Alayna’s POV:
“Hey, sorry if they had to come. I just couldn’t say no.” Niall whispered and what he said made me laugh. “It’s okay. Don’t worry.” I tapped Niall’s back and we both laughed.

“Hey, I think I should go. I’m starting to feel like a fifth wheel.” I could sense that Kacey was starting to feel uncomfortable. “Oh, I’m sorry. Let me fix that.” Niall switched places with me which places him in between Kacey and I; he then put an arm around the both of us.

“Yup, that makes it better.” Kacey laughed and I felt happy. It’s nice to know that the two people I trust get along very well.

“So how was your trip to Ireland?” I saw Kacey’s face lit up and I was glad that this topic interests her. “You went to Ireland?!” Niall was still telling his story when we went inside a restaurant.

“Oh, uhm, excuse me. I just have to get this.” We were about to order when my phone rang. “Okay, want me to order for you?” Niall asked me and I nodded as a response. I exited the restaurant as fast as I can and answered the call.

“Hello?” I looked at my phone screen and saw that it was my mom. I know already that this call was not going to be at all good. “Paige, are you there?” I flinched at that name as only my mom calls me that.

“Yes, mom. How are you?” I love my mom but I don’t particularly like talking to her on the phone. When she calls, it can only mean two things: it’s an emergency or I’m in trouble. “I’m fine. We’re fine but what I’m worried about is you. You haven’t called for days.” I held my phone an inch away from my ear as my mom shouts; she doesn’t really have an inside voice.

“I’ve been busy. Sorry.” I sat at a nearby bench as I knew that this was going to be a long conversation. “You’re busy? You’re not doing anything there but school, right?” I sighed as I know one of my mom’s lectures is coming my way.

“I’m not, mom. I can barely keep up with school. Why would I be doing anything else?” The reason why I never really had much friends was because of my mom. I know my mom only wants the best for me but she can go a little bit overboard.

“Look young lady. Don’t you come back here with failing marks. I didn’t raise you up to be a failure..” My mom was still talking but I stopped listening. “Did you and dad fight again?” I sighed and rubbed my forehead. Every single time that my mom gets mad at someone, she lashes out at me and I figured this was one of them.

“I’m just making sure that you got your head on straight, okay?! You never understood me and you’re just like you’re sister and brother.” I heard the line cut and I know my mom hung up.

I rested my head on both of my hands and I could feel tears falling down my eyes. I love my mom so much that I never did anything that I know would make her mad or sad. I know my sister and brother did the same thing but seemed to fail along the way.

When I was growing up, I made sure that I didn’t make the same mistakes as they did but it seems that whatever I did was not good enough. My mom never notices my accomplishments but only my failures.
I must have been sobbing very loud as I grabbed someone’s attention. There was someone standing in front of me and I could feel him staring. “Alayna?”

Harry’s POV:
“Alayna?” I looked down at her but she wasn’t still looking up. “Are you okay?” I sat down next to her and I could still hear her crying. What could have happened that changed her mood instantly?

“It’ll be alright. Don’t worry.” I rubbed my hands onto her back. I’m not really sure if I’m helping but this is the only way I know.

“Why are you here?” She managed to form words in between her sobbing and I saw the misery on her face. “Because I saw you and I thought you needed a shoulder to cry on.” I was still rubbing her back but it seems that her tears weren’t stopping anytime soon.

“Can you just go back inside?! Tell the others I went home already as I’m not feeling well.” She stood up but I managed to catch her hand. “No! I won’t let you cry your heart out inside your room and go outside again pretending it all never happened.” I spun her around and trapped her in my arms.

“Just let it all go.” She cried even harder as I tightened my hug. “Can you tell me what’s wrong?” She sat down and wiped her tears. “I-I-I j-just c-c-can’t seem to m-m-make t-t-the only person I-I want to b-b-be proud of m-me h-h-happy.” She was stuttering but I understood every word.

“Then stop. You’re too busy pleasing that person that you’re forgetting about yourself.” She looked at me and I reached for her face then wiped the tears that were still falling from her eyes. “I remembered a pretty girl who told me that. You know, she should take her own advice.” I sat up straight and looked at her.

“I guess she should.” She giggled but I could still feel her sadness. “Can you tell Jade I’m pulling out of the auction event?” She wiped her face and fixed herself. “But why?” I looked at her with so much concern. “I told you, I have to make her happy.”

“And I told you to take your own advice. Why is it so impossible for you and her to be both happy? Why should it be a one way street?” She looked at me and smiled; it wasn’t her normal smile, it was a sad smile.

“Just try it, okay? And if you need any help, you know who to call.” I stood up and held my hand out. “Thanks.” I helped her up and we made our way back to the restaurant.

I looked at her walking in front of me and I could feel my heart fluttering. I don’t know if I’m happy that I helped her or I’m happy that I got close to her. But one thing is for sure, I’ve never been this glad before.