We're making all the same mistakes.

Chapter 14

Zayn’s P.O.V.

“It’s so crazy, Zayn.” Holly said, biting into her chicken wrap. 

“What is?”

“Me and you.” Holly said. “This time two days ago, I’d never even met you. You were just that gorgeous, sweet boy in the band that I’m obsessed with. Now, I’m sitting here opposite you in a cafe in town. It’s so... unbelievable.” 

I raised an eyebrow, taking a gulp of orange juice. 

“I mean... why me? I’m just a normal girl. I’m boring.” She continued, grinning shyly. 

“Normal doesn’t mean boring...” I began, but I stopped when I saw someone walk past the window. She was tall and thin with long, flowing brown hair- and she looked awfully familiar... 

I watched her for two seconds, and when she disappeared from view, I stood up. 

“Two seconds.” I said, before leaving the table and running outside. I stopped in front of the girl. 

“Hey, Chelsea!” I waved, smiling. She whipped off her sunglasses and grinned at me, before hugging me tight. 

“Hey, Zayn, how are you?” 

“I’m good thanks! I haven’t seen you in so long! I thought you moved away to America!”

Chelsea smiled, her big brown eyes shining. “I did, but now I’m back for a month. So... what’ve you been up to?” 

“Ah, not much, just doing stuff with the band!” I replied, shrugging. “What about you?”

“Well, me and Dan broke up, you’ll be happy to know.” She said. I scowled, annoyance bubbling up inside me at the mention of his name. 

“Yeah, of course, seeing as you left me for him.” I said, suddenly feeling raged. 

“But we’re still friends, aren’t we Zayn?” She said, giving me an adorable smile. The anger inside me melted away within seconds. 

“Of course,” I said after a long think about it. “I’m more angry at him, ‘cause he swooped in and stole you. I’m was never angry at you; just upset. I still loved you.”

“Zayn, I’m really sorry about everything that happened between us,” Chelsea began, putting her hand on my shoulder. “I shouldn’t have left you, I was wrong and stupid...” 

And suddenly, her lips were on mine; she pressed her body against mine, wrapping her arms around my neck. I didn’t know what to do; I was confused, and I wanted it to stop, but at the same time, I was enjoying the kiss so much that I got carried away. Her minty breath mingled with mine and our tongues danced together; I put my hands on her waist, and we kissed for ten long seconds, before she pulled away. “I’ll call you, Zayn...” She said, turning away.

“Wait!” I called frantically. “I’ve got a girlfriend!” 

Chelsea turned around to face me, and she put her face up close to mine. “Well call me when you break up, okay?” she whispered. She kissed me quickly on the lips; I didn’t react, I just stood there, confused and shocked. She walked away, and I started biting my lip. How could I have kissed her back? Why didn’t I pull away? I had a girlfriend, for God’s sake! I was such an idiot... 

I turned around to go back into the cafe, praying and wishing that Holly hadn’t seen; but she stood there, two feet away, staring right at me with tears in her eyes. 

“Holly, I-” I began, feeling my heart thudding violently inside my chest. 

“Forget it, Zayn.” She said firmly. “Call me when you learn to act like a proper boyfriend.” She turned away and ran down the street, tears streaming down her face.

If I could invent a time machine and go back to the moment I saw Chelsea walk past the window, I would never have stood up. I’d just wanted a quick chat, to see how she was... but things had got carried away. 

I pushed a hand across my lips, trying to wipe away her kiss. But it didn’t work. 

I tasted nothing but minty, sad guilt.

Thanks for reading!