Just as Much

Erica's POV


I sit for what feels like hours. Niall at my side, Olly had excused himself, his ride coming to pick him up. I say nothing. I'm numb. Staring off into space. I feel Niall leave my side and notice another voice in the hallway.



“How is she?” I recognize it as Allison's but I stay put.



“I've never seen her like this.” Niall tells her as I hear their footsteps getting closer. I still have my feet curled up to my chest as I rock back and forth. I don't know what I'm going to do.



“Erica?” I turn to see Allison leaning against the door frame, Niall by her side carrying a small bag. I turn to her slowly, and see her face fall just a bit. I'm sure I'm a mess. I can feel my face tight from dried tears that have fallen.



“Hi.” I almost squeak, my throat rough from the sobs. She enters the room cautiously and sits next to me, Niall still at the door.



“Have you talked to anyone?” She asks, I'm assuming she's referring to my landlord. I shake my head no in response. “Your mum?” She asks again.



“She flew to LA yesterday to be with Simon over the summer.” This time Allison nods, she knows my mom's situation.



“Well, I brought you some of my clothes.” She motions to Niall who holds up the bag and brings it over, setting it at my feet. “It's not a lot, but enough to get you through a few days I hope.”



“I'll leave you two alone for a bit. You guys need anything?” He asks. It's weird to have him taking care of me. I don't mind it, I'm just used to being the one who helps him out.



“No thanks Niall. Thank you.” Allison takes over as Niall nods and bows out of the room, quietly and quickly. I know extreme situations like this always make him nervous, so I appreciate him being calm and collected while I fall apart. “So can you stay at your mum's?” I haven't even thought of not being able to stay at home. I blink rapidly as I try and process things. It's like I didn't even think of not sleeping in my bed, I just thought of my stuff being gone.



“She's having her place renovated. Told me about it when I had dinner with her.” I tell her with a stone face. Of course this would happen. Of course.



“Okay, um, what about your grandparents?” She asks, trying to come up with people. I shake my head.



“They moved to Sheffield last year when my grandma's sister's husband died.” I try to choke down my tears once again. “Can't I just stay with you?” I ask, hopeful.



“I just have the studio, I sleep on the couch as it is because my bed hasn't come in.” She informs me and my hopes just fall. This has suddenly been the day from hell.



“Erica?” I see Niall appear out of nowhere, catching me off guard.



“I'll leave soon Niall, I promise.” I tell him, I have no where but I can't stay here, this isn't my house.



“You can stay here.” He whispers, almost nervous. I look up abruptly, I'm sure my jaw is dropped.



“What?” I asked, stunned.



“Well.” He starts, not looking at us as we both stare at him. “I mean, I have two extra bedrooms. And I'll be leaving in a week for a month so you can just stay here, take care of the place for me. You'll be coming here at least once a week when I'm gone anyway.” He shrugs his shoulders.



“Oh, Niall. I couldn't impose.” I finally let my legs down and suddenly don't know what to do with my arms.
“It's no big deal. I have the space.” His lips form a tight smile.



“I think it's a great idea Niall!” Allison is suddenly chipper next to me. I notice them look at each other, did they just have a moment? What the hell?



“You're my friend Erica.” He smiles at me. “Just stay here.”



I take a deep breath. “Okay, I guess.” I really have no other options except staying at a hotel, and even with my mom's help I simply can't afford it.



Niall claps his hands as if in victory. “Good! Now cheer up! You're staying with Niall Horan from One Direction!” I laugh. Niall always knows how to cheer me up.


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“All right, you ready to go?” Allison asks me as I button my coat.



“I think so.” I pull my wallet out of my bag, extremely thankful that I left my books and laptop in my car yesterday after my classes. I don't know what I would do if I lost my laptop. It has my life on it.



“Where are you two going?” Niall calls from the hallway.



“Erica needs new things. We're going to pick things up for her at John Lewis and Harrods.” Allison answers him. I feel like someone who is just going through the motions. I'm just following what Allison is telling me. If she told me to jump, I wouldn't even think about it, I'm on auto.



“Do you need anything Niall?” I suddenly find my voice, almost a shock to myself.



“No Erica, thank you. Get some things for yourself and we can just hang out tonight.” He suddenly appears from the kitchen, giving me a sympathetic look, occasionally glancing at his phone.



“Well come on, lets get a move on Erica.” Allison pulls at my arm towards the door. I find myself sitting in the passenger seat, zoning out yet again as Allison drive to John Lewis. She takes the lead, grabbing a trolly and putting things in it left and right. It's nice when your best friend knows what kind of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and deodorant you use. I follow behind her, picking out a toothbrush, hairbrush, my make up. I can't believe I'm here. Starting over with all my things. It's expensive enough but to have to buy it all at once is overwhelming.



I find myself pausing and my shoulders start to shake, I know it's coming.



“No. None of that.” Allison scoots back to me. “No crying Erica. We'll get you new stuff. You'll get money from your renters insurance. Everything will be fine.” She rubs my back as I try to collect myself in the middle of the isle, taking a few deep breaths. “You good?” She asks and I just nod. “Okay, since Niall is letting you stay with him we don't need sheets or pillows, towels, so that's good. We just need everything else.” She tries to get me to laugh and I at least crack a smile.



When our trolly is practically overflowing, I have yet to get clothes. Allison keeps checking her phone and texting.



“You have plans tonight?” I ask her and she shields her phone from me. Not something she usually does.



“No, just talking to the teacher I worked with today about a student.” She tells me and I know she's lying but I don't feel like pushing it.



“Okay, I need clothes. Dress clothes for school, leggins and jeans for Niall's.” We start walking in that direction as I mindlessly pick up socks, a few bras, underwear, jeans. I grab a few pairs of leggings and tights, some tank tops, pajama pants. I've never spent this much money at one time before.



“All right, lets try these things on and go back for more!” Allison pulls things out and ushers me to the fitting rooms. Thank god for a good best friend.



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“All right, well I have to get back and let my dog out, he's been alone for quite a while today. “Allison tells me as we pull to a stop in front of Niall's house. So weird to think that this is where I'll be staying now. But he'll be leaving in a week then I'll have the house to myself until I find a place. Odd to think about.



“Thank you so much Allison.” I hug her over the center console and unbuckle my seat belt. I hear a door open and shut to see Niall coming out with no coat or shoes on. “Niall, you'll freeze!” I tell him.



“I was just coming out to help carry your bags.” He walks past me and opens the back to pull bags out. “Bye Allison, nice seeing you again.” He tells her as he walks back in the house. I simply shake my head and kneel in the back seat to get the rest of my things.



“What?” I ask Allison as she's grinning at me.



“Oh nothing. Have fun with Niall.” She raises her eyebrows.


“It's not like that Ally Cat.” I smile as she just shakes her head. “Thanks for the day again.”



“It's what best friends are for!” She shifts her car in gear again. “I'll see you tomorrow for drinks?” She smiles.



“Yes ma'am.” I slam the car door and watch her drive off as I make my way back to the house, thankfully Niall left the door open for me so I wouldn't struggle with everything.



“I thought you could sleep in the room across from mine, it's further down the hall and quieter, and it has a bathroom so it's more private.” He suggests scratching the back of his head.



“That sounds good. Thank you again, Niall, for letting me stay here. It's only temporary, I swear.” I walk down the hall as Niall follows me.



“I don't mind. You're as quiet as a church mouse Erica. And like I said I'll be gone for most of the summer on tour so you can stay as long as possible.” He pushes open the door for me and I notice he's already put my things on the bed when I see other bags.



“What's that?” I ask dropping my things on the floor.



“What's what?” He asks as I point to some dresses, jumpers, and trousers that I know I didn't buy. “Oh those.” He lets out a slight laugh. “Well, I was texting Allison about your sizes, hopefully you don't think I'm intruding too much, and I picked out a few things for you.” I stand there shocked.



“You didn't have to do this Niall.” I shake my head and turn to him.



“I know, but that's what friends do. I picked them out online and had a friend pick them up for you. I can return them if you don't like them.” He crosses his arms, looks quite nervous.



“I'm sure they're just perfect. Thank you Niall.” I turn to him and wrap my arms around his body and hold tight. I can't believe his gratitude.



“Not a problem.” He hugs me for a little longer before I pull away. “All right, well get your things sorted, I'll start making some dinner.” He smiles and claps his hands together, leaving me alone in my new room.

Notes

Hey everyone!! I'm copying this from my moms iPad so sorry if things are jumbled! My computer decided to not function so hopefully it will get fixed soon. We just came home from the super long car ride from Texas, my aunt and uncle are a no go on cable or internet, hence no updates!!

Thanks so much to everyone who has read, voted, commented, and subscribed! Means a lot to me! :)


Hope everyone enjoys this update, I've got lots in store for these two!

Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has a peaceful day filled with love!

xoxoxo