stranded with one direction. ➳ horan.

Chapter Twenty Four.

Peyton’s POV

I was cuddled up to something that was both firm but comfortable and I enjoyed the warmth that was radiating from it. I felt a smile tug at the corner of my lips as I snuggled closer to this object. As I did, the object held a tighter grip over me, causing me to jump and emit a slight squeal. This earned a chuckle from the object that was Niall. I felt the vibrations from his chuckle throughout my body and that was due to the closeness of our bodies.

I became aware of our closeness, and tried to wriggle free, still self conscious and insecure about myself. This only caused Niall to hold a tighter grip, making sure I never left. I opened my eyes carefully, expecting there to be a blinding sun. There was no sun, just dark, lingering clouds. I looked up to Niall through my eyelashes and saw him already smiling down at me.

“Good morning beautiful.” He said cheery, causing a grin to erupt on his face.

I, on the other hand, closed my eyes, brought my hand to cover my face, and buried myself into Niall’s chest more.

“I am not.” I mumbled quietly, hoping he wouldn’t hear.

“What was that dear?” He inquired.

“Nothing, Niall.” I said, spacing my fingers out so I could steal a quick glance.

He gave me a look like he didn’t believe me, but let it slide. I started to work my way back from Niall’s chest, so I could lie next to him and admire his being. As I was getting comfortable, I felt something cold and wet hit my face. I scrunched my face up at the new sensation and turned to look at the sky, only to be hit with the same thing on my nose.

Within seconds, it was raining, at a pretty steady pace. Niall pushed himself off the sand and began to run for shelter with everyone else. I did not follow what the others were doing; I just pushed myself up and stood under the rain. I was one of those weird people who enjoy the company of the rain. I smiled up at the sky and allowed the rain to run across my body.

“Peyton, are you crazy? You’re going to get a cold if you stand out there. Come here.” Zayn called to me.

I turned my head to look at the lot all huddled under a giant tree, but just shook my head no. I didn’t want to seek shelter. The rain was one of the few things that relaxed me and made me feel at ease with myself, which was not something that could be easily done. I turned my head to look back at the ocean, which looked to have gotten somewhat aggressive.

I shuddered at the fact that any survivor who was out there, if there were any in the first place, would not survive. That was a sad fate, one I had not considered since we made it to this island. Even with Emilee’s arrival and the knowledge that this was a legitimate plane crash, the thought never really occurred to me. She had no one who cared about her and her being, just the necessities to survive. And all those other people, whose loved ones will never have full closure because their body was somewhere lost at sea.

Even though the rain is a comfort to me, it still brings sadness and pain that was often associated with it. I was brought from my thoughts by someone shaking me and saying my name. It came muffled to me, but cleared as I returned to reality. I could easily tell whose voice it was by the accent, but I turned my head to be greeted with a pair of captivating blue eyes.

“Baby, why are you out here?” Niall asked, concerned for my well being.

“I like the rain, Ni. It makes me comfortable.” I said, as my eyelashes blinked away another drop of rain and a small smile took my face.

“So you’re not going to come sit with us under the shelter?” He asked again, sighing after.

“In a bit. I just want to enjoy the rain.” I said.