*Mackenzie’s POV (Late Night, Thursday the 23rd)

It is now 3:00am and I am still awake, in my writing room, trying to write the music to my songs. This can’t be healthy. Thankfully Niall is here with me to attempt to keep me sane in the “wee hours of the mornin’” as he called it. He is adorable! Anyway, because I’m having so much trouble with this I’m starting to get pretty worried. I know Niall said that his dad could find me the best composer in the business to work with me, but I don’t want a stranger writing music for my personal lyrics. It wouldn’t feel right.

Frustrated, I lay my head face down on the piano. I feel Niall gently rub my back when I hear my phone start ringing. Who could be calling me in the middle of the night? I decide to answer anyway. “Hello?” “Hey, Kenzie.” It’s Emily! “Emily! Oh gosh am I glad to hear your voice right now. What’s up? Why are you calling so late?” “Well I have some big news to tell you. You know I’ve been in New York writing songs with Zayn.” “Yeah, your booooyfrieeend!” I tease, “Go on.” At this point, I put her on speaker.

“Apparently there was miscommunication with me and Mr. DeVito, because tomorrow morning I have to fly out to LA to find musicians and record the music for the album at Capitol Records in the next 3 months. That means I need a place to live temporarily and the idea of last minute apartment and job hunting is making my stomach turn; hence why I’m up this late. Do you think it would be all right if I could stay with you and Niall? I know it’s a lot to ask, but I don’t have any other options this soon.”

I look over at Niall and he nods. “It’s fine with us, girl. We’ll talk to Niall’s parents in the morning and let them know what’s going on.” I say. “Oh thank you so much, Kenzie! And thank you too, Niall!” Emily cheers through the phone. “Not a problem at all. We’ll see you tomorrow.” Niall says.

We say our goodbyes and hang up, then I resume my position of head on the piano. “Love, it’s gonna be okay. You’re gonna get the music for your songs written very soon. I’m sure of it. And the music and lyrics will fit magically together and be big hits. Know why?” Niall asks me.

I lift my head off the piano slightly and shake my head before putting it back down. “Because guess who’s coming to town tomorrow?...to live with us? And work at the same studio?...please tell me you’re catching on.” Niall chuckles. Of course!

“Only Emily, my best friend, sister, and the best composer I know! Who helped me write the music for all of my demos I’ve recorded! I’m saved!” I say hugging Niall tightly. We pull away and it isn’t long before we’re kissing. I pull away immediately when I hear the door open. Niall looks confused until I say “Hi, Mr. Horan!” and he turns around to face his father.

“Hi, Mackenzie! Oh you’re here too, Niall. I wondered where you ran off to. How’s the music coming? It’s pretty late, I need to lock up. Maybe you should get some rest.” Mr. Horan says. “Yeah we were just leaving to go back to the house. And don’t worry about the music any longer. My best friend Emily, who wrote the music for the song you listened to, is coming here tomorrow to help me write it.” “Great! I can’t wait to meet this very talented young lady.” he says.

“Oh and that reminds me. She’s going to be staying here for a few months and her trip is very last minute so could she possibly stay with us at your house?” I ask. “Of course! She is your composer after all. Now let’s get home to get some sleep.”

“We’ll meet you out there.” Niall says before his father leaves. Without warning, Niall grabs my face and kisses me one more time. “I had to do that before we left.” He says with a smile. The music thing may be taken care of, but I still hate that our relationship has to be a secret…

I might have spoken too soon. I look towards the door to see Niall's dad in the doorway looking at the two of us. I realize Niall's hands are still on my face so I slowly take them off. "What’s--" Niall says as he turns to the door. He stops when he sees his dad. There are a few long moments of uncomfortable silence before Mr. Horan speaks up. "Something you two wanna tell me?" "That depends...what did you see?" Niall questions standing up.

"Well I came back to tell you that the car is out front when you're ready, but I find my son kissing one of my clients! Look, I know you two go to college together and are friends, but I cannot allow my son to date one of my clients, and one of my clients cannot date one of her band members who also happens to be the record label owner’s son. It would make all of us look bad and it's just too risky."

Niall and I sadly look at each other while I get up and stand next to him. "How long has this been going on?" he asks us. "2 months." Niall says grabbing my hand. "The 2 happiest months of my life."

Mr. Horan gives us both a sympathetic look saying "I'm sorry, kids. But it has to end now. I'll be at the car." he says before leaving the room. Well...I guess my songs weren't the only big hit that was in my future. I'm about to cry and Niall can see that when he turns back to me.

"No no no baby don't cry. Okay? I'm not gonna let our relationship be over. Not in a million, billion years would I ever let that happen." "But your dad--" "I don't care what my dad said. I know it's wrong, but I am not losing you, okay? We are still going to keep dating, we just have to keep it a secret from him still and be way more careful. There's nothing to it. You just have to trust me. Do you trust me?" he asks.

"Yes I trust you." I barely get out. "Okay, now c'mon, love. Dry those tears. We can't let my dad see you like this." he says wiping my eyes. "I won't let you go. I will never let you go. You have to remember that." He then kisses my forehead, my nose, my cheeks. And then my lips.

Then he says what I never expected to hear from him yet. "I love you, Mackenzie Jayne O’Brien." I swear he just wants me to cry even harder. "I love you too, Niall James Horan." We hug, kiss, then head down to the car. ...I can’t believe it...we’re really in love. And it’s the best feeling I could ever feel. I wish we didn’t have to keep it hidden.

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