Lifesaver (A Zarry fanfic)

22. We're Okay

Zayn's POV

I sat at the lunch table with a bruised cheek, away from my friends. As usual, everyone cautiously walked past me. You'd think that I'd feel good about being feared, when I really shouldn't be. No one knows the real me. Everything they hear are plain rumors. But last night, one of them became reality. I forced Jessie against her will. And man, did I feel awful about it. The only thing I could remember was her piercing cries. Nothing felt worse than knowing you're becoming someone you promised you'd never be. I feared that Harry would convince her of thinking I am a bad guy. Last night got completely out of hand and I have no idea what came over me.

"Um, hi." A girl with jet black hair sat in front of me.

"Why are you near me?" I growled, wanting to frighten her. I just wanted to be alone.

"I'm not afraid of you. I don't find the rumors true, so you can quit the act with me." I only smirked.

"This is the way I am."

"Did you really hurt all those girls?" I narrowed my eyebrows and crossed my arms, making her smirk this time. "I thought not. You're not a monster."

"Never said I was."

"Because everyone assumes you are?" I sighed, looking away as I nodded. "I was feared to you know. My ex-boyfriend left a gun at my house and everyone thought I was planning some mass murder. Lost all my friends, my family hates me for 'owning' such a weapon. That's why I transferred schools."

"And you put up the bad ass act to keep your style and still be respected."

"Exactly." She played with her collar. "My name's Marissa."

"Zayn."

"I know who you are." I was taken back for a second. "Where's your girlfriend, hm?"

"She didn't come today." I sighed, combing my hair with my fingers. "Kind of... sick."

"Hope she gets better." Marissa looked around as the bell rang, everyone hopping out their chairs. "Well, see you later." I nodded as she walked away. I stood up and pulled my bag over my shoulder. As usual, everyone made way for me to walk past them.

"Did you hear? Zayn and Missy did it in the backseat of his car!"

"I wonder why he stopped using it." I clenched my fists, walking into music. Cynthia smiled at me as I walked in.

"Hey Zayn."

"Hi."

"Why isn't Jessie here?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"I don't have many friends anyway.." I sighed and whispered into her ear.

"I think she's pregnant."

"Why do you think that?"

"She was really grouchy this morning after we kinda had... angry... sex?" Cynthia giggled. "And usually, she's flirty after we do it. But today just, it didn't feel right."

"She's never grouchy."

"Always a bubbly girl."

"Oh, maybe she is.."

"Should I ditch? I mean, I really need to see if she's okay."

"That's your choice. It'd be romantic if you did. Bring her like a box of chocolates just to show how much you love her." I chuckled, uncrossing my arms.

"She does loves chocolate."

"Get her truffles, they're the best!"

"Alright."