Chapter One

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Song: Speed Of Sound- Coldplay(Live) ^
Liam's P.O.V.-
Seniors, finally.
I shut my locker to see my best friend, Zayn, leaning against the locker next to mine. His black bookbag was designed with a white Adidas sign.
"New bookbag?" I mentioned, pointing to his bag. My other hand was holding my first period binder.
He shrugged. "I wouldn't call it new. I've actually had this since my freshman year."
He kicked one leg over the other and crossed his arms.
"But now," He said, wiping his shoulders off. "Haha, I'm a senior."
"Yeah, and so am I," I replied, adjusting the bookbag on my right shoulder. "So what?"
"So what? Liam, this is our year!" Zayn exaggerated and stood up straight.
I cleared my throat. "Your year, Zayn."
"Liam, don't be like this. Boring, as always," Zayn groaned.
"So, when we went to Disneyland as kids and I rode every ride you wanted to ride, I was boring?" I rubbed my chin with my only available hand. "Or when you always said that I was the only person you had fun with as kids?"
"Ugh, okay, okay, you got me," Zayn sighed. "What I'm trying to say is that you need to cheer up this year. You constantly think about the bad instead of the good, and you're always doing homework."
"That 'homework' is going to get me far in life, unlike you. No one knows what you will do. You're always goofing off, not getting your work done, or hanging out with the hottest and most popular girls," I responded, harshly.
Zayn looked taken back and I immediately regretted what I had just said.
"You really t-think that Liam?" He stepped back a step.
"No Zayn, I-I didn't m-"
"No Liam, I know what you meant. If you feel this way, maybe we should just stay away from each other for a while. I really thought you were my friend but I guess not," Tears rimmed in Zayn's eyes but he wiped them.
"Zayn no, please."
He walked away to his first class and the bell rang. I mentally face palmed myself for saying that. Slowly, I walked to my first class.
Today should be fun.
***
End of School Day-
The bell rang for the end of the day. I packed my bag quickly and rushed out of the door. Immediately, I saw Zayn at his locker.
"Zayn, Zayn!" I yelled, running to him.
"What do you want?" He mumbled angrily under his breath.
"Zayn, look I know you're mad. But our friendship can't be ruined over this. What I said was wrong and should have never been said. I really apologize for that. None of it was true, except for the part about you hanging out with all of those pretty girls."
I sighed and looked down at my feet.
Zayn placed a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him to see those beautiful golden orbs staring right at me and a straight face.
"Liam, yes, I'm mad. But I know how you feel about me hanging out with a bunch of girls and not as much you. You have every right to be mad at me. I am a slacker, and... I'm a horrible friend," Zayn said, looking in my eyes for a response from me.
"Z, don't say that. I told you that what I said was wrong. I wasn't lying. Come over to my house for a while, yeah?" I gestured patting his back.
He hesitated before agreeing.
I shut his locker for him while he grabbed his bag and placed it over his shoulder.
We walked out of the front school doors to my car. Zayn hopped in the passenger seat and I hopped in the driver seat. He looked out of the window with his chin in the palm of his hand. I placed my hand on his thigh and he looked down before he placed his hand on top of mine.
A cold chill ran down my back, but I shook it off.
"Together forever..." I whispered quietly.
Zayn smiled at me. "And ever beyond."
*Flashback*
"Liam! Liam!" Zayn yelled to me, his little feet running towards me.
I turned around and smiled.
"Zee!" I yelled back, standing up on my own little feet.
"Li-Li, my mommy said that I can come to your house!" Zayn said, finally catching up to me, panting.
"Really!?" I gasped, putting my hands over my mouth.
"Mhm, we should watch Toy Story!" Zayn cheered and jumped up and down.
"Yeah!" I agreed and smiled.
***
"To Infinty..." The TV screen sounded. "And beyond!"
"Liam, you're my best friend ever in the whole wide world!" Zayn mentioned to me quickly and then turned his attention back to the tv screen.
"You're my best friend too!" I replied, smiling widely.
"Will we be friends together forever Li-Li?" Zayn asked, sitting criss-crossed towards me on the other side of the couch.
I thought of the perfect words to say back to him.
"Together forever and ever beyond!"
Zayn smiled a cheesy grin in response and we both continued the movie.
*End of Flashback*
He took his hand off of mine and sat it in his lap, before continuing to look out of the window with his chin in his palm. I decided to keep my leg on his thigh.
I pulled out of the school's parking lot and drove to my house. Once we arrived, we hopped out of the car and grabbed our bags before shutting the doors at the same time.
I unlocked the front door to be greeted by my husky, Loki, running to Zayn and I and jumping up on us. Zayn pet Loki on the head and took his shoes off near the door.
"Mom, I'm home! Zayn's here too!" I yelled to my mom who was in the kitchen. "We'll be up in my room if you need anything!"
"Okay honey bun, have fun!" She responded. "Ha, that rhymed!"
"Remind me to never bring my mom to parent-teacher conferences," I whispered to Zayn.
"I always thought Geoff was better anyway," Zayn shrugged.
"Hey, I heard that Malik!" My mom mentioned.
"Sorry Mrs. Payne!" Zayn said. "It wasn't true!"
"Mhm," I butted in, crossing my arms at him.
He rolled his eyes. "Let's just go to your room before someone kills me or I won't be able to come back here."
I nodded and we both walked up to my room.
Zayn's P.O.V.-
I sat my bookbag down at the foot of Liam's bed and plopped down onto his bed, laying down with my hands behind my head. Liam looked at me, raising an eyebrow, before he shrugged and sat his bag next to mine. He then sat down next to me, propped onto his knees.
"So, how was school?" Liam asked me, smiling a bit.
"Good, I guess," I responded. "Aside from the fact that I don't have many classes with you."
"I know, I hate high school schedules," He replied, frowning and picking at his bed comforter.
I removed my hands from behind my head and held them together in front of me.
"Hey, Li?" I asked him.
He immediately looked up at me like a lost puppy. "Hm?"
"I uh, um, I know we haven't done this in years, but-" I tried to get out. "Do you want to maybe do a photo shoot?"
"Sure," Liam smiled a big smile and hopped off of his bed, grabbing his camera which was placed on the table next to his bed. "Oh, and what you have on is perfect."
I looked down at my clothes. I was wearing a plain white button up t-shirt, blue jeans, a black leather jacket with cotton on the inside, and black converses.
I followed Liam downstairs who was already half-way down to the living room.
"Mom, Zayn and I are going to the park," I faintly heard Liam say.
"Okay honey, be careful! Both of you! I know how you two trouble makers can get!" Karen responded.
I stepped down from the last step of the stairs. "Trouble makers, is that so?"
"Zayn, do I have to remind you of everything that you and Liam have done to get in trouble?" She responded, stopping her cooking and placing a hand on her hip.
"Right, right, okay maybe we are trouble-makers," I chuckled.
She rolled her eyes and smiled before continuing her cooking.
Liam and I ran out of the back door and to the park.
Liam was fast; faster than me alright.
He looked back at me when we were nearly to the park.
"Hurry up slow poke!" He giggled, running a hand through his quiff.
"Oh I'm sorry, Mr. Liam James Payne who used to run as a sport in school!" I remarked, finally reaching him and panting.
He rolled his eyes and we walked side by side to our favorite place to hang out, on a trail by the trees. There was an abandoned place with stone walls which no one used or visited. Liam said that this place gave the best quality for pictures.
"Okay, do your famous little smolder," Liam said casually.
I leaned against the wall and put my hands behind me, placing them on the wall and giving a quick silly face before I began cracking up.
"Zayn," Liam said sternly, with his camera in one hand and his arms on his hip while he impatiently tapped his right foot.
"Fine, fine," I groaned and stood straight. "Is there a certain pose that you want?"
"Actually, forget the smolder," He said looking up at the sky for ideas. "Hmm, oh! Stand against the stone wall and put just your left thumb into your left pocket and your other hand by your side, while you give me a normal face, no smile."
I did what he said and he smiled down at the camera once he was finished.
"What? Am I just that sexy?" I asked him, smirking a little and leaning against the wall while I crossed my arms.
"No," He said.
I frowned and pouted my lips.
"I didn't mean it that way. Actually, just come here," Liam said.
I walked over with my hands in my pockets and stood next to him, looking down at the camera.
"Zayn this pict-" Liam was cut off from his phone dinging. "Hmm, must be my mom."
Liam pulled his phone out of his pocket while he handed me the camera. I looked down at the picture which actually looked really good. Man, boy has some photography skills but do I look hot!
"Zayn! Zayn, Zayn, oh my gosh!" Liam jumped up and down, holding his phone.
I stopped him with my only available hand.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"V-V-Vo-" He stuttered.
"Get it out, Li!" I rushed him.
"V-Vogue just sent out a notification from their app s-saying that they need a n-new photographer and m-m-model!" He stuttered again.
"And, your point is?" I asked, confused.
"Zayn, you're technically a model and I can qualify as a photographer!" He mentioned, grabbing onto my shoulders. "We have to do this! Come on!"
I looked down at the camera and then at Liam again. "Eh, I don't know Li."
"Zayn, please! This can make our friendship stronger than ever!" He blushed a bit and looked down at his shoes.
I lifted up his chin so he could meet my eyes again.
"I'll do this, but only for you," I replied. "This better make our friendship stronger. If it ruins it, we're quitting. Got that?"
He nodded his head and stared at me for a minute before quickly grabbing the camera out of my hand.
"I think one picture is good enough for today actually," He exclaimed, looking at the picture again.
"Okay," I said, simply.
He wrapped his arm around my waist, while I wrapped mine around his shoulder and we walked to his house.
Once we got to Liam's house, we hopped the back fence and raced to the back door; Liam of course won. He opened the door for me and I walked in, taking my shoes off and instantly being greeted by something furry jumping up on me.
"Loki, get down!" Liam snapped his fingers at the dog.
"Aw, Loki," I cooed, rubbing his ears. "Is Liam being mean to you?"
"Do you want a ride home tonight, Zayn Javadd?" Liam asked me, placing his hands on his hips.
"Walking home wouldn't be too bad actually," I said, smirking.
"Ugh! Bad boys!" Liam groaned, walking into the living room.
I laughed at him and followed behind.
Liam sat down on the love-seat while I sat down next to him, technically right on him.
I took my jacket off and sat it on the couch next to us.
He became frustrated trying to free himself from under my body but he couldn't and sighed.
"Did Liam James give up?" I frowned before smiling down at him.
"Remind me why we're friends again?" He asked slapping my arm playfully before paying his attention to the tv.
"Hm, because you love me?"
"Uh, nope," He smiled and giggled.
I smiled back at him.
"Zayn, do you remember how we used to lay together whenever I was sad?" Liam asked, looking up at me.
"Yes, why?"
"C-Can we do that? I-I'm a b-bit, just a bit cold. That's all," He responded.
"I guess, whatever makes you happy."
He snuggled up against me and rested his head on my chest while he curled up in a ball. I placed a blanket on top of us and wrapped my arms around Liam. Soon, I heard quiet snores coming from his mouth. I smiled and shut my eyes, before I too, fell asleep.
***
3 hours later-
"Zayn honey, it's 8:45 P.M., I think you better get going," I heard a woman's voice say.
I opened my eyes slowly to see Karen leaning down next to me and Liam sound asleep in my arms, the way he fell asleep.
I gently lifted myself up from the seat, trying not to wake up Liam. He moved for a minute before he went back to snoring quietly.
"Don't worry if he wakes up. He needs to get up actually," Karen chuckled.
I smiled back at her and nodded before putting on my jacket and slipping my shoes on.
She opened the door for me and I gave her a hug before walking out of the front door to see my mom parked in the driveway.
I hopped in the passenger seat of the car.
"Hello mom," I greeted and hugged her.
"My sunshine, oh we were worried about you. Thanks to Karen calling me, I found out where you were," She said, sounding worried.
"Mom, you should know that I'd go to Liam's after school by now," I chuckled. "And besides, I'm fine, don't be so worried."
"I know, but my baby is a Senior now."
She looked at the steering wheel and then turned to it, starting the car and pulling out.
"Mom?" I asked her.
"Yes, Hun?" She responded, eyes still focused on the road.
"W-What was it like for you when you were a Senior?"
"Well, I met your father," She smiled to herself. "Let's just say that it was a pretty fun and crazy year. You'll enjoy yourself if make the most of it, and maybe even find the love of your life."
I looked down at my hands which were shaking.
What if I never found true love?
I mentally shook my thoughts out of my head and looked out of my window.
The bright Bradford lights looked stunning at night. I guess I never realized that.
"Hey mom, I have another question," I turned my attention to her.
"Wow, aren't you full of them today," She laughed. "What is it this time?"
"Well, Liam has an app on his phone where he gets notifications if Vogue sends out something. Vogue needs a new photographer and model. Liam said that I'm technically a model, and well, he is a photographer. Do you approve?"
She stay silent for a minute, before speaking. "Zayn, this is a big accomplishment if you get this. Do you know that?"
I nodded.
She went on. "I will allow you, as long as Karen and Geoff approve of Liam doing this too. However, I want for you to stay by Liam's side at all times during photography sessions. I can trust him to keep an eye on you. You have to promise me this Zayn, I'm serious."
"I understand and I will stand by Liam's side," I responded.
"When will this all start?" She mentioned.
"Liam didn't tell me. I'll let you know more about it when we get more information," I said.
We pulled up the driveway to my house and both hopped out of the car.
I ran upstairs to my room as soon as the front door was open and texted Liam.
Z- Hey, what did your mom and dad say about the Vogue thing ?
My phone screen flashed immediately.
L- They said that I can do it! :) What about yours?
Z- Mom approved , I'm sure dad will . I'm lucky that my mom said yes !
L- You and me both! Haha, I'll see you tomorrow in class and tell you more about the information that Vogue gave out .
Z- Right , forgot that you stay up until only 10:30 . Oh well , see you tomorrow Li-Li xx
My phone didn't flash again which made me think that Liam was already asleep.
I decided to go to bed early tonight. I turned the light switch off and laid back on my bed, closing my eyes and smiling.
***
The Next Day-
I heard a car horn honk as I was brushing my teeth.
It must have been Liam.
I spit out the toothpaste in my mouth and wiped my mouth off with a towel before I slid my converses on without tying them and ran out to Liam's car.
He reached over and opened the door for me while I hopped in.
"Plaid, really?" I questioned him. "You haven't worn plaid since like our Sophomore year."
"Right, I thought I was cool my Junior year," Liam sighed. "I guess not. So, I'm back to plaid."
I looked down at my outfit which was a black leather jacket, a white t-shirt, black skinny jeans, and black converses.
"You know Liam, you can borrow my clothes," I said and began tying my shoes.
He shook his head. "I can't wear, that," He pointed to my outfit. "And if I did wear that, people would just make fun of me more than they already do. Let's just forget this conversation, we have to get to school."
Liam started the car, pulled away and didn't speak another word.
The thoughts of our eighth grade year came to my mind.
*Flashback*
I looked around at my locker for my best friend but he was no where to be found.
"Liam?" I said.
No answer.
"Liam!" I yelled not too loud but enough for someone named 'Liam' to turn around.
What I saw in front of me when I turned was horrible. I ran over to Liam who was laying on the floor with bruises on his forehead, cuts on his arm and blood running down his leg.
I slid on the ground next to him and landed on my knees.
"Liam, are you okay!? Who did this?" I asked him concerned.
He coughed and I heard laughing coming from behind me.
I turned around to see the meanest group in school, Louis and his little helpers, Niall and Harry.
Getting up on my feet, I walked over to the three boys.
"What do you have against him and why are you doing this?" I asked angrily, gritting my teeth.
Louis chuckled. "Oh nothing much, just the fact that your dweeb of a friend needs a little punch to the face every once in a while."
I raised my arm to punch him but I stopped when I heard someone say a quiet, 'Stop!'
I turned around to see Liam barely able to speak but worried.
Lowering my arm, I walked over to his side again and sat him up.
When he sat up, I felt someone kick my back which caused me to fall on Liam and make him fall back on the ground.
"Aw, look at you two lovers!" Louis cooed. "Enjoy your make-out session!"
Louis, Harry and Niall walked away laughing along with a bunch of other people.
I got up off of Liam and he sat up again, me sitting next to him on my knees.
"Why do I have to be such a dork?" He asked, sighing and looking up at my eyes.
"You're not a dork, Liam. They're just jealous of who you are. Don't let them bring you down, don't let anyone bring you down. You're an awesome person and people are dumb if they don't see that in you," I gestured, patting his back.
He frowned a bit. "Gee, thanks."
"No problem buddy, now we should probably get going to class. I'll be right next to you Liam, don't worry. Nothing will happen to you," I said, helping him up to his feet.
*End of Flashback*
I shook my thoughts and before I knew it, we were pulling up into school.
Liam was straight faced and focused on the road when I looked over at him.
The car came to a stop and I stopped staring at Liam when he shouted, "Zayn!"
"Yeah, s-sorry," I responded.
He took the keys out of his car and we both hopped out of his car with our bookbags on our shoulders, walking our own ways.
I walked over to a group of girls who were leaning against a car.
"Hey, Perrie," I said, leaning against the car next to her and crossing my arms.
"Hey, cutie. Since when do you talk to me ever?" She cooed, giggling.
"I don't know, today just seemed like the day to talk to a couple of pretty girls like your group."
I looked at the other two girls standing next to Perrie. I had recognized them from class, Danielle and Eleanor.
Perrie spoke up again.
"You know, I'm having a party tonight at six. Do you want to come? We'd love to have you over!" Perrie asked.
The two other girls smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, sure. I don't have anything else going on. Why not?" I shrugged.
"Great!" Perrie jumped up and down.
I waved goodbye to all of the girls before I left for my first period class.
When I sat down, the teacher had notes for us to write down. I pulled out paper for my notes before I heard someone whisper my name.
Louis.
"Zayn, psst!" He whispered leaning over next to me.
"What?" I whispered in a harsh tone.
"Are you going to Perrie's party tonight? I heard it's going to be a good one." He winked at me.
"Yeah, I'm going. Why?" I simply said, still a bit of harshness in my voice.
"Perrie always has the best parties! Maybe we can hook you up with someone," He winked again.
"I guess?" I said, more of a question.
"I'll help you get a girl," He gestured, patting my back and then sitting back in his seat completely.
For some reason I thought this was a bad idea, but I guess it's worth a try. I could have a girlfriend for once.
***
Liam's P.O.V.-
What seemed like forever finally passed by. The ninth period bell rang and I ran to find Zayn. When I found him, I tapped his shoulder.
"Oh hey, Li," He said turning around and smiling.
"Hey, do you want to come over?" I asked. "It is Friday."
He scratched the back of his neck. "Um, I actually have plans already. I'm going to Perrie's tonight with Louis."
My eyes widened. "L-Louis?"
"I know what it looks like Liam, but he's good now," He said walking closer to me.
I placed a hand on his chest. "No, stay away from me."
"Liam, don't be like this."
"Zayn, you know that he's trouble! He's always been trouble ever since we were kids! Now you're betraying me with him?" I told him, getting angry.
"Well I'm sorry for having more friends than just you Liam! You're lucky that you have me because I'm the only friend you've got!" He shouted angrily at me too.
The halls were empty by now and I looked down at my arms.
"Okay," I bit my lip from trying to cry. "Y-You have fun Zayn."
A tear slid down my face but I wiped it quickly and ran out of the doors to my car.
"Liam! Wait!" I heard him shout but I continued running.
I hopped into my car, slamming the door shut and began to sob.
I've never fit in with anything and I knew that I never would. Zayn was the only person who kept my head up and told me all was well. Now, I had no one. My sisters had already graduated, my dad traveled all around the world for work, and my mom went to work every day.
My phone flashed but I couldn't make out who it was because my vision was blurred. I laid my head on the wheel with my head in my arms and continued to cry.
When my sobs finally turned to sniffles, I started my car and drove home, wiping my eyes a few times.
Rain began pouring and I ran into my house, instantly being attacked by Loki. I shooed him off of me and took my jacket off, instantly plopping onto the couch. The TV remote was laying next to me so I picked it up and turned the TV on.
Twilight.
I decided to pull out my phone and check the messages. 6 from Zayn.
Z- Liam , I didn't mean what happened earlier . I know you're mad but I just wanted to have fun .
Z- Please forgive me . Liam , we've been friends forever .
Z- Louis , Niall and Harry have changed , I promise . I wouldn't hang with them if I couldn't rely on them .
Z- Please understand Liam . I'm not trying to do this to make you mad , I'm doing this because I wanted to have fun and enjoy myself .
Z- Liam please answer me .
Z- Liam ! Answer , please ! I'm worried sick about you !
I clicked my phone off and began watching the movie.
When it finally finished, the time was 7:25 P.M. Just then, as if on cue, my phone flashed from an unknown number.
I opened the message up to see a picture of Zayn touching all over the most popular girl in our grade, Perrie.
L- Who is this?
Unknown- L Tomlinson of course! I thought that you might have liked to see this since Zayn is your "best-friend" right ?
L- Why do you have my number anyway?
Louis- I may or may not have gotten it from my "friend." Haha !
L- Whatever, just please leave me alone.
Louis- Oh I will ... for now .
I turned off my phone and held it close to my chest before I began crying again.
"Stop crying Liam, you dork!" I whispered quietly to myself.
"I'm worthless, I'll always be!" I yelled.
Luckily, no one was home.
My phone buzzed again and it was a picture of Zayn kissing Perrie, practically eating her face off.
I bit my lip and finally turned my phone off, completely.
Maybe a shower will help me with all of this stress. I grabbed a pair of yoga pants, Zayn's plain black t-shirt-which he left here-and socks before I brought them to the bathroom. I stripped down completely and stepped into the shower. The warm steam and water felt calm and relaxing. I thought about Zayn and how he said that he was my only friend. He was right, but the thing that worried me was losing him as a friend and having no one.
The water turned cold from me being in the shower for too long and I turned the shower off, changing into my clothes. When I finished changing, I walked downstairs and turned the tv off before falling asleep on the couch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New story because I love writing them! Thank you for all of the reads so far on my first book! It means so much to me! Although Zayn isn't in the band anymore, I'm still going to write Ziam fanfiction because I love them so much! Anyway, picture on the side of Zayn.(It's supposed to be the picture that Liam took) Goodbye for now lovelies!

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