Second Snapshot (Picture This...

By thesamemistakes

4.9M 36.5K 9.9K

-COMPLETED -BK 3 IN PROGRESS- Business. It's all about business now. Nobody should give a single damn about l... More

-Second Snapshot (-Picture This Sequel)
-Guns, filling in and encounters. [Chapter 1]
-Stupid, crazy, messed up little love life. [Chapter 2]
-Nobody said it was easy...[Chapter 3]
-An un-wanted exit never goes to plan. [Chapter 4]
-Let's argue over breakfast. [Chapter 5]
-You can run, but you can't hide from fate. [Chapter 7]
-Just Listen. [Chapter 8]
-New Surroundings. [Chapter 9]
-Summer nights and fun fair lights. [Chapter 10]
-Pushing it too far. [Chapter 11]
-We need to talk. [Chapter 12]
-Looks can be deceiving. [Chapter 13]
-Innovation and Realization. [Chapter 14]
-Don't be nice. [Chapter 15]
-Concealing the forbidden. [Chapter 16]
-Confrontation and late nights. [Chapter 17]
-Mysteries, strangers and suspicions. [Chapter 18]
-Broken family and phone calls. [Chapter 19]
-Operation Commence. [Chapter 20]
-Just label me. [Chapter 21]
-Force yourself through, just keep on running. [Chapter 22]
-Un-reserved regret, concern and traumatised hope. [Chapter 23]
-Feel the first time, but never let go. [Chapter 24]
-The world can be anything you want it to be. [Chapter 25]
-Promise me. [Chapter 26]
-Golden keys and black deaths. [Chapter 27]
-You're obsessed. [Chapter 28]
-Surprises & Sinking ships. [Chapter 29]
-Expose yourself in picture. [Chapter 30]
-Sabotage me. [Chapter 31]
-Fake a friendship, it's worth more than a real one. [Chapter 32]
-Overrated fears. [Chapter 33]
-Don't ever come back. [Chapter 34]
-Unwrapping Happiness. [Chapter 35]
-Teach me. [Chapter 36]
-Even when you think you are, you're never alone. [Chapter 37]
-Family feuds and suspicious sisters. [Chapter 38]
-You can take my breath away. [Chapter 39]
-Intoxication & Secrets. [Chaoter 40]
-These four words. [Chapter 41]
-Confessional blood. [Chapter 42]
-Cupcake catastrophes. [Chapter 43]
-Redheaded rumours. [Chapter 44]
-Just be honest. [Chapter 45]
-Confess me. [Chapter 46]
-Fixing the broken pieces. [Chapter 47]
-Change. [Chapter 48]
-New beginnings. [Chapter 49]
-Lifting the curtain on reality; it's the best way forward. [Chapter 50]
-Uncounted for visits and progress. [Chapter 51]
-Mr Sarcastic. [Chapter 52]
-Petty little crushes. [Chapter 53]
-Detached memories. [Chapter 54]
-Discover your weakness. [Chapter 55]
-Refusal and broken hope. [Chapter 56]
-Catch me out. [Chapter 57]
-Regulating the silent treatment. [Chapter 58]
-I don't. [Chapter 59]
-Hollow secrets & bleak mornings. [Chapter 60]
-You're fired. [Chapter 61]
-Audible, unwanted, remarks. [Chapter 62]
-Vexatious encounters. [Chapter 63]
-Mysterious Perfection. [Chapter 64]
-Trilogy Information.

-Rain, protein and accusations. [Chapter 6]

83.6K 646 115
By thesamemistakes

CHAPTER SIX- Rain, protein and accusations.

“What the fuck happened to you Ashley Jessica Dawson?! It’s on the news that where you work got robbed three days ago and we have heard nothing from you! Ash the men were armed, what the actual fuck, are you okay?!”

Ellie rushed through my speakers as I soon as I accepted her call. I sighed inwardly, it wasn’t like I didn’t want her to care but I somehow couldn’t be bothered for her to. Maybe the only person I really wanted to care right now was the person who didn’t need nor want to, Niall. He’s so freaking close, but he’s still so far.

“Relax. Nothing happened to me. The place is shut for the next few weeks.”

She was silent for a moment and I could almost hear the puzzle pieces snapping together in her brain as she deciphered and made sense of the scenario I had given her. I didn’t know if I wanted her to, I mean everything was so complicated already with this ‘job’ and enough people knew, I didn’t need Ellie to know. And I definitely didn’t need or want my Mother to know either.

“Wait, if it’s shut then what are you doing for the next few weeks? Oh my god you can come back to London for a bit and-“

“I have another job, here.”

“Oh, really? Ashley you don’t have to lie to me, don’t worry, the boys and Niall are in America at the moment so you won’t run into them if you come back here.”

I know they are. They are right across the hall from me.

“Seriously, I am not lying. I have a time filler job and I can’t go back to London.”

“Oh, well, that’s a shame. What is it?”

“Don’t worry.”

I said a bit too quickly and there was a silence for a second and I knew she was thinking about this deeply trying to analyse my awkwardness and faint remarks.

“Wait a minute…” Oh no. “I swear there was something online about you being at a…One Direction concert the other night. Ashley, what is going on?”

I dug my nails into my palm feeling the pain as something that covered up how awkward this was for me. How exactly do you tell your sister that you are now the temporary stylist for your ex-boyfriend’s band?

“Um, nothing’s going on.”

“Don’t give me that Ashley something’s going on. Has something happened between you and Niall? Are you back together?”

“What? No, of course we’re not.”

I remarked and I could almost picture her smirking.

“Right, well you going to tell me what’s going on then?”

I exhaled loudly and now was the time that I really hoped I wasn’t being eavesdropped on.

“Fine, but you can’t tell Mum or Dad or Mallory or anyone. Okay?”

“Whatever floats your boat sista. Just tell me!”

“I’m their stylist.”

I blurted out and there was another silence.

“You…You mean as in One Direction’s stylist?”

“That is what I said.”

“Are you fucking serious?”

“I’m not going to joke about something like that.”

“Lucky bitch.”

“Lucky? Are you kidding me?”

“Hello? This is totally divine intervention, Ashley this is a second chance!”

“You’re not religious.”

I stated and she snorted.

“Nobody said I had to be. It’s still divine intervention I’m telling you. Ashley you and Niall…what’s going on?”

“N-Nothing’s going on.”

“That’s not true. I can tell when you’re lying.”

“I’m not lying, nothing’s going on.”

“Have you talked?”

“About what?”

“The past.”

“No.”

“Ashley!”

I rolled my eyes refusing tears as I recalled the times we had spoken or had some kind of physical contact in the times I had been here. They had been so awkward and distant and so full of so many emotions you couldn’t even decipher what anything meant anymore.

“What? It’s not like there’s anything to say.”

“Oh you know there bloody well is a lot to say.”

“Not…Not that I can say, alright?”

“But it’s not alright is it Ashley? And because I’m your sister and I know you, I know it never will be.”

I chewed on my lower lip not entirely convinced Ellie was the person to be talking to this about.

“Well, whatever. Just thought I’d let you know that Dad’s on about you seeing a therapist again…”

She informed me casually.

“…What?”

I breathed in sheer dis-belief, this was the last thing I needed right now.

“You heard me, I’m not sure if it’s the same one again though. He was looking into someone more private aka expensive. He’s worried, Ashley. And so am I.”

“Can you please tell him I’m fine?”

I begged not wanting to re-live those years.

She sighed and I heard something fall on the floor as she cursed underneath her breath.

“Ash, no. I’m sorry, not really. Because you’re not, are you? You’re not fine and you’re not going to be until you get this sorted out, please Ashley you’re going to seriously hurt yourself, don’t do this again.”

“I…I just can’t at the moment. I’m too busy.”

“Maybe that’s the problem…”

She suggested and for a moment I didn’t understand but then I came to realise that maybe, just maybe some people do care that I work so much and never have any free time, some people do care that I don’t eat enough or at regular intervals and maybe some people do care that I cry myself to sleep every night if I even do sleep.

“What?”

“You are too busy. Your health should come first Ashley. Just know that. And also know that you should speak to Niall, about everything and all believe me I know. Just think for a bit, okay? Just think.”

Click. She hung up and after staring at my phone screen for a while as it blacked out along with the words she was uttering to me less than ten seconds I could almost feel all senses of control and organisation I had over my life sliding away into nothing right in front of me. Fading away into emptiness like the smudge of an un-easy mistake.

I shakily set my phone down onto the bedside table and brought my knees to my chest hugging them as I uneasily rocked back and forth slightly crying into my jeans darkening them but I guess it didn’t matter. Attention to detail is maybe something I’ve majorly over-indulged in, the same with perfection. So many things going on at once, not a second spare to stop and breathe for a second. Look in the mirror and attempt to find some recognition of myself in what I see. But I can’t do it anymore. I’m a mess however hard I try to be perfect it just gets worse every time and maybe now that I actually stop and think for a second that even with all the imperfections and stress of my previous life in London, however many imperfect lingering burdens were there maybe it was my type of perfect. Or maybe even our type of perfect. Me and Niall because however many things didn’t always go to plan and not everyone agreed with us, we were perfect. And you can’t explain love like that and you can’t re-create it either, not with someone else, not on your own. Never ever again.

It’s strange how just a few words, or a moment that maybe lasts for a few seconds. Can make it’s impact and change so many things for the future just like that. One mistake, one foot in the wrong place and a millimetre out of line, one person’s disagreement and another’s heartbreak. Confusion and tears and a million possible scenarios played out inside change so many things. Maybe life just treats me differently now. I had my perfect, I had my love, my happiness and I messed up so now it’s somebody else’s turn and maybe that someone’s Elise. Maybe she’s Niall’s next idea of ‘perfect’. However much that hurts maybe I should let him move on because I love him. I should want him to be happy however much it kills me. Jealously is an ugly thing but really, now, I’m so used to wearing it all the time.

A soft knock came at the door and I jerked my head up sniffing in but my nose was blocked from crying and my throat ached like crazy. But this was nothing new, maybe the pain was some form of assurance that some things never change. Whether I needed that or not was debatable but I’m fed up of arguing with myself.

“Ashley, you in there?”

A girlish voice asked and it was obvious they had their ear pressed to the door. Elise. Why the hell is she here? She’s not exactly my favourite person in the world right now so there’s no guarantees I’m going to be nice. It’s not her fault that Niall likes her or whatever and it’s not her fault that she likes him back, I mean, can I blame her? But right now I’m looking for someone to shove my blame onto and that person is her.

I didn’t reply hoping she would go away but my absence of response only drew her closer and she edged the door open when she saw me she smiled and opened it fully as she came in closing it behind me and darted her eyes around the room. If she was looking for Niall then he wasn’t in here, why would he be?

“What are you doing here?”

I questioned flatly. I held no emotion, no happiness neither any angriness just pure interest because I needed the inside on her and Niall without being obvious.

“I um, I came to return something of Niall’s and when I found out you were here I thought we could um, go out or something. You fancy doing something?”

Return something of Niall’s? Of course. Of course she was here to see him.

“I’m busy. What are you returning?”

I lied, but really, I wasn’t in the mood to play best friends with the girl who’s getting close to my ex-boyfriend. The boy I’m still in love with after a whole year of distance, tears and absence of the heart.

“Just something. Oh um, okay well I guess I’ll see you around then.”

She said awkwardly and I nodded not exactly caring whether I came across as a bitch or not. She smiled and I forced a small and fake one back as she left hugging her bag tighter to her side as she shut the door behind her.

I let my body go limp back onto the bed and more tears trickled down my cheeks as single hair sticking to my cheeks with the salty liquid that my skin was all too used to.

Without even thinking I pulled out my laptop and brought up Google.

Key food alternatives.

I blinked as another tear slipped down my cheek when I took in the suggestions and results that all related back to anorexia. I refuse to label myself as that.

Recovery diet plans for anorexics.

Around 20% of victims die from anorexia.

Get referred to a-

 Exit internet.

Refusing to cry anymore I shoved my laptop underneath the pillow and pulled on a thick scarf and shoved my hair into a high bun while wiping away any smudged make-up and stuffing my purse into my blazer pocket. I could hear Niall and Elise laughing down the hall and I almost cried again but I bit my tongue refusing to let them and their closeness and affection get to me even though it was eating away at me that he possibly liked someone else.

I stuffed my hands into my pockets against the chilly breeze as I made my way down the street. The breeze whipped around me lifting up strands of hair but right now for once my appearance didn’t bother me, and maybe, for the first time in a long time I was more worried that when people were looking at me they were looking at me because of how skinny I was. How sheerly lacking in normality and an average body but even through how I knew I was clearly underweight I still wanted change, I still wasn’t good enough. Not skinny enough. And worst of all not perfect enough.

A group of teenagers were sat up against a wall opposite the corner store where I was planning on searching for some type of calorie shake that was healthy. They had a bottle in the middle of their half circle and were all smirking at each other while darting their glances between me and the bottle that was situated in their hard glances.

“Truth or dare, Andy.”

One remarked smirking.

“Dare.”

Who I assumed to be Andy answered.

“I dare you,” The one with the dark curly hair that reminded me of Harry’s said leaning forward and grinning. “To go and ask that blonde girl over there why she’s so skinny and then tell her she’s hot.”

My heart probably fell at that point and then I realised that this is probably what everyone thinks when they see me. Look at that girl, she’s so skinny. This was killing me, I hadn’t realised it was this bad but apparently it is. And I can’t change it, why can’t I change it? Why? What is wrong with me?

Luckily Andy must have refused because as I bit down on my tongue even harder entering the store they spun the bottle again moving onto someone else whilst taking drags of their cigarettes. They looked about fifteen, it’s a sad world.

What was even more un-nerving was that everyone seemed to be giving me the once over and I resorted to catching my reflection in a nearby mirror but sadly there was nothing unusual on my clothing, just a body of bones that lay beneath.

I felt be-trayed by my own decision making as my finger hovered over the various protein shakes. Scanning the flavours, Strawberry, Chocolate truffle, Banana.  Does it really matter? Dumping two Strawberries and three Bananas into my basket I caught my figure again in a mirror and cringed not even wanting to look at it anymore. Or myself, but really, did it even matter since I can’t recognise myself anyway.

A stony faced old man who did the once over on me as well and rang up my goods and I left the plastic bag hanging from my arm. I found a park and for some reason everyone giving my body and up and down was really so much more noticeable when you looked for it. Was I really that slim?

I sat down on some concrete leaning up against a brick wall the cold concrete seeping through my jeans and numbing my skin. I fumbled with the plastic bag bringing out a strawberry one and popping the lid open wincing at the calories and strict instructions of when and why to consume. I guess I just didn’t care anymore. A few tears escaped my eyes falling onto my clothes but they were soon covered by light spurts of rain tumbling around me while people put up umbrellas and made a dash for anywhere but here but it wasn’t a lot of rain and it wasn’t like I cared, at least it covers my tears.

I placed the top of the bottle in-between my lips tipping it up as I let the froffy liquid invade my mouth and seep down my throat. I didn’t know what to make of it; it wasn’t like it wasn’t anything I hadn’t had before. It just tasted the same to me, as every other food. Wrong, naughty and totally forbidden in my world.

I saw his familiar shadow cast out across the concrete as he made his way towards me. Hood up, hands in pockets, face down against the rain. I hastily moved the bag to the other side of my body but kept the bottle in between my fingers as Niall arrived not uttering a word as he sat down next to me.

That was when I realised how nervous I was. Why? I couldn’t explain it. It made me feel so guilty that he was being so nice to me after what I did. My breaths were way too fast paced and my heart was beating a million beats per second I just hoped he hadn’t noticed. There were drops of rain glistening against his skin and he had a few caught in his eye-lashes framing his perfect mesmerizing eyes.

For a minute or so we both just sat there the rain increasing in how heavy it was as we both stared around the park not uttering a word to each other while we watched everyone dashing about.

“Like this all the time?”

He asked and I was surprised he hadn’t brought up the subject of what I had in the bag that was on my lap but he hadn’t and I couldn’t decide whether I was glad or not.

“Wh...What do you mean?”

I replied timidly but he wasn’t fazed and didn’t even look at me his eyes set on a young child who was running to their mother who was holding their rain coat for them.

“Busy. And so rushed.”

I shrugged.

“I guess. You get used to it.”

I informed him and he nodded biting his lip.

“And the other day at your work. That was just a normal day in the life of you, I presume?”

He chuckled and I bit my lip smiling slightly.

“Of course.”

I said as cheerily as possible and he just smiled.

“Why’d you leave?” He asked and for a moment I was kind of panicked as I feared he may be talking about why I broke up with him and moved here in the first place and I wasn’t sure I was fully prepared to talk about this yet. “I mean, Claire wants you back there and she didn’t know where you were. And um, so I said I’d come and find you cus I was pretty sure you’d be here. So why’d you go?”

Obviously he was seeing his mistake too and attempted to recover himself not wishing to discuss that with me yet either. I don’t know whether to be relieved or upset about that. I just don’t know what to do anymore at all.

I shrugged locking my gaze onto a falling leaf from a tree he followed my gaze and then slid it back to me staring at me as he waited for my reply.

“Got bored…Didn’t wanna be there anymore. Needed some air. I don’t know. How did you know I would be here?”

“You’re predictable, you know that? Most of the time, anyway…”

I thought about my reply for a while.

“Why does she want me there anyway? It’s not like she likes me.”

“We have a party thing to go to in a few hours.”

He informed me.

“Do I have to go?”

I asked automatically not feeling like going out. I just wanted to curl up in bed and sleep away my thoughts and tears.

“It would appear that way.”

He said shrugging and I sighed.

“Let’s go then.”

I said getting up but he grabbed my wrist pulling me back down.

“No, we have ages. Just stay for a while.”

He pleaded and I was sceptical at first but slowly slid back down against the wall anyway sliding back into place next to him and wondered for about the millionth time if this was where I was supposed to be, next to him. Right by his side.

“What…What’s in the bag?”
 
He asked gesturing towards the white plastic carrier bag that was on my lap. I gulped against the lump in my throat that was rising as he just stared at me his lips slightly parted as he waited for my answer, as if it was going to be easy and that it wasn’t something to lecture me about.

I held up the empty bottle that was now led down on the concrete we were sat on in front of us and the light pink liquid dribbling out onto the ground and diluted by the rain as it invaded the grass ahead.

He looked at it and reached out picking it up and raising his eye-brows as he spun it around reading the various labels and instructions.

“Protein shake? Why?”

I shrugged.

“Ellie rang.”

I remarked instead of answering his question and for a moment he just looked at me not seeming fazed by my absence of an answer or explanation.

“Right.”

I sucked in a deep breath before continuing not allowing myself time to debate whether to say this or not.

“She said that my Dad wants me to start seeing a therapist again.”

He looked at me his eyes going a little wider and then he sunk further back into the wall we were leant against.

“Maybe um, maybe he’s right. Do you…want to talk about it?”

I shook my head biting my lip again.

“No,” I said. “Not now.”

He nodded taking his turn to bite his lip.

“Right,” He said pushing himself up. “Let’s get you back then.”

-

“Nah,” Niall was saying down the hall to Elise. “Just text me about it.”

“Okay, see you later.”

She replied in a cheery tone and I breathed in holding back more tears as I cracked open the balcony doors and attempted to not get any more earfuls of their conversations.

A knock came at the door and I surely hoped it wasn’t Elsie as her and Niall had appeared to be rounding up their conversation. But then I did wish it was Elise as I was now faced with a stony faced Claire.

“Where the hell did you think you were going?”

She snapped and I simply shrugged remaining calm and not really giving a shit.

“Out. I was on a free anyway.”

“I needed you here. We needed to contact you, the boys have a very important parry tonight and it’s your fault if we’re late! Niall had to go looking for you and-“

“He didn’t have to look for me. He knew where I was.”

I objected and she arched a perfectly plucked eye-brow.

“What’s going on between you and Niall?”

She asked and I felt my body and the air around us suddenly getting tenser.

“Nothing’s going on.”

“Then why was he so adamant that he would go and get you? And he already knew where you were?”

She questioned and I started to wonder why she was so interested. So bothered about whether anything was going on with me and Niall or not. She didn’t comment when me and Louis were talking for ages and he was hugging me and all so why the bother that Niall knew where I was? It’s not like anything’s happened.

I just shrugged.

“Nothing’s going on between us and it’s ridiculous to suggest so.”

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to look into that. I’ll be keeping an eye on you two…The cars gonna be here in five.”

She said coldly giving me a look before walking back out slamming the door behind her as she rounded up the boys for this ‘party’.

I looked at myself in the mirror still not understanding why I had to go. I’m their stylist I shouldn’t need to go to an appearance party. But yet here I was in a simple black and white dress and simple heels with the normal make-up and tousled hair that was still slightly tinged at the end with red. I smoothed my hands over my body wincing as I did so as I tugged at the materiel of the dress trying to stretch it so my figure was not as obvious as being so skinny. I couldn’t go out like this, to a place that was going to be pictured. Biting down hard on my lip I shrugged on a matching blazer covering only the top of my body, but it was better than nothing.

I dropped make-up into my clutch and held it by my side as I glanced outside. It had stopped raining now and it was dark, the lights of the city shining brightly and reflecting on everything possible. It wasn’t like this was anything new but somehow it always fascinated me every time. I felt lucky to live somewhere like this but it still didn’t match up to London. Only because London is my home, where I come from and really, nothing ever will replace it and my life there.

I gave up on cringing over my appearance in general and left my room just in time to catch up with the boys and Claire who was marching them down the hallway towards the lift as they pushed each other around while getting told off.

Louis and Zayn were the first to see me flashing me a smile as I stepped into the lift with them. When I said nothing in response ignoring Claire’s harsh glares they turned back to their antics which continued the whole way there.

It was a huge hall with tables everywhere and a large open section where people were milling about. We were shown to our table and finally left to our own devices as Claire went around talking to people she most likely didn’t even know. I sat awkwardly across from Harry and two seats away from Niall as I bit my lip pretending to be interested as I looked around the room.

“Hey,” Louis said leaning forward across the table. “After this crap, we’re sneaking out to a real party. You in?”

“I um, don’t really feel like getting drunk tonight. I might go back to my place actually. I kinda miss it. No offence.”

“Oh…okay, fine. Sure, well Claire’s not coming back with us tonight so we can take you there. If you show us where it is.”

He said his sentence faltering slightly. As I snuck my glance to Niall he was biting his lip looking down at his lap looking rather wistful as me and Louis discussed this. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but then again, I am never sure of anything anymore.

“It’s really okay. I’ll just get the tube or something.”

“At this time of night?”

“Not like I haven’t done it before.”

He looked un-impressed by this but brushed it off.

“No. We’ll take you back, no worries.”

“Um well-“

“Just let us.”

He retorted and I rolled my eyes shrugging as I gave in. I guess I just couldn’t be bothered to argue.

“Hi! Aren’t you Ashley Dawson?!”

A bright eyed keen interviewer exclaimed sliding into the seat next to me. Now I was panicking.

“Err um-“

“She’s not here to answer questions.”

Liam cut off and the interviewer slid their glance to him, then moved it around all the boys and then back to Liam.

“Then what is she here to do?”

“She’s here because she has to be. Now leave her alone please.”

She looked sceptical and then settled her glance on Niall a sly smirk playing on her lips and I just got a really bad feeling about this.

“If I’m not wrong you two were the hottest couple around this time last year. What’s this? Re-union? This is good.”

She smirked and I felt everyone become tenser around me and now Claire was edging closer and I really hoped that she hadn’t heard what this woman was saying.

“What? Leave them alone. We’re not obliged to answer any questions while here.”

Harry objected while Niall just sat there chewing on his lower lip furiously as he avoided the women’s gaze but kept on catching mine before shooting it away as if we never had been trying to locate the other’s glance for the brief seconds that we had. But we both were and we both knew it, but maybe it wasn’t about what we said anymore, it was about what we knew without verbal communication. What we had inside and away from the outside the world. The small things that were un-spoken but so clear to us.

“Oh please, this is just pure interest. Come on, you can’t expect to turn up together without people talking!”

She said smacking her lipsticked lips together as she did so. Niall sighed inwardly as he rested his elbow on the table looking around the room un-interested hoping to ward off the keen journalist but this didn’t seem likely.

“What’s going on?”

Claire arrived sliding into the seat next to Niall and shooting him a look which he either didn’t catch or ignored. Oh god.

“I was just trying to get the low down on Ashley and Niall here.”

The women informed her. Oh shit.

Claire looked from me to Niall and Niall bit his lip again playing with a piece of his hair as he avoided Claire’s glance at all costs. He looked to the ground focusing his gaze on a sweet wrapper which had been dropped.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Claire asked and I could feel everyone sinking back into their seats lower and lower silently telling that it would not be them who let her know of why the interviewer was so interested in Niall and I.

“You’re their manager and you don’t know?”

“Know what?”

Claire asked in a clueless yet sceptical manner.

“That they were the hottest couple in the press this time last year of course! One Direction’s manager has no idea about their past relationships!”

For a moment everything just seemed to be silent and I wanted to be anyway but there right now. Claire looked at me, journalist woman and Niall all in turn but she seemed to have particular hatred towards me, if she hadn’t had enough already.

“Could you please excuse us right now?”

Claire snapped and Niall looked particularly un easy as the women hastily stood up giving us weird looks before strutting off. It was a rather awkward silence as everyone avoided each other’s gazes.

“I think you should all go home right now. This party is over for tonight.”

She said coldly still glaring at me.

“Because of that? Are you serious?”

I objected but before I could completely choke out my sentence Louis bumped me on the knee urging me not to.

“Right. Now.”

She hissed and all the boys started to get up and for a moment I wondered why they were all giving in since they clearly weren’t best friends with her but they did as she told them to anyway, most of the time, Niall kept his eyes glued to the floor evading anyone’s glances who attempted to latch them onto his.

“Just do it.”

Louis hissed into my ear placing a hand on my shoulder. And I nodded keeping away from Niall and following them to the car.

The whole way there Niall kept silent occasionally brining out his phone and avoiding my gaze.

“I’ll walk you in.”

Louis suggested and I opened my mouth but he gave me a look and I nodded agreeing under pressure.

“You’re gonna be loathed now.”

He told me as we stepped into the lift and the doors closed.

“Why?”

I asked and he just shook his head as the doors opened and I stepped outside.

“I don’t get it.” I stated. “Why does it matter so much that Claire knows?”

I asked and his eyes widened a bit as he shoved his hands deep into his pockets and bit his lip.

“Well, why?”

I urged and he just shook his head again.

“Can you not see it? Isn’t it obvious?”

He asked and I narrowed my eyes giving a confused look.

“What is?”

“That Claire likes Niall.” He said through gritted teeth as if anyone hearing was pure insanity. “Ashley think about it. She likes him, you’re his ex-girlfriend, she automatically hates you. She isn’t going to want you anywhere near him.”

He informed me and I just looked at him wondering if this even was processing in my brain.

“So they’re…like…a thing?”

I asked wanting to go and curl up in a ball and cry at the thought of Niall and my manager too being a ‘thing’.

“What? God, no. He doesn’t like her, he doesn’t return her feelings and that’s why she’s going to hate you now, because he’s more interested in you than her.”

“Wh…Wait.” I said doing strange gestures with my fingers that really suggested nothing. “Why is he more interested in me?”

“Do you really need me to answer that for you?”

“Well…That’s kinda why I asked you.”

He rolled his eyes.

“Right, shut up and listen to me then. Ashley, if Niall ever asks, I didn’t tell you this, okay? But, he loves you, okay?”

He stared straight at me with a serious look, serious. I stared straight back at him with an open mouth. Zayn had already told me this but really, coming from Louis it all seemed a lot more genuine. But neither could I believe or understand it.

“Are you listening to me? Did you hear what I just said?”

He asked raising his eye-brows.

“Ashley.”

He prompted again.

“What? I’m sorry.”

“I said,” He stated sighing. “That Niall-“

“No don’t say it again.”

I said hastily and he gave me a confused look.

“Whatever,” He shrugged. “Just, let me, or him know when you realise it. See you tomorrow Ash.”

And with that he walked away and left me standing there, he was leaving, but his words were lingering. Like sweet and sour poison at the same time as they danced around in my head messing with my brains, my lack of understanding and most of all, my heart.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N.

hiii!

only one more chapter to go and then the one after that is in Niall's POV;)

so tomorrow I'm aiming to upload at around 7:30 PM GMT :)

Only 3 more weeks left of school and then it's SUMMEER and I'll be writing like crazy ahaha so you better look foward to that bitches.

omg my feet are so cold I'm gonna go find my slippers once I have wrote this;)

alright I guess I'll be seeing you bitches tomorrow then!

pleeeease pleease keep on voting/commenting/fanning etc and if you all keep on voting so much like you are then I'll try and put in some more  Niall POV'S or whatever you suggest later on;p

love you.

-Emily.

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