Past it all

Chapter 2

We walked in a comfortable silence for what felt like ten minutes but was apparently over an hour until we reached her flat. It was actually quite nice and I have to admit I'm just a little jealous. Her living area was all different shades of blue except for the sofas and tables, which were black. None of her things seemed to be even remotely new but looked great anyways.

"What do you think?" she asks bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Incredible." this is an understatement. I don't think I could describe the beauty in how everything went so well. So many shades of blue that shouldn't look good together somehow... worked.

"I would hope so! I worked hard to get this and if I do say so myself I did an excellent job." she smiles proudly. "So, Zayn, what kind of tea do you want? I only have green tea though.. So chose wisely."

"Hmm... that's a tough one... I think I'll have to go with the gree- wait a second. How did you know my name? I don't think I told you."

"Well my dear. Let's just say I was, I mean am one of your biggest fans." she laughs nervously.

"But how did you know it was me though? It was dark out."

"Directioners know everything. Ha Ha! Just kidding I didn't even know who you were at first, it was so dark, but your voice is a dead give away. As soon as one word came out of your mouth I knew exactly who you were." Maranda says almost as if she were proud. "But trust me I invited you here because I nearly gave you a concussion, not because you're 'Zayn Malik famous member of 1D' ."

"Eh thanks?" I say not sure how to respond. Never would've expected her to be a fan of us. She doesn't look like the type. An awkward silence settled between us.

"SUBJECT CHANGE!!" she shouts making my ears bleed. "So you have chosen green tea, yeah? Good choice! But I must warn you I don't know how to make tea on a stove so its going to be cold." she says turning her back to me ready to walk into what I think is her kitchen.

"Wait! How about you come with me back to my flat and I teach you how to make some?" I offer.

Her expression drops in disbelief and her cheeks flush a crimson colour. Before I can even smirk her face changes again, now a bright smile playing on her lips.

"If you're being completely serious and I'm not being punked right now," she pauses to look around the room for hidden cameras. " Then yes I would love that."

"Let's get moving then!"

I suggest we walk to my flat instead of using her car. Also starting a new conversation to break yet another silence.

"So, Maranda, why were you out this late just walking about all alone?" I ask lifting an eyebrow.

" If you must know, I was going home from work. And assuming your next question is 'Where do you work' I work at a place that pays enough money for me to afford to live. No more questions about where I work." she says sternly making me chuckle.

"Okay I see how it is. If you won't tell me about work then tell me about yourself. I can't take a complete stranger to my flat, now can I?"

"What do ya wanna know? Oo oo let's play twenty questions!"

I nod hiding my laughter at her childish enthusiasm. She acts like a five year old but she gives off the impression of being so mature.

"Okay... Here's an easy one; What's your favourite food?" I ask not wanting to ask anything too personal.

"You said it was easy! Liar!" she whines. " I'm going to say pizza but its a tie between that and pudding. Your turn. Why are you out here all alone at this time of night?"

"I just needed to clear my head. I've some things to think over."

"Oh. Well I guess giving you a concussion would've helped clear your head quite nicely, huh?"

I smile and shake my head, "Very funny. Question two, favourite film?"

"Hmm... does Secret Garden count? I love that movie! But I don't really have a favourite." she days screwing up her face in thought.

"I guess it does but I've never heard of it."

"WHAT?! NOW YOU HAVE TO SEE IT! I have it at my flat so be prepared to see the greatest film since Forest Gump!"

"So are you inviting me to yours for a movie date?" I smirk watching her face go pale and turn a light pink.

"It's my turn to ask the question," she says avoiding my question. "What happened to One Direction?"

"I don't understand."

"I mean what made you break up? I was so heartbroken and there was no explanation for it just a headline in every magazine 'Famous boyband breaks up!'. Everyone just assumed that management broke you up because Harry came out."

Maranda says glancing at me but not making direct eye contact. I'm not sure how to tell her what happened.

"Erm. Well it definitely wasn't because of that. Our contract with Modest! had expired and Harry had every right to tell everyone he was gay after that. It was such a relief, and all of us were finally happy. But everything just became too much for us. Doing shows almost every night, not getting to see our families for months at a time, and the rumours were the worst. Believe me me we had the time of our lives but you gotta know when to quit."

I look at her for an answer but instead her eyes are glistening as if about to cry. She doesn't, though.

"Are you okay?" I ask a little confused as to why shes so quiet.

"Yeah, that's something I never thought about. I assumed your life was all glam and amazing. I guess not."

"It's okay really. Fans like you are the reason we had the best time! You helped us through so much you truely are the best fans in the world." I say with a reassuring smile. "And we seem to already be here so how about we go inside and meet the other boys, yeah?"

Hearing a thump, I turn around to see Maranda on the pavement unconscious. Oh my god she fainted.