Let's Pretend [Niall Horan]

Chapter 38

-Harry-


••Feb 8, 2013••

"I really appreciate it," Aria said to the person on the other end of the phone, pacing around the kitchen till her eyes met mine, creating a warm smile to form on her lips. I had been watching her walk around in circles as she spoke to one of Max's friend's mothers for a few minutes now. This lady called to offer to pick up Max and bring him home later this evening from the camp, since she lived only a few houses away.

She hadn't forgiven me. It was obvious. No matter what I did, no matter what I said, she didn't look at me the same way that she used to. The kindness and truth in her eyes were gone. I knew simply from the way she looked at me, that she still hated me. Regardless of what I tried to do, it was impossible to change her mind. I wanted to be with her as often as I could. She had been the only person who's made me feel young and fully myself, and I know that I regretted everything that has ever happened between us on her birthday that year. I had regretted it for years now. But no matter what I said, it didn't seem to change her mind about me.

"So, I have about," Aria placed her phone down on the kitchen counter, as she looked at the clock on the kitchen wall before continuing, "six hours left before Max comes home." She walked over to my side and plopped herself beside my body on the off-white colored couch.

I loved her, I loved that she still did all the little things that she's always did years ago, and not too much of her seemed to have changed. She was only older and more mature now, and very responsible.

"You alright?" she asked. Her voice suddenly sounding more British than it did earlier. Her voice had changed so much after she moved to America, that I had forgotten that she used to have a British accent when we were children.

"Fine," I replied, forcing a smile. I was happy to be around her, of course. But I couldn't help but be unhappy finally understanding that she was never going to forgive me. And it was all my fault.

"I have school tomorrow as well," she rested her head on my shoulder. Normally, if it were any other girl, this would be flirting. But I've known Aria for far too long to know that she does this normally. It wasn't the fact that she liked me, it was that this is what she did. It was casual to her.  Although I couldn't help but slightly wish it meant more to her.  

"I suppose I should get back to being with the lads anyways," I said although I wanted to stay with her forever. I knew it wasn't logical. Plus, we had a tour coming up soon. And I'm sure we need to work on that choreography and such.  Especially since I was the literal definition of someone who could not dance.  

"Makes sense," her voice was quiet, then she took a sharp breath before standing back up, leaving my side.

"Get up," she said extending her hand my way, "we only have five hours and fifty-five more minutes to do something fun."

I chuckled, taking her hand in mine and standing back up.

"We're walking to café Arvo to get a drink," she stated, making her way to the coat hanger where she grabbed her jean jacket, quickly sliding it on then grabbing my coat and throwing it at me. I knew that café well, since that's where Aria and I used to go with the few pounds we'd earn each week from my mum from keeping my room tidy after we played. Although, I'm pretty sure that was just a simple way to get me and Aria out of the house so my mum could have some alone time.

"A, I can't really just walk to that café," I said knowing that there'd definitely be a few people who'd recognize me on a Sunday afternoon. It wasn't the same for me as it was years ago.