Chapter 9

Ellis Pov

“I’m just coming, keep your pants on!”

“What makes you think I’m wearing pants?”

“Oh, god Harry.”

I was running late. Harry had invited me over for ten, but me being silly overslept, only leaving me 15 minutes to meet him. I’d thrown on a simple floral dress, added a bit of mascara, and slipped on some navy pumps. I was only a few minutes away when Harry called me, but it was almost half past ten.

“I’m kidding. But hurry okay?”

I jogged the last few minutes, and turned into Harry’s road, and approached his door, only to find it wide up, with him leaning against the door frame, a smile plastered on his face.

“Morning butterfly.” His little dimples formed on his face, making him look ten years old again. He gave a quick hug before dragging me inside, closing the door quietly. He pressed a finger to his lips, and pointed upstairs. “Niall’s are still asleep” he mouthed to me, and I giggled, my cheeks flushing slightly. I followed the slight murmurs coming from the living room, and went inside. Zayn was sat on the sofa, with Louis lying next to him, his head in Zayn’s lap. Liam was on the other sofa, looking sort of lonely, so I slid down next to him. Harry kicked Louis’ legs off of the sofa and sat in the newly made space, and we were soon swept up into conversation.

They had two weeks until they had to leave for London, and they were buzzing. People still didn’t know who they were, but it was the first week of auditions last week, and I knew they’d be on soon. I wondered of they’d still talk to me when they’re all famous, or if I’d be lost in the crowds. I knew Harry wouldn’t, but the others, I wasn’t too sure about, especially Niall, after what Harry told me.

“I feel like fish and chips.”

Me and Liam hung back as the other three headed down to the chippy, we didnt want Niall waking up to an empty house. Liam decided to take this opportunity to talk to me obout our budding relationship, if you can call it that.

“So how’s it going with you two?” Liam tilted his head towards, smiling lazily. I admired his confidence.

“Barely spoken.”

“How come?”.

I sighed quietly to myself, and shifted my body to face him, crossing my legs.

“When Harry came back, he came to see me. He told me about your time in Barbados, the time you all got drunk, when Niall got drunk..” Liam nodded, and I stopped.

“Say no more.” I could feel ony tears pricking in the back of my eyes, I had no idea why I was reacting like this. Part of me had just hoped that me and Niall could.. but no. Liam sensed my sadness, and he shuffled closer to me. He placed one arm over my shoulder and pulled me close, hugging me gently. I buried my face in his chest, wrapping one arm across his stomach. It felt lovely to be comforted like this, by someone a barely knew that still cared.

“He’s not a bad person, you know.” Liam whispered into my hair, his chin waggling on the top of my head. “She came on to him. It’s not what it sounds like. But I knew you liked him.” He let a small laugh slip with the last sentence, and he hugged me closer. We held it for a while, both of us very comfortable.

“Not interrupting am I?” a thick accent appeared in the doorway, the sweetness filling my ears. Me and Liam jumped apart, shuffling awkwardly. I glanced towards the doorway to see Niall casually lent against the door, hands tucked under his armpits. He was fully dressed, and his hair was messy, longer than it was before, but still cute.

“No, not at all.” Liam jumped up, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He flicked it open, and mumbled something about having to make a call. He headed out of the room, pausing next to Niall, stage whispering in his ear.

“Talk to her. Tell her.” He swiftly left the room, leaving me and Niall alone.

“Tell me what?”