Vulnerable (Zayn Malik AU)

Chapter 51

"It's time for presents!" I groaned when I heard someone yell from the front porch.

"Presents?" Zayn asked.

"Yep. The distant relatives are probably all gone now." Zayn and I stood there holding each other for awhile. I didn't want to return to the party. "That means it's time for me and my cousins to open the presents from my grandparents." 

Our fingers intertwined as we walked back into the house. Everyone had gathered in the living room and my grandma was handing out presents from under the tree while my grandpa handed everyone their stocking off of the fireplace. Christmas at my grandmas was always ridiculous. Considering my uncle has 11 kids, there were way too many stockings hanging above the fire, not to mention the other ones for me, my dad, my uncle himself, and his girlfriend.

"These kids are all John's?" Zayn whispered in my ear.

"Long story." He muttered in disbelief under his breath, and we both took a seat on the step that led into the living room.

"Daisy." My grandpa handed me my stocking. It was always just candy and some small gift cards. Really it was a stocking for Zayn.

"Zayn." I looked up, confused as my grandma handed him a present. It was labeled 'Daisy's boyfriend.'

"Thank you." He looked as lost as I was. 

We all waited as everyone got handed their gifts before opening them together. I got the same things as I do every year from them - a blanket, perfume, and boots. Zayn got cologne and a scarf. Two things I was sure he'd never wear, but he thanked them again anyway.

"I'm sure that's not the same kind of scarf you would usually wear, but I didn't know you were Muslim until today." My grandma laughs, and thankfully no one joins her. 

"What is that even supposed to mean?" Zayn grabs my arm trying to stop me from standing up off of the step, but fails.

"I just meant...they wear scarves on their head. It was a joke. Relax."

"Ok, but do you see one on his head now? Your joke wasn't funny, and it was so inappropriate." 

"Daisy." My father's voice warned me from the couch.

"Don't 'Daisy' me." I turned back to his mother. "That was wrong."

"You can't speak to me like that in my own house!" She snarled at me.

"Fuck you and your house!" Before I could say anything else, Zayn's arm was around my waist as he pulled me out of there. "Educate yourself before you comment on shit!" I was still screaming as we made it out the front door.

"Calm down." Zayn stood in front of me once we made it to the driveway.

"That was wrong of her, Zayn. I mean, I don't know shit about your religion either, so I don't know what comes along with it, but that's why I don't comment on it! That was so wrong!"

"It was." He nodded. "But you need to calm down. I'm alright."

"Daisy!" I turned around to see my dad walking out the front door. "Mom wants to apologize."

"To me?" I asked. "It's not me that she owes an apology to! Are you fucking joking?!" My rage didn't have time to subside.

"God, you're scary when you cuss. Your nostrils are flared and everything." My dads eyes were wide, but he laughed. "She wants to apologize to both of you."

"Then she should've come out here and done it. I'm not bringing him back in there so she can do it in front of an audience. She can keep her fake ass apology." I turned around and pulled Zayn with me.