This Isn't Happening

Chapter 10- You're A Keeper

     A lot of things happened this week. I started working for Taylor’s magazine company, and Taylor had moved out of my house. Zayn survived two whole days of babysitting an eleven month old and oh yeah... I agreed to date Zayn. Thank god the press hadn’t found out yet. I wasn’t quite ready for that- I had done my research on his ex, Perrie, and they called things off for the hate she got. I was nervous to officially go “public.”

     But as I was getting ready, I realized that I had been through enough to not care. I’ve had worse.

I also realized that today I would be meeting the other boys... and they wouldn’t be on my couch at 11:30 at night. And plus, I needed to formally introduce myself to Louis.

    

     This week Ryder’s been walking a little more. He’d take a few steps by himself and then fall, but he was trying. Next thing on Ryder’s bucket list would be getting rid of the pacifiers. To be honest, I was just tired of having to remember to get the pacifier before I could leave the house.

     Speaking or Ryder, I heard his tiny Vans flopping on the ground as he managed to make in my room. “Hello Ryder.”

     He grinned and attempted to wave, but he lost his balance and hit the floor. His head popped up when he heard the knock on the door. Zayn must be ready to go.

     “Come in! It’s unlocked.” I screamed and then heard the door swing open.

     “Ellie?” I heard that familiar British accent call my name. Ryder smiled wide at Zayn’s voice too.

     “In here.” Zayn came into my room and comfortably scooped up my son.

     “You ready, Ellie?” In a rush much?

     I sighed. “Yeah. Let me put my earrings in.” And when he walked out of the room, I slipped on my “I heart Zayn” bracelet. Maybe he wouldn’t notice.

     Zayn didn’t want me to ride with him, so I followed him in my car. He said it was safer right now… that he didn’t want me or Ryder to be overwhelmed with the screaming girls.

     My phone rang. “Stay in the car for a minute.” I’ll come outside to walk you inside in a minute.”

     “But I...” He said bye and hung up. Oh well. We waited for about five minutes and then as promised, Zayn came outside and walked us in the back way.

  When we got inside, I looked around and noticed the other boys weren’t here. The only other person there was the photographer who introduced herself as Morgan.

     “Where is everyone?” my curiosity got the best of me.

     “Somewhere.” Zayn laughed.

     “Obviously.”

    About ten minutes later, the back door opened and energy filled the room. Who knew four adults could make that much noise? “Zayn!” one of them screamed. I think it was Liam.

     “What are you doing here early, mate?” Niall’s Irish accent stood out from the others.

     Then there was Harry’s deep voice. “Did you decide to get out of bed today?”

     “Of course he did. Can’t show Ellie his flaws this early in the relationship.” I glanced at Louis who was smirking.

     The other boys looked somewhat confused… until they saw me. Before I could stop them, I was tackled into one massive hug.

     “Um, hey? Could you all please get off me?” They all laughed but then froze when they heard my voice. Was something wrong?

    “You didn’t tell us she was American.” Liam said and by the looks of the others, they were all thinking the same thing.

     “But that’s amazing!” Niall screamed. “So what’s you’re favorite restaurant?” 

     I couldn’t help but laugh this time, that awkward “she’s not British” conversation forgotten.

     When Niall left me alone, Zayn walked over holding Ryder. He wasn’t used to all the commotion... he was grinning from ear to ear, not knowing what to do with all the attention.

     “Well he’s a cutie.” Liam came up behind us. “And I must say I love that sweatshirt, little guy.” Ryder had on his Batman hoodie.

  Before I could start a conversation with him, the photographer -what’s her name? Morgan? - called them over.

     “Be back soon, babe.” Zayn kissed my cheek and ran to join the boys for a series of photos. And as I watched him go over to his friends, I noticed something between Morgan and Liam. Maybe I shouldn’t have seen that spark between them. Oh well.

     I played with Ryder on the floor for about half an hour until the boys changed clothes and came back on for another round of photos. Zayn caught my eye and smiled and waved. Both Ryder and I waved back.

     When that set was over, Liam, Niall, Louis, and Harry, went back to the changing room. But Zayn came over to us. “Come here, guys.”

     He pulled us to the white backdrop and said, “Smile!” Morgan was flashing the camera at my face, and while I was trying to regain my vision, Zayn was making Ryder laugh.

     “Zayn!!!” I shrieked, not wanting my picture taken.

     He smirked. “Just smile, Ellie. Ryder is!”

    We spent enough time taking pictures that the other boys were able to sneak out and watch us without me knowing.

  Finally, Liam walked over and pulled Morgan to the side to talk. I was taking this as my chance to run.

     While I was packing up Ryder’s toys, I caught a brief part of Harry and Zayn’s conversation.

     “She’s a keeper, Zayn.” Harry was saying.

     “I think so too.”

     “She’s just so… happy. And she seems to trust you with her son…”

     “Ryder.” Zayn corrected him and I giggled to myself.

     Just a week, and already protective. It still stunned me beyond belief to know that he chose me. And not because he felt sorry for me. He didn’t know my story when he introduced himself, and he didn’t run away when I told him everything.

 “You’re a keeper too.” I mumbled low enough for neither Harry nor Zayn to hear me.