That Summer

Chapter 19

He looked at me shocked. “Why do you want to come with me?” He asked.

“I need to leave. I’ve messed things up and if I stay it will only get worse.”

Zayn stepped closer to me. “What’s going on, Lizzy? I haven’t seen you look so broken since Liam found you after you and your ex broke up.”

“You’re going to hate me after I tell you.” I said, finally crying. I really need to stop being so damn emotional.

“I could never hate you, ever! Now tell me what has you so broken up. Did Harry break up with you?”

I shook my head. “No, but I’m going to break up with him. He deserves better than me.”

“Why?”

I looked down at the ground. “I kissed someone else.” I waited for Zayn to yell or scream, telling me I’m a horrible person for cheating on his friend but he didn’t. Instead I felt him wrap his arms around my waist and hold me as I cried.

“It was Niall, wasn’t it?” Zayn finally spoke.

“H-how did you know?” I asked looking up at him, wiping away tears.

“Who do you think Niall has been going to for advice?” Zayn chuckled.

“I want to leave once I tell Harry. I don’t want to ruin their relationship. So far Harry has been very understanding about it all but me sticking around wouldn’t be good for any of us.”

“What if they don’t want you to leave? I know Louis, Liam and I don’t’ want you to leave. What about us?”  Zayn frowned.

“I was going to have to leave eventually, Zayn. Summer is almost over anyways. My dad will still be working for you guys and I’m going to have to see him sooner or later so it’s not like you guys will never see me again.”

“Do you promise?”

I hugged Zayn again. “Of course. I love you guys.”

He let out a long sign. “Fine. You may join me on my journey to win Claire’s heart. Besides, I’m sure bringing you along with win me some extra points.” He joked.

I squealed and threw my arms around Zayn’s neck. “Thank you! I’ll book us on the next flight out of here!” I said before running out of his room and back to mine to back.

“Feeling better?” I heard someone chuckle as I stopped skipping. I turned around and faced Harry.

I tried to keep a smile on my face.“Yeah, much.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He said snaking his arms around my waist.

“Harry,” I sighed. “We need to talk.”

“Okay.” He said hesitantly.

“I think we should just go back to being friends.” I said, unable to make eye contact. “You deserve someone better than me. Someone who won’t be messed up enough to cheat on you.”

“It’s Niall isn’t it?” Surprisingly, Harry didn’t sound angry. I only nodded. “I’ve seen this coming since you told me about the first kiss.” Harry said sadly.

“I’m so sorry, Harry. I really do care about you it’s just, it’s just not fair to you to be with someone who isn’t certain of her feelings.”

“I understand, Lizzy. It sucks, but I understand. I still do want to be friends.” He offered me a small smile.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled. “Thank you.” I kissed his cheek and finally got back to my room.

The earliest flight I found for Zayn and I was early tomorrow morning. I then went to my dad and explained to him that I needed to leave. He was angry, and shouted at me at first but then softened and saw that I needed to do this. He told me that if I ever changed my mind I was always welcome back. Everything was officially set. I swore my dad to secrecy until I made it to California. It was just easier to leave without saying goodbye. I know what I’m doing is cowardly and stupid but you know what, I don’t care. Walking away from both Harry and Niall was what I needed to do. I should have never let myself get involved with either of them in the first place.

The next morning Zayn and I were able to sneak out of the hotel and to the air port fairly easily.  “You’re sure you want to do this?” He asked me for the hundredth time. 

“Zayn, you can stop asking me that! We’re already on the plane so even if I did change my mind it would be too late. So, let’s just try and enjoy this long flight, okay? Just think about how excited Claire is going to be when she sees us.”

“Okay, okay. You’re right, sorry.” Zayn said relaxing back into his seat.

About four and a half hours later we were in Santa Cruz. Luckily, I knew exactly where Claire was staying so Zayn and I hopped into a cab and made our way there. “This is it, Zayn. Are you ready for this?” I asked as we stood outside the apartment Claire had rented.

He nodded and then knocked on the door. Claire opened the door and shirked when she saw Zayn. “Zayn, what are you doing here?!” She asked clearly still in shock.

He wrapped his arms around Claire’s waist and pulled her to him. “I’m not letting you go that easily. Not when I know you feel the same way I do.” He said. “If you give me the chance, I could be the kind of guy you deserve.”

“Zayn,” She started. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you’ll give me a chance.”

Before Claire could answer or protest I came into her view. “For the love of God, please say yes!” I said smiling at the shock coming to her face. “He came out all this way to see you and brought me along. He is clearly worth giving a try!”

Claire broke out of Zayn’s arms and ran into mine. “Elizabeth! Oh my gosh!” She said squeezing me.  Once she was done hugging me she turned back to Zayn and kissed him. “Yes,” She smiled. “Yes, I’ll give us a chance.”

Zayn started smiling like an idiot. “Really?”

“Yes! I would have said it sooner but then Elizabeth decided to show herself and I needed to hug her.” Claire smiled.

Zayn brought his lips back to Claire’s and they stayed in each other’s arms just looking into each other’s arms.  I couldn’t have been more happy for them. I moved past them and brought in our luggage shutting the door behind me so that they could have their privacy while I made myself at home.