Chapter Nine
Lily's Question
An old pencil I had found on the ground played between my fingers. I leaned against the back support of the chair and stared at the clock. It's hands moved so slowly it seemed like the clock was mocking me.
My mind was blocking whatever was irrelevant, which was practically every subject, and focused vividly on my morning drive with Zayn. I replayed the scene over and over again. It's permanently engraved in my mind. Every word he said and all the things I could have said played like a broken record. Throughout all my classes I found myself smiling at the most random times which made me look like a fool. But then again that's exactly what I am becoming, a fool.
I was a little flabbergasted on how straight forward Zayn was. I've never met anyone like him before. I guess that was the exciting part about him. He's like a book to me. He's the type to have his twist and turns, never knowing where he may lead you. If anything I'm more then ready to start reading him.
As the final bell rang I collected my things and made my way outside. I took noticed that Lucas didn't come to school. Somehow I found relief in that. One thing that still bothered me to the core was that Beverly and I have drifted a bit since I last talked to her. I do see her in the hallways with Bryce being their usual selves but the picture doesn't seem right. Their third wheel was missing.
I tugged on the scarf I had on making sure I was covered before making my way out. The moment I opened the front doors of the school I felt a gush of wind past the clothes I was wearing and made it's way onto my skin causing me to shiver. I held my books close to my chest while I looked down at each step I took.
"I thought I told you to take that ridiculous thing off." I heard a voice from behind me say. I looked back and saw Zayn leaning against the stair rail. He had a little smirk plastered on his face and I couldn't help but smile as I shook my head.
"It's not ridiculous Zayn," I replied "I kinda need to wear it because one it's cold and second ... well you're the one to blame for the second reason." I hesitated to say. I felt my heart pound faster than it's average speed.
Zayn winked at me and made his way towards me. Instead of taking the stairs he slid down the stair rail with ease.
"Oh, very impressive Mr. Malik." I stated sarcastically.
"Thank you very much Miss Carter. You see," He pointed to the stair rail, "sliding this old rusty rail takes much skill. Only the best of the best can slid down it." he continued to say.
"Wow, you have a lot of talent then." I giggled. Zayn made his way to my side and gestured me to walk with him.
"I'm sensing sarcasm in your voice." he pouted.
"What? Psht no, there was no sarcasm intended." I lied. He chuckled as we continued to walk.
As we we're making our way towards the corner I saw Louis with another guy. The guy Louis was with tilted his head towards me and Louis looked back. His face expression went blank. I tried to be friendly and smile only hoping he would return the gesture but he just shook his head in disapproval. Feeling sad and embarrassed I looked away quickly. Zayn noticed my sudden change in mood and looked around until his eyes met Louis's. I looked up at Zayn hoping he wouldn't question anything but all he did was look at Louis with a cheeky smile and wrapped his arm around my waist. I was taken aback at Zayn's movement but it felt right.
I didn't look back to see Louis's reaction but I felt like Zayn wrapping his arm around my waist ticked him off. I only assumed it ticked him off because I heard the roar of what I made out to be his car driving away from us.
"Louis is such a nice lad huh?" Zayn asked. He still had that cheeky smile on his face. He took the books I was carrying and held them for me.
"Thank you and I'm sensing sarcasm in your voice." I smirked. Zayn held my waist tighter and chuckled.
"I like how you just quoted what I said." he whispered into my hair. Although the weather was cold, Zayn was like a portable heater. His warmth was enough for me. It was all I needed for the moment.
"Where are we even going Zayn?" I asked.
"I have no idea."
"So, we're just going to walk until we end up somewhere?"
"I guess." he smiled.
We continued walking and I took noticed of all the strangers we passed. They were people I was most likely never going to see again. There was this one old couple in particular that caught my eye. They we're holding hands and looked like young teens in love. The way the looked into each other eyes said it all. Ever since I was little I wondered if I was ever going to be cable of loving someone that much. I always told myself that there was a time for everything and that my time for love would eventually come.
The elderly lady took notice of me staring at them. She smiled at me and then whispered something into her lover's ear. He looked over at Zayn and I and smiled as well. The old man winked at us and stuck up his thumb as if he approved of us being an item. I felt the blood in my cheeks rise. It was indeed a compliment.
"They're so cute." I sighed under my breath. "Zayn?" I asked. He looked down at me and waited for me to ask my question.
"Do you know what love is?" His face expression changed and he released his grip on my waist a bit. We just continued making our way to nowhere and I soon regretted my question since he was hesitating to answer.
"You know what, don't answer that. It was a stupid question." I managed to say. I was surprised that the lump growing in my throat let me even say one word let alone a sentence.
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a/n:
So sorry for not updating but I have finals coming up. I'm hoping that over my winter break I can update more often. Thank you so much for everyone who reads this story. Please don't forget to comment and vote. x
