Chapter one
† † Marlee's POV † †
"Good God Tyler," I groaned, glaring at her from in the kitchen. "Wake the fuck up," Molly yelled, throwing a pillow at her. It hit the floor, Molly's aim not exactly the best, and Tyler rolled over and glared at us. "How about no?" She muttered, rolling back over. Synchronized, me and Molly groaned at Tyler's stubbornness, then sighed and continued to cook our breakfast.
"Okay, I know that I'm probably the only one, but I am SO excited to be here!" I squeaked, giving a little hop for joy. See, Molly and Tyler have lived in England their whole life, but I moved to go to art school four years ago... I graduated, in case you were wondering.
I met Tyler and Molly within the first year I was here. Tyler went to the same school as me, but for music. Some music and arts stuff I dunno. She's good at playing instruments. Molly never went to college, she decided it was irrelevant. She's still pretty smart though.. School just wasn't her thing. She can sing really well though.
Like, really well. It isn't logically fair.
But besides that, Molly and Tyler were friends for a while before she went to a university, so I just kinda plopped myself into the friendship circle... If that makes any sense. So then the three best friends that anyone could have, or whatever you wish to call it, were born.
After college we all moved into our own apartment, which FYI isn't too huge, but I mean who actually cares.
#YOLO
Not really, smack me next time I say that.
So anyway, now we all live in London. We do what we like and like what we do. I paint, or draw, or sketch or whatever someone pays me to do.
That could be taken the wrong way... Commission. Art Commission.
Tyler plays her music, mostly on a guitar but it's whatever she feels like doing. And then Molly sings at a Starbucks down the road. Or wherever else is like 'Hey gurl you pretty good you should like come sing for our shop ya'.. Or whatever. Tyler usually tags along to play the music she sings to.
They make a good team.
"That's because you're from America," Tyler called from the pulled out couch. "Murica," I nodded in agreement. Molly shook her head with a slight amusement, "Yeah, London isn't a big deal Marlee," She explained to me.
"Well whatever. I'm starving," I groaned, which earned a snort from Molly. "Marlee, when aren't you starving?" She replied with a roll of her eyes. I mimicked her, making an annoyed face. "Whatever, it's food time and when it's food time I expect food," I retorted, turning to face the bacon in the microwave.
Oh, when I said we were 'cooking' breakfast, I meant we were waiting for our foods to get heated up in the microwave.
It happens.
The three beeps from the microwave signaled that my delicious food from the heavens was done, and I gave a little squeak and hop fo joy and I opened the little door and snatched my plate out. I gave a hiss and quickly went and sat down. "Don't touch it," I glared at them, and Molly rolled her eyes, Tyler just groaned and sat up.
"So what's for breakfast?"
˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚
While Molly sings at the local Starbucks, I sell coffee there. It's not my first choice in jobs, but have you ever had their strawberry creme fraps? To DIE for. Literally, try it. I also get to draw the little pictures on the signs, like a picture of Admiral Ackbar saying 'It's a Frap!'
I thought it was punny. I've never actually seen Star Wars, but I pick things up pretty fast.
Sorry, I'm just not much of a movie person, I guess.
But anyway, it was kinda chilly out, so I slipped on a pair of leggings and grabbed a black collared t-shirt, putting my hair up in a messy bun before grabbing my handbag. I stepped outside, shivering a little before going back inside. Nope. I need a sweatshirt. I rushed upstairs, grabbing my uni hoodie and ran back downstairs. Molly had gone shopping, and Tyler had fallen back asleep on the couch.
Lazy ass.
I made my way through the streets, snow falling gently. Fuck. Really. Snow? I really loved snow, but it's still Fall, it's November! Why does. Ugh. I ducked into the store, right on time. Thank God too, I figured I'd be late. Can't be late. Late bad. Late means fired.
I shivered slightly as I walked behind the counter, unwillingly pulling off my hoodie and putting my name tag on. Marlee Gray. My last name is kinda boring, but no one has ever questioned it, so I tend to ignore it.
"Uhm, hello?" I glanced up, blinking a few times as I realized that there was someone in front of me. "Oh, I'm sorry," I quickly snapped out of my train of thought and gave a cheerful smile. Half of it was 'Smile or your fired' and the other half was the fact that I really do actually like this job. I get paid to give people coffee and to take discounts on coffee. I mean seriously.
I don't really even like coffee, but some of the things this place sells.. Mm.
"Miss?" Fuck. I blinked again, "I'm sorry, I'm still defrosting," I quickly said, then paused, not letting him begin his next sentence. "Wait, do I know you from somewhere?" I asked, examining his blonde hair, the roots a darker color. Dyed? Perhaps. His eyes were a crystal blue, but they were shadowed by the glasses he was wearing.
Douche much? I mean god it's like 2 degrees outside and not to mention that the sun is hidden by the five zillion miles of thick clouds.
"Uhm, me?" He asked, seeming a bit taken back,. I nodded slowly, "Uh, yeah, You just look really familiar," I replied with a shrug. He looked at me, as if trying to decide whether or not he knew me.. Or maybe something else, I couldn't tell. "Yeah, I think you might," The boy replied, his irish accent thick. He gave a smile, revealing what I thought might be perfect teeth, but instead crooked teeth crushed my expectations.
At least he had braces.
Then it clicked. "Hey, you're-" I stopped, then gave a polite smile. "What did you want then? I'd recommend a hot chocolate perhaps, It's pretty cold today," I told him. He seemed confused, but nodded. "Actually that sounds good," He replied, smiling. I grabbed a cup, writing five swift letters on the cup before passing it on to the other workers. He blinked. "But I didn't..." He trailed off, a smile cracking his confusion.
"Thanks, uh, Marlee," He chirped, eyeing my name tag before pulling out his wallet. He gave me a ten, and as I was getting his change, he shook his head. "Just keep it, buy yourself something," He offered, and although I felt bad taking it, I wouldn't drop down this offer.
"Thank you," I replied with a smile. "Have a nice day," I smiled. And then to the next customer.
As I worked, I couldn't help but glanced towards the boy with the blonde hair. He was so nice, polite. I had thought of him a douche, but I mean I'd hide my identity too if I were him.
Niall Horan. How peculiar.
∆ ∆ Niall's POV ∆ ∆
Marlee Gray. How peculiar.
I couldn't help but notice how the snowflakes on her eyelashes sparkled and how her eyes just glimmered in the dimly lit room. She was kinda cute.
Really though, I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted her to know me, or if I wanted her to drop it. She obviously knew me though. She also made it pretty obvious that I was a normal guy... Well kind of. She at least understood that I didn't want to be noticed right now.
Most of my blonde hair was covered by a beanie, the front was spiked up otherwise. I had dark shades on, and a scarf as well as a heavier coat. I feel like anyone else would've just screamed my name out.
I glanced over at her, and caught the dark green gaze of Marlee for only a second as she quickly looked away. I gave a smirk to myself a took a sip of my hot cocoa. Hot Chocolate. She was from America, she had the odd accent. A cute accent though.
Maybe I'd meet up with her again.. That'd be nice. I'd like that. I took another sip of my hot cocoa, here the unpleasant slurping noise that it makes when it's empty. Ugh.
Gay.
I took up, making my way to the door. I tossed my drink in the trash before taking a glance back. Marlee gave me a quiet smile, "Have a nice day," She said, and I nodded, giving a kind smile before walking at the door.
I figured that's all I'd ever see of her.
I was wrong.
˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚˚
† † Marlee's POV † †
"Marlee! Go wash the tables!" The obnoxious voice of my boss rang in my ears, and I rolled my eyes before turning to face her with a bright smile. "Yes ma'am!" I chirped brightly, grabbing a wet rag and a dry rag before making my way over to the tables. As I cleaned, I picked up tips. WOO. Tips. Hells yes. Not that there were many, I won't lie, Starbucks can be expensive as fuck.
But I noticed something weird at the table of Niall Horan. A cell phone. A brand new shiny iPhone... Maybe not new but it definitely looked that way. I pressed the home screen, just to make sure. Sure enough a picture of all five of them was there.
Zayn Malik. Harry Styles. Liam Payne. Louis Tomlinson. And of course.. Niall Horan.
I needed to get it back to him... Would he come back to retrieve it or... I cautiously slid the unlock button, and sure enough it unlocked. I gave a bright smile,placing it in my pocket and finishing the tables.
By the time I was finished, I had worked 5 minutes past the end of my shift. Fak. EXTRA WORK. I let out a slight groan and took off my tag, ordering my usual Strawberry Creme Frappechino before leaving the building. I took a sip, regretting it right away. Fucking freezing outside.
I took the phone from my pocket, and sure enough I had a few missed calls from some contacts.
Two from Bradford Bad Boy... One from Hazza... And three from Daddy Direction.
Should I understand these or? I'm not sure. I understood the middle one to be Harry Styles, so I decided that I could easily call that one and get a reply. I slid that open, and the phone automatically dialed the number.
It rang only once.
"Niall? Where have you been lad?!" The deep, british accent came through the phone. I drooled a little. Let's be honest, It doesn't matter how long you live in England, as an American British accents are always sexy. Always.
"Uhm, Hi," I said stupidly, and a quick pause was my response.
"Uhm.. Niall? That doesn't sound like you..."
"Oh, No I'm sorry. My name is Marlee, Niall left his phone at Starbucks. I was washing tables and-"
"God da- Niall! I'm sorry love, Do you know where he is right now?" He asked, and I shook my head, then realized he couldn't see me.
"I uh, no. He came in an hour or so ago. I just got of shift right now and was hoping to return it," I explained, shifting positions.
"So not a clue?" He sighed, and I nodded, then again realized I was on the phone.
"Nope, nodda. There are three others of you though.. Right? Could you call one of them? Maybe they know," I suggested, again shifting my weight onto my other foot.
"Wait, you don't sound excited," He said, sounding confused.
"No? Should I be? Someone lost their phone. Just call me back when you check with them, okay?" I hung up without waiting for a goodbye. I was cold and growing impatient. We could have small talk later.
I made my way to my apartment, which wasn't very far away. Thank God. As I stepped into the building I shivered, my hair wetted from the melting snow.
"Welcome home!" Tyler muttered from the couch. She lay upsidedown, scrolling through what I assumed to be twitter. I rolled my eyes, and as I opened my mouth to reply, a phone rang. But it wasn't mine.
"Hello? Harry?" I answered. That quickly caught Tylers attention. What. A boy? Calling Marlee?
"Hello Love, Niall is at Liams. I know it's snowing but do you think we could meet somewhere?" He asked, and again I almost drooled at his thick accent. God, stop, focus.
"I hate to be of any bother.. But it's so cold," I groaned, and I heard a chuckle of amusement from the other line.
"Alright, alright. Where do you live... What was your name again? Marlee?"
"Yeah, Marlee. Uhm. I'll text you the adress?" I replied, forgetting ours for some reason.
"Works for me. I'll see you in a bit love,"
"Alright, see you soon," I almost hung up, when he quickly spoke.
"Wait wait, do you mind if the other lads come along? Liam's curious what person has the decency to actually try to find the owners of an iPhone," I let out a slight giggle.
"Yeah sure, I have a friend or two here anyway," I shrugged, then paused, glancing to Tyler who stared at me with round eyes and a mischievous smile. "Okay, I'll see you when you get here," I stated, then hung up. I swiftly typed in our address (Oh sure, now I remember) and sent it to Harry, shoving the phone in my pocket.
"WHO'S YOUR BOYFRIEND?" Tyler quickly said as soon as I looked up. I blinked, shaking my head. "No one, someone left their phone at the shop and they're coming to pick it up," I explained with a shrug.
"IS HE HOT?" She asked loudly, and I rolled my eyes. "Pipe the fuck down Tyler," I picked up a pillow from a chair and tossed it at her, sitting down in the chair. "So he is?" She wiggled her eyebrows, and I sighed. "We aren't dating. He's bringing friends though so be normal," I advised her. Her eyes widened and she quickly ran to her room.
Oh right I should probably change into something more decent...
I made my way into my room, putting on a pair of white boots with pink flowers and a loose pink blouse. There. That'll impress someone. Maybe.
It's better than uniform.
After cleaning up the area I sat on the couch and began to read. Reading is always good. Let's see, what book. I could reread Twilight.. That sounded pretty good right now I mean why not. I looked through my bookshelf, but before I could even find it the doorbell rang. I groaned a bit before making my way to the door. I opened it to five smiling faces.
"Uh, you're One Direction right?" I said stupidly, and they nodded. "Oh, well I have your phone," I said, looking to Niall, holding out his phone to him. He grinned brightly. "Oh thank God," He breathed, grabbing it and staring at it before shoving it in his pocket. "I'm not sure how I managed to leave it there..."
The one with short, light brown hair groaned. Liam. "Niall you leave your stuff everywhere," He muttered, rolling his eyes. "Do not..." He muttered in reply, glaring at his feet.
"Marlee!" Tyler shot at me, "You're such a bad host, are you not even going to invite them in from the snow??" She called, and I shot her a look before nodding. "Right, you guys wanna come in?" I asked.
"Oh no that's fine.." Liam began, but was shouldered aside by a boy in stripes. Louis Tomlinson. "Oh dear god THANK THE LORD," He exclaimed, coming past me as I stepped aside. The boys followed behind and I shut the door behind them.
Tyler looked awestruck right away. By 'friends' I don't think she went that I had invited in all of One Direction to our apartment. But after looking back to the five, fairly attractive boys, I noticed that Niall seemed just as mesmerized as her.
"Hi," He quickly said, smiling at her. "I'm Niall," He said, holding out his hand. She eagerly took it, shaking it. "I'm Tyler," She replied a sweet smile, eyes glittering. They stopped shaking, but they held onto each others hand for a moment. A deep voice interrupted the slight awkwardness as Tyler and Niall stared at each other with silly grins.
"So I'm Harry," He said, his curly hair exactly what I imagined it to be. He flashed a lopsided grin, and I smiled back. "I'm Marlee," I replied, "I'm Liam," The short haired boy added, and then the black haired one "Zayn," He gave a slight grin. "LOUIS," The final one exclaimed loudly.
"Oh I'm Niall," The blonde haired boy added, and Liam groaned rolling his eyes. "Go back to to Niall Land mate," He muttered, and Niall nodded, turning back to Tyler.
I smirked, then looked back towards them. "So uhm, it's nice meeting you guys," I grinned, and Louis blinked. "Oh you can't get rid of us that easily," He smirked, rocking back and forth on his heels.
"I wanna play a game..."
"God, Louis don't be creepy," Harry sighed, rolling his eyes. And Louis blinked innocently. "No I'm serious! Let's play a game!"
"Like what?" Zayn asked, cocking his head slightly to one side. "Ever played truth or dare?" Harry asked, wiggling his eyebrows. "I doubt she's ever played the version you're referring to," Tyler butted in. "Oh go back to your staring contest," I snapped at her, and she flushed bright red along with Niall.
"Oh snap," Louis chirped, and I shook my head, smiling a little. "Really though," Harry said, looking at me. "Let's play a game,"