This was my first story on Wattpad and it's hard to believe it's finally coming to an end; I put so much into it that it's almost sad to see it end. But the long awaited final chapter is here. Sorry it took so long to upload, I just wanted to make this chapter as perfect as I could; I rewrote it twice trying to get it right. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy. (: Read the A/N at the end to find out info about an EPILOGUE.
Enjoy. (:
-Sydne xD
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I took a deep breath and glanced around the room one last time before grabbing my bags. I looked at my bed and remembered when Niall and I drew on each other in eyeliner. Or just a few days ago when I made Liam and Niall kill the spider crawling down the wall above my bed. I was frantic and they simply laughed at me.
I smile, leaving my room I walked down the hall that led to the connected living room and kitchen. My gaze shifted to the sofa where Conor and I would sit for hours and play our musical trivia games.
My feet shuffled into the kitchen. Glancing at the counters brought back memories of Niall and I baking cookies, and the time I tried making us sandwiches after I got out of the hospital and my crutches fell to the ground. I chuckled, remembering how worried Niall was for me after I came home from the hospital.
I understood why he was so nervous, though. After saving my life a week earlier, he wasn't ready for me to risk it again doing something stupid. It was sweet, how protective he was over me. My eyes glanced down to my leg, inspecting the scars that sent me to that hospital. On my calf, there was a pale white spot where the bee had stung me. On my thigh, there was a similar spot where Niall used my Epi-pen to save my life.
The thought of bees shifted my gaze to the garden outside the kitchen windows. I stepped through the sliding glass doors and onto the porch that Niall first tried hitting on me during the night of the welcoming party. I smiled, wondering how it was possible for our relationship to be so different now than it was that night: when he practically made me hate him. Yeah, my boyfriend was great at first impressions. I chuckled again, but the feeling faded when I realized I don't even know what our relationship is anymore. Or if we even have one left, that is.
My breath hitched in my throat as I looked out into the garden. The summer flowers were still in bloom and the brilliant sun illuminated the landscape. My eyes fell to the flower beds where Niall looked through my sketchbook for the first time. I could almost feel the sensation on my lips from the way he kissed me that day.
I took a deep breath and walked back inside. My suitcases stood at the front door, packed and ready for departure.
"Ready?" Aunt Tara asked from the doorway; her eyes were sympathetic. Jade stood behind her, it was obvious she was already dreading the goodbyes she'd soon have to say at the airport.
Nervous butterflies fluttered in my stomach; my shaky hands grabbed hold of a pair of suitcases. "As ready as I'll ever be." I faked a smile, knowing that if I did anything else I might break down in tears.
It's almost sad to think that after only spending three months here, it feels so much like home. It feels like a place I don't want to leave.
After loading the rest of my things in the car, we left for the airport. Jade and Conor sat on either side of me while Uncle Cal and Aunt Tara sat in the driver and passenger seats.
"You know," Conor broke the silence, "you came here this summer to learn about our family history, and you didn't even get to do any of that."
I started laughing, not a fake laugh but a genuine one; the others joined in. "Yeah," I chuckled again, "I guess you're right. Kind of ironic, I guess."
We passed the park as we drove through town. I recognized the bench I sat on when Niall hit me with the soccer ball. My fingers brushed against my cheek and I could almost feel the sting from the ball colliding with me.
I gazed out the other car window and saw the street Niall chased me down the day it rained and I pushed him in a puddle like a child. I smiled again, remembering the way I melted into his arms as he kissed me in the rain. That was our first kiss.
My lips curled into a slight smile again. My head rested on my cousin's shoulder while Jade rubbed my shoulder sympathetically. They understood how I felt. Nothing needed to be said, so we finished the drive in silence.
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The airport was busy, completely crowded with people. Every now and then I'd see a tuft of blond hair or a brown curl and I'd hope it was the boys coming to say goodbye.
No such luck.
My plane was about to board and I haven't seen or heard from any of them: no texts, no calls, nothing. They're probably not coming. After what happened with me and Niall, they probably just think it's best to give me space. Even if that space was an ocean away.
Jade's been holding onto my hand since we arrived at the airport. She's held it the entire time: even through security. I understand though. She doesn't want to let go of me or our friendship, literally and figuratively. Neither do I.
"Terminal 7C. That's me." I read the sign as we approached my terminal. Jade's grip on my hand tightened and Conor stepped closer to me; they both knew I wouldn't be here much longer now. We stood in front of the gate; I didn't want to sit down. If I did, I probably wouldn't get back up.
My legs felt weak and a pit formed in my stomach. I inhaled sharply, trying to rid the butterflies from my body. It didn't help that I saw another bob of jet black hair from a boy in the distance. I don't need any more reminders of the friends I thought I had here. And the relationship I thought I had here.
Just thinking of the boys made my stomach wretch. Knowing I won't be able to say goodbye will probably be one of the hardest parts of this experience; especially because they had become such a big part of my life.
A lump formed in my throat as the nerves began to rise again. I swallowed hard to get rid of it but the boy with black hair was getting closer and I could see now that he was with a group of people. Another reminder of the boys. The lump got bigger and felt impossible to choke down, so I turned around, hoping that if I didn't look at the boy anymore, I wouldn't think of the goodbyes I wouldn't get to say.
Uncle Cal stepped closer, noticing my discomfort. He lifted my chin and his brown eyes locked with my green ones. His long arms wrapped around and pulled me into a tight embrace. He didn't need to say anything; his hug said it all. Everything's going to be okay. This isn't goodbye forever. We'll always be here.
"Hey Collins!" I thought I heard a faint voice shout in the distance. It's a common name, so I thought nothing of it.
I stepped away from Uncle Cal and looked at the rest of my family. They all seemed to be feeling the same way I did.
"Erin!" Someone shouted from close behind me. This can't be a coincidence.
I turned around to try and catch a glimpse of the voice shouting my name.
"Erin Collins you better get over here right now and give me a proper goodbye!" Louis shouted as he ran down the corridor to meet me.
My face lit up, I couldn't be any happier right now. I started to run but Louis was so close there wasn't any point in trying. He threw his arms out to the side and barreled into me with a high-speed hug. "You came," my arms squeezed him closer, not wanting to let go.
He grabbed my shoulders and stepped back, "You thought we wouldn't come to see you off? I'm ashamed, Erin Collins." He joked.
The rest of the boys finally caught up and stood with us, beautiful smiles plastered on each of their faces.
I practically flew into each set of arms, embracing each boy with excitement and tight hugs.
1, 2, 3, 4..."W-" I hesitated, "Where's Niall?" My meek voice nervously asked.
The boys' smiles faded. "I'm sorry, babe." Zayn consoled.
"Oh.." I trailed off. "Yeah, I sort of figured he wouldn't come." I laughed nervously, my fingers fidgeted with the hem of my shirt. All I could think of was I needed him. I needed his arms around me, to hold me and whisper that everything was going to be okay, that we'll find a way to be together. But he wasn't here. And we weren't together. "Actually, I didn't think any of you would come." I tried carrying on conversation even though my thoughts were elsewhere.
"What?!" Liam seemed shocked. "And not have a proper goodbye? God Erin, who do you think we are?" He playfully slapped my shoulder and I couldn't help but chuckle.
I couldn't help but notice Harry slowly sidestep towards Jade. She smiled and dropped my hand for the first time today.
I knew those two had a thing. "So what's the deal with you guys? Are you really gonna let me leave this country not knowing if you two are dating or not?" I chuckled softly.
Jade chuckled, "We're not dating, hun." She smiled confidently at me.
Harry stepped closer and laced his fingers with hers. "We're not?" His face mocked disappointment, but his eyes seemed sincere. I watched as a crimson blush flooded Jade's cheeks; she bit her lip slightly and glanced at Harry who had a cheeky grin plastered across his lips.
"Oh, I almost forgot." I quickly rummaged through my bag for my sketchbook, breaking the awkward mood for the rest of us standing around the new couple. I tore out a page and handed it to the boys. Louis held it and the others gathered around to see. "I made this for you guys. It's a drawing of the day of the cookout. The first day we all spent together."
"It's..." Louis started.
"Brilliant." Zayn finished, smiling, and wrapped me in a warm hug. I'm going to miss these hugs.
He stepped back and Harry came in next. "Thank you." His raspy voice said sincerely as his long arms embraced me.
Liam stepped forward and hugged me next. "It's not going to be the same without you." He cleared his throat, "Thank you for this." He gestured towards the drawing and smiled, stepping back so Louis could hug me next.
"It's not going to be the same when you leave. Who will have water fights with me and teach me how to do flips?" He whispered in my ear; I could feel his smile through the hug.
"I think you'll manage." I smirked as he stepped back.
"Now boarding Flight 313 to Milwaukee." A loud voice announced over the speakers.
"I guess that's my cue." I turned to my family to say my last goodbyes before doing the same with the boys.
I was stuck in the middle of a group hug with 4 boys; it was hard not to cry. I'm going to miss everyone so much.
"Goodbye, guys." I said one last time.
"No." Zayn looked at me. "Don't say goodbye. Goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting." He smiled reassuringly. "And you're not forgetting us."
I smiled, "Okay. How about, see you soon."
All the boys chuckled softly, "Yeah, that's much better." Zayn smiled.
"I guess I should get going." I smiled at everyone once more before grabbing my bag and heading for the gate.
Jade stopped me, "You'll call, right?" Her eyes began to swell, filling with glassy tears.
"Every week." I smiled reassuringly.
"You better." She smiled back, trying her hardest to hold every tear in her eyes: to not let a single one fall.
I took a deep breath and headed for the gate. I handed the attendant my plane ticket and braced myself for the plane ride home.
"Wait!" Louis rushed to my side. His hand held out a CD. "This is for you."
A look of confusion flashed over my face.
"It's from Niall. Don't listen to it until you get home. His instructions, not mine." Louis smiled and hugged me once again before I boarded my plane home. "We better be hearing from you, Collins!" He called after me and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Same goes for you, Tommo!" I called back, smiling.
My mind raced with thoughts as I searched for my seat.
When will I see them all again?
What will it be like when I get home?
....What's on that CD?
My feet came to a stop and I sat down in my seat. I pulled out my headphones, letting music drown out all my thoughts.
**********
-2 MONTHS LATER-
"I can't believe you still aren't unpacked yet." Keela signed as she walked into my room.
I chuckled, "Yeah, well this little thing called 'college' got in the way of that. I've barely been at home since I got back from Ireland, you know that. I've been at school the whole time." I replied from the comfort of my bed. "You're lucky I'm here for Thanksgiving."
"Come on," my little sister glared, "we both know that's not the real reason you haven't unpacked yet."
I gave her a look. "Oh really? Then what's the real reason, Dr. Phil?"
She chuckled, "Because unpacking means your summer's over." Keela sat beside me; her head fell on my shoulder sympathetically.
"I guess you're right..." I signed, realizing she was in fact right. I've barely even looked at anything from summer: my clothes, sketches I made while I was in Ireland, pictures, the CD... Looking at all of it means summer's ended; I still don't want it to be over.
"You still talk to the boys and Jade and Uncle Cal, Aunt Tara, and Conor every week though, don't you?" Keela signed reassuringly.
"Nah," I sighed, "the boys have their career to worry about. I can't get in the way of that. I do talk to Jade and the family every week, though. Haven't missed a Sunday phone call since I got home." I smiled.
Keela laced her fingers through mine and squeezed my hand comfortingly. She smiled up at me and I returned the favor.
"I missed you." I signed, resting my head on top of hers that still fell on my shoulder.
"Girls, time for breakfast!" Dad called from downstairs. "You're mom made pancakes and eggs! You better hurry before I eat it all!" He joked as if we were 5 years old again.
Keela looked to me for an explanation because she couldn't hear what Dad said (obviously), and I signed his message to her.
She chuckled and hopped off the bed to go get some food.
I followed her out of my room and down the hall, passing Ryleigh's room on my way. She was blasting her music again, just like she used to. Well, that will never change.
"Oh! Erin! Come in here!" She waved her hand frantically, gesturing me into her room.
"What? SORRY I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE BOOMING MUSIC IN MY EARS." I exaggerated and she laughed, turning down her speakers.
"You're so dumb." She joked. "But here. Have you listened to the album yet?"
"What album?" I asked, confused. "There's a lot of albums out there, Ry. Be a little more specific." I teased.
"THE album, Erin. One Direction's new album. Take Me Home?" Ryleigh asked as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Can't say I've gotten around to it. Sorry." I left out the part about not wanting to listen to it, either. I didn't know if I could handle hearing their voices again, especially Niall's. I haven't talked to him since summer. I figured after the way I broke his heart in the kitchen that day, he probably wanted nothing to do with me. And I didn't blame him.
"Well you have to listen to this. Please." She pleaded, knowing I didn't want to hear whatever she was going to play.
I nodded my head and she pressed play on her speakers.
A sweet, familiar tune rang through the speakers; I started humming along with it.
"I thought you said you haven't listened to the album?" Ryleigh asked.
"I haven't. I don't know how I know this-" my breath hitched in my throat, "holy shit." My voice uttered softly. I know where I've heard this before.
It was the song I heard Niall playing in his room the day I found out about the paps. When he said he was working on stuff for the album, this was the "stuff".
'Can't believe your packin your bags
Tryin so hard not to cry
Had the best time and now its the worst time
But we have to say goodbye'
I sank into a ball, eyes wide; leaning against Ryleigh's doorframe, I listened intently to the song.
'Don't promise that you're gonna write
Don't promise that you'll call
Just promise that you won't forget we had it all
Cause you were mine for the Summer
Now we know its nearly over
Feels like snow in September
But I always will remember
You were my Summer love
You always will be my Summer love'
My hand covered my gaping mouth, I looked to my sister for some kind of explanation, but she just smiled.
'Wish that we could be alone now
We could find some place to hide
Make the last time just like the first time
Push a button and rewind
Don't say the word that's on your lips
Don't look at me that way
Just promise you'll remember
When the sky is grey
Cause you were mine for the Summer
Now we know it's nearly over
Feels like snow in September
But I always will remember
You were my Summer love
You always will be my Summer love
So please don't make this any harder
We can't take this any farther
And I know there's nothin that I wanna change, change'
A tear streamed down my cheek, I couldn't hold it in any longer. This song was like a playback of our summer. Mine and Niall's summer.
'Cause you were mine for the Summer
Now we know its nearly over
Feels like snow in September
But I always will remember
You were my Summer love
You always will be my Summer love
You always will be my Summer love
You will always be my Summer love'
I didn't want the song to end. It was so perfect. Indescribably perfect.
"Niall wrote that song. He wrote it for the album." Ryleigh piped up. "But I think he had other reasons for writing it, too." A smile spread across her face. "You."
"I-I Uh, I have to go... check something." I scrambled to my feet, wiping away at the straggling tears on my cheeks, and rushed to my room.
My hands searched furiously through my suitcase, trying to find the CD. I opened up its case and a note fell out. I put the CD in my radio and played it while I read the note.
"Erin,
I know things didn't exactly work out as planned, but when have they ever worked out for us? We were never exactly the 'average couple'."
I could almost hear his laugh as I read the note. It brought tears to my eyes, but I kept reading.
"Whether we were average or not, we had something no one else could ever understand."
Butterflies erupted in my stomach and a smile appeared on my lips; just remembering our relationship was enough to put me over the edge. I swiped away a few more tears and continued.
"Anyways, here's something so you'll never forget what we had. Because I know I will always remember. You were my summer love.
Love Always, Niall"
I listened to the CD. Niall scrawled out "Soundtrack of our summer" on the disc. 'Same Night Sky' by 2AM Club came on, and I remembered that was the song I listened to when Niall's soccer ball hit me. A few songs later, 'Kiss Me Slowly' by Parachute came on; the song we sang to each other in the tree during the cookout. Next, 'The Fighter' came on and I remembered when the boys all sang it obnoxiously the first time Niall called me his girlfriend. Then it was 'Wanted' by Hunter Hayes. He sang it to me as we drew on each other with my eyeliner; a few songs later 'Sunday Morning' by Maroon5 came on. The last song on the CD was acoustic; one I could tell Niall recorded himself.
His voice came through my radio and I almost melted inside. It felt so good to hear his voice again. I wiped another tear and listened.
"Hey, Erin. So, this is the last song to the soundtrack of our summer, but I hope it isn't the last of us..." his voice trailed off, it was hard to listen to the sadness in his tone. "Anyways, I wrote this song. It's called 'Summer Love'. Hope you like it." The tune of his guitar strummed the familiar melody of the song Ryleigh just played for me and it felt so surreal.
I ran across my room and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. I dialed the familiar number and listened to the call tone, waiting for an answer.
"Erin?" The familiar Irish accent rang through my phone.
"Niall." I answered, sniffing my nose and wiping a few more tears away. A happy laugh escaped my lips as a smile appeared on my face. "So," I started, not giving him a chance to speak, "I finally listened to that CD."
"Oh yeah?" He sounded amused. "Did you like it?" Even though I couldn't see him, I knew he was smiling. His voice had that twinge of happiness in it.
"I loved it." I paused. "Just like I love you."
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So there we have it! 'A Summer in Ireland' has finally come to an end. Thanks for staying along for the journey and commenting/voting for the chapters. Honestly, I never thought this many people would read my story. I just did it for fun with my friend. So thank you, for everything.
Anyways! I initially decided there wasn't going to be an epilogue because I didn't exactly know what to write for one. But after a lot of convincing from my friend, I've decided to write one. So there will be an epilogue!
Basically, I hope you all enjoyed this story and I hope you'll enjoy the epilogue that's soon to come.
What did you guys think? Did you like it? Hate it? Tell me what you think!
Thanks a bunch for everything guys, seriously. And if you liked this story, check out my newest one, 'A Thousand Words'. I really think you guys will enjoy it!
Love,
Sydne xD