Criminal VS. Criminal || мαℓιк

19. Goodbye

19. Goodbye

(Note: I find it easier to write in 3rd Person Point of View.)

WARNING: Very emotional

   Max watched Zayn as he zippered the last of his suitcases up, hoping this was all some terrible dream. A distant look formed in her hazel eyes as they flickered around the bare apartment. She watched as Zayn's back muscles flexed with every movement. She hopped off the island and over to Zayn, who finished packing the last of his suitcases. He shot Max a crooked smile as his fingers grasped around two of the handles. Max grasped onto the other two, following him out the door. Zayn took one last look at the place he'd stayed for the past two months. He pulled the door shut, shoving the key into the lock. 

   "Ready?" Max asked, trying to look like she didn't care. In all honesty, Max was being teared apart. Zayn nodded, following her down the hallway. The elevator ride was silent, neither knowing what to say at a time like this. As the doors slid open, they were greeted by Louis and Niall, who were waiting for them. Each took a suitcase, making it seem as they each had their own suitcase. Zayn stopped at the desk, signing the last of his forms and placing the key on the desk. The lady smiled, waving as Zayn walked away. 

   "This is it for a year, buddy," Louis said, tossing Zayn's suitcases in the boot of the car. Zayn sighed, plastering on a smile for the sake of his friends. With much trouble, Louis and Niall closed the trunk, panting. After a moment of hesitation, Zayn managed to wrap his arms around his two new friends, relaxing when they hugged him back. "Alright, enough of this mushy stuff," Louis joked. "Get in the car."

   And Zayn did. He took a seat beside Max, who was seated in the backseat. She smiled warmly, the ends of her eyes crinkling. Her smile finally reached her eyes, Zayn thought. He remembered all the time Max would smile, but it wouldn't reach her eyes. She must be really happy that I'm leaving, Zayn concluded. He managed to smile back, seeing Max's sparkly hazel eyes beam. Zayn would Max the most.

   "Does everyone have their seat belts on?" Louis asked as he settled into the driver's seat. Niall took the passenger's seat, fiddling with the radio. Everyone mumbled a chorus of yes's as Louis started up the car. Niall settled on a random radio station, humming to the lyrics. He was later joined by Louis. And soon enough, Zayn joined in. Max stared in awe as the three boys sung in perfect melody. 

   "I used to rule the world.

Seas would rise when I gave the word.

Now in the morning, I sleep alone.

Sweep the streets I used to own," Niall sang. 

   "I used to roll the dice.

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes.

Listen as the crowd would sing.

'Now the king is dead. Long live the king!'" Louis sang.  

   "One minute I held the key,

Next the walls were closed on me.

And I discovered that my castles stand,

Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand," Zayn sang. 

   "I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing.

Roman Cavalry choirs are singing.

Be my mirror, my sword, my shield.

My missionaries in a foreign field.

For some reason I can't explain.

Once you go, there was never, never an honest word.

That was when I ruled the world." 

   Max stared in awe as all three boys sang the chorus in perfect sync. She had never heard anything as amazing as this, and she knew this was the only time she would hear it. They could've formed a band; selling millions of records and albums world wide. It would be amazing. But, Zayn was leaving them. You can't form a band when one of the members is never there. They'd be the best, Max thought. 

   In a matter of moments, they had pulled up to the airport parking lot. As Louis pulled the keys out of the ignition, the car went dead silent. They piled out of the car, heading to the back to take a suitcase. As they pulled the last out, Max caught sight of the plastic bag she had put back there earlier. She reached out to grab it, taking a peek inside. As she closed the trunk, she had to run to catch up to the boys.

   After placing Zayn's suitcases on the conveyor belt, they all took a seat by the glass windows, waiting for Zayn's flight to be called. Zayn watched as people were reunited with each other, as others broke away, and as some went together. Why didn't I ask Max to come with me? He mentally face palmed himself. 

   "Flight 2B to America, now boarding," That annoying voice came over the speakers. They all stood up. Let the sad goodbyes begin. 

   "Bye, mate. It was nice knowing ya," Niall said, wrapping his arms around Zayn's waist and burying his head into the crook of his neck. (HORAN HUG! :D) Zayn smiled, hugging Niall back. Niall had become like a little brother to Zayn. He was bubbly and carefree. And Zayn praised him for that. He would miss the Irish lad.

   "Bye, buddy. And remember the theory," Louis said, shaking his McDonald's cup. Zayn chuckled, nodding his head. "I heard that there's a lot of robbery in the States," Louis said, placing his cup on the chair and hugging Zayn. Zayn chuckled, embracing the older, yet crazier, boy. Louis petted Zayn's hair one last time. And like always, Zayn batted his hands away. 

   Max stood before him, holding the plastic bag to her chest. She looked down at her ratted old Vans, not wanting to make eye contact because she knows she will break down. Zayn takes careful steps towards her, sensing her hesitation. His palm wraps around her arm, catching her attention. Max looks up, meeting his golden gaze. Zayn opens his arms for her. Max doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around his muscular waist. Surprised with her straight-forward embrace, Zayn gently wraps his arms around her.

   "I'm gonna miss you," Max mumbles, burying her head into his chest. She took a final whiff of the wonderful Zayn scent: Cigarettes and Axe. It was a smell she had grown accustomed to. Zayn gently patted her back, not wanting to make this goodbye anymore emotional than it already was. Of course he'd miss Max the most, but he had to follow his dreams. If he did, he would have enough money to support his family and have thousands --maybe millions-- of dollars to spare. He had to do this. 

   "I'll miss you too, Max," Zayn sighed, finally letting go of her. Max took this as her cue and let go of Zayn as well. They stood still, staring at each other. Zayn's eyes flickered down to the plastic bag in her hands. Max looked down, realizing she had yet to give Zayn his present. Her shaking hands stretched out, waiting for Zayn to take it. He took it in confusion. Max never had to buy him anything. Her presence was enough for him. 

   Zayn opened the bag, smiling at the gift inside. A young cactus. Of course Max would give him a present like this. He looked up, catching her warm gaze. He quickly hugged her, picking up his carry-on bag and looking back once more. His three best friends waved as he stared back. Each had at least one tear falling from their eyes. As Zayn climbed up the steps to the plane, he turned back again. 

   "Don't forget to water the cactus!" Max shouted. Zayn made a thumbs up sign before getting on. 

   "Goodbye," He whispered one last time.

~*~

OMG! He left :O Next chapter is part three of this story :3 Hope everyone enjoyed the emotional chapter. x