Addicted z.m

Chapter 11

For the past three weeks, I had been hanging out with Niall at school. I never told Zayn about it because I didn't think he'd take it lightly. He was the one I sat with in biology, at lunch, he walked me to class.

We had gradually rebuilt a friendship. And over time I found myself finding that night the smallest thing in the world. I think I honestly saw him as my best friend...

I had practiced my "nothing's wrong" face several times before walking into Biology, but I guess I didn't practice long enough. I sat next to him and he instantly knew something was up.

"Hey...what's wrong?" He asked.

"Good morning, class!" Mr. Austin greeted along with the bell ringing behind him. I was grateful for the beginning of class. I didn't want to explain everything to Niall. I didn't have it in me to admit that this mess was real, that all of this was truly happening.

I practically shut Niall out for the day, even Louis, Lottie, and Sophia but they tried not to take notice to it.

The last place I wanted to be was Art, but at the same time I looked forward to the class. I didn't want to be face to face with the two paintings with his signature on them that hung on the wall of the best paintings by students. But I got to sit in the back of the classroom on my own with no one questioning me.

It had only been two days since Zayn left, so his absence really had its toll on me. I knew I'd learn to get over it but right now I just needed time to cope; school wasn't giving me that option.

I was still figuring out my feelings toward this situation. I didn't know if I should be mad at him or be depressed. I didn't want to be mad at him, but at least I'd be able to move on with my life if I blamed him for this.

I knew I couldn't blame him, though...

He told me I didn't understand but I feel like even he doesn't understand what's going on. He honestly seemed so...scared that day he broke the lamp. He looked at me like he was begging for help, like he wanted me to give him the diagnosis. But I couldn't. He knew I couldn't, so he left, probably trying to figure it all out on his own.

He did this to help himself...but also for me.

Niall walked me to the bleachers after school behind the trees that hid the fields like he normally did so Zayn wouldn't see him when he came to pick me up.

"You don't have to hide," I announced. "He's not here."

He took a hesitant step past the trees, like he was testing the water then caught up with me as I continued walking.

"Where is he?" He asked.

I swallowed hard. "Not here..."

"I can see that," he mocked. "Why isn't he here? Did you guys get into a fight or somethi-"

"Niall, I really don't want to talk about this right now." I stopped him as a lump in my throat built up.

"I'm sorry," he whispered and I could feel his eyes on me as we walked a couple more feet. "You really miss him, don't you?"

I wiped away a tear quickly and tried to keep my sniffle low in volume.

"You want me to walk you home?" He offered.

"No...I'll be fine..." I promised.

"Well I'm here if you need anything." He gave me a quick hug and I knew he was just taking advantage of the situation. This was his "I told you so" moment but he was too considerate to say it now.

I gave him an unconvincing smile and walked away to drown in misery at home.

*

I felt my phone buzz. I figured it was another text from Lottie, but then it continued to buzz and I realised it was a phone call. I lifted the phone from my side and checked the caller ID; unknown.