Hiraeth.Malik.

chapter 16

Lea Montgomery

I finally got back from my family vacation and I can't wait to see Zayn. He hasn't been answering my text for the past two days so he doesn't know I return to college grounds today. I wanted to surprise him and I know he goes to the coffee shop every morning so I hope I find him there.

I get to the coffee shop and it was no surprise that he was sitting in a corner booth with what I'm sure is a cup of tea in front of him. I walk up to him and sit on the booth facing his. He was too engrossed in his phone that he hadn't noticed me yet. Once he finally looked up, he looked so shocked I felt it was more than just the surprise of seeing me. 

All I could think of was why did he turn to the side and look at me differently? Was it something I did?

"Hey, there. What are you doing here? not that I'm not happy just surprised. You said you'd come back on the fifth it's the second."

"Nothing I just got bored at home and my dad has work so does my mom. And I missed you. Is there something wrong? You're acting weird."

"Oh.. I wanted to talk to you about something." His voice felt a little off, but I tried not to worry; things between us had been so good before I left, I don't see why they would change. If anything I should be mad that he didn't answer my texts.

"Yeah, sure. What do you want to talk about. I'm all ears." He was probably gonna rant about school or Louis. Or Arabella, he talks about a lot, she's a great friend, nice girl too I've met her a couple of times.

"So.. when you were gone, I had a lot of time to think for myself."

"And?" I was starting to worry, this doesn't seem good.

"I don't know how to say this.." And just by the look on his face, I knew. because even though he was nervous and anxious, he looked happier than he ever did with me.

"Do I know her?" He looked surprised. He didn't think I'd know, I'm not dumb. foolish for falling for him, yes. But stupid? I don't think so.

"You've seen her a couple of times." I've seen a lot of girls with him a couple of times. Mostly project partners. 

"Do you love her?" I don't know why I was asking these questions, it would only break me further.

"I.. I do. very much." It felt like a knife just tore through my heart. yet, I still kept going.

"Did you ever love me?" His frown deepened. Of course.

"Lea.." And there it was. The hesitation.

"I asked you a question, Zayn." I was losing my mind. I was looking for answers I didn't want to hear.

"It's complicated. your my friend Lea."

"Zayn. Did you love me like you love her or even close enough. Answer me!"

"No!" His voice suddenly loud because I pushed too hard. 

"Oh.. well I'm happy for you. I'm just sad about us. Can I ask one more question and you answer it truthfully?"

"Sure."

"Who is she?" I felt happy that he was happy, but that doesn't mean I don't want revenge. I loved, and I loved and I lost him. To her. Whoever she is. And she deserves some pay back. nothing too bad, just a little shaking up.

"Lea, look I'm sorry. She didn't want to get involved with me because she knew I was with you. But I love her, just like she loves me. I can't string you along. You don't deserve it; you deserve someone to treat you right." Oh, how sweet. He was trying to protect her.

"You owe that much to me. If you cheated on me with her. If you're leaving me for her, I deserve to know." He didn't say that he cheated, but when he stayed silent. Oh when he stayed silent I knew he did. And it hurt much much more than before. 

"Arabella." I couldn't believe it. How could a sweet girl like her do this? How could he cheat on me with her? But it does all add up. She could never handle seeing us together. She never talked much to me. She would always stare at him when he wasn't looking. How did I not know? 

She has it coming because even though I liked her. I don't like cheaters. And even though Zayn thinks I'm a sweetheart, they won't see what's coming for them. 

Because hurt people only ever hurt people.

Hurt people are so lethal. 

And I'm not just hurt. I'm shattered.