Save My Love

Weeks went on, and more dates with Niall took place. We'd even been on a few double-dates with Liam and Sammi. Everyone got along well and we had a great time together. Everything just seemed a bit less stressful and carefree. It was all good.

The only odd thing, at least in my opinion, was where Niall and I stood at that point. We'd already been on thirteen dates (but who's counting?) and he never said anything about being in a relationship, let alone even kissing me. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was trying to friendzone me. And that would suck.

We'd be at McDonald's with Liam and Sammi, and they'd occasionally kiss each other, and I couldn't help but feel awkward as Niall and I sat next to each other, pretending there wasn't any tension. I was turning into the girl who depended on the guy to make every move, and I hated it. So I did something about it.

"Yeah, come on over! Just walk in when you get here, I'll probably be in the back room finishing up some work. I'll leave the door unlocked."

I figured I'd up and ask him. It was always better to get things out in the open, right?

I walked up to the steps to his apartment, wiggling the doorknob when I finally got there. As promised, it was unlocked, and I entered without hesitation. I was about to call out for him, when I heard the faint sound of his voice. I followed it down his hallway, leading me to what I assumed was his room. I hated to eavesdrop, but I really actually love to eavesdrop.

"Yeah, I know what I'm doing," he said, then paused. Must be on the phone.

"She's not distracting me! I'm doing my job just fine and I'm not behind on anything. I've got it under control."

It was then I noticed I had casually pressed my ear to the door, suddenly very interested. Was that about me?

"I know. Get it done and get out. I got it. Alright. Bye," he finished. I suddenly heard his steps getting closer, and panicked. I quickly made my way down the hall, pretending to look at the few pictures he had hung up.

"Oh, hey! I didn't know you were here already."

"Well, I've just been here for a few minutes. It sounded like you were on the phone so I didn't want to interrupt," I shrugged, turning to him.

"That was just, uh, my job. Always making sure I'm on top of things!" he chuckled nervously.

"Niall? Am I interfering with your job?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"What? No! Were you listening?"

I didn't answer, just shrugged and looked back at the pictures on the wall. I felt a bit guilty, especially if I was causing Niall to slack off at work.

"If I'm taking time away from your work, we can hang out less. I get it. I'm not offended or anything. It's not like we're in a relationship or anything," I admitted, putting my best poker face on.

"No no no, that's not it at all. If anything, we aren't spending enough time together. I guess it's just, I'm not ready for a relationship yet. It's not that I don't like you, because you're awesome. Just, uh, maybe we can wait until after your school is out? I don't wanna distract you from focusing."

"Niall, you know just as well as I do that my grades have only gotten better since we've met. Is there something wrong with me? You can tell me. I want to know," I prodded.

"Don't worry about it, really. You're fine."

"Of course I'm gonna worry about it! We've gotten too close for me to not be concerned."

"Pippa! Drop it already!" he raised his voice a bit, apparently fed up with it all.

"Sorry," I mumbled, dropping my head.

He immediately displayed a look of regret, sighing heavily.

"I didn't mean to yell. I'm sorry. Just trust me, alright?"

"Alright," I agreed. Turned off to the idea of our usual goofy times, I turned and walked back down the hallway.

Without another word, I left.

Notes