Just as Much

Niall's POV



I wake up on Saturday feeling as though yesterday was a dream, more like nightmare. I felt terrible for Erica. I can't imagine watching as all of her things go up in flames and how she can't do anything about it.



The small gesture of offering her a place to live and buying her some clothes is the least I could do. I just wanted to help her as much as she's helped me. I know she does more then she needs to. She doesn't have to cook for me, or fix my hair, help me organize my schedule, wake me up if I'm late, help me pack or pick out clothes to wear, but she does. So giving her a place to stay and picking out some jumpers and trousers is nothing for how much I owe her.



Last night we stayed in, Erica washed up all of her new things and I tried to help her fold them but apparently I don't fold correctly so she put me on dish duty from dinner. I tried to get her to stay up but she insisted on heading to bed early, stating she was exhausted from the day's terrible events and needed rest. So I went out with some friends and ended up not getting home till close to three am. These blackout curtains help when I sleep until 11. Once again, thanks Erica.



I flip the covers back in place and see Erica's door (odd to think about now) wide open, her things all expertly hidden, bed made to perfection. It still looks like a guest room. I make my way to the kitchen, stomach grumbling when I see Erica all curled up on the couch, reading a book. I've never really seen her so relaxed in my house. She's always moving.



“Good Morning.” I tell her as I walk towards her, she looks up from her book.



“Morning. Almost afternoon.” She fold over the page of her book and places it on the table, pulling the blanket up around her. “Would you like anything for breakfast?” She asks, stretching her arms.



“I can get it Erica. You're up early?” I ask sitting down across from her.



“Yeah, I had to stop by the office and just make sure things are running smoothly. My mom's in LA now but her assistant, Victoria, is running things. So I stayed for about two hours and stopped by my building.” She ruffles with her hair.



“How are things there?” I ask cautiously.



“Um, burned?” She lets out a nervous laugh. “I talked to my land lord and they're thinking it was an electrical fire. Old building, might not have been up to code, he only bought the building a few years ago. But he hasn't talked to his insurance company, a lot of damage so he doesn't think things will be back in order for quite a while.” She looks glum.



“Well like I said, you can stay here as long as you want.” It's true. We get along, I have the space.



“Thank you Niall.” She pulls the blanket over her arms again.



“What are you reading?' I look over at what she has gently tossed on the table earlier.



“Ah, it's just a fun book. Not required for my classes. It's Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. Have you read it?” She asks.



“No.” She makes me feel stupid. But not for real if that makes sense, she reads these books and takes these classes, when she talks about them she's like a historical muse, she doesn't want to make you feel stupid, she never makes fun of me for what I don't know or what I don't read. She just educates me. “Tell me about it?' I ask picking up the book, thumbing through the pages. I see her face light up instantly.



“Well, it's set during the Italian campaign of World War I, about this American man who is a Lieutenant in the ambulance corps of the Italian Army. It's like a love affair between Frederic, the main character, and Catherine. But it also focuses on the fighting, the displacement of people, bitter soldiers, and their journey together.” She tells me and I nod, soaking it all in.



“How does it end?” I ask.



“You should read it, I think you'd like it.” I roll my eyes. “Oh come on Niall, it's not all about romance. It's about the war too and how it takes it's toll on the human spirit.”



“Doesn't seem like my cup of tea.” I put the book back down and lean back at her.



“Well you'll never know until you try.”



“Have you read it before?” I ask.



“Of course, but just a few times. It's like a book of comfort for me. If that makes any sense. Plans for the day?” She asks.



“I don't know, went out last night with a few people. I'll just see what the day brings. You?” I haven't really figured out what to do today.



“Allison, a few friends, and I are headed out for some drinks, I think I need it.” Her lips form a tight smile.



“A few drinks will do you good!” I reach over and shake her leg. “Let's see what football games are on, it is Saturday.” I find the remote and lean back resting my whole body on the couch as I flip through the channels.



----------------------------------
We ended up lounging all day. Erica is actually more interested in football then I thought but after two games she checked out and decided to take a nap since she got up so early. Its kind of weird to have someone else in my house but with Erica it's different because I'm so used to her being here. I'm not going to lie and say it's nice to have her around. It's not like I see her every day.



My front gate buzzes and I get up to see Allison's car waiting so I let her through and open the front door so she can just come in. Erica has been getting ready for the last hour in her room. I laugh to myself, her room.



“Hey Niall.” Allison comes in, dragging her feet on the rug and slipping her shoes off.



“Hi Allison, you look nice.” I lean on the back of the couch, trying to act casual, I'm not ever good at it, always come off a bit awkward but I try to hid it.



“Ah thanks.” She looks down and straightens her ivory shirt and mint skinny jeans. “Erica ready yet?” She pulls out her phone and messes around with it, waiting for my response.



“Uh, no, I don't think so. She said something about calling her mum earlier.” This got Allison's attention fast.



“Her mum?” I nod and Allison lets out a groan. “Well at least I know she'll be ready to drink for sure now.” She laughs a bit which has me confused, I just always assumed Erica and her mum got along well, I must have made an involuntary face because Allison quickly responded. “You have no idea Niall, maybe she'll tell you eventually.” This really has me confused. “So have you and Erica, you know?” She raises her eyebrows over and over again making me laugh.



“Seriously Allison? She just spent her first night in the house yesterday, and her flat burned up. I'm not like that.” I shake my head.



“But it's perfect Niall, she's in a traumatic mind set, you can help fix things, be her knight and shinning armor, love for the rest of your life!” She claps her hands, girls get too giddy for me.



“I don't think so Allison.”



“Well don't take too long. That girl won't be single her whole life.” I bite the inside of my cheek, I've always known when Erica has had a boyfriend and I'm not going to lie, it always made me a little sad.



“All right! Allison, you ready?” Erica yells out from down the hall, snapping our attention to her. My eyes all but go wide when I see her walking down the hall. Strutting more then walking, huge smile on her face. Hair perfectly straight, dark eyes, red lips, and heals. High, high heals. Short dress. Legs, legs for days, how have I never noticed them before? I feel my jaw has dropped slightly as I snap back into attention and try to reserve my composure.“You like it?' Erica spins around and I quickly realize she's talking to Allison.



“Damn girl.” Allison smiles. “I love that dress on you, looks even better with those heals of mine!” Erica just laughs.



“I need to get out.” Erica explains.



“Well you look fantastic, doesn't she look great Niall?” Erica turns her attention to me and Allison give me a look as to urge me to speak.



“Um, yeah. You look great.” I fake a smile. Almost anxious for all the guys I'm sure will be hitting on her tonight. Suddenly wishing I was going with her.



“Thanks Niall. Don't wait up!” She waves by to me and follows Allison out the door, leaving me to stew in my odd jealous feeling. I pull my phone out and scroll through my contacts, quickly selecting one and pushing send.



“George! What are you doing tonight? Yeah, I need to get out.” I tell him.

Notes

A little awkward tension in the house already.....

Hope everyone had a great holiday! Crazy to believe this year is almost over, I swear it feels like September! hope you all enjoy the update, I'll be out of town tomorrow celebrating yet another Christmas so I won't be updating...soon I'll get back to updating everyday!!

Thank you so much to everyone that has subscribed, commented, and voted! Love you all, and of course everyone that's reading! :)

Happy Friday!!

xoxo