Gone in an Instant. (Demi Lovato/Zayn Malik)

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: Some details/events in this book will not be 100% accurate. This story will possibly deal with heavy topics and mentions of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and anger management issues. Please read with caution if you are uncomfortable with these topics.

Demi & Zayn are the same age in this fanfic.

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Demi's P.O.V.

"Welcome to our Group Therapy class! Instead of looking down on this as being boring, not much help, nerve-racking, or even scary, we encourage you to look at this as your opportunity to open up and possibly get the support you need. This is also a nice place to meet new people and-" I roll eyes as I listen to one of the staff members ramble on about how rewarding treatment can be. I've been here for one week and frankly, I don't think I'll ever be leaving.

The amounts of cheery workers surrounding me at every waking moment makes me want to scream. Use on all electronics is extremely limited. People are always asking me if I'm okay, which by the way, I'm not. Not to mention, the staff members don't let you go anywhere by yourself. The only time I get to be alone is when I go to the bathroom and when I'm asleep. It's complete hell.

I force my attention back towards the lady speaking when it's something actually important.

"Now, we are going to go around the room. Each one of you is going to state your name, age, and if you want, why your here." She smiles cheerfully. "We will begin with Demi." I stiffen when I hear my name called, but quickly try to think of what to say.

"My name is Demetria, but you can call me Demi. I'm 18. I- uh- suffer from an eating disorder, self harm, and depression." I say quietly, not looking at anyone. It's embarrassing to say those things out loud.

I tune out for a while, playing with a loose thread on the end of my sweater before I listen in again.

"Hey, I'm Zayn." I instantly stop moving my hands once I hear that voice. It sure is something different, I can tell that he's definitely not from America.

"I'm 18. I battle depression and like slight anger management problems." I catch myself looking in his direction. Something about him is just so... Unique. He seems like he's been through a lot. I jump in my seat as he looks back at me, both of us instantly look away. I hate myself for being so stupidly awkward.

It takes another 45 minutes before the class is over and the lady finishes her second long speech. Yet another hour of my life I'll never get back. I sigh.

Everyone in the room is getting ready to head to the dining hall, the last place I want to be.

"Hey, your Demi, right?" My heart pounds in my chest as someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn around and face who I remember as Zayn.

"Yeah, that's me." I reply nervously. Nobody has talked to me here besides the staff. I usually receive cold glares or bitchy eye-rolls. I don't want to talk to people like that anyways.

"Oh. Well I haven't seen you here before so I just wanted to welcome you." I can tell he's nervous too, and regrets saying that the moment it leaves his mouth.

"Welcome me to a place like this?" I question anyways. He, very slightly, smiles.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."-

"You two need to get to the dining hall now!" The staff member in the room raises her voice, obviously agrivated. Zayn starts walking out the door and motions for me to come with him. Lunch is really the only free time we get without a worker beside us. We can make our own decisions on where and who to sit with. It's the one part of the day I enjoy a little bit more.

I follow Zayn and we get closer and closer to the dining hall. I can feel myself getting extremely nervous at the thought of food, but I try to ignore it. Once we are a considerable distance away from any staff members, Zayn turns to me.

"I'm not feeling that hungry right now." He states to my advantage. "Is there somewhere else you want to go?" Zayn wonders, even though we both know it's against the rules to go anywhere but the dining hall.

"I have a place." I say.

~

"Are you sure about this? I don't have a watch. How will you know when to go back? They'll come looking for us you know." I roll my eyes at Zayn's immature behavior.

"Will you calm down? I've made it back in-time for the past three days. We're fine." I scold, taking in the peaceful scenery around us. I found this place a few days ago when I wanted to get away from all of the people. I realized that the back doors were unlocked at this time, most likely for the workers. Outside sat two benches surrounding a giant maple tree. Since it was fall, the colors were changing and it was absolutely beautiful.

"So how long have you been here?" I ask Zayn.

"About a month I think." He answers. "This is the first time I've been outside since I got here." I frown.

"It's like a prison." I dryly state.

"Yeah, it is." He agrees.

"What about you, Demetria?" I cringe at the use of my full name, although it doesn't sound as bad coming from Zayn with his accent.

"What about me?"

"What landed you here?" He watches me intently as I open my mouth to answer.

"Weren't you listening in Group Therapy?" I question.

"Not like that." He pauses. "I mean, did you choose to come here, or-"

"Hell no." I want to laugh in his face. I know for a fact neither of us chose to come to a place like this. "My parents basically sat me down, like an intervention, and told me I needed to come here. I had no choice."

"Oh."

"We need to go back inside." I announce. Zayn nods.

"Thank you." I feel the need to say, once back inside the building. It's been awhile since I've talked to anyone, especially someone like Zayn. I feel as if I can trust him. A small smile spreads across his face when he responds,

"Anytime, Demetria."