Rock Me (A Zayn Malik/One Direction Story)

Rock Me (A Zayn Malik/One Direction Story) 18

     We had wrapped up our concerts in Bradford and I was on my way to meet Zayn’s family. I was nervously biting my nails as Zayn walked me up the front door.

     “They’ll love you just as much as I do.” Zayn whispered, kissing the side of my head before walking into his parents’ home. We were immediately flocked and hugged from all sides.

     “You must be Rain. It is so great to finally meet you!” His mother cooed, hugging me tightly. We were invited to the dinner table where food was already sitting out.

     “Zayn told us you are a vegetarian.” Safaa said, looking at me curiously.

     “I’ve always had a soft spot for animals. I grew up on a farm and after living with the animals it was impossible for me to eat them.” I replied, smiling gratefully at Safaa who was trying to engage me in the family’s conversation.

     “That’s amazing! I don’t think I could last.” Waliyha said in aw.

     “I absolutely love your music.” Doniya said, smiling at me.

     “Thanks!” I laughed.

     “Don’t even think about asking for an autograph.” Zayn warned.

     “She doesn’t need one. She’ll be related to her soon enough.” Safaa joked. Zayn’s father practically spit out his water.

     “Lets not get ahead of ourselves. They are not getting married.” He said firmly, quickly killing all conversation at the table. I bowed my head over my plate, feeling my panic rise.

     “That was out of line.” His mother said quietly, but only to get ignored.

     I shot her a grateful smile, but the rest of dinner remained silent. I could feel Zayn’s tension next to me. After dinner I immediately helped the girls carry the dishes to the kitchen and Zayn pulled his father aside.

     “Did I do something wrong?” I asked after Zayn’s sisters had left his mother and I alone.

     “No.” She sighed. “He is very traditional and you are as far from our tradition as you can get.”

     “I suppose I understand that. My grandmother still doesn’t really approve of me dating Zayn.” I sighed. I washed another plate, handing it to her to be dried, trying to ignore the raised voices of Zayn and his father.

     “I suppose we should leave.” I said as Zayn and his father entered the kitchen.

     “I am sorry. I was out of line. This is far from what I imagined from my son. But you make him happy and he will chose you no matter what. I would rather stand with my son than lose him. Please come back to visit.” His father finally said, bowing slightly into his apology.

     I smiled up at him, “Nothing you said was out of line. My grandmother doesn’t like Zayn and I together either but for stronger reasons than fear of losing a child. He is your only son. I respect that.”

     We left quickly, not wanting to cause any more drama. I talked with Zayn’s family often over Skype and was soon accepted by his father. The tour dragged on and we had finished touring the rest of Europe, it was now just days away from Louis and El’s wedding. El was a basket case the entire week but it all worked out beautifully in the end. Zayn had whispered that we would be next as we walked down the aisle arm and arm to take up our positions next to the rest of the bridal party.

     Now we were in Japan and it was April, only a little over two months remained in the tour and we were all wearing thin. Becs had gotten engaged to her girlfriend Sara and her parents disowned her. They always thought it was a phase but this seemed to be the limits of what they could tolerate. Becs and Sara had a simple union ceremony and bought a house in London. Louis and El got a flat together and Liam and Hails had bought the one next to it. Zayn talked about buying a place but I just told him we should wait until after tour, not wanting to rush anything. Niall and Harry joked that they would live together forever, intending to be the bachelors of the group.

     We were standing backstage of a late night show, about to go on to be interviewed when my phone went off.

     “Hello?” I answered absentmindedly.

     “Yes, Rain Lovette please?” A voice said.

     “This is she?” Everyone’s attention turned towards me as my face completely drained of color and my legs gave way to the floor.

     “Your grandmother is in the hospital.”