Afraid

Epilogue

Three Years Later

Zayn's POV

"December is always such a beautiful time of the year, ending the year with accomplished goals, and seeing bright lights giving Bradford some color..."

Returning home was always exciting, whether if it was for a holiday or just after a long day at work. The feeling to embrace your love one after such a long time, and tell funny stories about your day. I was most excited to see Alex all the time, her beautiful smile, or the way she laughed at something she did wrong. These past years, we really matured, and figured out what we both wanted, but I just never seen this coming.

When I arrive at the airport, the England air certainly felt different. It was much colder from what I can remember in years. I dragged my suitcase behind me as I searched for my father. I spotted him in a corner with a very pregnant Sarah clung to his arm. His eyes lit up once he saw me. I casually walk towards him.

He definitely aged from three months ago, "Hey son." he mumbled dryly bringing me in for a long hug.

I patted his back, "Hey Father," I released him, giving Sarah a nice small hug, "Sarah." she smiled, "Hey Zayn."

It's been three years since I last felt this pain in my chest. It was in this exact spot I told Alex goodbye. Just thinking of her, swells tears in my eyes. I leaned down reaching for my suitcase, as I felt their eyes burn on me. I sigh, "You don't need to stare. I am better, I have accepted the fact." but I really didn't. I didn't understand, in fact nobody did. I watched my father as he glanced at me with saddened eyes, Sarah frowned rubbing her belly. My focus concentrated on her bump, as my little brother kick. I was happy that someone could experience that.

*Flashback one week earlier*

The bar seemed alive, but I was just so dead inside. I chugged my beer, when a tall blonde approached me. Her hair was long, stopping just at her waist, her eyes were a dark mysterious blue, "Wanna buy me drink?" she asked in a low voice.

I shook my head, "Sorry, I just closed my tab." I look back at the counter sliding my glass across the wood. The bartender catches it, "Last one?"

I nod getting my wallet out. I place a twenty on the counter. The unknown blonde watches me, "My friends were just wondering why does the cute guy look so sad." she says gripping my arm.

"Long day at work, now if you'll excuse me I must be going." I said walking out. As she follow me, "Well now you are off, don't you wanna party?"

When I reached the entrance, I rolled my eyes, "I am not interested." I was annoyed, I was probably going to explode if she asked me another question. I didn't wait for an reply, I just walked off, into the breezy air.

When I finally got home, I started the shower. I took my shirt off, when my phone began to ring. I walk to the kitchen to retrieve my phone, it was my dad. I answered it, "father, it's nearly five am over there, why are up so early."

"Zayn, it's important. "

*End of flashback*

I place my clothes in my drawers. My old bedroom seemed so tiny compared to my new one in New York. I open my closet, and all my flannels hung there with bits of dust on them. I smiled remembering when Alex always judged me for having them organized by color.

Oh Alex

A knock interrupted my memory. I turned to find Sarah softly smiling, "You have a phone call downstairs."

A million guesses ran in my mind of who it could be calling for me, but I knew it wasn't her. I sat on my bed, rubbing my tired eyes, "I'll take a message."