Troubled Love

Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen:

The next couple of weeks pass quickly. I fall into a routine with school and my mother has fallen into a routine of drinking and not taking responsibility of her actions. She drinks everyday and shoves all of the household chores, bills, and taking care of Juliette on me. I'm sick and tired of her being this way but I haven't figured out a way to bring it up to her. Juliette goes to day care everyday and Braden and her are becoming really close. Niall talks to me a little each day when we pick up our siblings at daycare however he doesn't try to talk to me in school. I don't understand him yet but him not talking to me at school doesn't really bother me. I eat lunch with Tiffany and Louis each day and Liam and I talk in homeroom and in History. Niall just stares at Liam and I when were talking but I pretend not to notice. One day Mr. Willis announces a partner project that will change my life. "Alright class! Settle down! I have an announcement! Today we will be starting a partner project in which you can choose your favorite event in History. It will require a term paper, a product such as a PowerPoint, poster, etc., and you'll have to present it to the class. It'll be do in three weeks and is worth 35% of your grade," he explains and the class groans including myself. Presentations and I don't mix, "Oh and I'll be choosing your partners. Also you will not have any time to complete this project in class with the exception of the last fifteen minutes of class today to discuss the project." The class groans again. Could this get worse? A huge project in my worst subject probably with someone I don't know. I just hope

I'm paired with Liam. "Okay listen up for your name! Taylor with Jennifer, Michael with Scott, Liam with Danielle, Lydia with Niall..." Mr. Willis keeps babbling but I zone out. I have to work with Niall? He doesn't even talk to me in school and he barely says two words at daycare. This should be interesting. Niall turns around to look at me but its not a pleasant look. He glares at me, sighs, and then turns around. This will be interesting, I mine as well say goodbye to my 3.8 GPA with this stupid project. "Okay class you can now meet with your partners." Mr. Willis says. Niall doesn't move towards me so I guess that means I have to go to him. "Hi," I mumble shyly, "Um...what do you want to do the uh...project on? I ask. "Like I know? Aren't you like some sort of genius? Shouldn't you have all of this planned out already? You talk with that nerd Louis everyday and that stupid jock Liam. Don't you type of people have assignments done how many weeks in advance?" Niall asks rudely. I'm pretty sure my jaw drops open I little. I'm extremely offended but in a weird way flattered that he pays attention to me and my habits. "Listen here buddy. If you don't want to work with me that's not my problem. We didn't choose each other Mr. Willis did. So you're either going to stop complaining and help me or I'm going to request a partner change from Mr. Willis! And quit stereotyping people! " I exclaim. I can't believe I just said that even though that's what I was thinking. I usually don't say what's exactly on my mind I usually filter it but apparently not when I'm around Niall. "You're right, I'm sorry," he says. "Do you want to meet at the library after school? I can call Donna and ask her to keep Braden and Juliette until 6?" I'm once again stunned how can he switch gears so quickly? One minute he's a jerk and then then the next minute he is actually a nice guy. "That would be great. Thank you." I say. "You're welcome." Niall says with a wink. Did he really just wink at

me? What is going on? Why is my stomach doing somersaults and my heart is pounding? The bells rings signaling the end of class. "See you after school Lydia." Niall says while briskly walking out if the classroom and I'm standing there smiling like an idiot. However Mr. Willis quickly pulls me back to reality. "Miss Ellis can I speak with you for a moment?" he asks. Oh my this should be interesting.

*A/N: Hey everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't updated lately. I've been busier than expected. I will update again tomorrow but after that I probably won't update until Monday at the earliest. I thought that since it was summer I would have more free time to write this but it doesn't look that way. Thank you for your understanding and that you still read it. Please read, vote, and comment. Thank you!!*