Strangers

Chapter 71: Old Flames Die Surprisingly Easily

I feel like a dog that knows it’s done something wrong and is scared of its owner so is skulking with its tail between his legs.

I’d wracked my mind on what sort of present I could give Niall to try and make him forgive me, but you can’t really buy someone who has everything just anything.

Instead, I’d made a collage of photos of us from the past two years, and hoped it would be enough to show him how much I really do appreciate his friendship.

I’ve been knocking on his apartment door for a really long time and he hasn’t answered, so on a whim I try to open the door, and it’s unlocked.

“Niall!” I call cautiously, stepping inside the apartment to find him but not wanting to walk in on an awkward situation, although the further I get inside the apartment I realise the less chance of that happening.

It’s empty.

There’s no furniture, no tv, no beds or anything.

Did he move?

How do I not know this? Fuck. I really am the worst friend. 

Me: Hey, do you know Niall’s address?

Alice: Why do you want it? Also class act just leaving without saying goodbye and only texting when you need something.

Me: Oh get over yourself and just tell me.

Alice: he isn’t going to want to see you.

Me: I think I’ll be the judge of that, I know him a bit better than you love.

Stupid bitch should realise I wouldn’t be contacting her unless it was important. I am so excited to never have anything to do with her again. No room for liars and betrayers in my life anymore.

When I get back to my car, another text from Alice comes through, giving me Niall’s new address. Yeah bitch, that’s what I fucking thought.

Okay, now just to hope that he’s at home and not off at rehearsals or something.

The biggest risk about being friends with Niall is the inevitable mention of Harry. But surely I’m strong enough to hear his name without thinking about…well, everything.

I now have to drive to another part of town just to find his new place.

It’s amazing. And I don’t know why I always manage to forget how rich these kids are. Especially Niall who eats shitty take out for dinner almost every night when he could have a live-in chef.

It’s so modern, and everything is white and the garden is so pristine it’s very unlike him but I guess he likes it. I can’t believe I don’t know that he moved.

I feel really nervous standing at the front gate, pressing the button for attention.

When my button goes unacknowledged I just hold it down till it finally stops buzzing.
“What?”

“Hey it’s Lola.” I say into the little speaker thingy.

“I know. I can see you on my cameras.”

“Oh…that’s awkward.”

“What are you doing here Lola?” It could be the dodgy speaker thing but he sounds pissssed.

“I thought we could talk. Can I come in?”

“Now you want to talk? After weeks of nothing? No Merry Christmas, happy new year, nothing? Now you want to talk?”

“I just want to apologise Niall, I just want to talk.”

“You really don’t deserve it but whatever.” He sighs and the gate finally opens.