Shattered

Third Person's P.O.V-

Niall walked in, many thoughts rushing through his head. Angelica, or Ruby, was no different. The worst scenarios played over and over again in her mind. She was risking a lot by letting him in, and she knew it. Yet, something kept her calm and decided to open up.

She guided Niall to the couch and offered for him to sit down. He did and began looking around the house, suddenly spotting the little dog bed next to the couch. He smiled to himself, remembering the reason he was in this part of town. He wanted a pet himself, only he wasn't sure what to get. Angel watched him carefully and recalled all of her 'new' manners. As a soon to be huge name in the fashion industry, she thought she might need a bit more etiquette.

"Can I offer you some tea, coffee perhaps?" She smiled politely at him. Her sudden statement caught him a bit off guard. He looked up as soon as she began speaking. He was expecting a "So, what brings you here?" or even a "Do you want anything? Maybe some cookies?" but definitely not this uptight and extremely well mannered young woman. She changed a lot. He nodded slowly. She nodded once, still smiling politely and stood up.

"So, what will it be? Tea, or coffee?" She asked again, keeping the elegant smile on. He frowned a bit. But answered anyway.

"Tea, please" He said ever so politely. She nodded again and disappeared inside. Little Jake was in his bedroom. He had run straight up when his mother opened the door. He had his new friend on his lap, and he was petting her.

"You know, I don't think mom's very happy that Uncle Niall showed up, I think she isn't ready yet" He commented. The little creature looked up with it's big brown eyes and it almost seemed as if it was truly going to answer. But of course, that's nonsense.

"I just wonder what is happening down there.... Probably adult conversation, though I doubt it could be possible with Uncle Niall around" He chuckled to himself slightly.

Downstairs there was no such thing as a sound. Niall sat there, staring straight ahead, worrying about his old friend's behavior. She seemed so grown up, so mature and distant. He knew she was already mature for her age, but this is ridiculous, he thought. Sure, her past was tough, and maybe it embarrassed her a hell lot, but why abandon them? Why leave? Why change so much? Why? Why? Why? Why?!

"Here you go! I don't know how you like your tea so I brought sugar just in case" She smiled and set the tray on the small table in front of them and picked up her porcelain cup and plate and sipped. That was a lie, she knew very well how he liked it: Two spoons of sugar mixed with a bit of honey. She would've brought the honey, but she still thought she could convince him that she was not who he was looking for.

"You know damn well how I like my tea" Niall spat harshly yet he didn't raise his voice one bit. It sounded menacing, but Angelica didn't even flinch. She just placed her plate and cup back down and stared at him for a few seconds before sighing.

"I wish I could help you, Mr. Horan" She said sincerely. Niall, who had looked down after his outburst, tensed. She had to be lying.

"I'm just not the person you're looking for" She said sadly. Niall thought it was a lie, but you see, it's not. The Angel he knew is no longer living, she is dead. She was dumped into the trash. Her boyish clothes and somewhat relaxed composure were replaced by dresses and heels and a perfect posture. Niall just didn't want to accept it.

"Then how come your smile is the same?! How come your voice didn't change?! How come you still have the same hair?! How come your eyes are the same?! Your face didn't change either! It's still you! Angelica Ruby Cowell or Angelica Maria Greyson, you're still the same Angel to me!" He yelled now. He was frustrated. He seemed so calm when he entered the house. Maybe it was the act that put him off, the constant denial that is, or maybe he just had extremely mixed emotions right now.

"Mr. Horan I-"

"No! Don't call me that! You know me! You bloody took care of me! And now?! Now I'm Mr. Horan again? Just like the first day we met?!" He began shouting but his voice lowered with each word until it was barely above a whisper. Angelica was shocked to say the least, but she wasn't going to break her walls that easily. It took a little over a year to re-build them and she wasn't going to knock all that work over the past. Because that's what he was to her: the past. The torturous past that haunted her. The new job after hell. The first real friends, and first kiss too. Somehow, they brought too many memories and wishes back, and she was too ashamed to keep her relationship with them, especially after all the words Harry had said that day a year ago.

"I'm sorry" She finally said after a moments of awkward silence. The same silence came back, and now it was so thick that you could feel it pressuring both their lungs as they both tried to speak but no words came out.

"No. I'm sorry" Niall finally said, cutting the thick uncomfortable silence.

"Why?" Angelica asked, genuinely curious. Last time she checked, she was the that abandoned them, she thought.

"For yelling, for coming back into your life so suddenly. I don't even know if you want us back in your life! Hell! There must be a reason you left in the first place, right?" He began ranting. Angelica felt herself tear up but at the same time smile.

"Oh Niall!" She exclaimed before throwing her arms around him. He immediately hugged back and she began crying silently, letting the tears smear her makeup and soak his top. They both pulled away and stared at each other smiling.

"My baby's grown so much!" She laughed lightly and patted his cheek, using her other hand to wipe her tears.

"I'm glad I found you" Niall said, tearing up himself and hugging her again. This was one strange reunion, but it could be the new breath of an old friendship...

Notes