Bullied By Zayn Malik.

Chapter 18: Hidden Talent.

The rest of the weekend was silent and awkward. Zayn hasn't said a word besides 'Yes', 'No', and 'Thank You.' "Niall," My mum said on Sunday afternoon. We were sitting on the couch watching TV, while Zayn sat outside on the porch by himself. I tried to comfort him, trust me, but he said no. "Yes, Mum?" 

"I want you to be honest with me, Ni. Is there anything I should know about Zayn? As a mother, I can't help it. He's starting to worry me." I bit my lip hard, nearly drawing blood. Zayn made me promise that I wouldn't tell anyone about anything. Not his parents, the cutting, his smoking habit. None of it. But if I told my mum, we could get him the help he needs so desperately. "Well.. Uh.." i tried to make up my mind. I didn't want to cross Zayn, but how could I lie to my mum? "Niall," she said once again. I looked at her, "If you promised Zayn you wouldn't tell, it's okay. I won't say a word about it." My mouth dropped open. Did she read my mind?! She giggled to herself, "Now please, explain." I sighed, nodding my head. I took a deep breath and started to tell Zayn's story.

***

My mum was in tears by the time I was finished. She had both of her hands over her chest, near her heart. "That poor child!" she cried, glancing at the glass door. We could see Zayn sitting in the lawn chair, staring at the sky. I don't think he has moved a muscle yet. "How could someone do such a thing?! To their own flesh and blood!" my mum is very protective, no matter who you are. Especially when it comes to kids. She grabbed a tissue and began to dab her eyes dry. "That poor child has been to hell and back.. No wonder why he's so quiet. He's afraid if he says something wrong I'll smack him." I looked at the ground, sucking on the inside of my cheek. "He thinks if he makes you upset, you'll kick him out. He has no where to go mum." She shook her head, running her hand through her short blonde hair. "Well one thing is clear, he's staying here. I'll make him a Horan if I need too." A smile broke out on my face, my mum was so sweet. "I'm sure he'll be glad to hear that mum." I glanced at the clock, my eyes grew wide. "Aren't you meeting one of your friends at the coffee shop at 2?" She nodded, "Yes, why?" I smirked, "Mum, it's 1:56." she glanced at the clock, her mouth hanging open. "Dear me! I need to go!" she jumped up, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Be good while I'm gone, I'll be back around 4, 5 the latest." I chuckled, nodding my head. "Yes ma'am." She smirked, grabbing her car keys. "See ya Ni, Goodbye Zayn!" she waved to him on her way out. He put on a fake smile and waved back. She shut the door and drove away, leaving us alone. 

I sighed, looking at Zayn. He was right back to staring at the sky. I got up and went over to the door, sliding it open a bit. "Hey, do you want anything? I'm going to head up to my room for nap, I'm tired." he shook his head, giving me a tiny smirk. "I'm okay, but thanks." I nodded, starting to turn around. But I stopped. I walked back, going out onto the porch this time. I stood behind him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He jumped, I guess he thought I left. "Please cheer up Zayn, everything's okay now." I mumbled. He sighed, grabbing onto one of my arms. "I'm trying Ni... I'm trying." I let that sink into my brain for a moment. I nodded, giving him one last squeeze. "Alright, I'll take that." he smirked again, his brown eyes sparkling in the sunlight. I walked inside again, leaving the door open a crack. "I'll be in my room if you need me." He nodded, I disappeared up the stairs. 

I flopped on my bed, shutting my eyes. I felt bad leaving him alone down there, but since our little scene in the park the other day, I haven't gotten much sleep. I couldn't get those images of his wrists out of my mind. The blood gushing out of those tiny but deep cuts. The red river dripping down his arm and soaking into his jacket's sleeve. I shivered. "Stop thinking about it Niall." I mumbled to myself out loud, before falling asleep.

***

I woke up to the sound of music playing. Music? I looked at the clock on my dresser, it was only 3:45. mum wasn't home yet, and Greg doesn't come home til midnight from wherever. I got up and stumbled across my room sleepily, looking out my window. Zayn's lawn chair was empty. It must be him.

I quietly opened my door and made my way down the upstairs hallway, stopping by the stairs. As I got closer I could tell it wasn't the radio playing; it was a piano. I had normal sized piano in my den, up against on of the walls. Zayn could play piano?

I tip toed down the stairs, being careful not to make them creak or make noise. I quietly made my way over to the den, pressing myself against the wall. I smiled at what I heard.

"Flashes left in my mind,

Going back to the time,

Playin' games in the street,

Kickin' balls with me feet.

Dancin' on with my toes,

Standing close to the edge,

There's a pile of my clothes, 

At the end of your bed.

As I feel myself fall,

Make a joke of it all!"

Goosebumps appeared on my skin. Zayn hit that high note perfectly, making the house ring. I had no idea he had such an.. angelic voice. And those lyrics, they had such meaning.

I came out of my hiding spot, to find that his back was to me. He sat there, tracing his fingers along the white keys. There was a sheet of paper beside him, I'm guessing those were the lyrics he just sang. My smile grew wider as I sneaked up behind him, snatching the paper away from him. "What's this, Zayn?" I asked sarcastically, reading over the words. My gosh, those lyrics were beautiful.

"Niall!" he cried, trying to reach for the paper; but I stuck my hand out, keeping him away. "Give it back! This isn't funny!" He finally managed to rip the paper out of my hands. He folded it up nicely before placing it in his jacket pocket. His cheeks were a deep shade of crimson red. I couldn't help but smile.

"You never told me you could sing either." His eyes grew wide, and his cheeks ever more red, if that was possible. "You heard that?" his voice was a harsh whisper, it caused me to giggle. "Yes Zayn, you have an amazing voice!" He gulped, looking at the ground. "Don't sugarcoat it, Horan. You and I both know I suck."

"NUH UH!" I might as well screamed. He gave me a confused look. "Zayn, your voice is angelic! That last high note was fantastic!" He bit his lip so hard I thought it was going to start bleeding. "Stop being nervous!" I cried, shaking him by the shoulders. "You have a gift!" 

A small smile appeared on his face; as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Put a sock in it, Horan."