Torn and Tangled

Chapter 8 - On to NYC

Chelsey's P.O.V

It's finally here. Afterfour, long days spent with my family, we've finally boarded the private plane that will first take us to New York City. Wow, such a whirlwind its been, I can hardly reflect on whats happened. And Liam hasn't kissed me yet...thats one thing I've noticed. I want it to be special though, so I'm not rushing into anything. Not yet. Not when we have such a long tour. Months. We've got endless weeks, and I feel like I'm in heaven. Oh, and then theres Georgia, who sits across the aisle, staring at Zayn as he sleeps. Poor guys, he's looked haggard lately,maybe its just nerves for the tour. I turn my head to see Liam peering out the window, the sun is glinting through. "Hey..." I say. He turns right away, his hair smells like peppermint...and...coconut. His eyes flicker around my face, "I'm so glad you're coming, Chelsey. It means a lot to me. It really does." I don't know how to respond, because it means the world to me too. Who would have imagined I would travel the world with...One Direction? And my best friend....well, not anymore. My ex-best friend. Harry's flicking through some channels on the telly and Louis' resting on his shoulder. I talked to El about travelling, she couldn't convince me to stay, and she said she might pop in a few times to see Lou - that made me excited - she was awesome. Niall's eating...of course. It'd be the perfect time for a kiss, its private enough...it's not the most private but I guess any kiss with Liam freaking Payne is special, right? I start to lean in, and the space nearly closes between us when suddenly - "CHELSEY! Is this your first kiss?! Haha, you little loser, babe!" Georgia screeches. Zayn wakes up, startled. I huff, totally annoyed. A puff of my bangs flies up and then down. Liam's gentle smile is now tight as he looks at Georgia. I swivel to face her, "Yup, it would've been, Georgia. Funny, that?" She doesn't look apologetic, she looks like she's the most innocent doll in the world. "Oh god, Chelsey. Loosen up a bit, look, your muscles are all tense. Maybe watch Zayn and I for a tutorial, kay?" she cooes. My face burns, my cheeks red and on fire. And I see red too, thats how mad and embarrased I am. Liam coughs, "That wasn't called for, Georgia," he retorts. Now Zayn's looking embarassed...and guilty. Tears brim at my eyes, she's right, I'm such an idiot, my first kiss and I'm nearly an adult. And I did feel tense, I probably wasn't even good enough for Liam. Tears threaten to spill down my cheeks so I rush away, into the washroom at the back. Liam follows me, but I shut him out, embarassed because I'm crying. Urgh, I'm too emotional. "Babe?" he calls. He knocks once. Lightly. Softly. Always the gentle one. "I just need a moment," I sniffle back. I see his feet under the door, they haven't left. "Please..." I croak out. Slowly, I watch his feet fade, retreat back to his seat. I look into the mirror. I'm a mess, red nose, puffy eyes. I fix my hair, striaghten my long sleeved lace shirt. Then I hear a knock. "Liam..." I whisper back, "I'm nearly ready...I'll be out in a second." 

Zayn's P.O.V

I knock. I listen to what Chelsey says and I say, "No, it's not Liam. It's Zayn." She doesn't reply, slowly, carefully, she opens the door and I go in. I don't shut the door though...that'd be awkward...and uncomfortable, well, for her. She looks up at me, her face a bit splotchy but still beautiful. "Hey," I say softly, "I'm sorry she said those things to you." She laughs a bit, its fake, she wants to break the tension, but I welcome it. She rolls her eyes then, "Yeah, I'm sorry I was so blind to see that the only thing she wanted out of me was you." Whoa. I try not to falter. "I'm sorry she used you," I reply, struggling to not reach out and hug her. She smiles a tight smile up at me then says, "Urgh. I probably look horrible right now." I stammer, "No, no. You look beautiful." I hope she doesn't see right through me, I hope she doesn't see what I've been up to. My plan. My horrible plan. She just grins, "Awh, thanks Zayn." I feel someones presence behind me. It's Niall. It's still awkward between us, we haven't spoken since bowling. He leans against the door way. "What are you guys doing?" he aks. Chelsey stands up, "just chatting. It's all good." She walks out, back to Liam, back to who I'm trying to tear her away from. Guilt seizes my chest. Niall and I are standing there, this is the first time I've ever been in a fight with him. It doesn't feel right. I want his friendship back. He lets out a breath. "What were you guys doing?" he repeats, suspicion edging on his voice. "Just talking. Like Chelsey said. Why?" He raises his eyebrows. "Well..." he trails off. Then it hits me. He thought I was trying to make a move on her! Whoa, that's totally not me. "Oh," I say, "I wouldn't do that, Niall. That's not something I would do. You know I wouldn't do that." He pauses and stares at me, his eyes looking tired. He pushes his hair back and says, "Well, it's kinda hard to understand the difference between that and what you're trying to do." Urgh, he's kind of right. Entirely right. "Where's the grey area, Zayn? Do you have guidelines to this plan? Rules?" I go bright red. "No, Niall...I just....I wouldn't make a move on her." His eyes slant. "You're right. Would that be breaking the rules, Zayn? Is that one of your rules for this little scheme you have?" I feel hurt. I reply, "Niall..." at a lost for words. Then he sharply says, "you're not breaking any rules, Zayn. The only thing you'll be breaking is Liam, Georgia, and Chelsey's heart."