The Strings Attached | Zayn Malik

Chapter 17

"Pleasure is what humans believe they deserve for the lone fact we can communicate with each other and walk on two legs."

The first time I was told someone loved me was by Daniel after two years of dating. It was simple and cute and it seemed long over due.

The first time I met Daniel was outside of Walmart when I was waiting for a man in a blue cap to give me a yellow envelope with my money inside after I achieved a quick steal-deal.

I sit alone while the wind blows my current red hair endlessly around me. I drum my fingers across my dirty knees waiting on the man for about ten minutes now and I was bored and impatient out of my mind. The sun beats down on me with no mercy and the sea breeze did nothing for my thirst. I constantly licked my lips and swallowed hoping my throat would not be so dry. I couldn't leave my post for the man could come and see I'm not here. So instead, I sat in the hot sun and dry lips murmuring for the man to hurry up and save me from dehydration. In the corner of my eye I saw the blue cap and the yellow envelope. I stood immediately, hoping I can leave quickly and get a drink. Right as I stood a boy- one, maybe two years older than me- with a can of Coke smiling down at me. Moving slightly, I see above his shoulder the blue cap disappear as soon as he sees someone with me. Great, I thought. Losing my patience completely, I shrink back to my original stance and roll my eyes at the confused boy.

"Hi! I saw you sitting here and I thought you might want a drink," I glance at the drink he held loosely with his long fingers. I cock an eyebrow as he hands me it. I see it has the imprint: Share a Coke with your SOULMATE. I laughed and looked up at him. He shyly smiles and says, "It was the last can other than BOYFRIEND so I thought this one was more likely to be true."

During our second anniversary he held out the Coke to me with a glance I couldn't identify at the time.

"Here." I took it from his grasp. Looking at it I observe it had the same imprint as the one he had given to me when we had first met. I look up to see him cheekily smile and say, "I love you, Jane."

Cute and simple, straight to the point. I thought. Nothing could beat it. I had assured myself. But seeing Zayn standing in front of me with a wide smile and the other boys blaring music and Jack approving with a smirk of pride, I thought, nothing could beat this.

* * *

"What are you doing here?" I gleefully ask. Both of our smiles widen as we continue to see this isn't a dream.

"I wanted to see you," Zayn replied as we embrace in a tight hug.

"Now, don't give him all the credit!" Jack laughed while putting an arm around my shoulders bringing me closer to him and leaving the embrace of Zayn. We both momentarily lose our smile but regain it once we realize we see each other and are back together.

Zayn chuckles and nods at Jack and swiftly takes my hand in his, engulfing and intertwining each other's fingers.

I felt like a rope in a tug-o'-war.

Jack tightens his hand that laid on my shoulder in dominance. Feeling overwhelmed, I shrug both boys off and smile as if to say: I dare you to touch me, I dare you. Sensing this, both boys backed off but continues the conversation.

"So how have you helped out us seeing each other again?" I ask teasingly at Jack.

Offended, Jack scoffs, "Please, Plain Jane, they would be in LA if it weren't  for my generous offer." I look at Zayn asking silently if it were true. He solemnly nods.

"You must tell me this fascinating and heroic story you have made yourself!" I gasp while pretending to fan myself at the sight of Jack. Jack rolls his eyes but continued his facade of heroism.

"Well, we were going to meet in California-" My eyes widen, not knowing of this, "-but they said they might cancel for Zayn was reluctant." I steal a glance at him but he covers his face from embarrassment. "He kept going on and on about how he didn't want to leave and wanted to stay with his loved ones." I feel chills go down my spine thinking if I was apart of the so-called "loved" ones. I bite my lip from asking and let Jack continue. "Being the amazing and humble man that I am I said that could be arranged. And here we are!" I grab Zayn's hand with gratitude for him wanting to be with me and tighten my grip happily.

"Well, I'm very happy you are here." I wanted to shout out how happy I really was, but Jack was here and it seemed all too inappropriate in this setting. Instead, I tightening my grip in Zayn's hand and rubbed his knuckles in happiness.

We walked around seeing what all the boys were up to when Zayn wanted to go out on the balcony for some fresh air. I offer to let him go without me, thinking he wants to be alone, but he shakes his head as if to say: you're so oblivious. And I follow him close behind.

The cool air hit me with such a whip-like feel that I gasped from the harshness. Zayn laughs while taking my hand in his jacket pocket to keep me warm. I smile at the gesture. We neared the edge and plopped our elbows on the railing and looked around the city. Everything was beautiful. It left me breathless as the night overcame but the city continued to light up as if to rebel against the sky.

"It's beautiful," I gush. Zayn replies, but it wasn't clear, just like the second day I met Zayn when we talked about the painting I was about to steal at the time. Before all of this happened.

"I love you." And that, that was clear.

//

Am I evil for ending it there? Yes, yes I am.

I'm fixing up TSA one edit at a time and we are nearing the last chapters!

Tell me if you find any mistakes x

Hope you have a fabulous day!