They Don't Know About Us

“I’m going to miss you.” I said quietly as Niall and I stood in the loading zone at the hotel. His arms were wrapped around me as my head laid on his chest. I felt him kiss my head and lay his on top of mine.

“I’ll miss you too. But hey, I’ll be back in less than a month to see you for New Year’s Eve.” He said as I looked up at him. He smiled down at me, his ice blue eyes sparkling. His blonde hair was peaking out from underneath a backwards snap back He brushed a strand of hair from my face tucking it behind my ear.

“Come on man.” Zayn said slapping Niall on the shoulder. I had already said my goodbyes to the boys the night before. I hadn’t talked to Harry since the night I broke up with him and I didn’t plan on it.

I looked at Niall who was still smiling slightly. He dipped his head and crashed his lips with mine. The crowd of fans gathered around the hotel went crazy but I didn’t care. I just didn’t want him to leave.

“I love you.” He whispered into my ear while wrapping me in another Horan hug.

“I love you too.” And with that, he kissed my forehead and climbed into the large black car.

***

It had been a few days since the boys left. Paps were worse than usual due to the moment Niall and I had before he left. My Twitter was blowing up with fans asking questions about if we’re dating or not, and truth be told I wasn’t really sure.

I loved Niall, I knew that much, but where we stood on this whole relationship thing, I had no clue. I guess I would just have to wait and see how everything panned out.

***

“What do you think of this?” Ryder asked as she held up a sparkly skirt as we shopped for things to wear for New Year’s Eve.

“Eh, I don’t like it for this. I mean it’s really cute if we were going to a club, but we’re not and you’ll freeze your ass off if you wear that to Times Square.” I laughed as my phone began to ring. Ryder returned the skirt to the rack as I picked up my phone.

“Hello?”

“Taylor! Love how are you?” A familiar voice rang. I recognized the soft voice as Anne, Harry’s mom.

“Anne! I’m okay, how are you?” I said confused as to why she was calling me. Ryder looked at me confused before she continued to search through clothes.

“I’m lovely. Listen, I was just out and about with Gem and she brought up you. I realized how long it’s been since you last visited Cheshire, and decided to ring you and invite you over here next weekend. It’d be lovely to catch up with you.” She explained.

I was taken aback, but part of me wasn’t. I always knew Anne like me, even when she didn’t know about Harry and I. It’s like we instantly bonded, same with Gemma. They were like a second family to me.

“Well, I mean it’s short notice, but I’d love to!” I smiled.

“Great! I’ll see you then love!” She said cheerfully.

“Alright, see you Anne!” I said and hung up. I turned to Ryder; she was leaned up against a wall staring at me confused.

“Well, it looks like I’m going to Cheshire next weekend.” I muttered continuing to look through the racks of clothes. I heard Ryder sigh before she did the same.

***

I touched down in Manchester and was immediately swarmed by paps asking questions about Niall. I hadn’t even told him I was in town, but I wanted to get to Anne’s house first.

I couldn’t help but be nervous that Harry might be there. I still hadn’t spoken to him, but he was constantly on my mind. Everything I did, saw, or heard reminded me of him. I missed him so much, but he hurt me terribly. I wanted to hate him so badly, but I couldn’t I knew my love for him would overrule anything that crossed my mind.

My phone vibrated as a text from Niall came through.

Lucky: hey princess, um, I just wanted to let you know that you’ve been on my mind. I miss you. I hope to see you soon. Love ya xxx

My heart swelled at his words, making me smile a bit.

Me: hey, I miss you too. You will, I promise. Love ya too :)

Part of me wanted to call Harry, but the other part knowing I couldn’t and shouldn’t give into him like I always do. I needed to stay strong and away from him.

***

Before I could even knock on the door, it swung open and I was pulled into a bear hug by Anne. She kissed my cheek before putting me at arm’s length and looking at me. I pushed my sunglasses on top of my head.

“Oh love, you look gorgeous as always!” She exclaimed. Gemma rounded the corner with a large smile.

“Taylor! How are you?” She asked engulfing me in a hug.

“I’m good, how are you guys?” I asked as they welcomed me into the warm house.

“Fantastic!” Gemma smiled. I looked around in search for signs of Harry’s presence. Gemma interrupted my search saying, “He’s not here. Don’t worry. He’s out with her.” She spoke; her face contorted into a disgusted sneer.

I felt my heart sink. He was still with her.

“Oh really? Um, w-when did she get in town?” I asked scratching my head.

“Just yesterday. They just got in from a ski trip. It’s apparently the little princess’ birthday.” Anne scoffed.

“Um, do you know where exactly they went on this little trip?” I asked.

“Utah I think.”

My heart definitely sank. That was supposed to be my trip. My trip with Harry. The trip we talked about for months and months. My Utah, my ski trip.

Gemma and Anne obviously noticed my discomfort; changing the subject.

“So what’s been going on in your life?” Anne asked as she poured us some tea.

“Um, I’ve been preparing for the New Years Eve performance and Skyping Niall mostly.” I answered taking a sip from the mug.

“So are you and Niall?” Gemma asked.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

***

“Oh, I probably need to take this. I’ll be right back.” I said walking into the hall and answering my phone.

“Hey. I’ve been meaning to call you, I kind of got um held up.” I said.

“It’s fine, where are you exactly?” He asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Um, why do you ask?” I questioned.

“Oh, just because I looked through my Twitter a fan tweeted me a picture of you, in an airport that looked a lot like Manchester’s.”

“Yeah, about that. I’m in Cheshire visiting Anne and Gemma. I wanted to surprise you tonight and go out, but I guess now I can’t.” I replied.

He chuckled, “Well the thought was really sweet, and we can still go out if you want. It’s ladies’ night at Funky Buddha.”

I laughed, “I’d love to.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to you in a bit.” He said.

“Kay, bye.” I said hanging up. I found myself in Harry’s old room. It smelled like him. Old pictures of him and friends hung on the walls. I noticed a newer picture beside his bed.

My heart broke at the sight of the happy couple that we used to be. So absorbed in each other. Crazy in love. Louis took it when I came to visit them on tour for the first time. Harry and I had been together only a few months then, yet we still couldn’t get enough of each other. I wished we could just rewind time and go back to how we used to be, before all of this Haylor stuff.

I held the picture close to my chest and let a few tears escape.

“He still loves you, you know.” I heard Anne say behind me. I sniffled as more tears fell. “He’s crazy about you. Always has been, always will be.”

“I just don’t see how he could just throw everything we had away for one stupid publicity stunt.” I cried.

“I know hun, neither can I. Harry’s always been one of those who doesn’t know what he has until it’s gone. I love him to bits, but sometimes the choices he makes aren’t what’s really best for him.” She said wiping away my tears and wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

“I still love him Anne. I-I really do, so much.” I sniffled. “He just hurt me so badly with all of this, I can’t push past it. I just can’t.”

***

I returned to the living room after I had fixed my makeup. I heard Gemma talk in a hushed tone and I continued to walk through the archway. I stopped dead in my tracks as my eyes landed on them.

There they were. Together. My heart sank into my stomach, I began to feel as if I was going to be sick. I opened my mouth to say something, but choked on my words not being able to get anything out.

Harry looked at me, stunned. I knew I was mirroring his reaction. Taylor stood there and scoffed at me. I still couldn’t tear my eyes away from Harry.

“I-I have to go. Thanks for having me Anne. It was really great catching up. Bye Gem. I’ll call you.” I said choking up and gathering my things. I swallowed back the tears threatening to spill over if I stayed much longer.

I brushed past the two and went out the door. I let out the breath I had been holding when I reached my rental car. I didn’t even open the door before I broke down again. I climbed in and sobbed into my hands. The anger and the hurt I felt was indescribable. I felt broken.

***

After the events that happened earlier, I decided to push it all aside to have a good night with Niall.

I hadn’t told him of my encounter today, he just knows I went over there to see Anne and Gemma, I planned on it staying that way.

As we walked into the club, Niall held my hand in his leading me through the crowd of paparazzi. Flashes everywhere making me cling to Niall’s arm. He finally pulled us into the club. It was already full of life as a new Drake song played through the speakers.

Niall still held my hand as he led us back to a VIP booth where Perrie, Eleanor, and Danielle sat. They squealed at the sight of me jumping up to engulf me in a hug.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Danielle yelled over the loud music.

“Just decided to drop in!” I smiled.

“Well I’m so glad you’re here!” Eleanor smiled hugging me.

“As am I.” Perrie squealed.

The girls and I talked as the boys fetched our drinks. It was nice just having a few minutes of girl time with them. I missed them terribly. They were like my sisters, I could always turn to them.

“So have you watched the latest interview of the boys?” Perrie asked in my ear.

I shook my head no taking a sip of my drink. “Niall said he wasn’t single anymore. What’s going on?”

I shrugged. “Not really sure. But I guess I’m his girlfriend now.” I giggled.

“I don’t think Harry’s too happy about it.”

“Well he’s obviously moved on, so why can’t I at least try?” I asked.

“You have a point.” She giggled. “Um, to new beginnings?” She said raising her glass.

“To new beginnings.” I smiled clinking my glass with hers, looking over at Niall who was having the time of his life on the dance floor. I giggled and downed my drink before pushing myself from my seat and stalking over to the Irish cutie.

He smiled as he saw me near him. His hands immediately found my waist, wrapping his arms tightly around me. I smiled as he dipped his head and kissed me passionately. I heard a few cheers coming from our table and around us. I giggled breaking from him, blushing. He kissed my cheek, this marking the beginning of a great night.

***

Waking up next to Niall was definitely something I could get used to. His face was nuzzled into my neck, blonde hair tickling my skin. A strong arm draped over my bare stomach. I reached my hand up to run my fingers through his messy locks, my other rested on his bicep of the arm draped across me. He stirred, tightening his arm around me. I really didn’t know what time it was, it was hard to tell with the storm blowing outside.

As I laid there continuing to run my fingers through his hair, the memories made last night replayed in my mind making me smile. With Niall, everything was special. I was honestly glad I remembered, glad it wasn’t some drunken night I’d forget about.

I felt lips on my neck causing my thoughts to be interrupted. I smiled as Niall brought his face up to meet mine. His lips ghosted over mine before pressing them firmly to mine.

“Good morning beautiful.” He smiled breaking the kiss.

“Morning.” I smiled. “Are you hungry?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“What kind of question is that?” He laughed. I rolled my eyes beginning to get up but was pulled back down.

“Last night, was incredible.” He murmured into my neck. I blushed.

“Yes it was.” I smiled bringing his face up to mine to kiss him once more.

We broke and I pulled myself from him successfully. I slipped on his shirt walking out the door.

***

As I cooked Niall and I some lunch I turned on the TV to catch up on the latest gossip.

“…One Direction’s Niall Horan and singer Taylor Moore are official.” Guliana said as a clip from one of the boys’ interviews played.

“So who is single now?” The interviewer asked. None of the boys raised their hands. Niall’s smile was undeniably bright.

“So all of you have girlfriends now?” He asked. They all nodded. “I’m curious Niall, who has finally stolen your heart?”

“This one really amazing girl. She’s my best friend and she’s just really amazing.” He said blushing like mad.

I looked to Harry who was looking down sadly. Louis patted his leg comfortingly.

“So there you have it. Sorry One Direction fans, but all of the boys are taken! I’m Guliana Rancic, and this has been E! News.”

I didn’t know what to think. Was I excited or was I still upset about the whole Harry thing? Of course I was still upset, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t be happy with Niall. Right?

My thoughts were interrupted when a pair of arms encircled my waist. I smiled as he pressed his lips to my jaw.

“There’s that pretty smile I love.” He murmured. I blushed as he kissed my cheek.

***

“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Niall asked walking into the living room adjusting his snap back.

“Niall, I’m fine. I’m not a big fan of soccer. I’m sure you and Zayn will have a great time.” I smiled.

He sighed, leaning down to kiss me tenderly.

“I’ll be back soon.” He said walking towards the door.

“I’ll be here!” I shouted after him laughing. I heard his cackle before the door shut making me laugh.

***

After a few hours of tidying up here and there I finally laid down on the couch wrapping myself in a blanket. I turned on the TV flipping through the channels before I stopped on one. Love Actually was on. Mine and Harry’s favorite Christmas movie. I felt my heart clench as I began to watch.

Just as I was about to doze off, I heard a knock at the door. I checked my phone. 12:32 A.M. I groaned standing from the couch running my hand through my messy locks. I padded to the door cutting on the little porch light before opening the door.

I was shocked, “H-Harry?”

Notes