The Bank of Second Chances | Zarry

Chapter 12: Revelations & Congratulations

Graduation day arrived with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The campus was abuzz with activity, students in their caps and gowns milling about, taking photos and celebrating their achievements. Zayn stood with his friends, trying to focus on the moment, but his mind kept drifting to the impending reunion with his family. His mother and sisters arrived first, their faces lit up with pride and joy. Zayn hugged them tightly, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him. Despite everything, they were still here for him, supporting him as they always had. Next came Harry and Arlo. Zayn's heart swelled with love as he scooped the little boy into his arms, kissing his chubby cheeks. Harry stood by his side, a reassuring presence amidst the chaos. Finally, Yaser appeared, looking more composed than he had during their lunch. He smiled at Zayn, a hint of sadness in his eyes, but also pride. The ceremony was a blur of speeches, applause, and the overwhelming sense of achievement. When Zayn's name was called, he walked across the stage to receive his diploma, his heart pounding with a mix of emotions. As he returned to his seat, he glanced out at the audience, spotting his family. His mother was crying, his sisters cheering, and Harry holding Arlo, who was clapping enthusiastically. Even Yaser had a proud smile on his face. After the ceremony, they gathered for photos and congratulations. There were awkward moments, of course—his parents' separation cast a shadow over the celebrations—but they all tried their best to focus on the positive. As the day drew to a close, Zayn found a quiet moment with his father. They stood a little apart from the rest of the group, watching as Arlo played with Zayn's sisters. "I'm proud of you, Zayn," Yaser said, his voice filled with emotion. "You've grown into a remarkable young man." "Thanks, Dad," Zayn replied, feeling a lump in his throat. "I couldn't have done it without you and Mom." Yaser nodded, his eyes misting over. "I know this is a difficult time, but I want you to remember that we're still a family. Things might be different, but that doesn't mean we're any less connected. Your mother and I love you and your sisters dearly. That will never change." Zayn swallowed hard, nodding. "I understand, Dad. It's just going to take some time to get used to." Yaser placed a hand on Zayn's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Take all the time you need. We'll all figure this out together." For a moment, they stood in silence, watching as Arlo toddled over to Harry, who scooped him up with a laugh. Zayn's sisters, giggling, chased after them, their spirits lifted by the joyous occasion despite the underlying tension. Yaser sighed, his eyes following the scene. "He's a good kid, that Arlo. And Harry... he's a good man. I see the way he looks at you, Zayn. He cares deeply for you." Zayn smiled, a warmth spreading through his chest. "I know, Dad. I'm lucky to have him." Yaser nodded, then turned to face his son fully. "And Zayn, about what I said the other day... about Arlo. I'm sorry if it caused any doubt or worry. I trust you, and I trust your judgment." Zayn met his father's gaze, seeing the sincerity there. "Thank you, Dad. That means a lot." They shared a long, heartfelt hug, both of them letting go of some of the burdens they'd been carrying. As they pulled apart, Zayn felt a sense of closure, a small step towards healing the rift that had opened up with the news of his parents' separation.

***

That evening, after the celebrations had wound down and his family had returned to their hotel, Zayn found himself back at Harry's. The space felt like a sanctuary, a place where he could let his guard down and process everything that had happened. Harry was in the kitchen, making tea, while Zayn sat on the couch with Arlo, who was playing with his favorite toy truck. The rhythmic sound of the kettle boiling was soothing, a gentle background to the whirlwind of thoughts in Zayn's mind. Harry brought over two steaming mugs, setting one down in front of Zayn before taking a seat beside him. "How are you holding up?" he asked softly. Zayn took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day settle on his shoulders. "I'm... okay, I think. It's been a lot to take in." Harry nodded, reaching out to gently rub Zayn's back. "I can't imagine how hard this is for you. But you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here for you, always." Zayn leaned into Harry's touch, finding comfort in his presence. "I know. And I appreciate it more than I can say." They sat in silence for a while, sipping their tea and watching Arlo play. Zayn marveled at the resilience of children, how easily they adapted to their surroundings, finding joy in the simplest of things. He envied that innocence, that ability to live in the moment without the weight of the past or future bearing down on them. Eventually, Zayn spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "When my dad asked about Arlo... it made me think. What if there's more to the story? What if I am... I mean, is it possible?" Harry set his mug down, turning to face Zayn fully. "What do you mean?" Zayn hesitated, searching for the right words. "You mentioned a fairy from the clinic. Could it be... I mean, you did use a donor, yeah?" Harry's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with understanding. "Zayn, when I said that, I was trying to make light of the situation. I didn't mean to imply anything. Arlo's donor was anonymous. But if it's something you need to know, we can look into it." Zayn felt a mix of relief and anxiety. "I don't know if I need to know. I just... I keep thinking about it." Harry took Zayn's hand in his, squeezing gently. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you. But remember, no matter what, you're a part of Arlo's life. That's what matters most." Zayn nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. "You're right. I just need to focus on what's in front of me, on being there for Arlo and for you." Harry smiled, leaning in to kiss Zayn softly. "We'll get through this together, Zayn. One step at a time."

****

The days following graduation were a whirlwind of emotions and activities. Zayn spent time with his family, navigating the new dynamics with as much grace as he could muster. His mother put on a brave face, focusing on celebrating Zayn's achievements, while his sisters offered their unwavering support. There were difficult moments, of course. Seeing his parents interact as separate entities rather than a united front was jarring, but there were also small signs of healing. His father made an effort to stay involved, showing up for family dinners and offering words of encouragement. His mother, though visibly struggling, found solace in her children and the small routines that brought a sense of normalcy to their lives. Harry was Zayn's rock through it all. He offered a listening ear when Zayn needed to vent, a shoulder to cry on when the weight of his emotions became too much, and a steady presence that anchored him in the midst of the storm. One evening, as they sat on Harry's balcony watching the sunset, Zayn felt a sense of clarity wash over him. The future was uncertain, but he wasn't facing it alone. He had Harry, he had Arlo, and he had the love and support of his family, fractured though it might be. "Harry," Zayn said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I've been thinking a lot about what's next. About us." Harry turned to look at him, his expression curious. "What do you mean?" Zayn took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I want to be more than just a part of Arlo's life. I want us to be a family. I want to move in with you, help raise Arlo, build a future together." Harry's eyes widened, a smile spreading across his face. "Zayn, are you serious?" "Yes," Zayn replied, his voice firm. "I've never been more serious. I love you, Harry. And I love Arlo. I want us to be a real family." Harry's eyes filled with tears, and he pulled Zayn into a tight embrace. "I love you too, Zayn. And I'd be honored to have you as part of our family." As they held each other, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the city, Zayn felt a sense of hope and possibility. The road ahead might be challenging, but with Harry by his side and Arlo in their hearts, he knew they could face whatever came their way. The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity as Zayn moved into Harry's. They rearranged furniture, painted walls, and slowly merged their lives together. Arlo adapted quickly, delighted to have Zayn around all the time. The little boy's laughter filled the apartment, bringing a sense of joy and completeness that Zayn had never known. One evening, as they sat down to dinner, Zayn looked around the table at the faces of his new family. Harry was cutting up Arlo's food, his eyes twinkling with love and contentment. Arlo babbled happily, reaching for his sippy cup with chubby hands. Zayn felt a surge of emotion, a deep sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought him here. His parents' separation had been a painful chapter, but it had also opened the door to new beginnings. He was forging a new path, building a life filled with love and possibility. As they settled into their new routine, Zayn found a sense of peace he hadn't known was possible. He was surrounded by love, by family, and by the promise of a future that was bright and full of hope. And in the quiet moments, when Arlo curled up in his lap and called him "Ba-ba," Zayn knew he was exactly where he was meant to be.