The First Copy {A Zayn Malik Fanfic}

Chapter 2

We sat and talked about our mutual hatred for the final chapter of Fahrenheit 451 and argued about what was supposed to be the main theme of the book for nearly an hour. While I completely disagreed with him suggesting that the theme was censorship, I admired his ability to stand by his opinion and provide examples to support his claim.

"So, do you go to college here?" he quickly changes the subject after admitting I was right.

"Nah... I mean, I used to but I quit towards the beginning of spring semester earlier this year," I explain.

"Why?"

"Oh, uhh," I trail off, looking down at my hands. "just needed a break, I guess," I try to evade telling my story to this complete stranger.

"Sorry, didn't mean to pry," he says, looking embarrassed.

"No, it's okay," I say, smiling to assure him. He smiles back and lifts his black coffee to his mouth for a drink. My phone buzzes on the table next to my drink.

Incoming Call From Elijah Baker

"Sorry, just a second," I tell Zayn, holding up a finger. I slide my thumb across the screen and lift the phone to my face.

"Heeeeey, what's up?" Elijah drags out, as always, when I answer. I roll my eyes at him then realize he can't see me.

"Just drinking some coffee and enjoying some company," I tell him while smiling at Zayn, making him grin widely.

"Huh? Who?" Elijah asks.

"You don't know them," I say.

"Okay, whatever. Anyway, there's this party tonight at this chick's place on 7th. You game?"

"Do you even know this girl?" I question him.

"She's a friend...of a friend," he says after a pause. I roll my eyes at him again. "So are you coming?" he asks after I don't answer him.

"Let's see... Go to a stranger's place where there will be tons of alcohol, people I don't know, and creepy douche bags and then drag your drunk ass home, or stay home, reading, eating pizza, and watching Law & Order all night long? Hmmm... I think I'll go with the ladder," I tell him, earning a puzzled look from the boy sitting across from me.

"Come on, Emma, I need you to be my wingman!" he pleads. I ponder my options before offering him a compromise.

"All right, how about this: I go with you, make sure you're gonna get some tonight, then leave and go home?" I offer. Zayn's eyebrows furrow even deeper.

"Deal!" Elijah says. "I'll pick you up at 9. Oh, and wear something sexy. I wanna try the I-have-hot-babes-hanging-all-over-me-but-I'd-still-choose-to-have-sex-with-you strategy tonight. See how it works before Carlee's birthday party in a couple weeks." I roll my eyes for the third time this conversation.

"Elijah, you know better than anyone that I don't do sexy. It just doesn't work for me," I explain what I think to be the obvious.

"You don't have to look that hot. Just wear something skimpy, she'll be too drunk to tell the difference anyway."

"Whatever. See ya tonight," I say before hanging up and setting my phone back on the table. I put my face in my hands and let out a heavy sigh in frustration.

"Boyfriend?" Zayn asks.

"Best friend," I correct, lifting my head up and running my finger through my short, dark hair. "He wants me to go as his wingman to this party tonight," I complain to him.

"Oh come on, parties are fun!" Zayn tries to convince me. I just stare back blankly causing him to laugh.

"Would you like to go then? At least then someone will be having a good time," I say sarcastically.

"Yeah, I'd love to!"

"Really?" I ask.

"Really. I never turn down an invitation to a party," he says smiling.

"Um, okay. Well I'll get the address real quick," I pick up my phone to text Elijah.

"Or I could just hang out with you until then," he says, looking timid, "I mean, if that's all right with you," he adds, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Uh, yeah, that's cool. I just have to go home to do some stuff and get ready," I say, caught off guard. I stand and pull my coat back on and sling my purse over my shoulder.

"Right," he says, standing with me and following me out the door.

A/N: Heeeeeyyy! So I know no one is reading this right now (which is kind of discouraging), but I'll write this anyway! So, I just added a cast list (or at least the beginning of one) today so I hope all of you non-existent readers enjoy who I picked for the cast! 

Also, I know my profile doesn't say much about me, but I'd like to keep it that way. I'm sort of a quiet, reserved person. I don't want anyone to think that by not sharing much about myself that I'm being secretive or bitchy, I just don't like to talk about personal stuff (much like Emma so far:)

So anyway, if any readers DO come and there are people actually reading this, I would much appreciate it if you would vote (so I know you're out there) and leave me comments! I'd love to hear from you whether its feedback or what you think of the characters or your predictions for what may be to come!

So if there are any readers out there, let your presence be known! (:

Much love,

-Hannah