This Isn't Happening

Chapter 14- He's the Good Guy

Another day of work out of the way and another day of seeing my son smile bigger than ever after daycare. It was finally the weekend, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. With more and more people catching on to my “fling with Zayn” as the magazines put it, I really just wanted to spend my weekend in bed watching cartoons with Ryder.

Driving down the road, I peered in my rearview mirror. Ryder was his chirpy self, smiling and laughing at everything he saw. Days like this I wish Chase was here to see his son. Ryder was going to need a male figure in his life, and even though Chase probably wasn’t the best, at least he would’ve been here- for Ryder, not me.

As I pulled into the driveway, my thoughts were erased when I nearly crashed into an unfamiliar car. While my breathing returned to normal, I was able to study the car. It doesn’t look unfamiliar now. This was the car that repeatedly drove up and down the road on Ryder’s birthday. Dreading what was to come, I got Ryder out of his car seat, and headed to the front porch where sure enough, sat the girl who had pissed me off one too many times this week.

“Can I help you?” I asked, wanting nothing more than for her to go home. She looked rough. Hardly, if any, makeup on her face, and her hair was pulled into a messy bun.

“Um… I just needed to come apologize.”

“For what?”

“Messing things up with you and Zayn.”

            I laughed. “It’s his fault for texting you the other day. Don’t apologize for that- there’s no need.”

            Perrie hesitated before she spoke. “That’s the thing, Ellie. Zayn just wanted me to introduce myself to you and promise that I wouldn’t be a pest.” She paused for a second. “But when I saw you and Zayn on the front porch, jealousy got the best of me, and I had to ruin it somehow. I’m sorry.”

            “So Zayn didn’t invite you over just for-?”

            This time she laughed. “No, not at all. That relationship is long gone. I promise.”

            “Just a quick question?”

            “Hmm?”

            “Why did you just happen to be at the same park as Zayn and me the other day?”

            “Music video shoot.”

            “Oh.”

            “I know… coincidental. Again, I’m sorry.” Her high pitched British accent said, and this was the first time I was able to look at her and not want to throw her off a cliff. “And I’m really sorry that this whole thing is going on in the press. You and Zayn looked so good together the other week…. I just couldn’t help but ruin it.”

            “Thank you for telling me all of this. I mean I’m not going to run inside and call Zayn, begging for forgiveness- he can work for me. But thank you. Oh one last thing- Did Zayn set you up to this?”

            “Absolutely not.” Was her answer, and I honestly believed her.

            Some color was returning to her cheeks. Without another word said, she walked past me and I watched as her car went down the road. Poor girl- I know it took a lot of courage to do something like that.

            “Mama…” Ryder giggled. He was being so quiet I almost forgot he was in my arms.

            “Let’s get inside. I think it’s time for Spongebob…”

            I closed the door behind us, and that’s how I spent my Friday night… in my pjs watching Nickelodeon with my one year old. I think the last time I’ve been out on a Friday night was my last day of my sophomore year in college. We were having some big party to celebrate the end of the year, and I had a little too much to drink. Needless to say, the next nine months after that day were nine months that I’ll never forget.

         We both obviously crashed sometime because my TV was still on when I heard a set of heels clanking through my house. Why had I given her a key?

            “Morning!” Taylor screamed.

            “Shut up. He’s still sleeping.” I glanced down at Ryder who was curled into my chest.

            “Sorry… But anyway, I got you an early birthday present-“ I cut her off.

            “My birthday is in like eight months. No need for presents now.”

            “Well here’s a concert ticket for a show tonight. And no, I’m not telling you who you’re going to see- It’s a surprise.”

            I had no clue what Taylor was talking about until I saw the artist’s name was covered up.

            “If I agree to go, can you leave so I can go back to sleep?”

            She squealed. “Yes!!! I’ll see you later- I’m babysitting.”

She was almost out the front door when I screamed, “Just make sure Louis doesn’t show up this time.”

I heard her laugh as my front door closed.

 I didn’t get to sleep much longer, because Ryder was hungry but I got enough sleep to keep me awake and focused…. And worried. Who knew who she had planned for me to see tonight, but it would make her happy, so I began getting ready that afternoon and was ready to go when Taylor came back.

“Bye!” Taylor said, shoving me out the front door, and then slamming it shut in my face. There were directions with the ticket, so I got in my Volvo, and off I went. I followed the directions to the arena, but there were no cars in the parking lot… just mine. Now I was catching on. This was suddenly a very familiar scene.

When I stepped out of the car, I glanced at the front entrance to the arena. I could’ve sworn I saw a shadow inside, so I followed it. I opened the door, which once again, just happened to be unlocked.

There he was. Bright eyed, and grinning just like he was the first time I met him. “Hey, Zayn.” I said for the first time in two weeks with a smile on my face.

“I’m guessing Taylor gave you my instructions.” I nodded. “You seem to be happy. I was planning on having to fight you or something to get you to stay. What happened?”

I decided now wasn’t a good time to tell him about my conversation with Perrie. “Change of heart I guess.”

“Can I explain everything?” Zayn pleaded.

“Let’s just say I know what I need to know, and leave it at that?”

He looked confused, but didn’t hesitate for a second longer to wrap his arms around me and press those warm lips of his against mine. If this would’ve been yesterday, I would’ve kicked and screamed and fought my way out this room, but today-right now- I fought to keep him close to me. He was the good guy all along and it took me until now to see it.

My arms wrapped around his neck and he spun me around. I felt like the princess who had been kept away from her prince and finally got to have him- got to keep him.

When he pulled away from the kiss, there were smiles plastered on both of our faces. “So can we do this whole relationship thing over again?”

“There’s nothing to start over again...” He kissed my cheek.

“That’s my girl.”