Raven Boy

Chapter Two

                  

We were in Math when he appeared.

"Late again, Mr. Malik." Mrs. Robinson scolded.

"Sorry, it won't happen again." He apologized, but didn't look up.

"Take your seat, Zayn." She sighed and began teaching again.

I noticed the only seat left was next to me. I silently squealed. He took his rightful place next to me. He kept his hoodie up, which was a shame. I couldn't see his beautiful face.

"Niall, please answer the question."

"Zayn." I blurted out without thinking. I was trapped in a dreamy daze.

The entire class laughed and I blushed a bit. Zayn looked at me and smile. I should have smiled back, but I gasped instead. A giant purple bruise was painted on his face, but he didn't look any less beautiful.

"Sorry, Mrs. Horan, but Zayn isn't the answer to everything." The teacher joked.

I was too busy staring at the boy to even acknowledge her jokes. "Hi." I greeted.

He silently waved back at me. He chewed on his bottom lip and stared at me for a moment. I felt self-conscience. He looked back into my eyes then turned towards the board.  For the rest of class, Zayn didn't pay any attention to me.

The bell rang and he was the first to exit the class, but wouldn't let him get away that easily. I sprinted after him, but kept a small distance between us. I assumed he would be heading towards the cafeteria since it was lunch time. But instead he head outside, towards the school garden.

I didn't know the school even had a garden until last week. When Louis and I were walking passed it.

Zayn made a sharp right in the entrance and I followed. He stopped in his tracks and smelled the air. I didn't the same. It reminded me of a day out in a field of flowers and tall grass, running around with my brother.

Zayn took off to the left, feeling the plants as he went.

"Why are you following me?"  He stopped again. I held my breath. "I know you're there. You don't have to be quiet."

He turned and looked me dead in the eye. His bruise was still present.

"Where did you get that bruise?" I ignored his question.

He felt his face as if he didn't know he had it. "None of your business." He said. "Now, answer my question. Why are you following me?"

He took three steps forward. "I find you fascinating." I answered.

"What?"

"You interest me." I stepped forward.

"Really?" A smile played on his lips.

"Yeah, you are fascinating to most people at this school." I confess.

"Yeah, right." He scoffed and began walking again.

I ran to catch up with him. "It's true.  Everyone thinks you're...."

"I'm what?" he walks in a clearing full of plants. The sun rays hit the place just right. It almost looks like a chapel for the plant species. "What do they think I am, Niall?"

I hesitate for a moment. "Beautiful."

He giggles a bit and it's the best sound I've ever heard. We both sit down on a cemented bench. He pulls out a PB & J and begins to eat it. Even when he eats, he looks stunning.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" He asked, his mouth half full with the sandwich.

"Because you're gorgeous." He smiles again.

"Thanks. No-one's ever said that to me before."

I gasped. "You can't be serious."

He shakes his head. "It's true."

"I find it hard to believe."

He gulped. "If you knew my family, you wouldn't."

I wanted to ask him what he meant, but the stupid bell interrupted me. I got a head towards the exit. I turned to see Zayn still sitting on the bench.

"You coming?" I asked

He shook his head and looked at me. "No, I'm good here." He smile and I swear my heart melted.