Truly, Madly, Deeply

Birthday Party (Part 2)

"Of course Riley's a girl," I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah I'm very much a girl," Riley said.

"Did you guys think I was bringing a random guy over?" I laughed. Everyone nodded which made me laugh even louder. "Well you all better make her feel at home." I said as I headed to to the kitchen. "And don't," I spun on my heel to glare at all of them, "think that I will forget what you all did with the lights." I shivered.

Food was sprawled on the marble counter and I made sure to eat most of it. I knew Niall was going to get mad but hey it was my birthday. One thing that caught my eye was the bottles of liquor that no doubt, Zayn had bought. After looking in every direction, I poured myself a shot of tequila. The last time I had gotten drunk Harry started ignoring me.

Wait.

Wait a fucking minute.

Is that when he stopped talking to me? Jeez maybe I should drink more often, obviously I start coming to conclusions when I'm under the influence. I might remember where I put those songs I wrote when I was in high school.

So something happened the last time I had been hammered. My eyes searched for Harry but he was nowhere to be seen. Although I could see Niall and Riley having a laugh in the corner while the two couples played Sorry on the floor. The only one who was out of place was Zayn. He was gulping down his beer as he looked right into my eyes. I could tell he hadn't slept in ages nor had he shaven in at least a week. I soon realized he was smirking because I was still staring at him. My body turned back to the alcohol where I took two more shots. The voice I dreaded rumbled behind me and I turned around.

"Hey K."

"Hello Zayn."

"Happy Birthday."

"Thanks."

"I uh... I got you a present...?" his clear nervous behavior made the statement sound like a question.

"Is that so?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Please K, be tolerable for five seconds." he huffed. His comment hurt considering what he was implying.

"Excuse me," I attempted to brush past him to go the the bedroom which was far away from him and the guests. Rough fingertips with contrasting gentleness grabbed my forearm.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"What?" I asked, baffled.

"I said I'm sorry," Zayn never, I repeat never apologizes for anything. Not even when he is clearly off key during rehearsals. So naturally, his words took me by surprise. I probably looked like a bloody idiot staring at him with wide eyes. "Look, I just wanted to give you this." Zayn's fingers fumbled in his pocket for a black box with a little red bow on it. He smiled with uncertainty. My cold fingers grazed his clammy ones as I took the box.

"Thanks, Zayn." I forced a small smile. Of course the little black box was screaming for me to open it. What on earth would he get me? Please God in heaven don't let it be a pin.

"Well?" he dug his hands in his pockets expectantly.

"Oh!" I realized he wanted me to open it so I did. The black leather box creaked open revealing a silver banded ring with a simple yet gorgeous blue sapphire gem in the middle. Barely noticeable pearls outlined the stone and I looked up to see Zayn studying me very closely, "Z-Zayn y-you really s-shouldn't have." he smirked knowing that my stuttering meant I loved it.

"But I really wanted to," Zayn grinned adorably.

"What made you...?" I took the ring out and slowly slid the cool metal on my right hand's ring finger.