31 Days.. (a zayn malik fanfiction)

chapter 20-the first step

CHAPTER 20: THE FIRST STEP
*** Zayn’s POV ***
I was only one step away from her now, grasping the small ring inside my hand. To think just hours ago I was beyond nervous before she had even set foot in my apartment. But the nerves that overtook my whole very existence at this moment, just did not compare. My blood was pumping hard through my veins while my stomach churned, nothing in this world could ever come close to how this girl made me feel. I knew she was the only one for me and there was no way that I would let anyone else have her or slip out of my life. Tonight would mark that; tonight was the first step for forever.
I stared at a face that held undeniable beauty even with the tears unwillingly streaming down her face. Her eyes still beamed with happiness and yet her eyebrows furrowed with confusion. I grabbed her hand with a soft smile and lifted the ring up to her eyes, “Holly..” I began,
Her free hand was now over her mouth, eyes darting from mine to the ring constantly, “No song lyrics, no poems, no words could hold such truth to the way this simple three worded sentence ever could,” I squeezed her hand tight feeling the sweat seeping from my palms, “I love you.”
She let go of my hand and dropped hers to her side stepping back, “ZAYN, I CAN’T MARRY YOU!” she blurted out, fear written all over her face, 
“What?” I asked confused,
She looked up at the sky frantically walking in a circle biting her nail, “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ZAYN. SO MUCH. MORE THAN ANYTHING I HAVE EVER LOVED. BUT MARRIAGE? OH MY GOD, I’M NOT MATURE ENOUGH FOR THAT YET.”
I lifted my eyebrows, “Wow.. what a way to ruin the moment..” 
Her voice toned down a bit, “Although I’d love to get married to you one day but just not right now. Oh my God, but I love you so much and I’m so sorry that I’m doing this but oh my God. Marriage? Oh gosh you’re not even my boyfriend and my parents don’t even know about you and holy shit they are just going to kill me when I get back home,”
“Holly,”
“Home. OH MY GOD. That’s another thing, I’m going home soon! Then what do I do? What do WE do?! Shit, I’d rather die than leave you!! So maybe we should get married,”
I stared at her going completely bonkers pacing back and forth in the sand and ran my fingers through my hair shaking my head at how ridiculous she could be sometimes,
“Holly!” I yelled,
She finally stopped pacing and met my eyes, “Shit, I’m talking too much aren’t I? Ahhh I’m so sorry, it’s just that this is just so sudden and if I say yes.. geez, Zayn are you sure want to get married to me? I mean, I’m a complete —-“
I placed my hand on her cheek and smiled, “You are a complete loon.” 
She let out a soft laugh and looked down to the ground face-palming herself, “I’m sorry.. I just had a panic attack.”
“Clearly!” I laughed, then receiving a light punch on the arm from her, “Shut up!” she sulked,
Although sometimes the things she did made me doubt her sanity, it still did not tamper with how much I adored and loved her. I lifted her chin up with my hand so that our eyes were in full contact, “It’s a promise ring.” I said,
“A-a what?” she stuttered,
I looked down at the platinum banded ring, with the infinity symbol in the centre encrusted with diamonds, “A promise ring.” I repeated, “I’m giving it to you to promise that I will not only always love you, but to always be yours.” 
“Oh, Zayn..” she gasped putting her hands to her mouth in shock, 
I took her right hand and placed the band on the tip of her ring finger and stared deep into her eyes, “Holly? Will you be my girlfriend?” I uttered, feeling absolutely weak in the knees anxious for her answer,
Her eyes were tearing up and I had never seen such sincerity in those dark brown orbs before, “How is that even a question?!” she shrieked, “Of course! A million times yes!!” 
My heart jumped out of my chest and a smile plastered all over my face as the answer I so desperately wanted to hear had finally come out. I slipped the ring right onto her finger, having the perfect fit, and practically spun her around on the spot as she leaped into my arms. I didn’t want nor need anything or anyone else now that I had Holly. Today marked the first step of forever. 
- Just under 2 weeks later -
*** Holly’s POV *** 
Zayn Malik’s girlfriend. Just twelve days into absolute bliss being Zayn Malik’s girlfriend. Everything went by so quickly, we hardly spent a moment without the other being by each other’s side. We were absolutely inseparable. I was no longer scared to give him my all, no matter what consequence I had to endure later down the track. It was a scary thing really, taking someone on faith; taking a risk. But it all just seemed very worth it. And it all just seemed right. 
The media caught onto us quick, snapping pictures of us every where we went. Zayn officially announced our relationship in an interview the boys had with Alan Carr and followed it up on Twitter, tweeting:
so guys this is my girlfriend Holly.. hope all my fans will love her as much as I do :) ! X
And attached a photo of us that would forever remain as my wallpaper on my phone.
I’m not going to lie, it was tough for the first few days; getting use to the paparazzi, being screamed at, being the top topic for gossip magazines and websites. But I adjusted. All of that came as a price for finding the love of my life, and I was more than happy to pay. 
I became more than just good friends with the boys, they became the brothers I never had while growing up. I was the supportive girlfriend that went to every show Zayn and the boys had, every interview, every photo shoot and then on days when I wasn’t able to be with him, I waited for him to come home and bring him back to reality. The fans were just as important to me as they were to him. I knew the life of a Directioner and how heartbreaking it must of been to find out the news that I had stolen away the one they adored. So I was determined for them to accept me, because I knew with everything inside of me that there was no one on this Earth that could love and care for Zayn the way that I had. The fans needed to know that.
I created a Tumblr letting fans send in any questions they had, with anonymous off of course, and updated it with cute videos of Zayn or Zayn and I together doing ‘tag videos’ to make the fans feel like they could connect to us somehow. I did receive hate from time to time, but it was only deleted and ignored. I didn’t take hate very well but Zayn was always there for me, cheering me up with a kiss and a cuddle. 
I had always held so much admiration towards Danielle and Eleanor. The fact that they were always so sweet to the fans and how they remained true to themselves despite the hate they received, made me gain such a high respect towards them. It was clear to tell that they truly made Liam and Louis a pair of two very happy lads.
Tonight was the night I was going to meet them for the first time and the nerves that filled up inside of me made me feel like it was meeting the boys all over again. 
“Stop worrying,” Zayn poked my nose, “if the boys loved you I’m sure they will too,” comforting me with his arms wrapped around me tight,
I frowned, “I know, but it’s different with girls..” I sighed. I had no doubt in my mind that Danielle and Eleanor were more than lovely, but I couldn’t help but feel so intimidated by them.
“You’ll be fine babe, just stop worrying!” he gave me a quick peck on the lips, “I’ll be back, I just need to get my ear piece checked up, it’s bugging me!” 
“Okay,” I pouted,
“Don’t miss me too much!” he shouted poking his tongue out,
I rolled my eyes, “Me? Miss you? Why would you think that?”
He laughed winking at me and soon bumped into Paul, their manager, quickly going into conversation. I sighed and looked around feeling more than out of place. I was backstage at the UK’s television show Red or Black, as the boys were back after three years performing their latest single. I swiftly turned around as I heard the echoes of a strong Irish accent in the background and spotted a mop of curls in the distance as Niall and Harry were approaching me. 
“Nialler!” I squealed hugging him, 
“Ahh, Holly! We’re so glad you could make it!” he squeezed back tighter, 
“You know me, I would never miss any of your performances!” I beamed,
“Well?” Harry coughed,
I raised my eyebrow, “Well?”
“Well where’s my hug?!” he whined, 
I let out a laugh and rolled my eyes, giving him a quick hug, “Are we nervous Styles?” I asked linking arms with Niall,
“Erm, yeah a bit. Granted what happened last time we performed here.” he ran his fingers through his curls and shrugged, “But! I think I’ll be right. That was a long time ago.” 
“Yeah don’t worry we’ll smash it.” Niall added in gleefully, “Plus it’s the first time we’ve got our band with us instead of the backing track!”
Harry smiled and nodded in agreement.
“Don’t screw up Styles!!” I teased, 
Harry’s eyes widened and the look that appeared on his face made me scared I had genuinely hurt his feelings. Maybe it was still a sensitive spot that I shouldn’t have crossed. “Shit, Harry, I’m so sorry! I was only kidding!” I let go of Niall and walked up to Harry placing my hands on his arms as he covered his face with his hands, slightly sobbing.
“Harry..?” I pleaded trying to take his hands away from his face,
“Yes?” his cheeky grin revealed as he threw his hands in the air,
I slapped him hard on the arm, “You ass! I honestly thought you were hurt.”
“Holly you could never hurt me!” he laughed,
Niall was in hysterics but that was nothing new, “You’re such an idiot Harry!” 
“Boys, we gotta go you’re on in 5!” Paul urged,
“Oh shit!” Niall cursed, “We’ll see you later Holly!”
“Yeah of course! Good luck!!” I said while kissing both Niall and Harry on the cheek, 
“Don’t forget our after party with our band afterwards!” Niall shouted as he ran off, 
“I won’t!” 
I watched them both run to where Zayn was and a bit of emotion jerked up inside of me. I felt like a proud mother sending off her children to their first performance each time I watched them. Zayn met my glance and blew a kiss to me as I smiled back at him mouthing ‘good luck’. I was so glad I could be here for him and the boys, even though my presence probably didn’t do much. But it was the thought that counted, I was always going to support them. 
“Hey Holly! Bye Holly!” Liam and Louis called, sprinting past me quicker than I could blink, only feeling the brush of air they created as they met up with the rest of the boys, “Oh! Good luck!” I shouted, 
I suddenly felt a warm hand on both of my arms as someone pulled me eagerly leading me to the exit from backstage. Things happened quicker than I had time to realise. I anxiously looked up to only see Danielle on my left and Eleanor on my right, both holding tight on my arm, “Come on girl! Let’s get our seats!” Danielle chimed,
I was having a legit fan girl moment when I realised the two most gorgeous girls that I admired oh so much were both by my side. I tried to keep my cool as we rushed to our seats, but it was too hard to contain myself. 
“We’ve heard sooo much about you love!” Eleanor leaned in quick for a hug, “I’m Eleanor!”
“You are so pretty oh my god!” Danielle chirped playing with my hair, “Zayn was right, El!” she poked Eleanor,
“Oh gosh, you guys! You don’t understand how much I admire you two, how are you even complimenting me!? I should be showering the both of you with compliments!!” I practically cried,
They both giggled revealing their flawless smiles and linked arms with me as the lights of the studio dimmed as we anxiously waited for the boys to come out to perform. I couldn’t even grasp how unbelievably lovely the two of them were. I found myself constantly asking myself how were they even real, literally falling in love with them in a matter of seconds. And I thought I fell in love with Zayn too quickly.
The sound of the drums echoed through the whole studio, with high pitch squeals quickly following as the boys stepped up onto the stage. Fan girl mode went immediately into play for all of us as we grabbed eachother’s hands squeezing tight, screaming our lungs off. We could all pass for fan girls not girlfriends at this point. The whole band erupted through the speakers and Liam’s to die for vocals kicked in for the start of the song. Every performance they had always felt like the first one. They always blew me away with their gorgeous voices and flawless presence on the stage and it never failed to tear me up inside. The look in both Eleanor and Danielle’s eyes let me know they felt exactly the same. 
I clung onto their hands tight as the boys reached their final line and ended with absolute perfection. “WE LOVE YOU BOYS!!!!!” I screeched without thinking,
Both Danielle and Eleanor stared at me with shock on their faces, but quickly changed to smirkes, “WOOOOO!!! ONE DIRECTION!!!!!!” they both screamed,
We all laughed into hysterics hugging each other as the boys spotted us and waved smiling. It was so nice to be around girls for the first time in what felt like ages. I knew this was the start of a beautiful girlmance. 
“Give it up for One Direction everybody!!” the host cheered,
The boys gave one final wave to the crowd and made their way off the stage. That was our cue to rush back backstage to congratulate them on another amazing performance. Danielle led the way as we all held hands following one another, rushing backstage. Danielle quickly spotted Liam and covered him with kisses. 
“They are soooo adorable,” I gazed, 
“They really are!” El smiled leaning on my shoulder, “There’s my boy!” she perked her head up, rushing towards Lou and hugged him, fitting perfectly into his arms,
I smiled staring at the two perfect couples and couldn’t ever imagine them being apart. My eyes had suddenly drifted behind them as I spotted a familiar face. I wasn’t sure where I had seen it before but I felt like I should of known. He caught my stare as our eyes met across the room. His head tilted to the side and his eyebrows furrowed as he hesitated with his steps. He was only a matter of metres away from me when Zayn’s warm arms wrapped around me tight from behind.
“Did you miss me?!?!” he laughed spinning me around and kissing me on the forehead, 
“Hell no!” I teased leaping into his arms as he swung me around as we hugged,
“You didn’t miss me?!” he sulked, “Well okay then!” he began to spin faster making sure he kept his balance,
“Stop!!” I laughed, “I’m getting dizzy!!” I squealed gripping onto the back of his shirt,
“Say you missed me!” he threatened spinning faster,
“No!” I yelled giggling. His spins were too fast for me to handle anymore so I decided to finally give in, “OKAY OKAY! I MISSED YOU!” 
He quickly came to a halt and held his head clearly just as dizzy as I was, “I knew you missed me.” he smirked, cradling me in his arms,
“Yeah yeah.” I rolled my eyes, 
“Sorry to interrupt you love birdies, but we’ve got to go!” Danielle said, with El behind her, 
“Aw what, why?!” Zayn pouted wrapping his arms around my head, 
El laughed, “You know why!” she looked in the direction of a not-too-pleased-Paul,
“Oh, right,” Zayn chuckled, “We’ll see you girls soon at the after party, yeah?”
They both nodded, “Don’t worry we’ll take care of her.” El said pulling me from Zayn’s hold and grabbing my hand,
“Woah El,” Zayn frowned, “Remember she’s mine, okay?” 
We all laughed and turned around making our way out the door, “Bye Zayn!” I yelled winking to him,
“Bye beb! See you soon!” he replied blowing me a kiss, 
The boys were holding a get together with their band they had grown so close to at Harry and Lou’s apartment. I was excited to meet more of the people that they surrounded themselves with in their lives. I hopped into Danielle’s car in the backseat as we drove to the boys’ apartment making sure we stopped by for a quick Mc Donald’s run.
—-
We finally arrived at the boy’s apartment and were now waiting at the door. Niall’s gleeful face greeted us as he opened the door.
“Heeeeey! There they are!” he yelled grabbing my arm, “Come ‘ere Holly you’ve got to meet the band!”
“Oh! Okay!” I said catching up to his fast walking pace, 
He led me to a group of about three guys each holding a bottle of beer, laughing and in full conversation. 
“Right lads!! This is Holly! Zayn’s girl!” Niall announced to the group with his arm around my shoulder,
“Hiiiiii!” I beamed trying my best to make a friendly first impression,
“Hellloooo!” they all echoed back laughing,
“This is Sandy our bassist, Joey our keyboard player, Dan our guitarist and—” Niall stopped and looked around confused, eyes searching,
I let out my hand and shook every one of their hands and tried to make short chit chat with them all.
“Where’s that silly drummer of ours?!” Niall asked frowning, “Oh there he is!” he said looking behind Dan as a guy made his way closer to the group,
My eyes widened when I spotted who we were all waiting for. The familiar face I saw backstage was making his way closer to us and when he saw me his eyes widened just as much as mine did.
Niall grinned, “Holly! This is our drummer, Josh!”

 —