Stay

27

EVIE

It was one of the best feelings in the world. The feeling of absolute completion was something nobody could really describe. There were no words to explain the gratifying relief that resulted from knowing you were finished. That all of the time and energy you put into studying was used up... no longer needed... because you were done. 

I walked out of that classroom with my head held high. I felt too damn good. All of the previous stress I put on myself over the past week alleviated. 

Albeit, I couldn’t celebrate completely since I wasn’t finished with everything yet. I still had to stop by the newsroom to hand in my last article before the holidays. Ryder wanted to have a head start for the first issue of the new year. He didn’t want to worry about coming in early and stressing out over the break about getting it all written, edited and printed. He went on and on about how he wanted to make sure his reporters were prepared for all the 2015 stories that may come up. 

I couldn’t have been more relieved. The last thing that I wanted was to worry about writing an article during the break. 

All I was looking forward to now was spending a week in my apartment, eating lots of take out and watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island. Maybe even catch one of Niall’s show’s before I go home for the holiday.

The winter month had hit us with vengeance. It was cold. Too damn cold and I was almost tempted to drive down to California for the remainder of the winter season. I’m sure Presley and the girls wouldn’t mind a road trip. The sun on our faces, the wind in our hair, and the Californian boys. We could all use a nice getaway, especially now that the stresses from school was put on hold until the next semester. 

I pull my coat closer to my body. I felt like I was swimming in a sea of fabric with my loose blouse and overly knit scarf wrapped tightly to my neck. I knew that it was a bit much for others, but it was just right. I finally felt warm. Goosebumps seemed to have become second skin on my thin arms. The chilly wind constantly picking at my cheeks. 

I rush over to my car, quickly opening the drivers door. I throw my book bag into the back seat and sliding into my own. Before I can even start the car, my phone begins to ring signaling an incoming call. 

Niall. 

Involuntarily my lips spread into a content grin. The same smile that I haven’t been able to wipe off my face since hanging out with him last night. 

We had spent another hour after our smoothies hanging out in my living room. We didn’t bother with turning on the television or picking out a movie, but instead we talked... laughed... got to know one another. It was nice. Easy. I couldn’t quite explain it. It felt different than spending time with any of my other friends... different than my date with Ryder. 

There was something about Niall that nobody else I knew had. There was this quality about him that I felt myself growing more and more attracted to. I had been too blinded before to see it... until last night when I was laying in bed, thinking about him and everything we talked about. I thought about his smile, his laugh, his eyes, his voice, his warmth... The way his hand felt against my own... I thought about him. Maybe I overanalyzed it or maybe I was too stubborn to see it in the first place. Denial was always a friend of mine... 

But last night I had come to a simple conclusion. A conclusion that had completely blindsided me. I didn’t see it coming nor did I want it to happen. But the conclusion was simple, elementary school simple: I have a crush on Niall. 

I was completely screwed. 

Mostly I was screwed because even though he was still single, his heart belonged to another girl.  His heart ached for the adoration of another girl. Although they weren’t official (“We’re only dating, Jones... she’s not me girlfriend...”), they were still seeing one another. They were still  sleeping with one another. I knew that he cared about me, but it was in the friendliest of ways.  Unless Niall really had some reciprocal feelings towards me, he didn’t show it. Granted, I am the most oblivious girl there was. Not when Miss. Perfect was still around.