Butterflies (Niam + Larry)

Chapter 17

                                                                -Zayn-

"Hello?" Her sweet voice immediately makes me perk up. I press the phone closer to my ear.

"Hey! It's Zayn!" I tell her happily. Arianna laughs,

"I know it's you, Zayn." I feel myself blush. Caller ID, duh you idiot. Great, now I feel awkward! I shift onto my stomach on the bed. 

"Sorry that I'm calling kind of late I just wanted to say hi..." I trail off, feeling like a complete airhead. Why did I even call her?! It's seven o'clock at night!

"Oh, it's completely fine, I was just sitting her working on some song lyrics. It's good you called, it's kind of lonely here in this hotel room. My friends don't come for a few days. It's just me and my dog Tico." I smile into the phone and then realize she can't see me. Ugh, since when do I lose my cool around girls?!

"Well, you could always come work on lyrics over here! We're all pretty quiet tonight and we have experience writing songs so you could run some ideas by us." I'm trying to make it sound like I don't want her to just come over so I can make a move or something. I'm truly trying to take it slow.

"Aw! That would be great Zaynie! Are you sure it's all right?" She asks. I grin at the nickname. This girl...

"Of course it's okay! We have an extra room since Niall went back home, so if it gets too late to drive you can crash in there. It'll be fun!" I make it clear that I don't want to sleep with her. She sounds excited when she says,

"Good! I'll be right over!" YES!!!! Victory! I knew I didn't lose my cool.

"Okay text me when you're here!" I say, trying to contain my excitement.

"Alright, see you soon, buh-bye!" She says,

"Okay bye." The phone clicks and I jump up from my bed. She's coming over! She wants to at least be friends with me! This is great! I run grinning, into the main room. Harry and Louis are cuddling on the couch and Liam is staring down at his hands. That stops me in my tracks. He looks so sad, I knew he didn't just repair his heart in a day! I frown at the sight of him. He looks practically in tears. 

The room is dim with the evening light coming from the windows. Love Actually is playing on the TV. It's Harry's cuddly movie that he loves to watch with Tommo for obvious reasons.

"Guys! Arianna is coming over to work on song lyrics with me! Is that alright?" I tell them, finishing hopefully. Liam glances up and gives me the fakest smile I have ever seen.

"Sure, Zayn! I'm glad you found someone so valuable." He says. At least his voice sounds sincere. Harry and Louis grin at me and nod, turning their attention back to the movie immediately. I realize that they don't care what happens as long as they can cuddle so I go sit down beside Liam.

"Li, talk to me." I murmur, putting a hand on his shoulder. The minute I say this, I can tell whatever weak little facade he made has cracked. A tear runs down his cheek and his eyes look full of pain.

"I-I miss him so much. It's only been two days, but my life is missing a giant chunk of it." I wrap my arms around him and cuddle him close to my chest. Sadness blossoms in my chest. I can't imagine what Liam is going through right now. All I know is that I want to help in anyway I can. Louis never actually told me any details, but he did say he had a plan. As far as I know, no action has been made.

Just then, Louis looks over at us. He has a determined look on his face. Like he has something up his sleeve...hmmm. Whatever it is, Louis is famous for his good plans, so I'm in. Liam sighs into my shirt and I realize he isn't actually crying, just cuddling into me. He obviously is needing some hugs. I never noticed before now, but Niall is usually the one who keeps Liam balanced and happy. Niall's touch calms him and Niall's hugs make him happy and loved. We are all closer than close but Niall and Liam are like one person. They keep each other together. I look down at Liam's coarse brown hair and comb through it with my fingers.