Erica's POV

It's always a busy day when Niall has guests over. I wash the guest bedroom sheets, vacuum and mop the floors again, grocery shop for extra things, prepare at least one meal so Niall can shove it in the oven, and make sure his shows are set to record in case he misses them. I really do too much for him but he deserves it, he's on the road and busy all the time, he doesn't ever really have time to stop and think.

The doorbell rings and I all but skip down the hallway to greet Greg and Denise. I love Denise. She's been a great friend since the first time I met her. I don't really talk to her unless she's here but when we do meet up, it's like we've never been apart.

I slip down the hall, I love the hardwood floors in Niall's house, sliding to a stop with my socks and opening the door. “Hey guys!” I smile and move out of the way to let them in.

“Erica!” Greg opens his arms and gives me quick hug, followed by Denise who is holding a sleepy Theo

“Hi Theo. Oh you've gotten so big!” I hold my arms out for Denise's arms to take a break. “How was the flight? Airport?” I ask Denise as Greg goes back out to the car to get the bags.

“Exhausting. Like usual, Theo cried almost the whole flight, thankfully it's a short flight from Dublin. Then as per usual the airport was crowded, the rental company thought they lost our reservation so Greg argued with them for a while. Then when the car came, it was a two door and we asked for a four door, so it was just a mess. But we're here!” She smiles. “Where is Niall?” She looks around as if he's hiding, it wouldn't be the first time, he likes to do that to people.

“Oh, he's somewhere with Modest. They have a meeting about tour dates and expected mannerisms, the usual. He should be back soon so no worries you're plans with Greg are still golden.” I wink at her, I know she doesn't like to let Theo go but I also know they also haven't had a lot of time away from him so she's been looking forward to this for a while now.

“That's the last of them.” Greg walks past us with the bags to the guest room as I spin around with Theo, making him giggle.

“Right, Erica?” I turn to Denise. “Could you help me pick out a dress? I brought a few and I just can't decide.” I smile and follow her down the hall, this makes me wish I had a sister.

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“Are you sure this is okay?” Greg asks me for the millionth time.

“Yes, Greg, it's fine. I'm sure that Niall will be home soon. You two should go.” I tell them. It's getting close to their dinner reservations and Niall is still no where in sight. I don't mind watching Theo one bit but Niall did promise to be home and watch him. We've all called him half a dozen times but his phone must be dead.

“All right. Um, he's already eaten, I have his jammies out on the bed, bath around seven, and then a bottle before bed, hopefully he'll fall asleep around eight. You have my number, right?” I nod as Greg is politely pushing Denise out the door.

“Have fun you two, Theo and I will be fine!” The door shuts leaving Theo and I alone to play in the living room, watching Monsters University on TV.

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After an hour, with still no sign of Niall I decide to call Liam and see what they're doing since Naill's phone keeps going straight to voice mail.

“Erica! What are you doing?” He asks.

“Hey Liam, is Niall with you?” I ask, getting straight to the point.

“Niall? No, our meeting ended hours ago, he grabbed dinner with the guys but Soph and I had plans.”

“Oh shit, sorry, I didn't mean it interrupt your plans.” I tell him, mentally face palming.

“Ah, its fine, we've already eaten. Have you called him?” He asks.

“Yeah, I think his phone is dead. I just have Theo here, Greg and Denise came to visit for their anniversary and Niall was suppose to watch him, but I'm still here.” I don't mind it, just bothers me that I can't seem to find Niall.

“Well, I can ask around and see if I can find him.” Liam offers up.

“OH, no, Liam, it's fine, I've already interrupted your night, I was just calling to see if you've heard from him.” I simply inform him.

“Ok, I'll let you know if I hear from him tho. Night Erica.” I smile.

“Night Liam, tell Soph I'm sorry!” I hang up the phone and turn to a drooling Theo, laughing on the floor. “Guess it's just you and me kid.”

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“Erica.” I let out a groan, I instantly feel a pull in my neck. “Erica.” I slowly open my eyes to find Niall standing over me.

“What time is it?” I ask, not realizing I said it out loud.

“It's a little after nine, I'm so so sorry.” He's whispering and I realize that he's only whispering, the weight of Theo asleep on my chest. I must have fallen asleep with him while I rocked him to bed.

“Let me put Theo down, can you grab his blanket?” I slowly stand, cracking my neck and quietly walking down the hall with Niall falling behind me. I carefully lay Theo down in his pack in play and put the blanket over top of him. Niall and I are quiet as we walk out and he shuts the door behind him.

“Where where you Niall? I was worried something had happened to you.” I grit my teeth, watching my voice as to not wake Theo up.

“I'm sorry, my phone died, I lost track of time, I completely forgot, again.” He follows me to the living room where I start picking up toys. “I can do that Erica.” He tells me.

“You were suppose to watch him.” I stand up and stretch, falling asleep in a recliner doesn't help my back.

“I know, thank you for being here. I really don't know what I would do without you.” He pulls me in for a hug, his breath smelling like beer and I know I make a face. Of course he lost track of time.

“Well, I have to get home, I have to work tomorrow.” I walk to the closet and grab my coat.

“I'll walk you out.” He stands at my side, his jacket still on.

“Not necessary Niall.” I pull my bag over my coat and fish for my keys.

“Well, I'm not giving you an option Erica. It's dark outside and I'd feel better if I knew you got to your car okay.” Looking at Niall's face I know arguing is pointless so I relent and allow him to follow me, even though my car is just parked beyond his front gate on the street.

“Thanks Niall.” I unlock my car and start to throw my bag in to head home, I'm really just exhausted.

“I'll see you Monday?” He asks, like I could miss work without my mom knowing and freaking out.

“Yes, Monday.” I tell him before I slam the car door. I'm actually mad at him, even if I don't say it or show it, I can't believe he would do that, just forget.

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About five minutes away from my flat my phone rings and I see it's of course, Niall, trying to facetime with me. I roll my eyes but know that if I don't answer, he'll keep calling. That's how Niall works.

“Niall.” I draw out his name, even if he can't see me, I've left my phone on the passenger seat, I'm still driving.

“Where are you? How come I can't see you Erica?” He asks.

“Because I'm driving Niall, I can't focus very well if I'm trying to drive, look at you, and have a conversation with you.” I explain as I turn into the parking garage. “What do you need?” I pull into my space.

“Nothing, I just know you have a parking garage and I wanted to make sure you got to your flat ok.” I can't help but feel less angry with him, he's always looking out for me. I turn the car off and tighten up my jacket, slip my bag over my shoulder and grab my phone. I finally see Niall, he's already changed into sweatpants, looking tired, and laying in bed.

“Ah, there she is!” He laughs and I just shake my head.

I navigate my way out of the garage and unlock the main door to the complex. “I'm in Niall, you can go to bed now.” I tell him as I press the button for the elevator.

“Not until you're safe in your place.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. “None of that rolling your eyes either, you do that all the time.” Of course, I forget that he can see me. The elevator stops on my floor and I walk down the hallway, unlock my door and safely lock myself inside.

“See, Niall, all is safe and sound.” I make sure he hears the noise of the deadbolt clocking. “I'll see you on Monday.” I start to hang up when Niall starts talking again.

“I'm really sorry about earlier Erica. You know I have a shit memory when it comes to that stuff, I just wasn't paying attention. I really appreciate you staying.” He tells me and my lips form a tight smile.

“I didn't do it for you Niall, Denise and Greg had plans and you could tell they needed it so I stayed.” I plop myself down on the couch and lean back.

“I know, and that's why I love you, you're extremely selfless. So thank you.” I try to remain calm as Niall tells me he loves me, it's not the first time, I wish he meant he loved me in a different way, but I know it's just as friends.

“All right, well I'm going to go to bed. Night Niall.”

“Night Erica.” He smiles at me and ends the call. Of course I'm not going to bed right now, all I know is I for sure can't be mad at Niall now.

Notes

Response to this story still has me amazed! :) If I get 20 votes, I'll do another update today, I'll still be back tomorrow if not! And for everyone that has already voted, subscribed, commented, and read, THANK YOU!

Thoughts on the chapter? Seeing Erica and Niall's relationship unfold? Things won't always be happy. :)

Happy Wednesday!

xoxox