Secrets (Zayn Malik)

Chapter 16

"Haven't seen you in ages." I nod at Eric, as I plop down in my chair next to him. I actually feel a bit bad for not keeping in touch with him. Him and Ashley have been my best friends for years, yet I don't speak to him often.

"Ella, we share a class together." He mumbles, resting his chin on his hand not bothering to look at me.

"It used to be two, until Zayn saved the day."

I can smell his attitude.

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be here right now. I'd have to go into hiding, because nobody would treat me the same." I scoff, spitting attitude right back in his face.

"Well, how are you guys then?" He asks, raising his eyebrows. "Even though, I was almost positive he isn't your type of guy to be around."

"We're fine, thank you. And he normally wouldn't be. But things change, understand that." The words escape my mouth much harsher than I intended them to, but it bothers me that he's so pissed about nothing.

He sits in silence, and rolls his eyes at me. I stare at him, and study the way he glares at the person in front of him. His bright blue eyes glow a bit from the sun casting light on him through the window, and he furrows his eyebrows.

"You know, if you're mad at me, you don't have to burn a hole in that poor lads head." I smirk, and watch as his lips curl into a smile as well. He's suppressing his laughter, and I know it'll only be so long until he can't stay quiet or ignore me.

He bows his head, and crosses his arms across the desk.

"I hate you." He's laughing, and I can't help but join him. It's contagious, a laugh that will only make you laugh harder until you can't breathe.

"Yeah, I love you too." I flip my hair jokingly, and face the board.

--

The bell rings, and the room erupts into chatter. I flee the classroom, after briefly saying goodbye to Eric. When I hugged him, it pained me that he didn't bother to embrace me with the same enthusiasm as well. As if something was bothering him, and I intended to find out what that was. I walk out of class, and am quickly yanked on the arm.

"Hey!" I snatch my arm back, rubbing my arm through the sleeve. I turn to see Zayn, smiling down at me, and my heart relaxes.

"Hey" he purrs, and I mentally scold myself for getting distracted so easily.

"What are you doing here?"

"We have class together remember? Technically not a class, but you know what I mean." He shrugs carelessly.

Have I really not gone to class that often? I've lost track of time, and I can't remember the day I got back from the hospital. That day is all a blur to me, and in all honesty, I'd like for it to stay that way.

"That's right. Okay let's go then." I nod and smile, walking next to him. I'm enveloped in my thoughts before a petite, short girl walks up to us confidently. Mainly at Zayn, since that's who she has her eyes glued on.

"Hey love, are you coming to the party tonight?" She grins flirtatiously, as she runs her hand up his arm resting her hand against the gray cotton. I stare at her palm, simply shocked at her boldness. Then I notice the tattoo across her wrist, and one resting on her finger. I scan her face but it's pure, only an eyebrow piercing shining under the fluorescent hallway lights. I bring my eyes up to Zayn and see him shift uncomfortably.

"Yeah I'll be there." He mumbles, and smiles weakly at her.

"Wonderful, I'll see you there." She snakes her arm around his neck, pulling him close and resting her lips against his cheek.