To Love A Beast

four || TLAB

•••Zayn•••

"Yeah, only saw it last night. Sarah's a bit annoyed at me," I said into my phone as I made my way downstairs. "I hung out with Tyler last week. I'm wondering why he didn't mention anything about it."

'Doniya', I mouthed to Niall and Louis who were sitting at the dining table. Louis pointed to himself and waved.

"Lou says hi by the way," I chuckled. "Yup. Oh, and Niall too."

"She says hi back," I said to them before plopping myself down on the nearest empty seat. "Yes, yes. We've an interview first, then I'm meeting her for lunch.. I will.. I'll call again after we meet up.. Okay, okay.. Love you. Tell mum and the girls as well. Bye!"

I ended the call, stuffing the phone in my pocket and filling a plate with food.

"Interview's cancelled by the way," Niall said through a mouthful of chicken fajita. I scowled at his atrocious manners. "Liam and Harry left first thing. Thought you knew."

"Eh," I shrugged. "Kinda figured that out when I saw Liam's bag by the door last night. Though I thought we'd be doing the thing first."

"Free morning!" Louis pumped his fist in the air. "You lads up for a swim?"

Niall began shoveling food in his mouth, chasing it down with a cup of coffee. Louis was no better, turning it into a race. I wanted to laugh at how childish they were being. Then again, we're not that old yet.

"Done," Louis stood, holding up his plate.

"You had a headstart," Niall pouted. "Besides, I ate more."

True, that.

"Sore, loser," Louis stuck out his tongue. "Race you to the pool!"

He began to sprint towards the backyard, Niall following close behind.

"Not coming, Zayn?" Niall called out.

"Nah," I shouted back. "You lads have fun."

So I got over my fear of drowning. Doesn't mean I'd willingly jump into a pool for no reason, though. I ate
breakfast slowly now that I knew we weren't headed to the interview anymore.

I glanced at my phone. Still no text or call or anything from Perrie. Clearly she's waiting on me to make the first move in fixing us. Which, of course, I refuse to do. Call me stubborn all you want. But I just don't see the point of apologizing for something I didn't do. I've done enough of that in the entire time we've been together.

My phone pinged to indicate a new text message.

Tyler gave me your number. Are we on for lunch?

Sarah, I figured. I replied with a confirmation. It was barely nine so I had a few hours before that.

Loud shouts filtered through the window from the backyard. I wonder if it's okay if I let Louis and Niall tag along. Right on cue, the two boys came running back to where I still sat.

"You're dripping all over the floor," I pointed out. "Amelia's gonna flip."

"Nah," Lou jerked his head, flinging water all over the place. "She loves us too much."

I shook my head. We boys will be boys.

"You got plans today?" Niall asked while rubbing his hair with a towel. At least this one still has some sense left. He threw another one at Louis.

"Just lunch with Sarah," I shrugged. "You lads wanna come with? I'm sure she won't mind."

Niall looked at Lou, silently asking him what he thought. I knew my boys that well. They didn't have to voice out the affirmation. Louis lifting one shoulder was answer enough.