The movie finished not long ago, and Dan has spent that time telling about his life back in California, whilst I listen intently. His life story is fascinating, and it turns out he has quite a vast family too. Also, turns out some of his family lives in the area, and he can't wait to see them after a few years.
"So who lives here? Your cousins?" I question, sitting cross-legged on the couch opposite Dan. He nods, picking up his phone and sending a quick message before returning his attention to me.
"Yeah, you might've of heard of them before. There is the youngest, and her name is-" Dan explains, his phone ringing and cutting him if mid-sentence. "sorry, I need to answer this. Hello?"
I wait patiently for Dan to finish the call, hearing a series of 'yeah' and 'cool' as well as 'thank you'. He finally ends his conversation, locking his phone and sending me a pitiful look.
"My mum is picking me up 'cause I have to help unpack, but I've got to leave now," he says, his eyes losing their spark as his shoulders sag, "but I'll see you tomorrow!"
I smile, squealing with wide eyes as Dan pulls me in for a tight, unexpected hug before gathering his things and leaving the house. We wave to each other, but the moment soon ends as a young woman dressed in a buisness suit pulls up in a beautiful silver porsche, leaving over the passenger seat to look at me. I send her a smile, hoping she doesn't think too bad of me for stealing her son on his first day.
"Bye Destiny!" Dan shouts, getting into the car and saying something brief to his mum before waving a final time and driving away.
A slight breeze nips at my warm skin, so I'm quick to get inside and lock the front door; who knows, someone could rob the house with me still in it! Enough with my babbling - I talk way too much - I'm going to go finish some homework.
~*~
"Have a nice day, bitch!" he yells, sending another kick to my stomach, causing the air to leave my lungs and my body double over in pain.
Liam turns to walk away, a smug smirk on his face, but I grab his ankle whilst catching my breath and lift it high enough for him to yelp. In one smooth motion, I throw his leg up so he topples and kick him directly in the ribs, my own smirk appearing. The gang rush to help, Zayn aiding Liam whilst the remaining trio head towards me. I push Niall away and slap him, hard. It leaves a rosy red handprint on his pale flesh, and the impact sends him staggering. Louis runs behind me and grabs my arms, locking them in place behind my back as Harry grabs my feet, lifting my body off the ground and emitting a cry of panic from me; this has never happened before.
"Harry, watch out!" Louis calls, still holding onto my arms as I watch Dan creep up behind the latter. He taps his shoulder, waiting for Harry to turn around, which he does, and sends a powerful punch to his jaw.
"Harry!" Louis yells, struggling to hold onto me as I wriggle out of his grip, suddenly having my weight down on him now that Harry is on the floor.
"Back off, mate." Dan growls, his eyes a darker shade as he glowers at Louis, who is hesitant to release his grasp on me. I whip round, fast, and send a sharp punch to Louis' stomach.
"You alright?" Dan questions, checking me for any injuries despite me shaking my head. He flashes a smile before his expression turns dark again, and I think it's for me until I realise he's looking at the 'gang'. Yeah, so much of a gang they are.
"I'm good, are you?" I reply, relief washing through me when Dan nods. Liam stands up and lunges at Dan, an animalistic look in his eyes as he knocks the latter down.
"Zayn, why'd you let him do that?" I yell, storming over to him as he stands straighter - a failed attempt at intimidation.
"I-I couldn't stop him! He's too strong!" Zayn says with an edgy tone, desperately trying to pry Liam away from Dan. I shove him out of the way with a huff and kick Liam away, sending him staggering into Louis.
"Dan! Are you okay?" I ask quickly, ushering him from the boys quickly. He hisses in pain but nods, although I'm not entirely convinced.
With an annoyed expression, I face the boys and raise my middle finger, my eyes nothing but slits as I walk away with Dan. I lead him out the back of the school, brushing a few strands of hair from my face.
"Oh my goodness Destiny! Do you cut?" Dan asks, worry evident in his voice as he grabs my wrist and examines it.
"Ah, not willingly. The boys made me do it return of a less-painful beating, but they lied so I stopped and so far, they haven't brought it up since." I answer, staring at my wrist with a disgusted look.
"Oh, okay then. Well, I've got to be off, I'll see you tomorrow love!" Dan says with an upset face, waving before walking to a car I didn't see before and hopping in.
Once the car is gone I head home with a sigh and mentally prepare myself for tomorrow...
"So, about your cousins, what're their names?" I question, taking a sip from my cup of coke. It's just turned four in the afternoon, and Dan has begged to stay at mine for a few hours before his mum comes to pick him up.
"Oh, you might've heard of them! The youngest is called Safaa, then there's Waliyha, and Zayn, and Doniya." Dan replies, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion as my jaw drops.
"Are you serious? Zayn Malik?" I press, earning a nod in return.
"Why, what's the problem? Do you know him?" Dan inquires, tilting his head some as I stare at him.
"Dan, the guy in the gang today, the one with black hair; he's Zayn Malik!"
Dan's jaw drops, his eyes grow wide and his face pales. I'm not surprised, if it was me, I'd be no different. Especially when you just found out your new friend is beaten by your cousin. I've got a feeling this isn't going to go down well...
