Losin Control English

December, 2015

Zayn's POV

The cold was harsh that day, and I had no desire to leave home, but it was necessary. I had three interviews and an end-of-year dinner with the people from the record company. I planned to get everything ready so I could just swing by the house at night and prepare for the dinner.

Sleep was enticing, but I couldn't neglect my commitments for the day. My manager had already sent me ten or more messages urging me to hurry up. All I needed to do was put on my sneakers to be completely ready for the morning interview.

I slipped on the white sneakers I had chosen, grabbed my cell phone from the bed, and left the room. The apartment bell rang, and I went to the door to answer it.

"Good morning, Mr. Malik!" Christine, the woman who cleaned my apartment every day, greeted me.

"Good morning, Chris! I've told you not to call me mister; it makes me sound older than I am!" I greeted her, and she walked past me into the apartment.

"Sorry, I'll remember someday!" She smiled. "Is there anything specific you need me to take care of today?"

"Ah, yes! I have a dinner at the record company tonight. Could you pick up my suit and leave it ready for me to just shower and put it on?" I replied. "You can choose the suit you think is best; I trust your taste!" She smiled at me, and I returned the gesture.

"You got it. When you return, everything will be ready!"

"Thanks, Chris. I don't know what I'd do without you!" My phone rang, indicating an incoming call. "Now I really have to go!" I bid farewell to the woman and left the apartment, closing the door behind me.

Glancing at the phone screen, I saw that the call was from Gigi, my girlfriend. I didn't want to answer it; perhaps I'd call her back later.

Stepping into the elevator, which had stopped on my floor for Christine, I checked my reflection in the mirror and gave my clothes and hair a final once-over. It was already past ten in the morning according to my cell phone display. I noticed the missed call from Gigi and let out a sigh.

Gigi and I had decided to take some time in our relationship, opting to maintain our friendship. However, it seemed that Gigi didn't quite grasp the concept of friendship. We were both uncertain about our situation now. Maybe she didn't understand the concept of timing, or perhaps she wasn't ready to accept that we could no longer be a couple. Our courtship had been lengthy compared to my previous relationships up to this point. We had been together for a little over a year, and while we had been happy, at some point, our relationship had turned into a marketing game for both of us. It bothered me that we had been so close before we started dating.

"Good morning, Zayn!" Sarah, my manager, greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug.

"Good morning, Sarah!" I replied as we walked away.

"Come on, the car's waiting."

Sarah and I settled into the back seat of the black Range Rover parked outside the building. Glancing at the driver, I recognized Martin, Sarah's private driver.

According to Sarah, the harassment had intensified after she became my agent. I wasn't sure if I should be proud of it or feel guilty, but in the end, I didn't care.

Looking out the window, I noticed we were nearing the radio station where I would have my first interview of the day. Though I couldn't see the entrance, I spotted a swarm of paparazzi and fans with posters bearing my name. I briefly considered opening the window to greet them, but I hesitated, unsure of Sarah's reaction to such an action.