Pause. Rewind. Play. (A Zayn Malik Fanfic)

Chapter 13: Busted

Mum gave me an update on Rex this morning. He isn't getting any better. The doctors say there's almost a slight to no chance he'll make it. I can't bear that thought. For now, going to Bradford has been put off until Rex's health is determined.

Last night when I returned, I just kept thinking about Haley and Niall. What am I going to do? Niall's already in deep shit as it is. I have to talk to someone about this. Liam? No, I shouldn't drag anyone else into this. It's already bad enough I was intruding in the first place. Niall? He'll know I was snooping around then. What other options do I have?

The need to tell someone is eating me alive and I almost can't take it!

I already rang Niall this morning, telling him to meet me at Starbucks. Today, being strangely colder, I wear leggings, a white tank top, jean jacket, and converse. A beanie is over my unruly hair this morning and I'm not wearing much makeup. I push my sunglasses up my nose, trying to cover my eyes as much as possible.

A few papparazi follow me, bursting with questions and flashing cameras.

"Ari, did you hear about a girl returning to Harry's apartment the other night?"

"Ari, what is your current relationship status with Harry?"

"Do you think your relationship with Harry is going to go anywhere?"

I don't answer anything as I walk into Starbucks. They don't follow me inside, thank God. Niall's already at a table, stirring a coffee uneasily in his seat. He's still worrying, I can tell. I take the seat across from him. He forces on a fake smile when he notices me.

"Hey, why did you call me down here?" he asks. I take a deep breath, preparing to just let it out there. There really isn't a better way to say this.

"I saw what happened yesterday," I blurted, hoping he won't be mad at me.

"W-What are you talking about?" he stutters, widening his eyes. I look in his blue eyes, silently telling him. "Oh my God." He puts his elbows on the table and his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair.

"Please don't be mad at me for eavesdropping, it was an accident I swear," I say. Niall sighs and lifts his head slightly.

"I'm not mad Ari," He says, still running his fingers through his hair. "I just don't know what to do. You didn't tell anyone, did you?" I shake my head.

"Of course not, no," I say. He sighs in relief.

"I need to tell Zayn, how the hell am I supposed to tell Zayn his girlfriend made a move on me?" Niall says, more to himself than me. "Can you help me?"

"Niall I don't know." I stutter.

"Please Ari, I can't do this myself. You don't even have to say anything unless it turns for the worst," he begs with pleading eyes.

"Fine," I say in defeat. Niall's expression immediately brightens.

"Thank you! Thank you so much Ari! And I promise I owe you one, big time!" he says. I smile.

"So when are you planning on telling him?" I ask, his smile falling as I said this.

"Honestly I have no clue. How am I even going to tell him?" Niall looks so stressed, quite opposite of what he is. Niall's always so calm and laid back with everything. He isn't the type to over think or worry about things, just going with the most simplest answers for everything. Seeing him like this, running his hands through his hair and dark circles under his eyes is very unusual.

"As long as you include that you didn't intend for anything to happen and just put it delicately, it'll all be fine. I'll be with you all the way Niall," I say, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.