Stockholm Syndrome h.s. z.m.

Chapter 19

Zayn's POV

"Hey Paul! Where's Harry?" I ask lightly, hoping to talk to Alex.

"He's uhm.. Out," Paul hesitates.

"Okay whatever I just need to see Alex," I say excitedly.

"No. Harry wants no one to visit her and Lottie," he replies sternly.

"Paul, I need to talk to her. It is important," The urgency in my voice starting to come through.

"Fine but if Harry finds out-"

"Yeah yeah whatever I don't care," I cut him off and he just shakes his head and sighs.

I start to follow him and realize we're going downstairs.

"Paul.. Why are we going to the basement?" I question, knowing the answer but hoping that I'm wrong.

He just looks at me grimly as he begins to unlock the multiple locks guarding the door.

I can hear Charlotte crying already.

The door opens and I'm horrified by what I see.

Alex is filthy and chained to the wall. But worst of all, Lottie is laying there helpless. She's got a small blanket over her. It's pretty much just a rag. She looks like she hasn't been fed for days.

"What the-"

"Zayn," Alex cuts me off, "I know you're probably in with Harry on this whole chaining me up thing, but could you please feed Lottie? She's going to starve if someone doesn't feed her soon," She begs while she starts to cry.

"I'm not on board with Harry on the chaining you up thing. What an arsehole! And he's gonna kill Lottie if he keeps mistreating her like this!" I raise my voice.

"Zayn, I think you need to tell Alexis what you came here to tell her and then leave," Paul says while glaring at him.

"Alex I got all the baby's stuff from your old apartment. The crib, the clothes, the toys, everything," I tell her, and she begins to smile widely.

"Thank you so much Zayn," She whispers gratefully.

"Zayn we are leaving now. Mr. Styles is due to be home any minute now and he will be extremely unhappy that I allowed you to come down here."

"I don't care what Harry thinks Paul! What's he gonna do? Hurt me? No, because we have a contract that we signed when we started One Direction that none of us would become violent towards each other," I quip.

"Well obviously you didn't get the memo when you punched me in the face," he chuckles to himself.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" I yell, getting angry now.

"Nothing, sir," he replies submissively.

"Okay so unchain Mrs. Baker from the wall and go warm me up a bottle of milk," I demand.

"I can't do that-" I hold my hand up in his face to silence him.

"Just unlock the handcuffs, and get the milk," I growl menacingly.

Paul looks absolutely terrified. Poor guy. I better lighten the mood a little.

I swiftly pick up Lottie and sway her back and forth in front of Paul's face, "Who could resist this cute little face?"

Lottie begins to giggle and Alex gasps, "That's the first time I've heard her giggle."

"Fine I'll unchain her," Paul gives in, "but if Harry gets mad I swear to god-"

"I understand. Now just unlock Alex and get the milk!" I snap.

Paul unlocks the handcuffs and walks upstairs to warm up some milk.

Alex's arms are raw from the cuffs, but she doesn't seem to notice.

"Lottie is so skinny.." She trails off, holding her baby for the first time in days.

"Once we get some food in her she'll get right back on track. She is older than Xander, after all, and he's a big boy," I chuckle at myself.

Her eyes light up, "How are Penny and Xander? Are you treating them well?"

"Much better than Harry is treating you," I reply.

Her excitement fades, "I wish I could stay with you.."

Paul walks in holding the milk.

"I just don't get why Harry feels the need to lock you down here with no way to care for your daughter. Think the boy's a bit crazy in the head," He chuckles.

I hear the basement door suddenly swing open.

"I'm not crazy."

It's Harry.