eternity. ♡ zarry ♡

4: protect

Age 9

Mr. Marcus opened the side door that led to the school playground.

The kids ran out to it, smiles on their faces and the sun beaming down on the back of their heads.

Zayn's favorite time of the day was lunch and recess. He could eat and then go have fun with Harry who he's declared to be his best friend.

Today wasn't that great though. It was the third time this week that the tallest kid in class was messing with Zayn.

"You're so puny and worthless," the kid said with a mischievous grin.

Zayn had been pushed to the ground, his eyes wide and filled with tears. He knew he was small but worthless?

He wasn't sure what it meant but he knew it wasn't good. The word made him cry like a baby.

"No one likes you either! You're ugly and small." The kid stood over Zayn, his arms crossed as he spouted the hurtful words to him.

It didn't make any sense. What did Zayn do? Why was he ugly? Why'd no one like him?

Harry had to like him, right? His mama and papa liked him too even though they were never around to show it.

What was wrong with him?

"Am not!" Zayn shouted with tears streaming down his cheeks.

He hoped Mr. Marcus would come and save him but he wasn't around. He was on the other side of the playground as he watched the students play.

"Are too! You're stupid!" the kid shouted even louder, causing Zayn to flinch.

The kid sat down on top of Zayn and held both of his hands down. "No one loves you."

"My mama and papa love me!" He knew that couldn't be a lie, it had to be true.

"The ones that are never around to even bring you to school?" How'd he know that? No one knew that but Harry. "We always see a white lady who brings you. You're brown, Zayn. Brown and ugly."

Tears streamed down his cheeks, his eyes wide with horror. Was he ugly because of his skin?

The bully had a good point though. His parents were never around so he didn't know if they truly loved him.

"Even if they don't love me, Harry loves me! He has to love me.." Zayn felt like his heart was being squeezed by the very person that stared down at him.

Before the bully could say anything to that, someone had pushed him off of Zayn.

"Leave him alone! You're stupid and mean!" Harry screamed as he sat on top of the bully and connected his fist with the boy's jaw.

A loud yell escaped the boy. They tousled and fought before Mr. Marcus was pulling them apart.

"Enough!" he screamed, his eyes wide and angry as he stared at the two.

Harry was pulled off of the bully, his cheek a bright red. His green eyes were dark with rage, in that moment, he wanted to kill the kid with his bare fists.

Zayn was sat on the ground still, tears streaming down his cheeks and the pain fading away slightly.

The rest of the day was spent in the principal's office, the three of them explaining the situation with their parents sat behind them.

"He pushed Zayn! He was yelling mean things at him, that's the only reason why I jumped in! No one gets to hurt Zayn!" Harry yelled, his fists clenched and a gentle hand placed on his shoulder.