We Took A Chance

It feels like I haven't seen Niall all week but it really has only been a couple of days. Thankfully it's the weekend now and today we're going to the Manchester Derby. He sounded very happy when I called him to ask him to go with me.

The work day has been dragging even though I asked the manager if I could leave a little early to have enough time to get to the stadium. He happily agreed but then I dropped the bomb about next weekend. I asked if I could have the weekend and Monday off and he was not happy at all. He agreed but made sure to tell me that I can't miss any more work. I assured him that I wouldn't and tried to put on my sweetest face.

I'm wiping down the counters with a wet rag with an eye on the clock. As soon as it hits 2 I take off my apron, clock out, and dodge for the door. Niall said he'd pick me up at 3 which seemed like we wouldn't have enough time to make the 6:30 kickoff but I trust him. As I apply some tinted lip balm, my phone dings with a message.

Niall: I'm outside darling.

I bite my lip in excitement, grab my purse, and hurry to meet him downstairs. I expected Niall to be waiting in his car but I'm surprised when I see him standing just outside my building.

"Oh, hey, I thought you were in the car." I say as I approach him. His smile appears as soon as he sees me.
"I just couldn't wait to kiss you." he says before snaking his arms around me and kissing my lips passionately. I missed his taste, his smell, everything about him.
"You got my lip balm all over your mouth." I smile and wipe the spots with my thumb which in turn makes him smile. He then gives me a quick peck staining his lips again. He's so silly.
"Let's go or we'll be late." he announces and leads me to the car. I'm confused when I realize we're both getting in the back of a different car than Niall's.
"Niall where's your car?" I ask scooting across the backseat to leave room for him. A man I've never met before is occupying the driver's seat.
"Had to get a driver so I don't have to leave my car at the airport." he states like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"Wait, airport? What does this mean?" I'm really confused now.
"Zoe, Manchester is over 3 hours away by car. We'd never make it so we're taking a private plane." my eyes widen at the thought. I'd never even flown first class much less in a private plane!
"Niall, I don't even know what to say..." I confess my lack of words.
"It's ok, Zoe. It's safe." he assures me, but it's not the safety I'm concerned about.
"I know, Ni, I trust you. It's just... I'm not used to this. I can't wrap my head around taking a private plane just to attend a game."
Niall takes my hands in his before saying, "Zoe, it's ok. Just let me have my way today." he then brings my hands to his mouth and presses a light kiss on each one.

The ride to the airport wasn't long at all. I can't deny that my heart was racing once we pulled up to the private entrance. Boarding the plane was easy as we didn't have to go through any security or make any lines. Stepping onto the small plane was like stepping into a dream. Never in a million years did I think I'd be in one of these. There was only a handful of tan leather seats and 2 tables. A bathroom was available towards the end of the plane.

The pilots introduced themselves and let us know that our flight will take roughly an hour and 10 minutes. Then the flight attendant made sure to go through safety procedures like pointing out the exits, oxygen masks, etc. She asked if we needed anything and then excused herself to the cabin since we declined.

We were 42,000 feet in the air when we were allowed to unbuckle our seatbelts and walk around. Instead I turned a bit in my seat to face Niall.

"You look happy." I point out and in turn he displays his boyish grin.
"I'm always happy when I'm with you." he brings his thumb to my cheek and pinches lightly.
"So, tell me, what's your prediction for the game?" I ask wanting to know which team he'll be rooting for.
"Manchester United 2-1. Sorry, Zoe." he shrugs and laughs.
"No way! Manchester City 3-0. How's that?" I tease.
"3-0?! Hah. In your dreams. United has won the most derbys." he states matter of fact and I feign offense.

It's times like these when it surprises me how well I get along with Niall. Once we get going with conversation, it's hard to stop. I'm not surprised when the pilot announces we'll be descending shortly. The hour in flight seemed like just a few minutes which didn't allow me to over think the fact that I was flying in a private jet anymore.

Right after landing we had another driver waiting for us. He was to drive us directly to Etihad Stadium. Manchester looks a lot like London which I didn't expect it to. Even though I'm aware we're in a different place, it feels like I haven't left London.

As we arrive to the stadium, it is booming with people outside. Most fans are wearing City jerseys but a great deal are sporting the classic red United one. Thankfully the lines to get inside are going fast and before we know it we are inside.

"Let's get food yeah?" Niall proposes pointing to a concession stand. I was expecting typical stadium food so it was my surprise to see options like meat pies. I skipped the meat pies and instead ordered a hot dog and beer. Niall ordered just a beer.

I was happy to see that our seats are sideline just behind the player's bench. The stadium is huge, it seems surreal. Nothing at this point could wipe the smile off my face. I don't know when or if I'll ever be back so I made sure to take a lot of pictures with my phone and took the chance to include Niall in a few selfies. The atmosphere was incredible, each corner of the stadium was alive with fans of both teams. There was music, chants, and a lot of shouting.
The game was pretty intense the first half but the second half took the cake. It was cute to see Niall press on his cheeks every time United would get close to goal. At times he'd begin biting his knuckles in anticipation. The whole stadium was brought to life when Sergio Aguero netted the first goal for City. I darted up in excitement but it was quickly shot down when the ref called offside. I sat back down disappointed and Niall rubbed my back to soothe me and I instantly felt better.

In the end the game was scoreless and I could tell the fans were left craving more. I wanted so bad to have City win my first game here but 1 point is better than no points.

We must have been so into the game that we didn't notice the weather change. The cloudless skies had turned dark gray but thankfully it didn't rain while we were at the game. The same driver that brought us here was waiting just outside the stadium. As we settled in to the backseat, he turned towards us and began speaking to Niall.

"Sir, got word from the airport and flights are being cancelled right now. There's rather large storms heading this way and it is unclear when it'll be safe to continue air traffic. Your plane is not able to leave at the moment. It could be all night." I look back and forth between Niall and the driver and wonder what's going to happen.
"So, it's a given? We can't fly out?" Niall asks holding on to my hand tight.
"That's right, sir. Do you wish to wait at the airport or would you rather I take you elsewhere?" Niall then turns to me, my hand still clutched tight in his.
"Zoe, I'm sorry. What do you want to do?"
"You decide." I tell him and he turns back to the driver.
"John, take us to the closest hotel please." I couldn't contain a smile at the thought of spending more time with Niall.

Notes

Any guesses on what's going to happen now? ;) I already started writing the next update so maybe just maybe I'll update today again. If not, I promise tomorrow I will.

I'm really happy to see that this story is getting subscribers. It has officially topped my other two stories in both votes and subs and I'm pretty thrilled about it. haha. Especially because my first story has over 28k views which is like 4 times as many as this one so this is already a victory to me. :D Thank you lovely readers!