Criminal VS. Criminal || мαℓιк

30. Assistance

30.  Assistance

Part Four

When the power of love

Overcomes the love of power,

The world will know peace.

-Jimmy Hendrix

* * *

   Max,

   I know it has been a very hectic month for us. With my visit and your changing behavior, I just wanted to thank you for giving me a second chance. It was lovely seeing you again. You've really grown in a year. I hope I can drop by to visit sometime next month. I have a business meeting this month in Brazil for some new company. I'm leaving in two days. I'll send you some gifts. Tell Louis and Niall I'll miss them, and don't forget Liam and Harry. 

   Once again,  thanks for the second chance. Although we're starting fresh, I promise I won't let you down this time. I remember how much you loved hearing me sing, so I sent you Home by Phillip Phillips, but my own cover. It took a bit of coaxing from a friend for me to actually send you it. I hope you like it.

   Zayn

   I shake the orange envelope a bit until a CD falls out onto the floor. I bend down, having trouble picking it up. Finally, a manage to get a grip on it. I stand up, carefully turning the CD over. I find a short note written in black Sharpie.

   I hope you like it xx :)

   I head over to the stereo that sits on the small shelf above the window sill. I slide the CD inside, waiting for it to load. Finally, I press the play button. Instantly, the tune to one of my favorite songs starts up. I open up a spare closet, taking out a couple pencils and a special sketch book. I take a seat on the window sill, singing alone to Zayn's voice. 

      Hold on, to me as we go.

As we roll down this unfamiliar road.

And although this wave is stringing us along,

Just know you're not alone.

'Coz I'm gonna make this place your home.

   Settle down, it'll all be clear.

Don't pay no mind to the demons,

They fill you with fear.

The trouble it might drag you down.

If you get lost you can always be found.

   Just know you're not alone.

   'Coz I'm gonna make this place your home.

    I get so caught up in my drawing, I don't notice Zayn come in. It isn't until he takes a seat directly across from me that I notice him. I pull my book into my chest, wondering if he saw what I was drawing. Zayn smiles, leaning up to turn the volume down a little. I pull my lips into a tight line, looking down at my knees, which are followed to my chest.

   "Aren't you supposed to be in Brazil?" I ask, picking at the end of my sweat pants. Zayn awkwardly clears his throat. Loosening the black tie around his neck. He unbuttons the top two buttons of his white button up, allowing him to breathe. 

   "The meeting is postponed another week. And I wanted to know if you thought about my offer?" Zayn asks, tossing his tie to the side. I raise in eyebrow in confusion. Zayn rolls his eyes. "Do you still want to be my assistant?"