Hanging Tree

Chapter 46

Violet

I could feel my heart breaking into pieces looking at the condition of Zayn's broken family. I have never seen Zayn so upset and hurt. Ever since he told us the news he hasn't shed a tear. I knew he was only trying to be strong for his sisters but I hope he knew that he didn't have to. Its okay to have a break down at times.

Zayn and his family had gone into a room to see their dad for the last time. I wasn't allowed in there since it was for family members only; which I understood. I've never really met Mr Malik and its a shame that I never will. I had texted Cal telling him I'm at the hospital and about what has happened.

Zayn and Cal aren't really fond of each other but they tolerate each other. Cal had texted me back saying that he'll try to make it to the hospital if he could.

I sat on one of the benches outside the room waiting for them. The image of Zayn's red, puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks keeps on making its way into my head. Its obvious that he was crying when he got the news but after he told his sisters, not even a single tear rolled down his cheek.

I knew Zayn was hurting inside. He has told me that he doesn't have the greatest relationship with his dad and now his dad is just gone. He just left.

Zayn acts brave and I know he will take good care of his family, but what I'm not sure about is whether he's prepared to do such things at this age. He already does help take care of his sisters, but now with his dad gone, he's going to feel a lot more of pressure.

Zayn's family isn't that well off too. They're just happy that they've got roof above their heads and food on their plate. But now only Zayn's mom would be working and earning money. Knowing Zayn, he'd take a part-time job and help out as much as he could. He's probably going to tire himself out. He has to go to school in the morning and then come home and go for work. On top of that, he'd have homework and exams. I hope he'll be able to keep up at least.

I heard the door squeak open and Zayn made his way out. He had his head hung low as he made his way towards me. He took a seat beside me and still remained silent.

I didn't know what to do. Should I say something? Ask him if he was okay? Should I just let him be?

I was about to open my mouth but Zayn had beat me to it.

"You know he was pissed at me," Zayn started, his head still low.

"Sorry?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"My dad. He was pissed at me when he left," Zayn continued.

"Why?"

"Him and mom were arguing about something. I stepped in trying to make things better. I made it worst. He stormed out the house since he was pissed off. It was my fault," Zayn said. It was obvious he was holding back his tears, you could hear it from his voice.

I scooted closer to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Zayn, its not your fault."

His head immediately snapped up and looked at me. His eyes were still red and puffy but this time, he was actually crying. Tears flowed down his cheek freely but this time he didn't try to stop it. "Violet, it is my fault! This is my fault! I caused this! I did this! I killed dad!," he started screaming.

I was shocked at his sudden outburst. I didn't expect this and honestly I didn't know what to do. I've never seen Zayn this vulnerable. This hurt. This broken. This isn't the boy I knew a few months ago. The boy I'm seeing now is a broken teenager, hating himself for every tiny mistake he has ever done. Blaming himself for his father's death.

I pulled him into a hug and Zayn started crying on my shoulder. "Zayn, its not your fault," I said as I rubbed his back. "Don't beat yourself up over this. You didn't mean for it to happen. None of this is your fault."

"What am I going to do with my family, Violet?" he asked as he continued sobbing.

"I don't know, Zayn. I really don't. But what I can tell you is that I'm going to be here with you. I'm going to help you sort everything out. You're not going to be alone on this okay?" I said.

He pulled away and nodded. He got up from his seat and told me that he's going to the bathroom to clean himself up. It was getting pretty late and I had to get home soon but I couldn't just leave Zayn here.

Zayn came back a few minutes later, his eyes still red but looking better than he was just now. "Its getting late," he stated.

I nodded, not sure of what else to say.

"You can go home, Violet. My mom's here. I'll drive everyone home or something," Zayn said.

I got up and made my way over to him, hugging him. "Call me if you need anything okay?" I told him. He nodded and looked as if he was about to cry again. I sighed and said, "Zayn, you don't have to be strong all the time."

He nodded and mumbled, "Thank you," softly.

I hugged him one last time before leaving.

NOTE// Sorry its such a short chapter. I've just been busy with holidays and stuff. I promise a longer chapter next time. Alsooooooo, Hanging Tree would be published into a real book!!!! But, I might be changing a few things so yeah. I'll give you more update about it soon :) Comment and vote :D