HANNAH'S P.O.V.


The flight is somewhat uneventful. I fall asleep for a few hours, but I know that neither Niall or Greg do. They're much too nervous about what they're going home to. It kills me to see Niall so broken. He puts on this hard false front, when in reality, he's such a sensitive guy. It's comforting, really, to know that he feels like he can open up in front of me.

In the last twenty minutes of the flight, Greg kindly asks to switch seats with Niall. Niall was skeptical at first, but nodded briefly and stood up, claiming to need the restroom anyway. It's awkward for a few seconds as Greg and I sit silently, and I'm the one to speak first, "I'm sorry about all of this; I really am. I know you've been angry at Niall and I can understand why; but, I think it's very brave of you to put all that aside for the moment. I'm sure she's going to be okay."

I've always been bad at comforting people in situations like this. I remember the millions of things people would say to me when my brother died; but, it never really mattered. There aren't magic words to make a catastrophic situation seem okay. As a matter of fact, most of the things people say at a time like that go in one ear and out the other.

"Thanks and I'm sorry for being an ass when we first met. I should have been appreciative for all of this because you're getting us home so much faster than we could have ourselves. Not to mention; money is tight. So, thank you."

I grin despondently, "You don't need to apologize. I know what it feels like to worry about someone like that. I don't blame you for not caring about some random girl you don't know."

He chuckles a bit, but his expression turns solemn immediately, "I just don't know what I'm coming home to exactly, you know? Like, what if she's just mangled and dying. I don't know if I can see her like that and be strong at the same time. It'll kill me to lose her... to really lose her. I've been such an ass since we moved to the States and I know I don't deserve her; but, knowing that she's out there and okay means everything to me. Even if I don't get to hold her at night and tell her how much I love her, I need to know that she's alright."

His eyes are bloodshot and truly have been since our first meeting, but I can tell that he's on the verge of tears now. I audaciously rest one hand on his shoulder and wince for a moment when he looks my way. He doesn't grow angry, though, instead turning to face me better, "You know what's worst of all? Even if she is pregnant with my brother's fucking kid, I'll be right there by her side, begging her to let me take care of them. God, I sound like a pathetic idiot."

I try not to make it obvious that I'm internally panicking about this whole "Niall might have gotten Allie pregnant" situation, but my mouth instantly goes try and I feel my stomach flip a few times.

"You're not pathetic, or an idiot; you're just in love," I force a smile and pat his back once before standing up, "I'm sure she'll be okay. We'll be there soon. I'm just going to get a drink; would you like something?"

I also try to hide my relief when he thanks me, but declines, because I can't wait to get to a safe, lonely spot and let this new information sink in. I round the corner near the cockpit and hold myself up against the counter.

Niall might have gotten his sister-in-law pregnant. My boyfriend, whom I lost my virginity to last night, might be a father in nine months. Niall might have a baby on the way.

No matter how I say it in my head, it doesn't get better. Really, it get's worse. So bad, in fact, that I barely retrieve a motion sickness bag before I lose what little food that's in my stomach. I vomit a few times and toss the bag in the garbage, immediately rinsing my mouth out with water and spitting it into the small sink. I try to take a few deep breaths; but, I know it won't help.

What am I supposed to do, though? It's not as though he cheated on me. I mean, I already knew about them having sex, so a baby should have always been in the back of my head. I'm an idiot for not thinking it to be a possibility. Besides, I can't say anything now anyway! We're on our way to Ireland to see if this woman is even going to live. Niall is so broken up about it that I can't bear to make things worse by bringing stupid relationship drama into the mix.

Hell, she could be dying. She could not even be pregnant. If she is, an accident could have terminated the pregnancy.

The options that would technically cure my problem, make everything seem worse. I could never wish any of that on someone. I'm going to have to suck it up and act like everything is totally fine. I have to be supportive for right now and then, I can deal with the rest at an appropriate time.
I nod my head, agreeing with my inner thoughts, and grab a can of ginger ale from the refrigerator. I open it and retrieve a tissue to wipe away the few tears of overwhelming anxiety that have fallen.
I hope to god I look presentable as I reappear through the curtain to find everyone in their original seats. I smile curtly and sit next to Niall, offering him a sip of my drink, which he accepts. He takes a sip and leans over to press a chaste kiss to my jaw, just under my ear. He whispers quietly, "What did he say?"

I take a sip of the soda, hoping that it will get rid of the disgusting taste in my mouth, and whisper back, quietly enough to not be heard by Greg, "He just apologized about how he acted."
Niall nods and gathers my hand in his, squeezing it lovingly, "I'm glad."

I smile despite myself and intertwine our fingers, just as the pilot speaks over the speaker, "We are now preparing for landing, so make sure your seat-belts are fastened."

Niall pulls his hand away, but only long enough to strap me into the seat, followed by himself. He holds my hand tightly as we begin to descend and all I can think about is how the ginger ale isn't helping and my stomach is turning again.


____________


NIALL'S P.O.V.

The ride from Dublin to Mullingar is excruciating. Allie's sister sends Greg a text when we land, telling us that we only have about two hours left of visiting time for the day. By the time we arrive at the hospital, that's down to an hour and I feel anger boiling in me. Hospital visiting hours make me so upset, because people die there and who are they to tell someone that their loved ones can't be there because of the time?

Hannah assures me it'll be okay, though, because then we can get settled at the house and finally sleep a little. I doubt I'll sleep, though. Not with this happening and not in that house.
I hate that I brought Hannah here. I hate that I have to be here. I hate everything about this country right now.

All I can do, though, is make the best of it.

We pull into the hospital car park and I feel my nerves take over. My skin feels hot and my palms begin to sweat. I try to take my right hand away from Hannah, but she squeezes tighter, bringing the back of my hand to her lips and kissing it comfortingly.

"Megan said she'd meet us outside of the East Wing," he turns his attention to the cab driver, "Follow the signs to the East Wing, please."

I have chills the entire time we're unloading the cab and paying the driver. Hannah doesn't leave my side and it makes me feel a bit guilty for roping her into this mess.

Greg spots Megan immediately and she pushes a large stroller our way. Her face is pale and she has dark bags under her eyes, from lack of sleep, I assume. Greg drags her into a crushing hug, which she returns with unending tears.

I kiss Hannah's forehead before approaching Allie's sister, because I don't want her to feel like I'm abandoning her now that we're here. When Greg steps away, Megan practically runs into my arms, sobbing into my shoulder and uttering inaudible things. She sniffs and kisses my cheek, resting her hand protectively on the baby stroller, "I'm so glad you guys are here. It's just been absolute hell."

I nod, gulping nervously, unable to think of something to say. Greg interjects before I have to, though, "We honestly wouldn't even be here so soon if it weren't for Niall's girlfriend here," he steps aside and ushers Hannah over, "She got us here before there was even a flight available for us."

Megan cries some more and awkwardly tugs Hannah into a hug as well. Hannah resists for a second, taken completely by surprise, but soon hugs her back.
Megan pulls away sooner than with Greg and I, but rubs her arm gratefully, "Thank you so much,-"

"Hannah; I'm Hannah, and you're more than welcome. I'm glad I could help."

There aren't any actual smiles exchanged, but a few solemn ones are plastered on the girls' faces.

Once she's satisfied with the love-fest, Megan digs through her purse and finds a set of keys, "Go ahead and put your luggage in my car and then we can head up."

I nod and pick up mine and Hannah's bags, following Megan to her mini-van.

"Quite the mum car, yeah?" I budge her shoulder with mine playfully and she scoffs, "Yeah, never thought you'd see the day old wild Meg settled down, did ya?"

I shake my head and open the trunk, stuffing our things in, but leaving enough room for Greg's bag.

Once the car is locked, the four (and a half, if you count Meg's sleeping baby) of us make our way silently and glumly into the hospital. We receive visitor's badges and follow Megan to an elevator. The hospital is dim and lifeless, bringing back way too many awful memories for my liking.
When we reach Allie's floor, Megan leads us to an empty waiting room and sits down, "A lot of family was here today, but they left at least an hour ago. I think it's best that you go in one at a time for now. The doctors don't want her mind to be overwhelmed."

Greg and I nod. I silently usher him to go first. It's only right that he does and he pats my shoulder before rounding the corner and heading toward room 310. When he's gone, Megan stands up and politely asks Hannah to keep an eye on Sophie for a minute while she speaks to me privately.
Hannah genuinely smiles and assures her that she'd be happy to watch her. My heart pounds as I follow Megan out into the hall, out of sight and earshot from everyone. That's when she truly breaks down, constant tears falling and mumbled words leaving her mouth, "Niall, she tried to tell you... she called and... she- she's pregnant."

My racing heart sinks at her words. She practically collapses against my chest and I hardly find it within myself to wrap my arms around her trembling body.

That's why I had missed calls. Had the accident happened while she was trying to call me? I can't
live with myself if that's the case.

I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I feel utterly useless and wish I could be anywhere but here, "I need to go."

"But-"

Megan tries to stop me, but I pull away and return to the room where Hannah is seated, gently rocking the stroller back and forth, "Hannah, come on. We're going to the house."

She stares at me questioningly, but doesn't wait long to stand up and grab her purse.

"Niall! You can't just leave like this-"

"I can," I turn to Megan and fight the tears and anger that are trying to burst through, "We'll be at the old house and I'll call you tonight, okay?"

She protests momentarily, but nods soon after, "Just don't freak out, alright? Don't do anything crazy."

I barely nod, by no means finding the power to respond. Megan finds her purse and pulls the keys out, "Take my car. Marshall is coming in a bit anyway, so he'll take me and Greg home. Please, be careful."

I thank her and try to soften my expression for a moment. I can't imagine how confused Hannah must be, and I hate myself more for the pain I'm bound to end up causing her.

I know that no one is out to get me, but everything is crashing around me, and I need to get away.

I just hate that I have to escape to that house.

Notes

SORRY AGAIN for making you wait forever :( I'm terrible and you all probably hate me lol. It's almost 4 am, otherwise I would write more in my notes.
Please vote and subscribe if you haven't yet. Also, please comment because your comments keep me writing <3 Let me know what you think about to story and let me know how you've all been xx


This is how I picture Megan: (Leslie Mann)

god he's gorgeous