another love || z.m.

Payton

I swear that my Spotify account knows when I am writing because every time, Another Love comes on and I get all emotional and start crying.

I woke up with a yellow paper stuck to my forehead. I ripped it off and readjusted my eyes as I tried to read the uneven pencil marks. Zayn had written a note... to my mom. It was sweet, too. He was being caring.

I smiled at the note. I folded the tiny piece of paper in half and stuck it in my back pocket as I stood up. I stretched and looked around. It was still dark outside. There was an empty carton of cookie dough on the floor, along with two spoons. I picked them up and carried it into the kitchen. I threw the carton away and put the spoons in the sink. I looked at the time shown on the microwave: 9:15. Wow, I didn't sleep very long. The movie ended around seven; I didn't fall asleep long after that.

I headed back to my room. I took off my outfit from school today and threw it into the basket. I pulled on my yoga pants and a black T-shirt. I walked back downstairs and into the kitchen. I found some chicken to heat up and stuck that in the microwave.

While I was waiting, my phone started ringing. I ran to the front door where my purse rested. I dug around quickly, trying to find the device before the call ended. I found it and pressed it to my ear.

"Hello?" I said and realized I was out of breath. This microwave beeped and I started walking back toward the kitchen.

"Zayn wants your number!" She was yelling.

"Okay? You can give it to him, you know."

"This is huge, Pay!" She shrieked again.

"Not really, he told me he isn't ready for another relationship. Him and Cassie just broke up yesterday, Lena. I don't like him, either." I sighed, trying to get the point across. She has the thickest skull....

"Fine, whatever you say, but nothing can stop The Matchmaker."

"The Matchmaker? Really? We're back to that, already?" I smiled and took the hot plate out of the microwave.

"Back to it? It never left, honey!" She screams and I have to distance my cell phone from my ear to protect my hearing.

I laugh into the phone. "Okay, well, I'm eating. I've got to go."

"Okay, I'm giving him your number!" Is the last thing I hear before pressing the red button.

---

After eating and cleaning off my dishes, I wander back up to my room thirty minutes later. Fifteen minutes until ten, and I receive a call from my mother.

"Hello?"

"Oh, hi!"

"Hey, Ma, what's up?" I ask and climb under my bed.

"I'm on my way right now, there was a crash on the highway and traffic is stopped up big time." She sounded agitated.

"It's fine."

"Did you get something to eat?" Okay, she's definitely bored.

"Yes, I did. I am going to go to sleep now."

She huffed and I laughed. There was a silence until I spoke up.

"Where's Kay?" I shot up in bed. He's usually home by now.

"Right here," someone whispered from my door way. I looked up to see my big brother standing right in front of me.

"Nevermind, Mom, I found him," I spoke into the receiver before hanging up and jumping out of bed. I ran to him and hugged him.

"Goodnight." I mumbled against his chest and hugged him tighter.

"Night. I love you," he kissed the top of my head and we broke apart. I watched him walk into his bedroom before I closed my door and climbed into bed.

I dreamt about him. Zayn, I mean. I dreamt of long dates, soft kisses, holding hands, and tight hugs.

---

I woke up the next morning with a wide grin plastered on my face and I just couldn't shake it.

I proceeded with my daily routine to get ready, choosing a Kentucky Wildcats sweatshirt with skinny jeans. I put my hair in a messy bun. That's as good as it gets. I walked downstairs and ate breakfast with Kaleb. It was nice to sit down and have some time with him. I kissed my mom goodbye before I pulled on my Toms and headed out the door. I walked down the winding sidewalks again. Lena was waiting for me on the bench outside.

"Hey." I waved to her.

She looked up to me and jumped out of her seat. "Payton!" She hugged me tightly and I patted her back awkwardly.

"What's up? You're not usually this perky." I accused and pulled on her ponytail.

"You look a mess," was all she said. My hand instinctively went up to my bun.

"This is as good as it gets on a Tuesday," I shrugged.

"Okay, well. You know how Zayn wanted your number?" I nodded. "I gave it to him." I nodded knowingly. "Did he not text you?" I shook my head. "He said he would." She looked as if she was pondering.

"I could really care less. I mean, he's a nice guy and all, but it's kind of sudden. He probably feels the same way." She gaped at me. "He probably just wanted my number for emergencies." I was talking more to myself now, trying to convince myself of reasons why he wouldn't have texted me.

"Payton, don't hide it. It's fine." She rest a hand on my shoulder and I knew I could trust her.

"It just frustrates me, is all. I had a really good time yesterday." I shrugged her off and fast-walked into the building.