Spaces

CHAPTER 4 - Little Things

2013

CASSY POV

“3…2…1! Happy New Year!” we exclaimed and then I felt him pull me closer, his lips touching mine. “Happy New Year, my love.” he whispered and then kissed me again. “Happy New Year, thank you for being here.” I whispered back getting shivers down my spine. It’s 2013 and we’re still here. We made it. Tour’s done, and the boys are back home for a short holiday break. We spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas day with Zayn’s. And now that it’s New Years, we wanted to just be celebrating together. He took me to New York to watch the ball drop. He said he wanted to have that experience with me. I love how he plans things for us. I love how he includes me in his plans. “You want some more champagne?” Zayn asked, refilling his glass. “Yeah, more wouldn’t hurt.” I winked at him. “Hmmm, love, if you wanna get drunk just tell me, we could ditch this party and just stay in our hotel room.” he teased. “Oh you think I’d pass on that?” I retaliated. “I guess we’re off then!” he chuckled, giving me his hand as he helped me get through the crowd.

It’s past 3 in the morning and we’re still drinking at the bottom of our bed. “Oh, why am I not drunk yet?” I shouted, looking at the whiskey bottles lying around the hotel carpet. “Love, I think you already are.” he smiled, pinching my cheek. “How can you tell?” I asked, leaning towards him. “Cause you keep on saying you’re not drunk.” he said. “No. I’m not.” I pouted. “Oh okay, whatever you say my love.” he gave in, like he always does. I always wonder what makes him tolerate me this way. It’s adorable. “Okay since you say you’re not drunk, how about I ask you something. And listen carefully cause I want to make sure you hear every single word I say.” he mentioned, pulling my chin up so he could look into my eyes. “Yup. Ask away.” I smirked. “Are you happy with me?” he questioned. I wasn’t expecting that, not at all. Zayn is dead serious when alcohol’s involved. Wow. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” I said merely confused. “I just wanted to hear it from you. Okay, so I also want to tell you something.” he continued, “Yeah, go ahead. Please, the suspense is killing me, Zayn.” I pledged, he started to laugh and then became serious again. I swear he’s the one who’s drunk. “I-- I want to thank you for sticking by my side. I know our relationship is not the normal relationship you’d get especially with our age but I want to tell you I’m glad we got through what we went through the past couple of years and I’m happy you’re still here with me. The last tour was easier for me to get by because I had you, even though you’re miles away from me, I feel like you’re always with me and I truly, truly appreciate that.” he elaborated, and I was just, sitting there smiling so much my cheeks hurt. “Zayn... I,” I was just about to talk when he continued. “Also, Cassy, I realized something.” And then he went silent for a bit, “What—What did you realize?” I asked. “I realized I can live without you, but I don’t want to. I want you here, with me, always.” he confessed, making my heart melt like ice on a hot summer day. “Hey, I’m not going anywhere.” I told him as I reached for his cheek. “I know, but, would it be too much if you move in with me?” he asked, holding my hand and kissing it, patiently waiting for my answer. “YES. OF COURSE!” I blurted out, hugging him as tight as I could, then I started crying. “Hey, hey, love, what’s wrong?” he asked, pulling away from the hug just so he could wipe my tears. “Nothing, I’m just really happy. And I can’t wait to start this year with you.” I said burying my face into his chest where I feel the safest. “It’s gonna be the best year yet, I love you Cassy.” He whispered into my ear as he kissed my temple. “I love you too, Zayn.” I answered and looked up to him to kiss him on the lips.

THREE MONTHS LATER

It’s March already, how fast will this year be? I was moving stuff around my old room. I haven’t told my mom or any of my family members about me moving in with Zayn. We talked about it, and since he starts rehearsing for another tour this April, we wanted to move to our new house by the end of the month, which would mean we could celebrate my birthday there. “What are you doing?” my mum asked looking around my room. “I’m just picking out stuff that I wanna keep and some that I’ll donate.” I answered, trying to be as casual as possible. “Is that it?” she continued to lurk; I knew I could not keep it anymore so I stopped and walked closer to her. “Mum, I have to tell you something.” she sat on my bed and just waited for me to continue, “I’m moving in with Zayn, mum.” I never liked confrontations, but when I have no choice, I rip it off like a band aid to soften the blow. “Are you out of your mind?” she’s clearly upset. “No, mum, I’m an adult now, how does this differ from me staying in a dormitory near uni?” I explained trying to convince her this was okay; even though I know it’s not gonna work for her, or anyone in our family. A family that’s strictly traditional and do not believe in living together before marriage. “Cassandra Gabrielle. You don’t even know this guy enough to live with him. He’s not gonna be there half the time anyways!” she’s angry now. “Mum, I know him. We’ve been together for more than a year now, we know each other, more than anyone of you think. I want to do this. I want to be with him. Please stop making this hard for me.” I pleaded. “This is hard for you? Really? Wow. I’ve already said my piece, if you still want to move to his place then go, just don’t come running back home when you’re crying because of this decision.” she warned and then she left my room. As much as I wanted to patch things up with her, I also want to stand by my decision and show her and everyone else that doubt us that we can and we will prevail. I packed my things and practically ran to the house Zayn got for us. He was not there yet, he mentioned tons of meetings with Simon today and I had no choice but to send him a message that I’m already at the house waiting for him.