Vulnerable (Zayn Malik AU)

Chapter 41

Walking through the doors of the garage were almost bittersweet...Zayn was behind me, and neither of us were rushing to get away from one another. We hadn't said anything since the car, but unlike recent events, that was just from a lack of words. I had nothing to talk about anymore. Anything I could've said would've just been a repeat, and I was afraid that he would have anything new to contribute to the conversation...

We barely made it to Zayn's room before Trish appeared, clearing her throat. "Yes, mum?"

"Would you like to explain yourself?" With her arms crossed, she meant business, and I walked away from the heat of the moment, taking a seat on Zayn's bed. I dropped my bag and kicked off my shoes, trying to stay neutral between the two of them.

"What do I have to explain?"

"Oh you mean you don't know? Incredible." I was just as confused as Zayn, but mostly because there were so many things she could be angry about. "The school called. You skipped today."

"Oh..." Zayn rubbed the back of his neck. He had no idea how much he just got let off easy. Trish was no idiot. "Sorry, mum. Some...things came up."

"They always do, don't they? Keep it up, and you won't graduate. It's up to you, Zayn."

"I've got it. I'm sorry." Trish walked away, mumbling something along the lines of 'yeah sure you are' and head for her room.

"Good one." I tried not to laugh as Zayn scowled, closing the door.

"Shut it. Me leaving was your fault, anyway."

"Don't blame me for your mistakes."

"Whatever. Not fighting....not anymore, please."

"Fine with me."

"Can I ask, though," he came and laid on the side of the bed, and I fell backwards, joining him just a couple feet away. "Why the hell did you show up with Franky?"

"What do you mean? To Julia's?"

"Yeah! Like what the fuck. Why were you two together?" He didn't sound angry. His voice stayed level, he was more curious than anything as he laid on his folded arm watching my every move.

"He knew where Julia lived, and I didn't."

"So you used him?"

"I mean, basically. Kinda messed up when you put it that way."

"I like it that way. That way makes me a little happier, actually." He laughed. "I mean, it quite bothered me that he was there for all of that, but I guess he didn't really contribute to the bullshit intervention so he was kind of harmless."

"As if he's gonna stand up to you? You may give him a black eye again."

"Oh gosh!" He busted up laughing and barely got out the words, "I can't believe I did that."

"Well, you did."

"And it felt damn good, too."

"That's gotta say something about you, psychologically." I laughed a bit myself.

"Yeah, I think it's safe to say you've messed with my head, Dais." Both of our laughs subsided.

"I was really gonna leave, you know." I said, watching his fingers draw patterns onto the duvet.

"I believed you." I linked my fingers together across my stomach, feeling them rise and fall with every deep breath. "What stopped you?"

"Anger. Jealousy. Fear...you name it."

"Meaning?"

"Well, I wanted to go. I miss my grandma, but I knew that I would miss you more. And, I would probably do great, education wise. Pick a nice college, make some new experiences, start a new life."