The Notebook

The sun was finally out so Maeve decided to go outside and take some 'after the rain photos', a chance to stretch her legs and get some fresh air. She slid her feet into her willies and put on a hat and sunglasses before securing the camera around her neck and heading out. She walked to the end of the street where there is a passage way through the trees taking her straight to the river. Her sister hates using that trail saying it is scary, not understanding how Maeve can walk there alone, however She loves it, she likes how quiet it is, and making sure to always take the best photos there.
She stops on the way, finding some nice compositions for photos, then continuing to the river, hoping one of the boats will be crossing, providing her with some cool photos.
She pulls down her hat, sheltering her face from the sun now that she's out in the clearing.
As she walked closer to the river a soft music reached her ears. A harmonica. Maeve enjoyed the sound as she stopped to inspect flowers and lady bugs by the grass at her feet.
The music gets stronger as she reaches the river, finding the source of it. It is a boy- a young man really, sitting with his feet in the cold water, his trousers rolled up, however still touching the water line, getting soaked. He doesn't seem to mind though, busy enjoying the sun and his music.
He has blondish hair which is sticking up and out a hooded jumper. Maeve brings the camera to her face, watching him through the lens. He is so peaceful that she feel a strong urge to catch him in a photo. She creeps up closer slowly hoping he won't notice here, and once she finds a good angle she takes the photo.
As Maeve presses down on the button, the boy jumps up and turns swiftly to face here, startled. He holds up a hand covering his face, making Maeve straighten and let the camera fall to her chest.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to frighten you," She hurries to apologize.
"How did you find me? How did you know I was here?" The boy demands to know, sounding slightly cross. Maeve takes a step back, pushing the camera in back of her.
"I- I'm really sorry- I was just stretching my legs and taking photos when I came across you sitting here, and you seemed so peaceful and it seemed like such a lovely photo- I had to take it- I'm sorry.. I should have asked permission," She explains, apologizing once again. The boy studies her again, not trusting her words. His eyes trail down, taking in her outfit, her long straight Ginger hair and fair skin.
"Why do you have that hat and sunglasses on? It's not that sunny," He remarks untrustingly.
Maeve takes a few steps closer, bending slightly towards him.
"I suffer from Eczema, so when the sun is out I need to cover up," She explains. He nods in understandment looking out at the water.
"You play beautifully," She notes offering him a smile.
"Err, thanks," He flashes a grin. Maeve takes a seat beside him, gazing over the sparkling waters.
"So.. you're a long way from home.. or do you live in England now?" She questions picking up on his Irish accent.
He chuckles softly before answering, "I'm visiting my grandparents they live on the street right where that pathway starts," He points.
"I live there as well! Who are your grandparents?" Maeve asks making conversation.
"Banks? You know them?" He furrows his brows, a slight crease forming between his brows.
"Yes! They used to babysit my sister and I," Maeve says brightly, "What's your name?"
"Niall," He gives her a funny look.
"I'm Maeve," She offers him a hand to shake.
"Ah, an Irish name, explains your red hair too," he gestures to the strands of hair hanging out of her hat.
"My dad's Irish," Maeve lets out a short laugh.
"Alright Maeve- you win! What are you up to for the next few days?"
"Umm... Nothing much you know.. it's summer and all," She smirks.
"Great- you've just been elected then," He gets up, holding out a hand for her to take, helping her rise to her feet as well. His mood towards her changing drastically.
"Elected? For what?"
"To be my tour guide, show me around- what do you say?" He holds both hands together in a begging manner.
"Sure- why not?" She smiles, "what do you have in mind?"
"Well for starters I famished- fancy some food?" Niall cocks a brow up in question.
"Sure- why not."
"Very well- then lead the way," Niall flashes a cheeky grin.
"Oh right- me being the tour guide and all," Maeve rolls her eyes in fun mockery.
The two of them walk side by side, up the stairs to the street passing over the river, passing by the college and up to the main street where all the shops are. On the way Maeve makes sure to point out things to Niall, like the train station, and little cute boutique stores and telling him stories about the history of the small village.
Maeve stops at a small coffee shop which isn't heavily packed asking Niall if it seems to him like a place he would like to have lunch at.
Niall takes a peek, pulling his hood slightly tighter over his head, and then gives Maeve a slight nod. He steps back, to let her enter first and Maeve thanks him quietly.
They both scan the place for a place to sit. Niall finds a place in the far end, tucked away on the side, he takes Maeve's hand in his leading her after him.
Like a true gentleman he pulls out a chair and with blushed cheeks she thanks him again.
Maeve takes her hat off, and sunglasses, seating them on the chair beside her, leaving her camera on her, too afraid of losing or forgetting it behind.
Niall gazes up at her noting how pretty the girl is, her fair skin complimented by her reddish hair, and the small freckles splattered over her nose and cheeks. She had bright blue eyes like his, and dark long eyelashes framing them.
"Would you like to order?" The waitress approached them, making Niall snap out of his daze.
"What would you like?" He inquires Maeve who was inspecting the menu in front of her.
"I'm not sure, everything sounds so wonderful," She answer's confused by all the choices.
"Can I advice you then? The pasta is to die for," The waitress smiles down at Maeve.
"That does sound perfect- what do you think?" Niall turns his attention to Maeve.
"Yes- why not? That would be lovely- thank you," She beams up at the waitress.
"So Maeve, you're a photographer?" Niall leans in closer, once the waitress leaves.
"I try to be, I want to study photography in college though.. I just love the way you can capture a moment in such a perfect way, and control the colours and- and I'm boring you," She stops bringing her palms up to her cheeks.
"No- No you're not boring at all- I can listen to you all day- really," Niall reaches out his hands to her for a moment before pulling back and setting them on his lap.
"So what is your story, what are you planning to do? Are you in College yet?" Maeve questions, changing the subject.
"Well I... I'm taking a gap year.. figuring things out," Niall replies, his eyes locking on a point on the table.
"That's nice.. You get to travel and visit family," Maeve smiles widely at him.
"I sure do," He mimickers her smile.
The food comes, and once they are done, Niall leaves some bills on the table, gesturing to Maeve to follow after him.
They make their way through the tables, which are packed with people by now.
"Look!" A whisper catches Maeve's ear, making her look to the side, at the table of teens. Niall pulls his hoodie tighter, grabbing Maeve's hand and rushing them out.
"That was weird," She remarks, looking back at the closing door.
"People always stare and point. It's just that they have done it- in such a rude manner," Niall shakes his head in disgust.
"I was thinking of going into London this evening? Feel like joining?" He perks up then, a new smile painted on his lips.
"That could work, I just need to check with my parents," Maeve answers, feeling happy she gained a new friend who might help fill up her summer hours.
"Why don't you give me your number? And we can finalize times a little later?" Niall offers. Maeve hands Niall her phone for him to put in his contacts, and watches as he calls his own phone from hers.
"I'll walk you home," He decides handing back the phone. They head back quietly, not feeling as if they need to fill the silence with words. Here and there Maeve would point out something new or something pretty she spotted, stopping to take a photo.

"This is me," Maeve turns to Niall as they reach her front door.
"This is you then?" He looks up at the house.
"So..."
"So..." They gaze at each other's eyes for a moment in a loss of words.
"I'll call you later?" Niall finally says.
"Sure," Maeve smiles. She is about to wave when Niall takes a step closer and opens his arms to her for a hug.
Maeve stares up at him for just a slight moment before reaching herself for him. Niall closes his arms around her for a slight moment, making the hug swift and then takes a step back.
"Bye now," He flashes a cheeky smile and turns to walk away.
Maeve watches after him for a while, watches as he paces to the end of the road to his grandparents home. Then, she turns and opens her house door and walks in.
"Who was that?" Her mum questions, sitting by the big window in the lounge.
"Niall, a friend," Maeve replies, her cheeks growing hot.
"A new friend it seems," Her mum notes.
"Is it ok for me to go out to London later? I won't be home late," Maeve changes the subject.
"Are you going in with your new friend?" Her mum is on to her.
"Yes," Maeve mumbles.
"It's fine by me," Her mum smirks, enjoying her daughters bright red cheeks.
Maeve runs then up to her room, closing the door after her.
She walks over to her closet to pick out something to wear. She knows it's not a date, but it will be evening which means she doesn't need to be all covered up with a hat on, so she did want to wear something nice.
Her phone beeps and she unlocks it swiftly to see who it might be, hoping it is Niall and that they will still be on for tonight.

From Niall- I'm thinking sixish.. What do you say?
To Niall- That sounds perfect =)
From Niall- Pick you up then.

Maeve stares at her phone, trying to understand what does that mean. Will they be taking the train? Or driving in? She decides to take her oyster card just in case. She decides on a dark green short summer dress and a knitted cardigan in case it gets chilly.
"Maeve," Her mum calls from down stairs, making Maeve glance at the clock and gasp. It's time!
She hurries quickly out of her room and down the stairs to find her dad and Niall in conversation.
"It was a terrible loss really," Her dad shakes his head.
"He was sceaming and shouting at the telly the whole game," Her mum joins in, making Niall laugh.
"Hi!" I call, letting them know I am in the room.
"Oh- Hi- Your dad and I were just talking about the football game last night- you look great," Niall flashes a dashing smile.
"Thanks.. so do you," She replies, cheeks burning bright red, and not missed by the other people in the room.
"Ready?" Niall gestures to the door.
"Bye, see you later," Maeve tells her parents.
"It was lovely to meet you," Niall shakes her dad's hand.
"Your parents are cool," Niall comments as Maeve closes the door after her.
"Yeah, when they want to be," She lets out a small laugh.
"I thought we can drive in?" Niall opens the passenger door of a car parked in Maeve's family car park.
"Do you have an Oyster card?" She questions, as he gets into the seat beside her.
"Yes, It was the first thing I got when I arrived," He informs, starting up the car.
"So what do you say about parking the car in Watford and taking a train in to London? It will be much easier that way- with parking I mean," Maeve offers him. She watches as his eyes narrow, and the crinkle in his forehead gets more permanent.
"Or you can drive the whole way, doesn't make a deference to me really," She adds quickly.
"No, let's take the train, I'm fine with that," He grins at her, making her wonder about the frown that was just there a moment ago.
"What is your favourite thing about London?" Niall asks after a while of silence.
"The structure and all the different people and culture, it's just amazing in my eyes," Maeve gushes.
"Ha.. do you come here often then?" Niall inquires.
"Not really.. sometimes, not as often as I would like," She answers truly.
"What is your favourite thing about London?"
"Besides the culture? How big it is.. you can easily get lost," He says softly. Maeve watches his profile, and notes he is serious, not making a joke about it.
"Would you want that?" She whispers in question.
"Well.. sometimes, just to be able to walk down a street without being noticed can be nice," He sighs.
"I'm never noticed on the street," Maeve laughs, not understanding fully his words- what does he mean? They spent the morning together outside- didn't he enjoy it?
"Yes you do, no way a girl looking like yourself wouldn't get noticed- I’ve noticed you," He adds, his cheeks getting washed over with a slight colour.
"You didn't notice me- I've noticed you! Made you jump if I remember correctly," Maeve bursts out in a giggle.
"Well yeah, but I would have noticed you if you haven't," He says.
"You want to park over there," She points suddenly, as they reach the tube.
Niall parks the car, and they both get out. Maeve puts on her cardigan feeling slightly chilly. Niall reaches into the back seat and takes out a hat, putting it on his head, and pulling the hood over.
"That cold?" Maeve questions with a smirk.
"Come on cheek," He grabs her hand, pulling her slightly after him.
Niall needs to fill up his Oyster card and once he does they are off to their platform. Maeve can't help but notice the way he keeps his head low and his hood pulled over his forehead, concealing his eyes and face from the crowd.
The whole time he holds on to her hand, softly but firmly.
They get just in time for the train, and Niall pulls Maeve onto the train and stands to the side, letting her walk in front, leading the way and picking a seat for them.
The train isn't full, since people usually come back from London at this time and not leaving to go there.
"Is this your first time on a train to London?" She questions.
Niall smirks and shakes his head. But he doesn't go into an explanation of when he was here last.
"Where are we going then?"
"I'll keep where we're going to myself for now," He flashes a wicked smile at her.
"I thought I'm the tour guide," Maeve frowns.
"Yep, But tonight I'm the tour guide," Niall grins. Maeve can't help but smile back, his own smile contagious.
The train stops and a bunch of teens hurry up, speaking loudly. Niall pulls his hood down a little more and glances out the window.
"Are you alright?" Maeve questions, her forehead crinkles with concern.
"Yeah, I just don't really like full trains that's all," He shrugs.
"We should have driven in then," Maeve remarks.
"NO it's fine really, we'll be getting off soon anyway," Niall assures her. Though the glance he sends the group of kids isn't missed by her.
"Come we're getting off now," Niall stands suddenly, holding out his hand for her to take. She does, and he closes his fingers over hers, making sure she is close to him. He rushes off the train and leads the way. Maeve is quite surprised he knows where he is going, noting he must have been here a few times before.
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?" She questions.
"It's just over there- you'll see," He winks. They are still holding hands, and Maeve can't help the little smile on her lips.
"Here we are," Niall gives her hand a slight squeeze and pulls open a side door of an old building. Once inside there is a line of people waiting to get in.
"Wow," Maeve remarks.
"Yes- Wow it is," Niall agrees.
"YO Ni! Come here mate- you don't wait!" Someone calls out. Niall winks at Maeve and pulls her after him, guiding their way through the crowd. Maeve can hear the whispers again, but can't make out what they are saying. Niall doesn't seem bothered by them though so she keeps quiet.
"Long time man!" The lad at the entrance shakes Niall's hand.
"I'm here now, this is Maeve," He introduces her.
"You are one special girl if he brought you here," The gourd states.
Maeve’s at a loss of words so she flashes him a smile.
"A lot of people are here ha?" Niall says.
"Sure are, and we are only getting started."
Niall lets go of Maeve's hand, only to place an arm around her waist guiding her into the pub.
"What did he mean?" Maeve asks to Niall's ear, hoping he'll be able to hear her over the loud music.
"He was just teasing you," Niall answers.
"Come- dance with me," Niall pulls to stand in front of him, leaving one arm at her waist while the other takes hold of her hand. Then, he twirls her around, a giggle escaping her lips.
The music turns slightly slower which makes Maeve's belly tie up in notes of excitement, being held so close by this boy.
"Word got to us that Niall Horan is in the pub," A voice speaks through the speakers. Maeve's eyes go wide as Niall's head snaps round understanding they are calling on him.
"Niall- come up and play with us- one song!"
Niall looks back at Maeve, an apologetic look on his face. People around them start staring and move aside.
"Niall- what is going on?" Maeve questions in a small voice.
"I thought.. I thought- I didn't think they would.. I-" He stutters.
"Come on Niall- don't keep us hanging!" The man on the small stage calls out again.
Slowly the people around start chanting his name, and Maeve watches as he forces a smile onto his face, before turning to wave at the stage.
"Your pretty friend will be all right on her own for one song," The man assures with a bright smile.
Maeve notices the flashing phones of people taking photos of him- them.
Niall lets go of her hand and strides to the stage. He is given the guitar and he waves to the crowd.
"How are we doing tonight?" He asks into the mic.
"Are you his girlfriend?" Someone asks. Maeve turns to see two girls staring at her, waiting for a reply.
"I- um-no," Maeve mumbles.
"But you came with him right?" The other one states.
"Well yes- but-"
"You're sooo lucky he’s so talented! I watched every episode," She gushes.
Episode? What? Maeve was so confused. Niall started singing a soft song, the band playing with him. His eyes don't leave her, but Maeve can feel the axiety rising within her.
"Even though he only got third place, he has a bigger following then the first place- no one even remembers the first place name," The girl continues.
"What is this?" Maeve inquires.
"The voice.. didn't you watch it?" The girl giggles thinking Maeve is playing with her.
Maeve turns wide eyed to Niall again. She doesn't watch the program, however it is starting to click. She heard of the name, but didn't place it together until now.
This is the same Niall her sister was going on and on about? Her parents met him- did they know? Maeve turns, and elbows her way out, trying to get away from all of the people and their questions.
Why didn't he tell her who he was? Why when she felt the stares and the whispers- why did he brush it off? Maeve paces swiftly down the street. It is drizzling now- only in London the weather will change this way.
"Maeve- wait!" Maeve hears his voice calling after her. Niall is running towards her, his hoddie down, his blonde hair getting wet.
Maeve stops, but she doesn't turn to look at him, the flashing of the phones still playing in front of her.
"Please- I'm sorry- let me explain-" Niall reaches her, touching her arm, pulling her slightly to face him.
"Explain what? That you're a famous singer? That everyone knows you? That you just took me to one of your gigs? That tomorrow there are going to be photos of us all over- gosh," Maeve brings her fingers to her eyes, trying to stop the angry tears that are pushing their way down her cheeks.
"It wasn't my gig- I didn't know they would call me up- look Maeve- I should have told you- I messed up ok?" He leans down to look her in the eye, making sure she is hearing him, listening to what he is saying, that she could see the regret in his eyes.
"I- I want to go home," Maeve stammers.
"Alright," Niall agrees quietly. They walk to the train station. Niall pulls the hood over his head again, hiding his face. He knows that twitter is probably buzzing with the information of him being here now, and he doesn't think Maeve will ever forgive him if another group of people will stop them now, when she is so upset.
The train ride home was quiet, he sat by her side, watching her stare out the window at the darkness.
They finally reach the car and Niall opens the door for her.
She slides in silently, whispering a short thank you.
Niall starts the car and drive towards home.
"When you flashed your Camera at me today- I thought you're another fan, or from a local newspaper that has learned I'm here... But then you seemed to really not know who I was, and you were chatty and sweet, and treated me like a normal person and it was so nice to be treated that way for a change that I just couldn't bring myself to tell you the truth," He states quietly as he turns into her street.
"I feel like such a fool," She whispers to him.
"You shouldn't- please Maeve- I enjoyed every moment we spent together and I can't bear the thought of you cross with me or hurt by me," Niall reaches out for her hand.
"Are they really your grandparents?"
"Yes- everything I ever told you was the truth- I just kept being on the show from you- honest!" Niall holds up his hand.
"I.. I need to think," Maeve says shaking her head.
"Answer this- do you hate me?" He questions, slight fear rings in his voice.
"No-Why would I hate you? I feel cheated but no hate.." Maeve's voice trails off.
"Just- I had to know," He pouts.
"I need to go," She whispers
Niall watches as she gets out of the car, and hurries up to her front door.
He did not want the day to end this way, it was so perfect, she is so perfect.
He lets out a deep breath and drives off.

In the morning there is a latter waiting for Maeve on the kitchen table. It isn't stamped or anything, only her name on the front.
Inside there is a latter.

Dear Maeve,

Maybe I should have told you from the get go who I really was, but then would you have acted the same way you did?
Would you have treated me the same way? felt as comfortable as you felt? I am sorry, but I hope you can forgive me.
I had the best time with you yesterday and I really do want to see you again! Please!
I am leaving in the morning for a gig in London- the tour gig. But I wish you will come, you will find in the envelope two VIP passes for you and whoever you would like to bring with you.
You don't have to let me know if you're coming, and if you never want to speak to me again, well- I reckon it's your choice, however, I wish you would.
Niall.

Notes

hope you liked this story, it's a Niall story for a change.. IF you did, please let me know or rate this.. thank you xx