Calamity [Zarry Stylik AU]©️

Chapter 18: WE HAVE A FRIEND IN COMMON!

H

I walked up the stairs with Zayn's mother on my arm. I thought she was a beautiful woman, and I could see traces of Zayn in her. She held my arm with tenderness, keeping me close and I made sure to not falter in her assistance. I liked how she smelled; it was like a summer breeze on a hot day.

We got to the top of the stairs, and I held the door open for Zayn's mother, which she appreciated. I looked back and saw that Zayn was still talking to Taryn, probably saying their goodbyes.

"It is so lovely to meet you, Harry." Zayn's mother replied taking my arm again as we walked into the crowded lobby. It was the first time I had seen so many people, especially children, running around. It was a party. "You see, Zayn rarely introduced me to his friends. I believe you are the first one I meet. So, nice to meet you."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Oh, heavens! Don't call me ma'am. I'm Trisha."

"Trisha," I noticed how carefully she looked around, taking in every space of the Centre. Noticing the decoration, the space, and the nurses. "Is this your first time here?"

"Yes," The woman replied as we walked down the corridor. "I haven't seen Zayn in months, he wouldn't let me. I begged and begged, but he just didn't want me to see him suffering, I guess. I had no idea it was this...opulent."

"Yes, the Centre is great. Internationally recognized, amazing professionals, great therapy. Your son is in great hands. I would know..." I found my mother speaking to family members. We locked eyes and she smiled at me. "My mother works here."

"Really? Is she a doctor?"

"No, she's a nurse," I replied. "Zayn's favourite. But don't tell her that or we'll never hear the end of it."

We laughed at the simple joke as we approached the rec room. I had yet to see the new arrangement of the room and was amazed. So much food, so much light, and so many people it was insane.

Also, the cake!

I had heard rumblings that Mrs O' was working on the cake, but I had no idea what it was for or what it looked like. Would be taking a bite with me.

I found a table close enough to the French windows, so Zayn's mother could see the amazing view. I pulled out a chair for her, allowing her to take a seat. I looked at the door but didn't see Zayn just yet.

"So, what do you do?" Trisha asked, putting her designer bag on the chair next to us. "Are you in school?"

"No, I work at a bakery," I replied with a smile. I pointed at the cake. "We made the cake."

"Oh! That is lovely." Trisha replied, looking back at the cake. She seemed to be genuinely interested in me and my life. "Do you like to be a baker?"

"I don't do the baking; I just work with the customers. When it comes to the hands-on job, our chef likes to do it all by himself. If he needs help, he'll ask his family members and, if none of them is available then, I come in as a last resort."

"A very strict man."

"A man with a method." I looked at the buffet session, feeling a tad bit of hunger. "Would you like some tea?"

"Oh, I'd love that."

As I was standing from my seat, I saw two things that confused me:

1) Carol was skipping away towards me with a gigantic smile on her lips.

2) Zayn and my mother were both talking by the door. Neither of them had noticed her coming yet.

"Hi!" Carol greeted seating right to Zayn's mother. Trisha jumped at her immediate presence, and I sat back down, already thinking about damage control. "I'm Carol."