Broken

Chapter 3

He's like a Burberry model. Zayn wouldn't look out of place on the cover of Vogue. He is one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen. The way his jawline clenches at his neck, the slight stubble growing from his ear to ear and the way his clothes cling tightly to his toned body. He's wearing a black suit, minus a tie. There isn't a reason in particular as to why I don't want to date him. Even before I met James, I just wasn't interested. I've never had much look with boys, I'm not too sure why. I mean, I know I'm not ugly but I think boys my age have always found me too mature for them which probably makes me come across too serious. I've always been a lot more interested in my school life than my private one. Zayn however, I'm not sure why he doesn't have a girlfriend. He's funny, charming and the fact that he's wealthy and has a promising future isn't deterring. Maybe he's playing the field, I don't know, there's definitely girls queuing up to date him.

'Hey Lara' he calls to me. Smirking. 'Hi', I reply. Of course my mom runs into the hall. She's carrying a kodak. A fucking Kodak. I'm not one to swear but a camera? Really? I think she's expecting me to come home wearing a 9 carat ring of something. That definitely won't be happening. My plan is to just get through tonight and then be done with it.

After what seems like an eternity of excitable small talk from my mother and various flashes from her camera, me and zayn eventually escape.

Chicago is cold enough during the day in winter but at night it really is unbearable. A chill is sent down my spine almost immediately as I walk outside and goosebumps appear all over my body. I climb into Zayn's white BMW X4. 'Here, I'll put the heat on.' He says to me. 'Thanks'

It's a short drive to the restaurant. We don't say much. Mostly small talk about how our parents are overly controlling. We've never been this awkward before.

He pulls up into the car park of an Middle eastern restaurant named Culture. The luminous sign shines brightly against the already dark sky. We walk inside the fancy restaurant and I immediately feel under dressed. Of course our parents went overboard and booked the most expensive place in town.

It's so dark in here, I'm having trouble navigating my way to the table. We are seated by the corner, secluded from the other customers. Great. Just what I wanted.

As awkward as it is, at least the red velvet chair is comfortable.

'How are you enjoying CTU?' Zayn asks me looking up from the menu.

'It's good'

'Made any new friends this term?'

This small talk couldn't more awkward

'No, have you?'

'A few, Harry and Niall.'

I'm quite confused by what he's just said.

'Harry? As in Harry Styles?'

He nods.

'What are you doing being friends with him? He's trouble.'

Zayn begins to laugh.

'He is, but it's not like I'm doing anything that'll get me expelled.'

Expelled? What is he even talking about?

'What are you doing hanging with him then?'

I know I'm probably overreacting but I do care about Zayn, and I'd prefer it if he didn't get involved with someone like him.

'I just go to the occasional frat party with them, It's not like I do drugs with them or anything.'

Drugs. I can't say I'm surprised. Harry didn't strike me as a no drug policy kind of guy. Although, I did always think Niall was alright, we're in the same art class so we speak quite regularly.