Second Star to the Right

Chapter 18- Paparazzi

Sammi’s POV

I was sitting on the bench in the plaza, waiting for Zayn to come. I really just wanted to get out of here and out of the public eye.

Soon, I heard footsteps coming closer. I turned around and saw Zayn walking towards me.

He had his hood up and was wearing sunglasses. But I still recognized him from his quiff peeking out from under his hoodie.

“Hey, stranger.” He said, sitting down next to me on the bench.

I smiled and wiped away the last of my tears. “Hi, Zayn. Thanks for coming,” I said quietly.

“You sounded upset, and I thought it’d be best if you had someone to talk to.”

“Thanks, I do.”

“Then let’s get out of here and go to my flat then, aye?”

I nodded. “Where’s your car?” I sniffled.

“I had the driver park in back so we wouldn’t get mobbed.”

I nodded again.

We got to the car and sat in back while the driver (obviously) drove.

I pressed my forehead against the cold glass, watching the blur of the stores and people as we passed by.

I felt a droplet of a tear roll down my cheek, and I wiped it away instantly.

No thinking, Sammi. No problems. No dad. No Carmen. No fretting! I thought to myself.

Finally we got to Zayn’s flat. We got out of the car and I thanked the driver.

Zayn led me inside and to the lounge, sitting me down on the sofa.

“So what’s wrong?” He asked.

I held most of my tears in during the car ride. I don’t think I can do it now, though. “Um-” I started. “Well you know how my dad and Carmen are engaged?” I said. My voice came out brittle and hoarse.

“Yeah,” he looked disappointed. “And I know you don’t like the idea of it. But go on,” he insisted.

I cleared my throat. “So I was planning on going to the mall today, just to do whatever. Today I just wanted to let loose and not worry. But on my way out, my dad told me I was photographing his wedding! And then when he convinced me to go to the shops with him, he set me up as the whole wedding planner.” My voice completely broke off now.

I couldn’t help it, and call me a baby, but a few tears raced down my face. “Oh, Sammi. That’s awful. I am seriously going to have a talk with your dad about this.”

“No-no-no-no-no!” I said hurriedly. “Please, don’t say anything. Please. He’s my problem and I have to deal with it. As a matter of fact, I should just go. You don’t need to listen to my problems.” I started, grabbing my bag to leave. “Thanks for the help, though, Zayn.”

I stood up to leave, but he stood up with me. “Sammi, don’t go. I like listening to you. I have no problem helping you.” He said. He put his hands on my shoulders and sat us both down.

“Are you sure?” I asked quietly.

“Positive,” he assured.

I smiled thankfully and sighed. “Thanks, Zayn.”

Just then, his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and looked at me apologetically.

“Sorry, love, I have to take this.” He said, getting up and answering his phone.