Operation: Love (Zayn Malik Fanfic)

Chapter 12

After that strange catch up with Cody’s older brother, Cole, we decided to head back and meet with my parents. I bet they have been wondering what’s taking so long. But they all knew Cole and I needed to talk about things.

Things concerning Cody, Cole and I. That night of the accident, and what happened ever since I left town to venture on my own and start living things without Cody. Things that would me have closure with Cody, maybe it will help me move on. Cole has been nothing but a great older brother, I’m pretty sure even if Cody’s around, he will still be that caring brother who will look after everyone.

Though I was still confused with Zayn-Cole moment, I decided to let it go. Cole was right. He isn’t good for me. Based on experience, I may be living in a hell hole if I continued on being close with him, knowing Lexi is around the campus, perhaps spying on my every move.

That’s sickening though, it’s like you don’t have anything else to do but pry on other people’s lives instead of working things out with her boyfriend. I’d rather work things out that be nosy, to be honest. I think everyone would have to agree with that. Come on, what’s interesting in one’s life, particularly mine?

Surely, I’d like to know what she thinks of my life. Perhaps she could do an essay about it or some tips that will help me move on and be happy. That will help.

It’s not that I’m not happy with other people in my life. I am. But I’m just learning how to look at other people and not compare them with Cody, or relate my everyday life with him. It’s tiring, really, and it seems like I am a broken recorder. Someone needs to fix me.

However, I don’t believe that a new guy will help. Some girls say whenever they have a broken heart, the reason they move on was because they meet a new guy. That doesn’t seem to work with me, but I’m trying, and hopefully, after my weekend with Cole, I’d be a new person.

New person, in terms of, learning how to let go and move on. Yes, that kind of person. But it doesn’t mean I no longer care of Cody, because that’s hundred percent wrong.

My heart will forever have a space for Cody Campbell.

“So, where do you girls want to eat?” My mum asked.

We were still at the parking lot of our campus, deciding where to head out first. Driving in separate cars, we opted to go to Olive Garden, and then roam around Times Square.

The food was great as always, but the company we were with, family makes it better. The bonding we’ve had today made me forget of the week that has gone by. As always, they have been supportive, although, they were miles away most of the time.

The thing is, even though I felt some closure with Cody, in the presence of Cole today, I still felt like I can’t go back in town and relieve the memories. It’s all too soon. But I hope in the future, I’d be able to visit him. He deserves that, instead of a running girlfriend.

“Hey.” Cole suddenly caught my attention as he sat beside me on the pavement, while everyone was taking pictures around Times Square. As usual, there were a lot of people roaming around, having fun. People were dancing around the street, bobbing their heads to the nearby restaurant, ignoring the fact that other strangers were watching them. There were even people dressed as cartoon characters walking around, talking to little kids, and taking pictures with them. Everyone was happy. For the first time, I was happy,

“Hey, why aren’t you joining them?” I asked, watching Megan and Marian pulling off Luigi from the crowd and getting their own pictures taken with him. Bright flashes were visible within a few steps away from them, sort of like having paparazzi around following them. Their winning smiles cover their faces.

Of course, my mum and Marian too were enjoying. Reunion of the sisters, they would call it. It would have been fun if Cassie was also here and we could have caught up with one another, perhaps taking more photos than Megan and her mum combined.

Yep, we love taking photos. At a trip to Florida one time, we took a thousand photos for a 4-day trip, and I’m not even kidding. I wonder where those photos are located right now. Hmm…

“I’d like to give you this.” Cole handed me a small trinket bag. Opening it, I saw a chain, perhaps a necklace. Indeed, it was. A note was present inside the bag, rolled with a ribbon, sort of looks like a small diploma.

Pulling the ribbon off, the paper opened and I immediately recognized Cody’s handwriting. Apparently, this necklace should be given to me to our upcoming anniversary at that time, but due to the events, it wasn’t handed to me.

“We found that when we were cleaning up his room.” Cole uttered, avoiding meeting my gaze. We were already good with everything that has happened and I know for a fact that if our eyes meet, we would be back to square one. “Mum still wants you to have it.”

Gripping on the necklace, I noticed the pendant on it. It was a star, one of my favourite designs, hanging on a white gold chain. Cole got it from my hands, and before putting it on me, he asked if it was okay. Nodding, I turned around and he placed it on my neck.

“Thank you.” I replied as I turned around and hugged him. “Please tell your parents, I love it!”

“Of course…” Cole said as he stood up and pulled me up with him, following my family and Megan’s family looking around Times Square.

We spent the whole day in Times Square, for the reason they also wanted to see it at night, only saw them on movies before. It was pretty good; more people actually came in at night, enjoying all the bright lights and festivities. Crazy hats were one of the crowd’s favourites, as well as, glow in the dark necklaces and other accessories. Yep, I was one of them too.

At half past eleven, we all drove back to the hotel. Tonight, Megan and I are spending the night with our families and Cole, so no one was driving back to the campus. It was a good choice too as I haven’t been with my family forever. They were busy with work and they’ll leave tomorrow night. No time to hang out.

As I was about to head in to bed, my phone beeped signaling a new message has arrived.

Hey, what time are you coming back? We need to talk. – Zayn.