The One in the Crowd

Since the first day Alyssa got out of her coma, Niall hasn't left her side. He was so determined to spend more time with his girl that he pushed and pushed with management until they let the band delay all activity for a whole year. The other guys didn't mind because it gave them more time to spend with their girls too, and with their family and friends.

It was a year filled with fun times and new experiences. Even though Alyssa was back in school, Niall stayed with her. Although he was there to support her, kids at school still bullied her. One day, she came home and just ran into his arms and cried. For at least an hour, Alyssa was in his arms crying into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and gently rocked her. For Niall, that was it. He had enough.

The next day, Alyssa was at school and it happened again. Stupid bullies were pushing her around telling her those same horrible things. Only this time, they didn't know they were being watched. One of the kids grabbed her by the shirt and was about to pull her up when someone came from behind the bully and pulled them backwards forcing their arms behind their back.

“You know...I don’t think it wise that you attack her like that.” the guy says.

“And why the fuck should I not? The little bitch deserves everything she’s gotten!” the bully says still not seeing who it is holding them back.

The guy turns the bully around to face him and says, “Because that beautiful girl you just called a little bitch, is my girlfriend, you fucking cunt!” before punching him square in the face knocking him over. Alyssa just stood there with her mouth wide open shocked. The other bullies just stood there staring at him.

“Any of you assholes have anything to say?!” In response, they run away and the bully on the floor gets up and runs to the nurse. Niall goes and hugs her tight.

“Oh my gosh, Niall. I can’t believe you did that!”

“I had to. No one makes my baby cry. They won’t bother you anymore. If anyone else ever does, you let me know. I’ll take care of it.”

Alyssa smiles at this new found security. “I love you, Niall.”

He smiles and hugs her tighter, “I love you too, Alyssa.” and kisses the top of her head.

Besides her being rid of bullies, over her winter break, she went to Mullingar with Niall to meet his family. They all loved her and she was great with little Theo. When she would play with him, Niall would just stare at her and how naturally she worked with little kids. It made him hopeful for their future.

While in Mullingar, she also got to meet some of his best friends. She was nervous meeting all these new people especially because they’re very important to Niall. But thankfully, everyone she met gave their stamp of approval.

After Mullingar, they went to London to be with the guys and she met Eleanor, Perrie, and Sophia who also all loved her to pieces. It was a great time, although Harry sometimes felt like the odd one out.

During the last half of her school year, Niall taught her little by little how to play guitar, because she wanted to learn so badly. She caught on really fast and before long, learned the chords to some of her favorite One Direction songs.

The first song that had plucking specific notes that she learned was of course Little Things. That one took her a little longer to learn since it wasn't straight chords. Once she did learn it, it sounded amazing. Niall loved watching her play. He could tell it made her feel calm and relaxed, and she gets so into the music, like he does.

When Valentine’s Day came around that year, he got her a bouquet of roses, chocolates, and her own guitar, so that they could play together. Whenever they played together, it blended so perfectly and their fingers moved perfectly in sync.

When they added singing, Alyssa would sing the melody and Niall would harmonize with her. Their voices sounded so well when put together, with impeccable balance and blend, it’s like they’re meant to sing and play together. It was magical. It was destiny.

Every night Alyssa didn’t have school work to do, her and Niall would go out to eat, see a movie, go bowling (which she often beat him at!), sing and play songs together, or he would teach her new songs.

Her life was finally going right and it’s sad that this year off won’t last forever. But they’re both making the most of it and living in the moment treasuring every second.

It’s Alyssa’s senior year so she’ll be going off to college around the time that Niall gets back to work with the band and right before her birthday. That’ll make for an even harder goodbye. But one thing’s for sure. They know they’ll meet again. It’s not clear where or when, but the fates will make it happen one way or another.

Notes