We MaDe It

24.

"Zayn?" Anne looked surprised seeing him at her front step. "Everything okay? Is it Harry?"

"Oh no it's not. I mean it's not Harry. Everything is fine. I was driving by, I thought to come in and say hi." Zayn smiled at her. "Hi."

"That's nice of you to think of me, Zayn. Hi. Are we hugging?"

"Of course." Zayn stepped forward to hug her.

She pulled back from the hug, moved aside for him to step in. "Come in. No need to take your shoes off it's all wooden floors. Best decision I ever made. I am making scones so, to the kitchen. I've got to say it's a pleasant surprise to see you, Zayn. Sure everything okay?"

"Positive. I'm okay. Harry's okay. Everything is okay." Zayn said following as she led way to the kitchen.

"Thats the most unreassuring okay I've ever heard. Make yourself at home." Anne pointed at the kitchen table for him to take a seat. "You're pregnant?"

"Why would you think that, Anne. I'm not. And if that were to happen I would will my body to proactively suck that life back in my system."

Anne laughed. "Can't blame me for thinking you're expecting though, your girls have been talking. They say you're broody, always holding Alfie in your arms like he's your baby. Yazz thinks you're adopted him."

"That's ridiculous talk, Anne. Alfie has got his daddy. And Niall is back is living with us, didn't you hear?"

"I heard. Harry told me happy about that." Anne said checking out the scones in the oven. "Few minutes and these will be done. Let's talk shop till then. When's Niall having his knee done?"

Zayn combed his hair back with his fingers. "He had that done today actually. Few weeks of physio and hopefully his wheelchair would be a thing of the past."

"You can say that again." Anne said looking at him. "Tea? Coffee? Wine? Whiskey?

"I'm driving, Anne. Coffee, please."

"White wine it is then. The only time I drink wine is when I've got visitors and cooking. My other half has me drinking scotch." Anne poured wine in two glasses, handed him one.

"Thanks. You know I don't like white wine that's such a Harry thing I'm not him." Zayn said lightheartedly taking a sip of the wine.

"You're one and the same you and Harry." Anne said with a smile. "It is strange seeing you without him."

"It feels weird being here without him." Zayn returned her smile. "Where's your husband then?"

"Typical village man. After eating supper, he went to the pub to meet up with his friends for a pint. I made apple crumble his favourite desert he didn't even sniff that." Anne scoffed. "There's plenty leftovers of supper if you want. Chicken and quinoa. Shall I make you a plate?"

"Yes please, if you don't mind."

"I don't mind. There's a bit of salad in the fridge_that wasn't a cue for you to help, Zayn. Please take a seat." Anne said when Zayn stood up. "I can manage. Just chill. Let someone else cater for you for a change."

She served him big portion of the meal, salad on the side.

Zayn devoured the food. He was hungry and had been driving for hours. When he left home he drove around aimlessly, found himself at the cemetery. He sat by Brooklyn's grave for an hour reflecting on how short life is; was for Brooklyn and might be for Harry.

As he drove out of the cemetery headed home, he came across a signpost pointing the same village Anne lived in. His mind was in turmoil. He didn't ask for a sign but there it was. So he drove to see her.