You just can't do enough for some people, I guess. A Zayn Malik Sickfic

Face the Music

It had been two weeks since Zayn had collapsed on  Katy and Josiah's doorstep. He was well on the way to recovery now and looked better for having eaten three good meals a  day, sleeping through every night and just being away from the spotlight. He knew though that he had to go back. He wasn't Mennonite and could never live their lifestyle even though he had found great peace here.

His Twitter had exploded in his absence, everyone asking him where he was, what he was doing. He looked through it  and posted a few tweets saying he'd been sick but was ok now. He then googled his name and had to wade through loads of hate from fans, the media, Perrie supporters, etc. He wished he could just let it out, everything that had happened but he couldn't. He had to remain silent. After all, mud sticks, whether it was deserved or not. He was officially the bad boy. Zayn shut his phone off and wandered back into Josiah's workshop. It was restful watching his skilled hands make beautiful furniture. Zayn decided he'd have some for the new home he planned to buy in LA. He could take something of this Mennonite life back with him. He smiled at the thought.Josiah was singing quietly to himself, a slow, measured song. He had a beautiful voice and Zayn found himself humming along in harmony. wrapping the peace around himself like a soft blanket.

"I am leaving tomorrow" Zayn told the family after they had finished dinner that night . " I need to get back and try and sort out the mess I've made of my life"

"Just be true to yourself, Zayn" Josiah said quietly " Trust that you'll do the right thing. I have faith in you" Josiah stood up and placed his hand on Zayn's shoulder as he passed. "We'll miss you, you have become part of our family and will always be welcome here"

"Thank you" Zayn whispered " I will always remember your kindness". He ducked his head down  as he left the room so nobody could see the tears shining in his eyes. He had to pack up his things as he needed to start early in the morning. It was time to go back and restart his life now he was in better health.

Zayn opened the bedroom door when he heard the faint tapping. It was Katy with a beautiful quilt folded over her arm. 

"Take this for your home" She had written in her little notebook " It's my work and I'd like you to have it"

Zayn took the beautiful quilt and ran his hand gently over it before giving Katy a hug .

"It's beautiful and I'll treasure it" he told her, watching her face light up with pleasure.

"Katy, you've been so kind and talking with you has really helped me. All those conversations we've had really helped me focus on what I need to do. I don't suppose I'll get it right, I know I've messed things up, alienated people who only wanted to help me. I just Fu......messed up badly'. Zayn caught himself before the swear word escaped his mouth.

Katy looked at him for a moment then wrote in her book yet again

"We all get it wrong at some point. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are a good man at heart. Sometimes you just need to look beyond yourself" With a small smile for him, Katy left him to finish his packing.

The alarm on his phone went off at 5am. Zayn groaned as he was not a morning person at the best of times and  this was still the middle of the night. After washing and dressing quickly, he grabbed his bag and left the room. The whole  house was still quiet so Zayn left a note on the table expressing his thanks and shut the door behind him ready to head back to his world. Time to face the music