Three Willows {Harry Styles - One Direction Fan Fic}

Chapter 7:

Liam had been in the kitchen when Kat and Zayn walked in. His presence helped to dissipate the awkwardness they felt settling over them – this being the first time Zayn had set foot in the house since that last night. That night so long ago now. That night that was now undoubtedly in the forefront of their minds.

Kat made tea and coffee before the three of them had sat down to discuss the coming muster and what they thought the best plan of action would be.

This was the first muster at Three Willows without Tommy.

Given the property size, it has been agreed that the best thing would be to go up into the air, like usual and map the cattle. Map their position and approximate numbers and then regroup with a plan of herding them. This was process was what Tommy had done for a few years now. It was only once they knew where the cattle were, that the real planning would start.

Liam had assured Kat that Louis was ready and that they should start at sun up the next day. The three of them had sat quietly for a few moments, unease starting to filter into the room. Unable to stand it any longer, Kat leapt from her seat excusing herself as she did. She’d taken a couple of strides towards the door, before turning back to Zayn. Her hesitance showed again as she stood biting her lip.

Zayn’s eyes held hers. He was feeling just as uncomfortable as Kat seemed to be. His mouth turned upwards in the smallest of smiles. Silently encouraging her to speak.“You’re welcome to stay in the guest room again. I mean, instead of the staff quarters.” His eyes widened a little, for the briefest of moments at her offer, before he was able to regain control of his breathing. All the while he remained silent.

Kat Shrugged her shoulders at his non reply. “It’s only me up here after all. There’s plenty of room.” Again Zayn was silent but he nodded his head in acknowledgment of her offer. “Ok. I’ll Um …. Leave you to it.” She turned on her heal and strode away.

Zayn watched her walk to the door, her boots echoed on the floorboards. A moment later the strain of the hinges screamed before the screen door slammed as it snapped back into place. The sound of her boots dying the moment she had stepped off the veranda.

“So how is she doing?” Zayn lowered his voice to ask Liam.

Liam looked over to the door she’d just left. “She has her good and her bad days.” He shrugged. “Mostly I think she is just lonely.” Zayn nodded knowing the feeling all too well.

“So her and Lou?” Zayn asked. Almost holding his breath while waiting for the answer.

“Nah.” Liam immediately dismissed the idea. “They spent a hell of a lot of time together after you left and I thought Lou might have given it a try, given how he used to feel about her when they were younger. But nothing. Did you know she went to Bali alone for two weeks?”

Zayn shook his head no.

Liam’s pause stretched causing Zayn to narrow his eyes.

“What?”

“Nothing mate.” His smile wavered. “It’s just. I don’t know, she came back different. She was happier but sad at the same time. She seems the same, but she’s different.”

“So she’s still grieving for Tommy?” Zayn asked trying to fathom where Liam was taking this.

“No mate. She misses Tommy, but this is different. “It just seems that she’s resigned to the fact that Three Willows is all there is for her. It’s just a feeling Matilda and I get. It feels like she knows there is something missing, but she’s at peace with it.” Zayn frowned at Liam. “It’s hard to explain, but if you watch closely enough, it’s there.”