Like I would |z.h|

Chapter 17

Zayn couldn't stop grinning as he walked inside the school gates, nodding to every teacher who acknowledged him and every student who smiled his way or just stared wide eyed at his tattoo covered frame.
He quickly placed all the extra stuff in the school teachers lounge before walking over to his first class, English for the 2nd graders.

"Good morning class. I'll be your new English teacher since Ms. Sinclair has taken her leave. My name is Zayn Malik. Would you guys introduce yourself to me?' He joined his hands, his legs shaking as he stared at every student, their eyes staring at him as some girls and boys whispered in the back, pointing fingers at his tattoo. He chuckled inwardly, knowing that the kids were more fascinated than scared.

"We'll start with you love," he smiled at the first student in the front desk, encouraging them to stutter their name and age out. He knew they were all 6-7 years old but it was really cute listening to little kids babble on about their life.

When he reached the back desk, he frowned, noticing that the student did not get up to give their introduction. Zayn's eyes furrowed in concern, wondering whether the child was alright since they were cleverly hidden away from his view. He walked over to the back desk, every child turning around to see him stop at the very end.

"Love, do you mind introducing yourself?" He asked gently to the black haired girl who had her head in her hands. He gasped, watching her turn around to stare at him, sparkling blue eyes matching his hazel ones and smiled widely, before shaking his head.

'What's your name?" Zayn questioned again, entwining his fingers together as he waited eagerly for the response.

"Sana Horan," the little girl with his features mixing sharply with Niall's, responded. She wasn't an exact replica of the two of them but the eyes and the hair was a dead give away. Plus she had inherited Niall's lips and Zayn could never not recognize those sinful lips.

"Well its a pleasure to meet you Sana. I'm Zayn, your new English teacher," his tongue poked out from between this teeth, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he walked to the front desk, ready to begin with the lesson.

...

Niall was shaking as he waited for Zayn to arrive at the small coffee cafe. He had talked to him before, while picking Sana up and the raven haired mam had promised to be therein thirty minutes, seeing as he had some extra work to do.

Freddie was already chatting away with some of his friends on the phone while Sana just kept on narrating the incidents of today, talking about how friendly the new English teacher was and how the boy in her maths class, Johnny, was bullying her again for just having a single parent and that resulted in Sana punching him in the stomach.

At occasions, Niall was glad that Sana didn't turn out much like him in behaviour and personality criteria. She was more independent and outgoing, stronger than the blonde and he was grateful for it.

"Why is my English teacher coming this way?" The girl asked, frowning with a small smile on her face as she watched Zayn sit down right next to her. Freddie quickly switched his phone off, focusing more on the new occupant of the empty chair. He glanced back at his father, his feathery brown hair flowing in all directions as he raised an eyebrow at Niall, waiting to be introduced to the stranger.

"Fred, Sana, this is your father - Zayn Malik," Niall got out, sighing loudly as his hands shook.

"No he's not. He's Sana's father," Freddie muttered quietly, pushing his brunette fringe on the side as he stares at his dad, waiting for him to reply. He was eight years old, mature enough to know who is actually Dad was and that certainly wasn't this chiseled jawed man with dreamy hazel eyes.

"Freddie,we'll have this conversation when you're older. Right now, I just want you both to meet Zayn, okay? Whether you want him to be a part of your life, or address him as Dad, is entirely your decision but I don't think you're mature enough to listen to the entire story."

Zayn wanted to stop and question him about why Freddie had not yet met Louis. Sure, there were things going on in their lives but Louis would definitely always make time for his child. There were so many things that had happened in the last six years and Zayn didn't want to get into the serious stuff. He just wanted to start over.

"I think your father is right. I want to be a part of your life. Desperately do. But I've missed on six beautiful years and now, if you want me to go back then just say the word. I'll do whatever makes you happy." He blinked back the tears in his eye, hoping his daughter could give him another chance.

"Why were you not there for six years?" Sana asked, frowning as she looked from her dad to the raven haired stranger.

"It was my fault. I let the pressure and depression get to me and at that moment, it felt like the best decision - to leave your father and yours too, Freddie. Zayn is not to be blamed for anything," Niall got out, holding Freddie and Sana's hands in his own as he waited for either of them to respond.

"I always wanted another parent but I didn't think I'd get one like this." Sana smiled, poking her tongue out at Zayn.
"As long as we get to hear the entire story once were older , I'm cool with it." Niall made a mental note to check what kind of a crowd Freddie was hanging out with. The kid was becoming way too smart.

He turned around to stare at Zayn, blushing when the older man leaned down to peck his forehead.

"Starting over?"

"Starting over." Niall smiled, letting Zayn's lips collide with his own as Sana clapped in the background with Freddie groaning loudly at the public display of affection. They had a lot of things to sort out, lots of things to share and discuss but maybe they'll work it out.

An/ I wrote this on my bloody phone. I do not like writing on my phone. So if this is complete shit, then please forgive me.

Just one more chapter to go.

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