stranded with one direction. ➳ horan.

Chapter Twenty Five.

Niall’s POV

When we were guided to the other side of the airport, I was surprised. I thought that for sure that security would lead us to the paps, so we could be engulfed in pointless and tiresome questions. But what surprised me more was who stood behind the door that was opened for us.

There was Uncle Si, and some girl who I did not know. She was pretty and looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her. Well, until Emilee squirmed away from our grip and ran to her.

“Aria!” She squealed in delight.

Aria got down to her height and embraced her in a huge hug. I made an educated guess as to say that that was Emilee’s older sister. She never told us what her sister’s name was, but by the happiness they were both emitting, I thought it was safe to say that they were sisters. Plus the familiarness that Aria had was because of Emilee. She was like an adult version of her.

I smiled at them then turned my attention to Pey. Her expression was one of apprehension, nervousness, and dread. My smile fell straight from my face at the current site, along with the hard swallow she took. I directed myself to look at Uncle Si.

“Hello boys. I’m glad to see you are all well and unharmed. I’m also glad you rescued this adorable little girl and the pretty one standing next to you Niall.” He started off.

We all tried to smile, watching Emilee and Aria move to the side to embrace in whatever it is sisters do when they are reunited.

“Anyways, now that you have been returned, safely, we will start dealing with the press. You boys will be heading back to England to get a head start with press over there. Aria and Emilee will have a first class trip back to Ireland, and this lovely lady can be escorted to her home as well.” Simon said pleasantly.

“Well, first off, this lady who I am currently wrapped around is my girlfriend Uncle Si. Her name is Peyton.” I said proudly, my grip on her tightening.

What troubled me was when I looked back down at her, she was staring at the floor, my eyes unable to see her beautiful face. Was she not happy about this?

“Cute Niall. But it cannot happen.” Simon said a bit cold.

“Why not?” I questioned.

“Because you have to stay single, along with Harry. Our fans need to believe that they still have a chance at either one of you falling in love with them. They can’t believe that if all of you have girlfriends, and at least most of you.” He said chuckling like it was so obvious.

I looked at Harry as he turned his attention back to us. He seemed to have been focused on the sisterly duo. And I think a certain sister had drawn his attention more than the other.

“No offense lads, but you don’t dictate Louis or Zayn with their relationships. You let them be happy. Why can’t I?” I said, my temper starting to heat up.

“Niall.” A small voice piped up as her warm hand wrapped around my upper arm.

My head immediately shot to her, and I could feel myself calming down. I looked at her, trying to see if I could see what she was going to say or do next. But I couldn’t brace for her next words.

“It’s fine. That we can’t be together, I mean. It wouldn’t have worked out anyway. You’re famous and lovable, and I’m not. I’ve told you before, we’re too different to work out how we want to. It’s fine. Go make others happy. You made me happy for a little while, and you need to understand that that is something amazing. Go. I’ll be fine. I’ve made it before on my own, now is no different.” Peyton said, trying her hardest to give a small smile.

There were four boys saying “What?” and I know my face mimicked their confusion as well.

“Harry, you shouldn’t be questioning anything. I told you something like this would happen, and it did.” She said, turning to face Harry, then back to me.

“I promise, you don’t need me around to cause trouble. You lot can do that just fine on your own. I wish you the very best Niall. You know you’ll always have a part of my heart. Please, keep it safe, even if you forget about me. I can’t have anymore pieces damaged, you know I can’t take much more.” She said, so softly, tears resting peacefully on the bottom of her eyelids.

She gave me a quick peck on the cheek, before she finished off her speech, if you want to call it that.

“So I guess that’s it then. I’m going to leave so everything can be sorted without me being in the way. Good luck boys.” She said, before she wriggled herself free from me and walked out the door.

I stood frozen in shock. The boys gathered around me, and tried to get me to move, but I couldn’t. How could I? She left. Just like that, like it was easy as breathing. How is that possible?

“Well, that was easier than expected. I’ll let you boys change and say goodbye to Emilee. I know how you boys get attached to small children.” Simon said, rolling his eyes a little as he left.

I was snapped from my thoughts as something was pulling at the hem of my shirt. I looked down to see Emilee. I tried to muster a small smile as I kneeled down, balancing myself on my toes.

“What’s up Em?” I asked, trying my hardest to sound cheerful.

“I know Pey was lying. She won’t be fine. She needs you and if you don’t go after her, she’ll be broken forever. I saw it. Her and I are similar. And just like she understood me, I understand her. It’s weird how we work, because we don’t even know each other that much, but we do. And you need to know that she loves you. More than she may ever lead on. She left because of that. She didn’t want you to suffer the consequences of trying to make everything work. I know it can, but she doesn’t, and you need to figure out if you do. And the sooner you do, the sooner everyone can understand everything. I know I’m only ten, but trust me, even if this is the only thing, okay?” She said, finally smiling at the end.

Her smile could end violence in the world, I swear. I couldn’t help the real smile that had made it’s away across my face. She really was something, nothing short than miraculous, this one. I brought her in for one of my famous Horan Hugs.

“Thank you.” I whispered to her.

She giggled and as I pulled away, I saw Harry hand a piece of paper over to Aria, with his dimpled smile carved into his face. His genuine smile. He wasn’t trying anything on her, he just simply wanted to get to know her and I was happy for him, but also jealous. Not of what he was doing, but that he had the courage and bravery to go behind Simon’s back and try to get a girlfriend.

Even though I know I love Peyton, I didn’t have half the courage I should have to do something as bold. I honestly wish I did, because maybe I would have been able to run after her. That was the second time I had let her slip through my fingers. The second time. I could not even begin to imagine what she was feeling about that. She probably thought everything was just a scam, again. I probably broke her, again. God damn it! Why couldn’t I ever be man enough?

We said our goodbyes to Emilee and Aria, but not before Aria got a kiss on the cheek from Harry. Now he was trying to cheeky. I rolled my eyes at him, but she thanked us one last time as she left with Emilee. Emilee waved at me with her wide smile, almost reminding of what she told me, but it was not like I could easily forget.

After they left, we got changed into the spare clothes they left us, along with toothbrushes, hair products, deodorant, and cologne; just enough until they can get us to the hotel to really freshen up. Once we were all presentable, they lead us out to be swallowed by the paps that were just hungry for our incredible story. Time for us to smile and lie. But I didn’t know if my heart could take another lie, especially from my own brain.

Hi babies (: so member how I told you it was coming to an end? Yeah, well I really only have two more chapters planned for this story D: It's honestly so depressing for me because it's my baby and I love it and yeah. But I love you all for being amazing readers. If you haven't already, could you please check out my other stories and gimme feedback? It would be much appreciated. Well, until next time my babies!

Stay Sparkling (: xox.