We Took A Chance

The weekend and Monday morning were very hectic at work. Now that I've had enough practice, I'm being demanded to work faster and more efficiently. Thankfully Ezra is an awesome coworker and helps me at the drop of a hat.

I talked to Leah Monday and told her about my dad wanting me to meet his new love interest. She tried to soothe any bad thoughts building in my mind, but I couldn't help it. I also took the opportunity to tell her that I've been hanging out with Niall. She knew that I ran into him but didn't know we'd hung out. Of course upon hearing said news she became ecstatic and insisted that Niall has a thing for me. I quickly shot down that thought but she didn't seem convinced.

I've taken 4 days to think it through and I'm still unsure of flying out to meet my dad's girlfriend. For starters, I can't just leave work. Secondly, I don't have that kind of money saved up. Lastly, I really just don't want to.

Today is one of those days where a heavy jacket is not needed and instead I'm wearing a light cardigan. I walk down the same path towards my hall building admiring nature surrounding the campus. As I turn the corner to my hall, I notice a familiar car parked on the curbside. Unsure if I was right, I try to walk past it without turning. My suspicions were rapidly confirmed as I see Niall step out the driver's side dressed in basketball shorts with a plain white shirt and sunglasses.

"Zoe! How was class?" he asks making his way to me. When he reaches me he gives me a kiss on the cheek.
"It was alright. Lot's of learning to do but too much stuff on my mind." I answer honestly.
"Have you decided if you're going to go?" he asks with his hands in his pockets, I can hear he's fiddling with his keys.
"Not yet but I may just accept if my dad pays for my ticket."
"Well, there was something I wanted to talk to you about. Want to grab something to eat?" he proposes and the empty feeling in my stomach screams for me to agree.
"Ok, let's go." he motions me towards his car and just as we reach it, a couple of girls approach us.

"Niall! Niall, can we have a picture please?" one of the girls with long red hair asks. The other stands back with a phone in her hand ready to snap the picture. Then they switch places so they both can have a turn. I stand just outside his car watching this strange phenomenon. How can someone get used to this happening all the time in the middle of the street? I can imagine getting asked for pictures by strangers outside random places would get old fast. Yet, I see Niall and how willingly he is to pose with these girls and listen intently to what they have to tell him. A lot of 'I love you's and 'When is One Direction coming back?' being directed to him. I notice these girls eyes diverting my way and can conclude they are getting curious about me. That's when I continue and open the car door and get inside. The windows are tinted black and they won't be able to take another look at me.

"Sorry about that." Niall apologizes once he's joined me inside his car.
"What? No, don't apologize! They're you're fans. I think you owe it to them." I try and reassure him, I really do understand it's part of the job.
"That you are right about. I just wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable, I noticed you ran from the situation." he states as he merges into traffic and I can't help but laugh a little.
"They were giving curious glances towards me. On the contrary, I didn't want to put you in an uncomfortable spot if they started asking questions." I clarify, hoping it makes him feel better.
"I wouldn't mind if they asked questions. I just thought you were uncomfortable because of who I am and having to deal with fans."
"Why don't you ever talk about "who you are"?" I take the chance to ask about his lack of One Direction talk and I notice this gets me a big sigh from him.
"Zoe, because I don't want to be seen as just Niall from One Direction." at that moment I realize where he's coming from.
"You're not Niall from One Direction to me. Just Niall." when I say this he looks at me and smiles gladly.
"Thank you, Zoe."

We pull into the parking lot of a restaurant that from the outside looks like a large lake house. If it weren't for the sign posted close to the street, I would have never guessed this was a business. We enter the restaurant and are greeted by the hostess to which Niall quietly talks to while I view the pictures on the wall. I can only guess he's explaining the situation and asking for a table away from the windows.

"This way." the hostess points us towards glass doors that lead outside. I wonder why she's taking us there until we approach the doors and I notice that there's tables on the house's huge back porch and next to it is a lake. Of course this lake house themed restaurant needs a lake.

"This is a really cute place, Niall." I tell him as I take my seat.
"I'm glad you like it. It's my first time coming here, thought we'd give it a try." he states then picks up the menu.

After placing our order I decide to ask him what he needed to talk to me about.
"So, what is it you had to tell me?" he looks nervous and I pace through the possible responses but nothing comes to mind.
"Ok, so I know this will sound crazy... maybe. I also know we haven't known each other for too long but I think we've made a nice friendship." he began and I wasn't sure where he was going with this.
"You're right." I assured him.
"Well, I was just.. ok I'm just going to say it.. I wanted to propose that I go with you to visit your dad. I mean I know you have Leah but I would really love to help you out on this because well I know what it's like. You don't have to agree, maybe this was a stupid idea.. shit maybe I shouldn't have said anyth.." he ranted on and I thought he looked so cute how he was worried about my reaction.
"Niall! Stop, it's ok it's not stupid. I don't know, though.. I mean can you go? Don't you have stuff to do?" the thought of going with Niall eased my nerves a bit. London is my home now, it's my place where I can avoid all family conflicts and Niall can be a reminder that London is waiting for me, that I can escape things again.
"I can cancel plans, they usually involve playing golf with friends anyway. If you don't want me to go, I understand." he whispered the last part hinting at disappointment.
"No, Niall, it's really nice of you to want to lend your support. Really. I would love it if you came with me. I just need to first figure out if I'm going or not and when."
"Really? I was so nervous for you to think I'm a weirdo. I'm glad you took it so well." he exhaled, relieved that his worries were for nothing and I laughed a little.

So, I guess I'm going back home with Niall. My parents may lowkey kill me.

Notes

How many of you thought he was going to ask her to be his girlfriend? Lol PATIENCE, LITTLE ONES. Thoughts? Predictions? Any feedback? Love you guy's response to this story!