We Took A Chance

I mostly messed with the radio while Niall drove us to my mom's house. I hoped she would be able to hold her tongue about Martha especially because Niall would be present. When we pulled up to the concrete driveway of the family home, many memories came to mind. This was the house I grew up in, these were the streets where I learned to ride a bike, the driveway that housed my first car. My whole past was here.

Niall followed closely behind as I went up the path leading to the front door. It must have been mere seconds after I rang the doorbell when my mom answered the door. She was wearing her signature pencil skirt and kitten heels.

"Zoe, why didn't you tell me you were coming into town to meet the homewrecker?!" She says as soon as she sees me.
"Nice to see you, too, mom." I respond back.
"Who is this, Zoe?" She asks acknowledging Niall.
"This is Niall, my boyfriend." I smile at saying the last word. This is the first time I have referred to him as such.
"Nice to meet you." Niall says to her extending a friendly hand.
"Oh, well, nice to meet you. Such a handsome young man, Zoe! Please come on in" she motions us inside quite smitten by Niall apparently.

The inside of the house was just as it was growing up. The family pictures all still hanging from the walls and some aligned along the mantle. I take a seat in the living room with Niall next to me and my mom on the other sofa. She has a big smile on her face.

"So, Niall, are you from England?" My mom asks focusing on Niall.
"I live in England but I'm from Ireland." He answers smiling back.
"Oh that's wonderful! Do you have an older brother?" She asks and lets out a laugh making Niall cock an eyebrow.
"Mom!" I yell out in embarrassment.
"What, Zoe? I'm a single woman. It was just a question." She says like it's no big deal. I shake my head and blush with embarrassment.
"So you met the hussy? Tell me how terrible she is?" She asks the question I knew was coming.
"Mom... she's not terrible. She's a nice lady." I confess hoping she won't make a scene.
"What?! You like her? How can you, Zoe!?" She scolds me like I'm a child.
"Mom, she's a nice person and dad is happy! I'm not going to hate her for no reason." I snap back.
"I thought you were on my side, Zoe!"
"I'm not choosing sides, mom. She's done nothing wrong, why must you disrespect her?" I couldn't believe I was defending my dad's new love from my mom.
"Oh, Zoe, don't be fooled. Of course she acted all nice and friendly with you. She's trying to win you over!"
"Mom, please. Let's just change the subject. I don't want to make my visit all about Martha either."
"Ok, ok. How's school darling? Is London treating you well? Well, I can see it has." she asks and nods towards Niall at the last part.
"School is going ok, I guess. I have a huge paper due at the end of the semester that I've been working on all week. It's so stressful and I miss Leah but overall I can say London has treated me well." I look towards Niall and squeeze his hand that's resting on my lap.

The rest of the morning we spent it talking about all that has happened since the last time I visited home. My mom at times couldn't help but throw some shade towards Martha, especially when I told her that she is basically responsible for me and Niall being together.

The thing I liked best about our visit with my mom was that she was very accepting of Niall. She didn't questions him like my dad did, and I appreciate that. I don't think I'm quite ready to let any of my family know who Niall really is.

Back in the hotel, I followed Niall into his room to have some alone time. It has been a busy weekend and I'm glad that we're finally going home tonight. We plop on the sofa and turn on some tv to watch. I mostly snuggled up to Niall and enjoyed his warmth and kisses while he watched a boring golf tournament. It felt good to be like this with him, I don't know why I ever doubted myself or what we have. Deep down inside I knew I liked him and that he liked me but I couldn't help but guard myself. Now that the guard is down, all I can do is make the most of my time with Niall

Notes

Crap.

I'm so sorry for being MIA all freaking week. I'm also sorry for this crappy filler chapter. I promise the next chapters will be filled with cute fluff for your Zoe & Niall needs. I will try to update again later but if not, expect it on Monday. This week has been crazy and stressful. My husband works outside and it's been raining non stop all week so he's been out of work and home so I haven't really had the chance to focus on my stories. I miss everyone! :( Also getting ready for back to school is kicking my ass. I hope everyone is having a great week!