*Mackenzie’s POV (Early Afternoon, Sunday)

It’s around 2pm and Niall and I are outside in his backyard lying in the grass looking up at the clouds. It’s been a truly fantastic summer in LA so far. Niall and I have been dating for over a month now and I swear I’ve never been this happy. Niall makes me feel so great about myself and every time I look into his beautiful blue eyes I could just melt into a puddle. When he kisses me, forget about it. I am gone, out of this world and into paradise. But making out is as far as I’m letting him go. I can tell he wants to go further with me, but it’s only been a month. I’m just not ready for anything more yet. I’m surprised he hasn’t broken it off.

“Are you feeling okay, princess? You’re pretty quiet.” Niall says lying next to me. “Yeah I’m fine. Just thinking about my album.” Really, I’m stressing major about my album. It’s going all right, but I’m still in the writing process and I’ve only written lyrics for the few songs I’ve got so far.

“Well I think it’s great so far. The finished product will be amazing. Don’t you worry.” He says grabbing my hand. “Thanks, babe. I’d feel a lot better about it if I had the music written for my songs though. It’s harder for me to write that than lyrics. You know that.”

“I know…but it’ll come to you. And if not, dad knows the best composers in the business. Everything will be perfect in the end.” he says getting up taking my hand with him. He ends up sitting me up and he helps me to my feet. “Speaking of your dad, when are we gonna tell him and your mom that we’re dating?”

There is a pause before, “Uh…are you thirsty? I know I am. I’m gonna get something to drink. Do you want anything?” Niall says going inside to the kitchen. I follow him in; we are going to talk about this. “Niall c’mon. It’s been a month and we’re really happy. I mean, I’m really happy. …Are you?”

Niall immediately stops getting our drinks and comes to me taking my hands. “Babe, do you think I’m not happy?...” “I don’t know…maybe not as happy as you want to be.” I say going to sit on the couch. “Mackenzie why would you say that? I’m incredibly happy with you!” he says sitting next to me. “I feel like…I feel like you want more than I’m giving you….If you know what I mean.” I say looking away from him. “Hey,” he starts moving to kneel in front of me.

“Look, in the past I’ve definitely liked to…not waste time. But with you it’s different. I really like you. And because I really like you I don’t want to rush anything. And when we do get there, I want it to be special. Because you’re special and you deserve it. I’m the happiest I’ve been in my entire life! And that happiness started the day we met. I don’t want you to ever doubt my happiness with you again, because you have no reason to.” he rises and leans down kissing my head.

“As for my parents, I don’t want to tell them yet, because I know what dad will say. ‘You’re in her band and you’re the record label owner’s son. It wouldn’t be right and if you break up while she’s still with the label, it will complicate things.’ You get that, don’t you?” He is an angel sent from above.

“I guess I understand. I’m just glad you’re happy too. And a lot of pressure is off my shoulders now. Thanks, Ni. …So what are we supposed to do?” I ask him. “We hide our relationship from them. I know it’s not ideal, but it’s for the best at least for now. I’m sorry, princess. I wish it didn’t have to be like this.”

He takes my face in his hands and kisses my forehead. “I wish it didn’t have to be like this too.” I say before I stop thinking and just kiss him, full on, no holding back. I pull away and he just smiles at me saying, “Come with me,” and leads me to somewhere. “Where are we going?” I ask laughing. “Oh I think you know.” He says winking and picking me up running with me upstairs. And now we can kiss to our hearts content without me being worried.

Notes