Pause. Rewind. Play. (A Zayn Malik Fanfic)

Chapter 25: Miami

Harry was admitted from the hospital a week later. He only has a boot on his left leg and scratches and bruises that will quickly heal. He only has to use crutches for a week before he can regularly walk. Harry's dad came, just for a quick hello before flying out just as fast. Anne and Robin already left, but Gemma is staying for a while to spend time with her brother. She's also going to go on tour with him.

The tour is starting up again tomorrow. As much as management has tried, they can't push the tour back any more than it already has. I've been worried about Harry's safety because I don't want him to get hurt. He just doesn't seem to listen to reason.

"I'm just worried Harry," I say. We're cuddled up on my couch to spend quality time before he has to leave tomorrow. "What if something happens?"

"You should stop worrying babe." He's sprawled out on the couch with me in between his legs, my head resting on his long chest. His hands are tangled in my hair and mine are fiddling with his necklaces. I'm careful not to hit his boot. "Everything's going to be fine. The boot is coming off in a few months and I'm off crutches."

"What if a fan attacks you or you get jumped or-" he slowly places his lips on mine, shutting me up.

"You should shut up and stop over thinking," he whispers against my lips. I can deal with that. Harry slowly pulls away, moving a hand down to stroke my cheek. I look into his eyes, seeing the doubt swimming in them.

"What's wrong?" I ask. Harry sits up, also making me sit up. He shifts us around so he's sitting normally with me next to him. He places his elbows on his knees leaning on them. "Harry?"

"Ari, I- I can't do this anymore." I'm taken aback. I just stare at him for a few seconds trying to figure out what he's trying to say.

"Wha-what?" I stutter.

"I think we should break up," he says more confident. I can't speak. I can feel a lump building in my throat and the breakfast this morning churning in my stomach.

"Where is this coming from?"

"Ari, I really do like you, but I know there is someone else." He looks me in the eye. "And I know you'll be better off with him because I know he can love you more than I ever could." I know he's talking about Zayn and I want to deny it, but I can't.

"Did Gemma put you up to this?" I ask. I had to know if she had gotten to him. He knew we had our disliking for each other.

"No. I've been thinking about this for a while now," he admits. I know he's telling the truth. He didn't hesitate to answer. It was like he was expecting the question. "And I feel this is what's best for you and me. I think you would be more happy with him."

I nod in understanding. Harry gets up to leave and I don't stop him. I hear the door shut as he leaves.

I don't cry, nor do I ask myself why he did this. I'm just glad this wasn't because Gemma didn't interfere. She's probably having a ball knowing I'm not with Harry anymore. At least now I don't have to pretend to be nice around her for Harry's sake, not like I was all that trying in the first place.

Maybe it is better for Harry and I to not date. He'll be back on the road tomorrow and touring comes with another hefty bag: more rumors, distance, etc. It's better this way. Does this mean Zayn and I will get together? Probably not. Zayn's also going to be on tour. It wouldn't be right to jump into a relationship right as he starts traveling around the world.

No, it's better if I just keep this to myself.

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"I'll miss you so much Ari!"