Hard to Love

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The car ride there was full of giggles and smiles. It felt so good to be carefree and able to finally breathe. We parked in front of a huge house, two stories high and very expensive looking. I got out of Stella's Camaro, which was a gift from her boyfriend, and we walked up the steps together.

I was nervous all over again, I didn't know what I was going to say. Will her boyfriend and his friends like me? What do I tell them if they ask about my bruises or my family? The familiar feeling of 'I can't do this' came back.

Stella noticed my nervousness and grabbed my hand. "Don't be nervous! They will love you, I know this because I love you!" She squeezed my hand and gave me a warm smile.

Just then, the door was opened and a tall, slim, middle eastern looking man stood in front of us. He was gorgeous. Small evidence of stubble, jet black hair, and smooth tan skin covered in tattoos. He was a dream and probably only a year or two older than me.

"Hey babe!" He smiled swooping down to Stella's height to peck her lips.

"Christina, this is my boyfriend Zayn. Zayn, this is my absolute best friend in the whole world, Christina." Stella smiled as we shook hands, finally meeting each other.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Christina! Welcome to London by the way!" He smiled showing his tongue between his teeth. "Make yourself at home and enjoy the party!"

I smiled and walked in after Stella who took Zayn's hand. We walked through the entry room and into the large kitchen where drinks and pizza adorned the counter space. Zayn led us to the big backyard where there was a large swimming pool and three dogs chasing each other around. Tons of people were here, some in the pool and some spread across the lot.

Suddenly there was a blind fold put over my eyes. I heard Stella and realized it was her who took my hand. After I heard people counting to three, and the blind fold was taken off. I couldn't believe my eyes! There was a huge white banner with colorful and sparkly letters on it reading, "Welcome to London, Christina!" I noticed Zayn under the banner, his arm around his four friends who I realized then were his band mates.

I turned to Stella, her large smile matching mine. "Did you do all this?" She nodded, still gleaming, and I took her into a big hug. "You're the best! Thank you!" The huge group of people cheered and clapped and I just couldn't stop smiling.

The four lads who were next to Zayn came up to us and introduced themselves and Niall, Louis, Liam, and Harry. They were all so sweet and they each gave me a hug. They explained to me that they had just returned home from being on tour for 8 months. So they always like to throw a party to see their friends again after being gone for so long. After meeting loads of other people, I finally got to sit down on the outdoor couch next to Stella. Zayn went to get us some pizza and drinks so we could relax.

I scanned the scene ahead of me and saw a couple, blissfully in love and unaware of the world around them. A pain fled to my heart filled with anger and hurt. All those moments when I felt in love, just like them, was nothing but lies now fake and worthless. All a waste of time. I tried to look away forgetting about the painful memories that were trying to resurface. I looked across the pool to the right of me and noticed a mixing table at the far end on the backyard.

"Stella, who's the DJ?" I asked, pointing to the equipment set up.

She smiled, "Zayn. He likes to do it in his free time and he's not too bad actually."

"Who's not too bad?" A voice said.

I looked up from the mixing table to see a tall curly haired Harry in front of us. His dimples were clearly showing and so were his pearly white teeth. He had smooth tan skin and beautiful green eyes. His curls were styled upward so they fanned around his face. He was very handsome in his tight black jeans, brown boots, and rolling stones tee shirt.

"Not you!" Stella giggled. He smiled as well and looked over at me.

Our eyes met and I instantly felt uncomfortablel. His strong gaze focused all on me. I felt like he could read every emotion I was feeling. But I saw something in his eyes, a bit of hurt and sadness. It flashed away just as quickly as it came and was covered up by his lovely smile.

"So Christina..."

"Burke. Christina Burke." I finished for him, shyly smiling.

"Ahh." He smiled, now knowing my last name. "Did you like your welcome banner?"

"I very much did Harry..."

"Styles." He said helping me, a little taken aback. I smiled again, but broke eye contact with him once Zayn showed up.

"Oh hey Haz!" Zayn said before handing us pizza and soda.

"Hey mate! I was just introducing myself." Harry explained, gesturing toward me.

"Alright cool! Wanna help me set up?" He nodded over to the DJ materials.

"Sure!" Harry seemed excited and his curls bounced a little. He turned back towards Stella and I, "Nice to meet you again, Christina. Maybe we can talk later." He flashed a smile and followed Zayn to the other end of the backyard.

I didn't even get to take a bite of my pizza before Stella spoke up. "He's single by the way, Christina."

I looked over at her with my mouth open, surprised at what she had said. "I told you I'm not interested in any relationship right now."

Rolling her eyes she replied, "You're never interested anymore." She bit back but ended the topic once she realized she said too much.

It's true, I'm not looking for anything or anyone. I'm not looking for love because it doesn't exist. I've never believed in it and it will never happen to me. I'm content with my life as it is and I don't need anyone else in it. Some people thought I was desperate and looking for attention because of the way I felt on the subject. Honestly, I'm not. If you don't fall for someone, you'll never have to be hurt.

"Alright, we're gonna start this party right with some tunes! Let's go!" I was broken out of my train of thought by Zayn's voice through the microphone.

Stella nudged my side and we got up and joined everyone in dancing! Lights by Ellie Goulding blasted through the speakers and everyone danced in sync to the music. I took Stella's hands into mine and we danced and twirled and booty bumped.

Niall came up to us with his girl friend Olivia and danced along with us. He was making us laugh so hard with all his dance moves he had pulled. After awhile I got really thirsty, and the amount of people around us made me even more thirsty. I told Stella I'd be back, and went in the house to look for something to drink.

Once I found the kitchen, I grabbed a red cup on the counter and started to pour some soda into it. All this partying was fun! It's making me realize what I've missed out on my whole life.

"Thirsty?"

I jumped at the sound of someone's voice and noticed I almost over flowed my glass with soda. I turned to see who said that and was greeted by a familiar pair of green eyes and brown curly locks.

A/N: Hiiiii!! So before I start saying anything, I love Zerrie, but for the purpose of this story Zayn has to be dating Stella. No haters though because I'm really happy for Zerrie. Okay yeah. Thanks for all the reads so far!!

So how do you like the story?!?!?! Please comment and tell me what your thoughts are.

COMMENT CHALLENGE:

1. Would you rather not be able to listen to Midnight Memories, or only listen to Midnight Memories?

I hope you guys like this, it's very boring right now (yes, i understand that) but stick with me because it gets goooood! Also, read my finished fan fiction, Before Me and You.

Follow on Twitter----> 1Ds_angels

Bye lovelies xx