DISARRAY (Niall Horan A.U)

Chapter 25

It's been a week, well six days, since my little sleepover with Niall. I wish I could say more happened with Niall that night, but nothing happened. I woke up the next morning to find a text from him telling me that he went to the gym. I decided not to stick around and left. It was lucky that I did, because when Niall got back from the gym Brett was there.

That brings me to this moment in time. At the same vegan restaurant that disgusts me. My parents came up four hours before Brett's soccer game to have lunch with Brett and I. They figured this would be the best place for Brett to eat. Much to my dismay Crystal is our server. Niall isn't here so at least I don't have to sit here and listen to her flirt with Niall. I do have to sit through my parents lecturing Brett and I. Brett got in a fight with our parents and that's why he came back early. Now I'm sitting here listening to my parents ramble on about why we should respect them.

"I just don't know what I did to have you both treat me like this." My mom says through her tears. She stands up and rushes to the bathroom.

"I am very disappointed in the both of you." Dad states before he rushes after mom.

"I am so confused. Mom and I have been fine. What happened last weekend?" I look at Brett.

"I tried to ask them to let me make my own decisions, but they were being controlling and I just snapped. I ended up yelling at them and saying that you never came home to visit, because you couldn't stand them." Brett looks down ashamed.

"Brett, I don't know what to say." I grow quiet from the lack of what to say. I soon figure out what to say. "First of all, I am proud of you for sticking up for yourself. Second of all, way to drag me in the middle of this." I softly smack his shoulder. "This is what we are going to do. We are going to apologize for treating her poorly and then we are going to be pleasant with them until they leave tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"I don't want to apologize." I didn't know Brett could be stubborn.

"Listen, there is only room for one bad kid and that's me. Too many years full of a damaged relationship to make me the kid mom and dad brag about. You have to be the good one." My voice is full of amusement, but I am serious.

"Fine." Brett rolls his eyes.

A couple minutes later our parents come back. Mom's eyes are a little red. I feel guilty for whatever part I played in this. Dad looks disappointed, a look I know all too well.

"Mom, I am sorry for being disrespectful and mean. I have been really stressed with school." Brett says sincerely.

"I am sorry, too." I quickly jump in. "For being me."

"Thank you for your apologies, but Jess don't apologize for being yourself. You might be turning my hair grey, but I love who you are. Brett, I just want what's best for you. I'm sorry if I come off as pushy." My mom smiles at Brett and I. I hate how nice she is. She forgives too quickly and loves too easily.

We start talking about what has been going on in our lives. My parents look pleased, but also unsettled by how much Brett and I hang out. I think it is hilarious, but Brett reassures them that I am not a bad influence.

I try to ignore Crystal every time she comes to the table, but Brett keeps talking to her. I make remarks about how terrible the food is and how I don't like the restaurant whenever she is around. As our parents are paying the bill, Brett starts asking Crystal about Niall.

"I haven't seen you around the dorm lately, is everything with Niall okay?" Brett asks and I almost kick him under the table.

"We have both been super busy. We got ice cream earlier this week after bible study." Crystal glances over at me and then back at Brett.