Pause. Rewind. Play. (A Zayn Malik Fanfic)

Chapter 23: Never Say Never

The next day I go back to the hospital. They need me to sign some papers that I was supposed to do yesterday. Making it a priority to walk; I bundle myself up because of the harsh rain. Nobody is on the street today so its much easier to maneuver and make it quickly.

I shake off the excess water from my coat and umbrella. Going up to the front desk they make me wait as they try to get the doctor to come down. The cold air conditioning is chilling including with the fact I'm wet from the waist down.

Doctors and nurses pass from door to door, all busily doing their own priorities. A pair of cackling nurses come in through the front with coffee and a full Wawa bag. The lady at the front desk glares at them, but doesn't say anything. An older man is pushed out of  door in a wheelchair by two younger looking boys. A man and woman trail behind him with bundles of balloons. Hospitals never stop moving around, there's always has to be something major occurring on. I put a hand to my stomach, rubbing in small circles. I hate the feeling of hospitals.

Hospitals are supposed to help you. Well, maybe not all the time, or maybe for the right reasons.

"Ari? Did Zayn call you here?" I turn, seeing one of One Direction's security guards, Manny.

"Zayn? No?" I say, confused. "Why would Zayn call me to a hospital?" His eyes widen, probably realizing a mistake. He stutters for a moment, trying to cover up what he almost slipped out. Finally, Manny sighs.

"Harry got into a car accident." My eyes widen and I jump up from my seat.

"What!? How? When? Why didn't anyone tell me!?" I start babbling questions. He puts firm hands on my shoulders, making me stop.

"He's been in surgery all night. The press haven't found out, thank God."

"Who else knows?"

"As of now; you, the rest of the boys of course, everybody part of management, and Harry's family. The Styles are flying out here now to see their son. I can only imagine how hard this is for them." I shake my head.

"How did this happen?" Manny hesitates.

"I think you should talk to the boys about that," he says. It doesn't seem like he's going to tell me anything else. Instead, he shows the receptionist the visitor pass and leads me to the elevators.

---

The operation section is on the other side of the hospital from Morgan's room. It's more busy on this side of the building, with denser air. I've had to come along this side of the hospital before. A lot of times for Morgan. An entire hallway is blocked off by bodyguards. Going down the hallway, I see Louis on the phone and Liam leaning against the wall. I run from Manny and up to them.

"Liam! Louis!" They look at me. I see they both look disheveled. Louis' hair is especially messed up, eyes bloodshot, and wrinkled clothes. Liam's face is blotchy and tears are falling furiously down his face. Louis is still on the phone so I run up and hug Liam. He sobs heavily into my shoulder without hesitation. "Shh..Liam it's okay."

"N-No it's not," he stutters through his tears. "H-How did yo-u?"

"Manny," I say. I run my hands up and down his back, reassuringly. Liam's sobs rack his body and mine as I hold him tighter. All I can do for the boys now is to be strong and lend them a shoulder to cry on. I'm very patient with Liam as he's still crying and Louis, who's still on the phone with someone. I don't see Niall or Zayn anywhere.

A nurse walks by and looks at the three of us in sympathy. That's one thing I can't stand; people's sympathy. It makes you seem weak and vulnerable. Other people look at you like you're lower than them and pity you. So I glare at the elderly nurse that walks by, who immediately turns away.