Part Fifteen

Niall’s POV

I woke up to the sound of knocking on our door; I looked around the room and the other boys seemed to be asleep. I sighed and slid out of my warm bed. I groggily walked over to the door and saw an envelope on the floor, it had my name written on it, and I didn’t recognise the hand-writing. I opened the door and poked my head out, but I didn’t see anyone out there. I shrugged and walked back inside. I stood just in front of the now closed door and opened the envelope. There was one piece of paper inside and I pulled it out.

It was a picture.

I gasped and literally felt my heart break. It was a picture of Sophia… kissing her ex-boyfriend, Josh, I think his name was. It had the date in the corner, it was the date of Mel’s birthday… this year. My vision blurred as the tears formed in my eyes, as I continued to stare at the picture, feeling as though a knife had been repeatedly stabbed in my chest.

“Who was at the door mate?” Liam asked from behind me, making me jump and turn around, “Whoa, mate what’s wrong?” I tried to talk but nothing would come out so I handed him the picture instead. “Mate, I’m sorry,” Liam whispered looking back at me and giving me the picture again, “I really thought she was the one for you…”

“So did I,” I whispered, my voice cracking.

“Come on Niall,” Liam said putting a hand on my shoulder and leading me back into the main room.

“I’m sure it’s not what it looks like,” He said after a moment.

“Not what it looks like?!” I shouted, and Zayn, Louis, and Harry all sat up bolt right in bed, wide eyed, “She’s kissing her ex-boyfriend!”

“What’s going on?” Harry mumbled groggily.

“I’m going to kill him!” I hissed.

“Whoa, Nialler’s angry,” Louis smirked.

“Not now Louis,” I snapped and stormed out the room, hearing Liam shout my name as I left. I banged my fist on the girls room as loud as I could.

“Coming,” I heard a muffled voice, but I carried on hitting the door, “Alright, alright, I’m coming!” The voice shouted. The door opened to reveal a groggy looking Mel.

“Where’s Sophia?” I asked coldly, the picture clutched tightly in my hand. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I had to do something right? I was also vaguely aware of all the guys standing around me.

“I don’t know what’s going on with you now, but I don’t think coming in here all angry is going to help,” Mel said logically.

“I don’t care what you think Mel, just let me through,” I snapped.

“No, I won’t let you through Niall, you’re angry and this isn’t going to help anybody,” Mel persisted.

“Look at this,” I huffed and pushed the picture towards Mel, she looked at it for a second and then looked back to me.

“Niall, don’t be stupid, Sophia would never go back to him, not after what he did, she loves you. Besides, that was probably taken when they were going out,” Mel shrugged.

“Mel, it has the date on it, your birthday, this year,” I snapped.

“Well it’s got to be photoshopped or something; she wouldn’t do that! I know her better than anyone; now go back to your room, calm down and then we’ll all talk about that,” She gestured to the picture in my hand, “Together, in a calm situation and get it all sorted out.”

“Fine,” I shouted, knowing I wasn’t going to win, I stormed back to my room and grabbed my clothes before going into the shower and trying to calm myself down.

Mel was right, I don’t know the full story, I need to calm down and talk about this with Sophia sensibly. She’d never do this to me right? She was cheated on herself, she knows how much it hurts, there’s no way she’d do it to me… was there?

Sophia’s POV

I sat in my warm bed quietly, trying to listen what was going on at the door. I couldn’t hear much, just some shouting and snapping occasionally. There was a knock at the door a minute ago, Mel went to answer it, and then all this commotion started happening, so me and the rest of the girls decided to let Mel sort it out and wait for her to come back. We might just make it worse if we go over to the door. She’d tell us what happened when she got back from sorting it out. Well, I say me and the rest of the girls, it was really just me, Lauren and Molly. Beth had gone out earlier to go for a walk to the shop or something. We heard the door shut and then Mel walked back over to us.

“What was that about?” Molly asked.

Mel opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Beth running through the door waving a magazine around like a mad-woman. She was gasping for air as she tried to get her breath back and tell us something at the same time. “Beth stop!” Lauren shouted, “Breathe… now talk.”

“Okay,” Beth said after some deep breathing, “You’re in the magazine, slapping Josh!”

“What?” I gasped my eyes-wide, whilst all Mel, Lauren and Molly all looked confused and Beth was grinning madly.

“Here,” Beth threw the magazine to me and everyone crowded around me to read the article.

I opened it to the page it said the article was on and saw two pictures, one of when Josh had kissed me in the café, then when I slapped him straight after the kiss, it was a pretty good action shot, I must say. I then quickly read the article.

“Sophia Dowell went to visit her ex-boyfriend from Ireland a few days ago, in a café near where she is staying with her new boyfriend, Niall Horan, and friends, as she wanted to get answers to why he cheated on her when they were dating. Her ex-boyfriend, Josh Chambers, cheated on Sophia with her own sister, Courtney Dowell, for over three months whilst they were together. It was Sophia’s sixteenth birthday when she found out that her sister and boyfriend were having a relationship behind her back. This is the suspected reason she left Ireland and is now living in London.

Sophia Dowell met up with Josh in the café to talk about why he cheated on her, however, when she got there it seemed Josh had other ideas. As she walked over to him he kissed her, (picture shown on the right), Sophia was obviously in shock, but pulled away from her ex and slapped him across the face (picture shown on the left). Despite the kiss Sophia stayed in the café to hear her ex-lover out and find out the truth behind the affair.

Sophia’s ex-boyfriend, Josh, told Sophia that the reason behind the lying and deceit was because “Courtney gave me what I wanted, whenever I wanted it, it was exciting, never knowing if you’d turn up.”

Sophia then replied, coldly, “So you wanted excitement and sex.”

He then tried to make up excuses by saying, “Please Sophia, I realised what a mistake it was, you never know what you’ve got till it’s taken away. I love you Sophia, I love you, please say you love me back.”

However, Sophia could see through his act and replied, “I do love someone Josh, but it is certainly not you, and never will be. I love Niall. You know the funny thing is though, I’m here telling you I love him and he doesn’t even know yet. I should be back at the hotel with my boyfriend not here with a low-life cheating ex-boyfriend.”

Sophia then walked out the café leaving her ex-boyfriend and never looking back. It seems Sophia finally got the answers she needed and can move on with her live, with a new boyfriend, who she has openly admitted she loved. But does Niall Horan know yet?” I finished reading, the shock clear on my face.

“Why didn’t you tell us any of this?” Molly glared playfully at me.

“Because it Mel’s birthday and I didn’t want to ruin the day, then I forgot,” I answered truthfully.

“Oh, well you erm, really need to talk to Niall…” Mel muttered.

“Why?” I asked worriedly.

“Well you know all the commotion earlier…” She trailed off.

“Yes,” I nodded feeling my heart beating ten times faster.

“Well, someone had posted him a picture of you and Josh kissing… he thinks you’re cheating on him…” She said carefully.

“No,” I whispered, tears pricking my eyes, “I’d never do that…”

“I know, I tried to tell him but he was really angry,” Mel said and I was then pulled into a tight hug my Lauren and Molly patted my head.

“I need to talk to him,” I said and pulled away from them and getting of my bed.

“Maybe you should get changed first,” Beth said and I nodded.

I pulled out some light skinny jeans, a black vest top and Niall’s Jack Wills zip up jacket as well as some underwear and had a quick shower before getting changed. Once I was ready I walked out the room, the girls had insisted on coming with me, and knocked on the door. I was so scared and nervous, and I know I looked a mess because tears were running slowly down my face at the thought of Niall hating me. I’d never even gotten round to telling him I loved him. The door opened and I held my breath, Louis was standing by the door glaring at me.

“What?” He snapped.

“Lou, please she didn’t kiss him, here,” Beth handed Louis the magazine and he quickly read it before he looked up at me, looking really guilty and sad, “Sorry Sophia.”

“It’s fine, I just really need to talk to Niall,” I choked out.

“Okay, come through,” He smiled and handed me the magazine, knowing I’d need it to help bring Niall round. My breath quickened as I walked into their room. All the boys looked at me coldly as I walked.

“Boys, let’s go,” Louis said sternly. They all hesitated before getting up, they all walked by me glaring, then Liam stopped beside me.

“Don’t hurt him more than you have,” He whispered before leaving the room. I knew the girls and Lou would explain the whole situation to the other boys so I didn’t have to deal with them.

I heard the shower shut off and I walked over and sat on the closest bed to me. I think it was Zayn’s, but I’m not sure. A few minutes later I heard the bathroom unlock and I held my breath as I heard Niall walked out. “Niall,” I whispered and stood up, the tears still spilling.

“Sophia,” He gasped as he took in my appearance, I tried to see some emotion in his face but he kept it blank and it was killing me.

“Please Niall listen to me,” I begged, “Just hear me out, then you can decided whether you believe me or not, it’ll be up to you.”

“Okay, I’ll hear you out Sophia,” He whispered and sat down, I followed his lead.

“I didn’t kiss him Niall. I went to see him, yes, but only to find out answers as to why he cheated on me. But when I got to the café he kissed me, I pulled away and slapped him, if you don’t believe me there was a journalist there. They saw the whole thing, here,” I then handed Niall the magazine and sat silently whilst he read it.

After a minute or two of long silent agony- for me anyway- he looked up at me. When he didn’t speak, I knew I had to say what I’d been wanting to say for a while now.

“There’s just one more thing Niall,” I began and he nodded for me to continue, “I’ve been wanting to say this for a while now…  Niall…”

“Yes,” He said when I didn’t say anything for a few seconds.

“Niall, I… I didn’t think this would be so hard to say… but after Josh I guess…” I took a deep breath, trying to steady my heart rate, “Niall Horan, I love you.” I saw his eyes widen in shock. “Oh gosh, you don’t love me back,” I whispered my heart breaking and I stood up, facing away from him as the tears fell faster, “I should have guessed, now you hate me. Just when I find the perfect guy, now I’ve ruined everything, I should have just kept my big mouth shut!” I rambled on.

“Sophia,” Niall said but I carried on rambling, cutting him off.

“I’m so stupid! Why did I go to see Josh? I’m going to kill him! I am going to hunt him down and rip his slimy head from his shoulders and feed it to Abbie,” Referring to Mel’s puppy I bought her for her birthday, “I bet my sister helped as well, the conniving little,” Niall cut me off by spinning me round and pressing his lips against mine.

Warmth flooded through my body as I realised Niall didn’t hate me and that in fact, he loved me too. “Niall,” I whispered as we pulled away.

“Sophia Dowell, I love you,” He whispered and I smiled broadly at him before kissing him again. He pulled me closer to him and lifted me off my feet, before spinning me around.

“From now on we don’t do anything without telling the other person, got it?” Niall grinned and I nodded.

“I promise,” I nodded and kissed him quickly.

“Come on, I bet the others are standing outside with their ears pressed to the door,” Niall whispered and I giggled. We crept to the door and placed our ears against it.

“I can’t hear anything!” Louis complained.

“You don’t think they’re getting off do you?” Harry asked and then there was loads of moans and an ‘ouch’ which I think came from Harry.

“I do not want think about that!” Mel hissed, “She’s my cousin!”

“One… two… three…” I mouthed and then Niall pulled the door open and everyone fell into the room and Niall and I burst out laughing.

“We were… just erm… well… you see…” They all babbled.

“Guys, it’s fine, we knew you’d listen,” I laughed.

“Oh okay then, so is everything sorted?” Beth asked.

“Yes,” Niall smiled and slipped his hand into mine.

“Great, well we’re doing a video diary now, but before we need to do a rehearsal at the theatre down the road because we’ve got a show coming up,” Liam said.

“Yes Daddy,” Niall, Lou, Harry and Zayn grinned as Liam glared at them.

“Come on boys,” I laughed, “Give daddy a break, he’s stressed.”

“Yeah, having to look after four children is a hard life for a single parent,” Molly grinned, making fun of her boyfriend.

“Har har, aren’t you two very funny,” Liam rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around Molly’s waist.

“Right let’s go to the theatre, we’ll watch you perform if you don’t mind boys,” Beth looked at us girls for a confirmation and we all nodded.

“Yes and then we’ll give you some constructive criticism,” Lauren chirped.

“We’re too good for criticism,” Harry pretended to flip his hair obnoxiously.

“Oh course you are babe,” Lauren kissed his cheek.

*~*~*~*~*~*

“So, how were we? Amazing? I know, you don’t need to say it,” Harry ‘flipped his hair’ obnoxiously.

“Well, I don’t know about the girls but I thought you were all a bit flat, maybe you’re all losing your touch boys,” I said with a serious face and all the girls mumbled their agreements.

“What?” The boys shouted.

“I wasn’t flat!” Harry shouted but he looked unsure, “Was I?”

“I’m sorry babe, I wouldn’t tell you if I didn’t think it was a problem,” Lauren said seriously.

“Sorry boys,” We all smiled sympathetically.

“This can’t be happening!” Zayn mumbled in a panic.

“I can’t believe it! Flat? Me?” Louis shouted.

“This cannot be happening! What are we going to do?” Liam stressed.

“We’re going to get fired!” Niall stressed. We couldn’t contain ourselves anymore, all of the girls and I just cracked up laughing.

“What? It’s not funny!” The boys shouted.

“Guys we were joking,” Mel laughed.

“What?” They all looked so confused… bless.

“You were all amazing!” Molly grinned.

“Not a note out of pitch,” Lauren nodded.

“Babe, calm down, you sounded perfect,” I whispered in Niall’s ear as I hugged him.

“I can’t believe you fell for it!” Beth laughed.

“Shut up, we have a video diary to do,” Liam huffed.

“I got the camera,” I said and pulled it out my bag.

“Alright we’ll sit down and you can start filming,” Liam said.

“Yes daddy,” I grinned cheekily. The boys walked off and then Louis came back with a… pigeon, not a real one a plastic one.

“Babe, what have you got?” Beth asked from behind me, I’d set up the camera on the stand and was just waiting for them to tell me to start recording.

“Not 'what' Beth, 'who',” Louis said defensively, whilst stroking the pigeon, which he cradled to his chest.

“Sorry babe, who have you got there?” Beth smiled as he took his seat in front of the camera.

“Kevin,” He smiled affectionately at the pigeon.

“I think you’ve been replaced Beth,” Molly laughed.

“How could you Boo Bear? I loved you and all I get in return is my heart broken and get replaced by a PIGEON!” Beth fake cried and ran out of the room.

“You’ve really done it now Lou,” I sighed and we all shook our heads.

“Kevin,” Louis smiled.

“Louis Tomlinson!” I shouted.

“What?” He snapped.

“You’re girlfriend has just ran out of here crying!” I tried to get his attention but he turned back to the ruddy pigeon, “Why do I bother?”

“What’s up babe?” Niall asked.

“You know what, you can do this without me, I’m going to comfort my friend!” I said glaring playfully at Louis and then I ran out after Beth, the girls followed me.

“Beth?” I shouted as we looked around the theatre entrance for her.

“In here!” She shouted.

We followed her voice and found her hidden in a cubby hole with loads of tubs of ice-cream and spoons. I ran off and grabbed a fork, I don’t know why but I always eat ice-cream with a fork when I can. I ran back to the cubby hole and grabbed one of the many ice-cream tubs (it was vanilla ice-cream with chocolate chips in it) and shut the door behind me, all of the girls had a spoon and tub to themselves and we all sat there in the dark eating and talking.

We’d been in the cubby hole for a while when we heard the boys calling us.

“Shh, we’ll make them try and find us,” I whispered; and we all carried on eating our ice-cream.

“Sophia! Lauren! Beth! Molly! Mel!” We heard the boys shouting our names but we just carried on eating. They kept shouting us for ages until they pulled the cubby hole door open and saw us all eating our ice-cream.

“What are you doing?” Louis shouted.

“It was Sophia’s idea!” All the girls shouted putting spoons in my face.

“I don’t care who’s idea it was, what I want to know is why I wasn’t invited!” Lou shouted.

“There’s still some ice-cream left,” I smiled and crawled out the cubby hole with the rest of the girls and all the boys ran in and grabbed some ice-cream and a spoon other than Liam who just had a tub and he walked over to me.

“Where did you get the fork from?” He asked.

“Here, have mine, I’m done,” I smiled and passed him the fork he smiled and began eating his ice-cream.

“Oh Niall, looks like you’re getting replaced by Liam, they’re sharing a fork,” Harry sang.

“Oh har har,” Liam rolled his eyes.

“Anyway, where’s your pigeon?” I raised an eyebrow at Louis and he burst into fake tears, resting his head on Harry’s shoulder.

I looked at Beth and she looked at me and nodded, knowing the look I was giving her. She then burst into her own fake tears and ran off from the group, Molly and Lauren looked at me and I nodded ever so slightly and they ran off after Beth.

“You absolute idiot!” I shouted at Louis, I’m such a good actress.

“What?” Louis frowned.

“You replaced you’re girlfriend with a plastic pigeon,” Mel said.

“Kevin!” Louis shouted.

“She’s still your girlfriend and she doesn’t deserve to be replaced! Now you go after her and say you’re sorry, because you love no one or nothing more than her,” I said sternly.

“But she could have gone anywhere!” Louis complained.

“Do you love her or not?!” Mel shouted.

“Of course I love her!” Lou shouted back.

“Then go after her!” I said, “Straight down the corridor, first door on your right, down that corridor until you reach the girls bathroom, she’s in there.”

“Yes ma’am!” He saluted and ran off in the direction I told him.

“How did you know where she was?” Liam asked.

“We had it all planned,” Mel grinned.

“Oh,” Was there intelligent response.