the one that got away, zayn malik

chapter thirteen

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
31st of december 2014
2nd of january 2015

OLIVE sat with her parents, feeling the warmth of their concern wrap around her, grounding her in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. she could feel their worry, and it made her want to open up, to let them understand what she'd been going through, especially over this last year.

"it's just gotten... so much worse," olive began, her voice low as she tried to organize her thoughts. "when i was younger, i didn't fully understand what was going on. i knew management was controlling, but i thought it was part of the job, something everyone dealt with. but this past year... i'm realizing how intentional it's all been."

olive's mum, elizabeth's, face softened with empathy. "it sounds like they've been pushing you in ways that no one should have to deal with, especially at your age. you're there to make music, to do what you love, not to be molded into something you're not."

olive nodded. "exactly. when we first started, i brushed things off. i was so excited just to be there. but now, it's clear they see me differently from the boys. they don't just want me singing—they want me to look and act a certain way, to be something i'm not. it's not even about the music anymore."

rob, olive's dad, jaw tightened, and olive could see the anger simmering just below his calm exterior. "that's not what you signed up for. they've crossed a line, olive. you deserve better than this."

she looked at her dad, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "i know, but... it's scary to think about leaving. i don't want to disappoint anyone, especially the fans. and then there's the boys... i don't want them to feel like i'm abandoning them."

elizabeth leaned forward, her gaze steady and reassuring. "your happiness and well-being come first, ollie. you don't owe management anything—not if they're treating you like this. and true fans, the ones who genuinely care, will understand."

olive swallowed, feeling the weight of her mother's words sink in. "i just keep thinking, maybe it's me. maybe i'm overreacting."

"no," robert said firmly, his eyes meeting hers. "they're making you feel this way because they want you to question yourself. that's how they control you, olive. you're not crazy, and you're not wrong for feeling the way you do."

a tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly brushed it away. for the first time in months, she felt a flicker of clarity, of validation. she wasn't alone, and she wasn't imagining things.

olive took a deep, steadying breath, the weight of her parents' support settling warmly in her chest. she looked down, tracing her fingers over the edge of the table, gathering her thoughts.

"i'll... i'll think about it," she finally said, her voice softer than she intended. "about leaving, i mean. it's just a lot to wrap my head around."

elizabeth reached over, gently squeezing her hand. "take your time, ollie. we're here for you, no matter what you decide. just remember, this isn't something you have to face alone."

robert nodded, his expression softening. "we're proud of you, you know that, right? for all that you've achieved. but even more so for staying true to yourself, for being brave enough to face what's happening."

olive smiled faintly, a warmth spreading through her chest. "thanks, dad. i really needed to hear that." she looked between them, feeling the strength their presence brought her. "i'll give it serious thought. it's hard, though. part of me is scared that if i leave, it'll all have been for nothing, like i'm throwing away everything we've worked for."