile.

"Any more questions for Liam before we start singing?" Alice asked.

Everyone's hand shot up simultaneously and I spent the next fifty minutes answering half a million questions on every possible topic about my life. How I got famous, what countries did I get to visit (and a detailed description of each one), what it was like performing in front of thousands of people, what the other boys were like (even though the kids were going to be meeting them later that day), what famous people I was friends with and what they were like, what my favourite food was, who my favourite singer was and just about any other question someone could possibly ask.

All the kids were still bubbling over with curiosity and bursting with new questions when it was time for them to go to English class.

Come to think of it, we never did get to sing any songs or do whatever other lesson Al had planned for that class. I also never got to tell my second joke (which I had been quite looking forward to).

Pity.

***

A/N:

Hi loves! :))) Before I tell you to vote, comment etc., I think you guys a humongous "Thank you".

Earlier this week, I woke up to 100 votes and 100 comments (now it says there's 97, but whatever) on this ff and I was blown away. I just couldn't believe that you guys (collectively) commented and voted 100 times for Within. I had a smile on every single minute of the past few days (and still do now) just because of you guys. So thank you sosososososososo much, it means the world and you guys made my week! :D

Please continue to vote and leave your opinions in the comments because it makes me happy :D (as usual, the next chapter will be dedicated to a commenter).

I'm also really sorry about how I made you guys wait two and a half weeks for this chap. (Even though it's not really an excuse) It was right before report cards for the first term of school, and teachers were assigning tests and homework like the world was gonna end in the next 24 hours. It was cray cray.

But if it's any consolation, this chapter is twice as long as usual. *Starts whispering* I might be able to post chapter six tomorrow or Monday bc Alice chapters are way shorter and a bit easier to write. *crosses fingers and toes*

Oh and by the way, I haven't updated since the SOML audio and video were released. I really want to know what you guys thought of it!

Personally, I thought it was gorgeous. the melody, the lyrics and their voices were perfection. I loved how it was way different (and more mature) than their other songs. It's so bittersweet to see them growing up (and their music growing with them). And can we just talk about the fact that Niall got two solos?! I felt so, so proud because in UAN Louis and him had the least solos and now things are starting to even out a bit more (I'm still waiting for Lou's double solo tho).

Actually, I changed my mind, I don't even wanna get started on the video, bc I feel like this AN is gonna be longer than the chapter lol.

Whale, I think that's about it. Whoever actually didn't skip this absurdly long AN, I commend you. Buhbyeeeeeeee xxxxx