Stand Up » 1D

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Zaylin Matthews

I could tell I had disappointed and confused Harry with my answer. But it pretty much summed it all up. I loved Zach and Harry, but who did I love more? That's just the problem: I didn't know the answer.

I tried to laugh and joke along with the others as we drove home that night, but it was hard. I could tell Harry was trying too, but he kept staring at me. It made me feel uncomfortable.

Liam was elected to drive, since he was the only one who knew how and didn't drink, and he stopped on the driveway. Zach's car was gone; he had left. I couldn't help but breathe a small sigh of relief.

"We're home!" Liam announced and we clambered out of the minivan. I walked beside Louis. "You didn't get drunk, did you?" I asked playfully, giving him a nudge.

"Does it seem like it?" he asked. His words weren't slurred. I shook my head. "Then there's your answer," he said.

"You know you could've just said 'no'," I pointed out.

"I know," he said. "I'm just not in the best of moods right now." I decided to leave him alone after that. I'm not scared of him, but I wasn't exactly in the mood to start a fight either.

I think Abby and Zayn decided to declare their love for each other tonight. They kissed each other and held hands as they walked off to their room. I was tempted to yell after them not to have too much fun, but Abby could take care of herself.

Niall and Mara were giggling together as they went to their room. I knew Mara wasn't drunk, but I wasn't so sure about Niall. Harry was quiet when he went to his room. He was practically like a shadow: there one moment, gone the next. Jasmine and Liam were quiet too, but more awake than Harry. They were grinning.

I waited outside Louis' bedroom as he changed, and I decided to use the bathroom to wash off the makeup. Louis was done by the time I returned, and I changed quickly in our room. He came in and quite literally collapsed onto his bed. "Some night, huh?" he asked. I nodded, but didn't say anything.

"Did you have fun?"

Another nod.

"Doesn't seem like it. You seem sad about something. Looks like Niall's and Harry's and Liam's efforts went to waste."

I looked up curiously when he said that. "What do you mean?" I asked.

He smirked. "Niall, Harry, and Liam had this all planned out last night," he explained. "They thought you girls would have a lot of fun." He made it sound like they failed.

"I did have fun," I said quickly. "I'm just... tired, that's all." Louis raised an eyebrow. "Uh huh," he said doubtfully and sat up. "You know you can tell me anything. I won't judge you." He paused. "Team Harlin!" he randomly chanted. "Okay, that's it."

I gave him a weird look. "What's 'Harlin'?" I asked.

"Harry and Zaylin mixed together," he said. "I am NOT on Team Zachlin. That's the only thing I'm going to judge you on." I had to laugh.

"Well, if you say I can tell you anything," I said. "Tonight me and Harry went out and talked for a bit in the rain."

"Oooh, romantic," Louis cooed, and I rolled my eyes. "Hardly," I said. "He asked me if I liked the song, and told me that's how he felt sometimes. Basically he just wants me to ditch Zach and choose him."

Louis nodded, his way of telling me to go on. "Then he...." I blushed. "He kissed me."

Louis smirked slightly. "Hardly surprising," he said. "And? Did you choose him?"

I shook my head. "No," I said.

"Why not?" he exclaimed. "I don't care how long you've known Zach or whatever. If you ask me, Harlin is meant to be. You and Harry are supposed to be together." He clutched his chest, around the area where his heart should be. "I can feel it," he said and I giggled. "I'm not going to you for advice anymore," I said. "Maybe Mara. Unless she's on Team Harlin too."

"Screw those who aren't," Louis muttered and I laughed again. I went over and sat next to him. He pushed me down and he lay down next to me. "What is going on in that crazy head of yours?" I asked teasingly.

"Keep talking," he said. "It helps me go to sleep." I rolled my eyes, but sighed in admittance.

"I just don't know what I should do," I said, staring up at the ceiling. "Do I really love Zach, or do I love Harry? They're both amazing people that will go to amazing measures just to get me on their good side, but that's not what I'm looking for. I want someone who's tough, someone I can look up to. Someone I can just talk to and complain to and laugh with. I want an everlasting companion that will never leave my side. A boy that isn't afraid to proclaim his love for me all over the place, even if they don't care. Someone--"

A loud snore interrupted me and I stopped. I looked down. Louis was asleep. I rolled my eyes. Figures. I sighed and smiled slightly. "Thanks for listening," I said sarcastically.

Since I didn't really feel like getting up, I snuggled downwards until I was resting comfortably again Louis' chest. He was a great mattress. "Good night, Lou," I whispered and closed my eyes. It took me a while to fall asleep.