~ It Never Should've Been...Again? ~ Sequel to It Never Should've Been ~

~ Chapter 16 - Horrible Outbreaks ~

I cleaned myself off the best I could with the paper towels but there was still some dried batter crusted on my shirt.

"Ready to go face Liam?"

I looked up at Niall who was throwing away a wad of dirtied paper towels and noticed the princess shirt I forgot he was wearing.

"Of course, Beast."

"Wha-?"

I giggled and pointed at his shirt.

Niall looked down and blushed, "Oh yeah. I forgot I was wearing this."

"I hadn't noticed, Beastie."

"Shut up," he laughed and shook his head like a dog, spraying me with gritty batter.

I squealed and jumped away, putting my hands out in small hopes of blocking some of the batter. "Thanks, Niall, 'cause I totally wasn't just covered in batter a few minutes ago."

"Only the best for my Belle! Hey, Ellie Belle! It's meant to be!"

I laughed, "Of course, Nialler. Anyway, we should get back to Liam and whoever else came back with him."

Niall nodded, "Good idea." He then held out a hand and bowed slightly, "My princess?"

I pretended to curtsy and took his hand, "My honor, my prince."

We both grinned at each other and we walked hand in hand outside where Liam was leaning against the van, talking to Harry who was sitting on the concrete.

"Hey," I called out to them.

Harry shot to his feet and looked between the two of us.

"H-hi."

I gave a small smile and waved.

"How'd you find us?" Niall asked, scratching his head.

Harry glanced at me and I sighed, looking away.

"Simon somehow knew of this place. Apparently your parents told him about it?" Liam said, looking at me.

"Oh, okay," I smiled, "That would make sense."

"Yeah," Liam said and cleared his throat, "Anyway, we came to get you guys because we have to get back to the arena. Time to warm-up."

"Warm up?" I asked.

"Yeah. The second concert we have in New York starts two hours earlier than the one yesterday, so we need to get ready."

"What time is it?"

"Right now, almost two o'clock."

"And what time does the concert start?" Niall asked.

"Four."

"Four!" I panicked and raced back into the flat, "Be back out in a minute!"

I grabbed my phone that was still in my room and grabbed my shoes I had on yesterday, so I could put them on in the car.

On my way out of the flat again, I ran into Niall who was coming in.

"C'mon, we gotta go."

"But...but..." he said so quietly I almost didn't hear him.

"Yeah?" I asked, stopping for a moment.

"What about my pancakes?"

I gave him a gentle smile, "I'm sorry, Nialler, but I'll make you some pancakes later, okay?"

He pouted, "But, Ellie..."

"Niall we gotta go..."

All of the sudden, he broke out crying and fell to his knees.

Out of surprise, I went down with him and grabbed his hand but he pulled it away. "Just go," he wept.

"I can't Niall, you're performing too."

"Who cares?"

"I do, of course," I cooed.

He raised his head and his red, puffy eyes glared into my eyes, "Don't you dare lie to me."

I scooted back a bit, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about how you don't care for me anymore and you're only using the band for fame. How nothing matters to you anymore."

A look of hurt fell over my face, "H-how could you say that?"

"Oh I don't know. How about the fact that you almost killed yourself, how you act like you're the main star at our concerts. And you know what? You truely aren't. You're only the opening act."

I sniffled and stood up, "Well, I didn't know that's how you felt. And as you talk, it seems as though you know nothing about me. And I knew nothing about you. I thought you were a sweet loving guy, but I was wrong. We're done. Good luck finding another opening act to harrass."

We stood staring at each other, tears falling tremendously.

"Well?"

"What?" he snapped.

"Are you going to leave? This is my flat."

"I'm sorry to intrude, Miss Keddington," he said and stood up.

"As am I. And for future reference, you are never welcome back here," I growled as he passed me to the door.

I stood, shaking, and when I heard the door close, fell back onto my knees, bawling.

How could he say that? How could he? He was perfect for me, but I guess I just never knew him well enough.

After another minute or so, I heard the van doors shut and the van pull away from the flat. That hurt me even more, because it was the last tie broken.

While sniffling, I stood up and shuffled into my bathroom, stepping into the shower, peeling off my clothes. I tossed them next to the tub.

I stepped into the scalding water and let my tears fall with it.

After I scrubbed the dried batter out of my hair, I turned off the water and stepped out, grabbing a clean towel from the closet. I wrapped it around my body and shuffled into my room, tears still falling.

As I plopped down on my bed and grabbed my phone, dialing the oh-so familiar number.

"Hello?" a feminine voice picked up.

"Mum, I'm coming home."