Panic Attack - H.S. AU

Chapter Six

-Valerie-

I groaned at the sound of a knock on my door. I was really tired of all these random visitors.

I tried my earlier method and ignored whoever it was, but of course it didn't work out.

"Are you seriously ignoring me, Val?" Louis said from the other side of the door.

I sprang up from my couch and ran over to the door. As soon as I opened it, I attacked him in with a hug.

"You ignore me and then you hug me?" He chuckled. "What's going on?"

"I've just been really stressed and I could really use a laugh right now." I told him.

"Lucky for you, I've got just want you need."

After I let him inside, he pulled out a plastic bag filled with brownies.

"No you did not." I said.

"You know I did." He ended with a smirk.

"You brought me pot brownies?" I couldn't help but laugh at him. "Oh man that takes me back."

"Care to relive college memories?" He asked me.

"Louis, we're adults now. College was forever ago."

"Actually, it was only two years ago for you, Val. C'mon you said you were stressed out." He tempted me.

"I know I'm going to get regret this, but fine, just one."

-Harry-

"Harry, wake up!"

I lazily opened my eyes to see Niall standing right in front of me.

"Just so you know, this is the fourth time I had to wake you up today and my shift is about end so I suggest you don't let our boss wake you up the fifth time." He warned me.

I rubbed my eyes and ran a hand through my hair. "Sorry, I was up late last night."

Niall raised a brow at me in confusion. "Oh, yeah? Doing what?"

I mentally cursed at myself and tried to come up with a lie. "I was watching this really great movie."

Niall crossed his arms, clearly not believing me. "Hmm, maybe I should check it out. What was this movie called?"

"I don't remember. It must've slipped my mind."

He rolled his eyes at me and whispered, "It was Valerie wasn't it?"

"No." I said firmly. "I already told you nothing is going on between us."

"I'm not surprised. You stood her up. You know she'll probably never talk to you again right?" He scolded me.

If only he knew...

"You should really be on your way now. You know how the boss feels when people stick around after their shift is over." I told him.

"He's right, you know."

Both of our heads turned to face our co-worker, Zayn Malik.

Zayn was hired at this company around the same time I was, but the difference between Zayn and me was that he was ambitious. Unlike myself,
Zayn managed to make himself known and obtain higher positions over the course of one year. He was a good speaker, extremely intelligent, and good with numbers. Since the president of our company was planning on retiring soon, everyone has a strong feeling Zayn will most likely take over the company.

He was essentially the star here so Niall and I were incredibly confused as to why he was speaking to us.

"W-what are you doing here, Mr. Malik?" I asked him.

"That sounded way too formal. Please, call me Zayn" He chuckled before answering my question. "Anyway, I'm just passing through since I'm leaving early today. I need to run some errands for my wedding."

"You're getting married?" Niall asked. "I know it's none of my business, but the ladies that walk in and out of your office are pretty um... distracting."

I was quick to roll my eyes at him.

Zayn laughed and replied, "Yes, while they can be distracting, why settle for temporary when I can have forever?"

Niall nodded his head in agreement and the two began to converse as I sat there in silence.

"Well, I'd better get back to work." I awkwardly announced.

Niall nodded his head at me, but continued to talk to Zayn. Eventually, they walked out together still engaging in conversation.

I swear half of Niall's friendships were made within seconds, me included.

Hours of boring paper work later, the day came to an end and it was time for me to go home.

During my cab ride home, I thought about what Zayn said, 'Why settle for temporary when I can have forever?'

What struck out to me was the idea of forever with someone. It had been months since my last hook up and a year since my last relationship and  much as I hated to admit it, I hated feeling lonely.

I could handle being alone, but being lonely was something completely different.

When I finally reached my apartment, I went straight to my bed and stared at my ceiling and of course things only got worse when thoughts and fears of loneliness began to overwhelm me.

What if I was the only obstacle I had to face in order to be happy?

What if I never find someone to fill the emptiness in my heart?

What if I spend the rest of my life feeling this terrible feeling?

My thoughts were only getting louder and louder. No matter how hard I tried to block everything out and fall asleep, I just couldn't.

Next thing I knew, I reached for my phone and found myself calling Valerie. She didn't pick up, but I knew I wouldn't feel better until I saw her. It was ironic because I'd been avoiding her lately, yet now she was the only person I wanted to see and there was a reason for that.

I didn't meet her at the park that day because I was scared I would fall for her. I was the type to fall too quick and too hard, but not for just anyone. Appearance plays only a small role when I truly start to fall for someone.

If I did fall for Valerie , it wouldn't be for her beauty. It would be her strength, her bravery, her kindness, her attitude, her humor, or some other amazing attribute. If I tried to list all the amazing things about her, I'd be writing for years.

So yes, I gave myself a second chance and took Niall's advice of taking a risk because sometimes it's better to get rejected than to be burdened with "What if's" for the rest of your life.

So I got out of bed, headed outside, and walked over to her apartment. I remembered it wasn't too far from mine so I didn't mind the distance.

There were many times where I was tempted to turn back around thinking she wasn't interested in helping me anymore, but then I'd remember that she had a promise to keep and she said it herself, she didn't break her promises.

When I finally reached her apartment, instead of knocking, I paced back and forth in the hallway. I was beyond nervous and went through several scenarios in my head on how this could turn out.

After some time, I shut out my thoughts and walked up to the door one last time, only to find another man opening it before I could knock.

A/N: I'm aware that there's drugs involved so I apologize if that makes anyone feel uncomfortable. Also, I feel compelled to  remind everyone that this story is fictional! I am not saying 1d does drugs.  (Lol imagine though) Anyway, thanks so much for the votes and reads ! :)