Fix You (Sequel to The Arts)

Chapter 10

Zayn's POV

I let the low hum of the running car drown out the sounds of what's going on inside my head. I couldn't let myself keep the radio on. Every single song that passed through the speakers somehow had a piece of this situation embedded in it and I rather not have Camila wake up to me crying. It would only worry her more. 

After she passed out on the classroom floor, we sprayed some water on her face and eventually she came around. Nothing major. Just a little bump on her head. I couldn't be more grateful for that. The last thing we needed was two Cabello women in the emergency room.

I tried to keep her calm throughout the scramble to get to the hospital. I stopped to get food but she couldn't bring herself to take a bite of anything.

She never really ate when she was scared or stressed. But me? I am a major stress eater.

Tossing my third burger wrapper into the bag, I turn to my girlfriend who was fast asleep in the passenger seat, using the extra blanket we kept in here just in case. Dinah already ran inside before I could even park properly.

I decided against waking Camila. She has the most fucked up sleep schedule at the moment. I rather have her take advantage of the times she manages to fall asleep. Anytime we're in a car, that seems to do the trick.

I remember once, Sinu told me it was because being in a moving vehicle was similar to being in the womb. Weird but I found it hilarious.

I smile just at the thought of it. I can't help but think of how we'll all miss her random facts.

Like mother, like daughter.

"Fuck," I mumble as I feel a tear fall onto my hand. I wipe my eyes and let out a deep breath. "Why can't we just take a break from this?"

My phone buzzes and displays a text from Dinah.

Dinah: Sinu's moved into a room now but they won't tell me anything. No one's allowed in.

Me: Let me know if anything comes up.

Me: You didn't eat anything yet, do you want food?

Dinah: Just bring my burger in.

Looking into the bag guiltily, I respond:

Me: I kind of ate it.

Dinah: Damn it, Zayn!

Dinah: Whatever, Harry just texted me that he's done with his test. Since I assume Mila isn't awake yet, just go pick him up and get me some food.

Dinah: And don't stress-eat any of my food this time. I'm telling Harry to keep an eye on you.

Me: Alright and give me a break!

I put my phone back into the cup holder and put the car in reverse. Backing out of the space, I exit the car lot and drive my way back to town to get Harry.

I turn over to Camila once in a while, just to make sure she's still okay. I couldn't bear this. Couldn't bear to have her go back to loathing the moment her eyes flutter open again. To have her heart rate quicken. To have tears staining her cheek. Going back to worrying.

She always talks about how much she loves sleep. Before all this, I just used to think it was because she was just a little lazy lady, but now, I realize it's because she rather be floating away from our reality than living in it.

I know now because I relate.

Day by day I found myself slowly living parallel to her. She once joked and told me it was sympathy pain but I don't think it works mentally. I just hate living waiting for something that I don't want to happen. But it has to eventually. I just don't want it to. No one does.