Pause. Rewind. Play. (A Zayn Malik Fanfic)

Chapter 35: Its A White Christmas

"Thank you," I say, smiling at the driver, who just dropped me off at my parents home in Bradford. He nods at me and drives off down the dirt path. Its a simple two story cottage with a large front yard. I trail up the steps covered in a blanket of snow with my suitcase rolling behind me and create waves in the perfect scenery.

"Ari!" Mum cheers when she opens the door. In a second she throws her arms around me and is pulling me tight against her. "Oh I haven't seen you in so long! You've gotten so big! Sweetie, we have to catch up later!" I furrow my eyebrows.

"Later? Where are you going?" I just noticed her formal red party dress. Giving her a once over she has one earring in and the other dangling in her hand.

"I knew I should've said something sooner, but it was completely last minute and I hadn't showed yet and-" I laughed making her realize she's rambling. "And anyway go take a shower and get ready. We're going to a Christmas party tonight."
"Where?" I ask cautiously.
"A friend from my book club."
"I'm not going." Her face twists into confusion. "I mean I just got off the plane. I have major jet lag." Not a complete lie, if I might say. I know a few women in her book club, one including Zayn's mum. I have no doubt that she'll be there, too.

"We'll only stay for a little I swear, now come on we don't have much time." I resist rolling my eyes as she drags me inside. A little while, meaning staying for hours upon hours.

Mum practically shoves me into the bathroom, shouting about preparing my outfit for me through the door.

I take a shower, staying under the hot water longer than needed. It brings my chilled skin back to life and relaxes my muscles after the long flight. I yawn and lean my forehead against the wall of the shower, nearly falling asleep.

"Ari! Hurry it up, please!" I roll my eyes and groan as I turn off the precious warm water. I use one towel to wrap around my body and another to dry my hair. "Ari!"

"Okay, okay!" I groan and open the bathroom door. She's slightly glaring at me.

"About time! We're already going to be late as it is!"

"Can't I just sleep? I'm really tired," I beg. She shakes her head and gives me a sympathetic smile.

"I promise you can afterwards, darling." I smile and step into my room. At least her choices in clothing match my taste. I slip on the jeans and thick grey sweater. I'm glad its nothing too short because of the snow on the ground. I pair it with black boots and  a black jacket.

I begin to curl my hair when Dad enters the room. He dawns the Christmas sweater well.

"You look beautiful! We're leaving in half an hour now," he says. I smile up at him. "My little girl...my beautiful girl. Tell you what, if you survive an hour I'll tell your mother you're sick and you can leave early."

"Thank you. I don't know why she wants me to go so badly," I sigh in relief.

"She just misses you and wants you to be around." I nod. "I do, too."

"I've missed you both, too."

"Well I'll leave you alone to finish now," he says as he leaves. Thank God for my father's reasonable nature.

---

"Ari, I haven't seen you in so long!"

"My how beautiful you look!"

"You look amazing!"

I'm being pulled back and forth by my mother's friends. I try forcing a smile and not act like I'd rather be passed out in my bed. Not all of them are even here yet and the house already has quite a few people. I take a sip from my water, Mum not allowing me to drink tonight. I've never been a heavy drinker anyway, once in a while.