Beautiful

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

Zayn's POV 

Surprisingly, I spend the whole day with Elle rather than going home immediately. It's so much better with her because I can speak without getting hit.  

But she doesn't know that.  

I can never let her find out. If she finds out I'm getting beat, I don't know how she'll react. She could do one of three things: 

1) Call authorities  

2) Freak out and run away 

3) Help 

I prefer none of these options. If she called help, I'd be taken away from London and back to my hometown where other family could take me in.  

If she freaked out, I wouldn't blame her.  

And help me? Help? How could Elle, the fragile soul she is, ever possibly help someone in my position? It's impossible! She's so innocent! She'd have no chance to toughen up so quick to the things I've seen and heard. It'd break her.  

But what am I saying? I've only known her for a whole real day. Many surprises have and will come. To prove my point, I didn't know she could kick ass like that back there. Although she did have a sickly looking creep to defend from...  

Now we know each other well enough to actually become closer. Though I don't plan on this acquaintance going any farther than necessary. She's nice and all, but I can't risk her life around me when I'm barely helping my own. It's just too complicated.  

"Where do you live?" she asks. I take a risk and tell her.  

"Not far from here. I live with my 'uncle'," I explain, making air quotes with my fingers.  

"What do you mean?" 

"He's a family friend. We grew up calling him that so it stuck." She nods her head, trying to understand.  

"Do you want something to eat? I'm getting hungry," she says. Again, the small grin threatens to break through and show clearly on my face. It's such a strange sensation to smile. Sometimes I forget what it's like.  

But why do I continue to want to smile at everything she does? Is it just because she's something happy I've come across? I can't remember the last time things have been happy for me. I'm constantly locked in a world of negativity, bitterness, and hatred. All of which is directed to me. And only me.  

"Hello?" she asks, touching my hand. I jerk it back like it hurt. It mostly scared me. She doesn't even flinch at my sudden movement. Weird. "Are you okay? You zoned out," she informs me.  

"Oh... Uhm, yeah. I'm fine. Just thinking again," I answer. I bounce my knee, knowing good and well I'm just reminding myself of my punishment if he gets drunk tonight. Great.  

Elle gives me an option of a wide variety of things to eat for lunch. I'd feel wrong if I ate something. I don't know why. I'd feel like I did something terrible. What is my problem today? 

I accept one thing. She continues to make small talk.  

Before we know it, it's already dark outside. We've talked all day. It's been too peaceful for me. I'm not used to so much positive silence or words. I almost feel guilty for even thinking I deserve this everyday.  

"Hey, same thing tomorrow? I've got open practice for a few hours. It'd be nice to talk to someone during the breaks other than them. Plus it's pretty quiet. So it isn't crazy and disruptive. What do you say?" she offers.  

I don't want to let her down, so I accept.  

"Cool! And do you have a cell phone?" she asks.