I watched as Zayn entered the room from the bathroom in only a towel around his waist. Its become rather dark outside from last time I checked. People started to come, I could hear it from downstairs. All that was left was just for Zayn and I to get dressed. At least, only Zayn. I was almost done anyways.

I sat in silence as I finished up putting my jewelry by his mirror. My hair was up in a hairstyle my mother loved to do to Kennedy and I when we were younger. A dress the color of dark violet fell down my mid thighs and I decided to wear a pair of simple black flats. I've had a tough day today, it was the least I could do to my feet. As I finished applying my last cover of lipstick, I looked behind the mirror to see Zayn grab a pair of jeans and drop it onto his bed.

He still hasn't said much to me but I knew it wasn't something to really worry about. He told me so himself that he was just thinking.

He took off his towel, sliding up his underwear before sliding up his pants and buckling them up. He turned around, noticing me from the mirror. "I don't mean to interrupt your little drooling session, but you're kinda making me uncomfortable?" He chuckled.

"Sorry." I quickly looked away, closing the top on my lipstick and putting it down to grab my mascara.

When I looked up, I saw Zayn just inches away from my back. I giggled at his random actions. I thought he was still too angry to talk to me but I guess that's over and done with. At least with him. I still feel guilty for having him feel like that. I was being selfish, only caring about not having him get angry at me that I decided to keep my mouth shut. Only I never knew that it was driving him crazy inside.

"You look beautiful in that dress." He smiled looking at me from the mirror.

I finished layering my lashes and started to close up the bottle. A smile never left my face as I also looked at him from the mirror.

"You really do, Paige." He spoke more strictly as if I had to take his compliment.

"Thanks." I looked down at my makeup bag, shuffling through the objects so I wouldn't have to look at his hurting face.

I felt my wrist being gripped and turning around, taking my body with it as Zayn stared down at me. I watched as his chest roughly rise and fall. Eyes turning black but slowly turning back to their light brown color.

"You're mad at me." He looked down into my eyes as if he could see right through me. Only he was wrong.

"I'm not mad at you, Zayn." I tried to smile but didn't turn out so good so I looked down. "I just-- I'm sorry for putting you through that."

"Just forget about that, okay?" He wandered into my eyes, leaning into my lips but stopping before he even kissed me.

I didn't know what to do, I needed to touch him. But fear of what he could've done to me because of that slowly heightened. My eyes remained closed, waiting to taste his pink, minty lips, but it never happened. He only kept his hands cupping my cheeks as his warm cold breath fanned over my skin. Finally, I built up the courage to bring my hands over to his bare waist. Making contact with his skin left goosebumps to my skin. His lips finally closed from his agape mouth, raising up to press a long and lingering kiss the roof of my forehead.

He drew back shortly to walk away back to his clothes. He has left me desperate for more contact. I didn't find that game at all amusing anymore.

"I'm going to go help your Mom with the guest." I turned around, not finding the courage to even smile as I closed up my makeup kit.

I rushed out towards the door. As soon as I gripped the handle, I stopped.

"Wait." Zayn called out, "Come back here."

I turned around, not bothering to really smile. "Is there something wrong?"

"Yes." He admitted, "I'm not mad, Paige. Stop taking it out on yourself."

"It's okay, Zayn." I smiled, turning around to swing the door open and walk out.

I couldn't stand being like this any longer. He's been more mysterious than ever and I don't know if he really is mad or not. Right now, I think it's better to just give him some space and move on. I can't stay and whimper at him as if I did something wrong. I mean, I know I did but I'm not going to kiss up for an apology when I already said what I had to say.

I finished coming down the stairs to already enter a small crowd of people in both the living room and kitchen. I heard Tess's voice from the kitchen so I followed it. There were few sounds of faintly classical music playing in the background and voices of people conversing with each other. I made an effort to squeeze between the bodies and finally made it behind the countertop where I saw Tess grow a smile in her face as she talked to a nice looking couple around her age in estimate.

"Oh, everyone, this is Paige." She smiled giving me a leading look to come with her. She grabbed my hand, swinging an arm behind me to pull me closer.

"Hello there, Paige." The man smiled as well as the lady. "I'm Parker and this is my wife, Angelina."

"Tess here was telling us that you helped cook tonight's dinner?" The lady acknowledged.

I smiled at them, blushing that she even mentioned that. "Oh, yeah." I chuckled.

"Well I just know it's going to be amazing." She smiled.

"Why, you look beautiful, Miss." Parker smiled.

"Thanks." I smiled at his compliment, trying hard not to think of that coming out of Zayn's lips.

"You know, Paige here is my son's girlfriend." She smiled giving me a small squeeze. "She's from Manhattan."

"Wait, your son, you say?" Angelina asked. "Would that be..."

"Zayn." Tess smiled, "Yes."

The lovely couple didn't seem so lovely anymore at the sound of Zayn having a girlfriend. Tess noticed that too but decided to keep a smile.

They looked at each other with wide eyes before looking back at us.

"That's... Wonderful." Angelina smiled, "I'm very happy for the two of you."

I smiled but that was it. I know Zayn's past isn't the best but they don't have to shove it in his loved ones faces. Just by looking at the pain in his Mom's eyes makes me want to say all these thoughts to their faces. It's up to us to defend Zayn's image. He may not be talking to me right now but I still care for him... Deeply. And when someone says a thing like that about him hurts me, and a lot. I never felt this way about a guy before.

My eyes widened at my thoughts.

I never felt this way about a guy before! I can't lose him, if I keep acting like this I will. I have to tell him how I feel, before it's too late.

"Paige? You okay sweetie?" Tess asked giving me a worried look.

I nodded my head, moving out of her hold to smile back at them. "I have to get something really quick."

I turned back to the couple, "It was nice meeting you."

They smiled and I turned, elbowing my way around the place to get to the stairs. Only before I made it, I became aware of a group of ladies and their husbands drinking and talking about a subject I became fairly aware of. Zayn.

"Kids like him should just go to jail for the rest of their lives." One lady said.

"I agree." Another man said. "They're nothing but trash. And that trash of a boy should leave and never come back. Go make trouble elsewhere."

I couldn't help myself, so I went in.

"Hi," I smiled coming between a man and a woman. "How's everyone's evening?"

"Good, thanks for asking." One lady smiled.

"So what are we all talking about here?" I asked still playing the act.

"Just that good for nothing child." One man with a beard continued, "Eh.. Zayn Malik."

"God, he's brought some trouble to this town." Another lady added.

"I'm telling you, how are kids like those allowed in these areas? They ain't doing the world shit?" The same guy continued.

I couldn't take them talking like that. Don't they have any respect? They're literally in his house, drinking his beers and eating his food. So why would they do that.

"Get out!" I lost my playing face and got serious.

"Excuse me, but we're here because our co-worker invited us." One man grinned at me.

"Really?" I crossed my arms over my chest, "And this is how you talk about her son?"

Their faces were priceless as the information sunk in. I guess Tess didn't really talk about her kids to her friends or co-workers.

"And my boyfriend?" I added, raising my voice.

The group immediately made their way towards the door, swinging it open and leaving their drinks and food behind.

"And don't come back!" I yelled on my way to close the door.

"Sorry, I thought we were invited?" Harry grinned as he stepped away from the dark side of the porch with Vanessa right behind him.

He wore a black blazer under a white v neck and a pair of jeans. He looked really handsome, as always, but Vanessa really outdone herself. She wore a beautiful black dress, also coming down to her mid thighs, and flawless skin was touched up with soft makeup. Her long brown hair was straight and separated down the middle. She looked so beautiful. Her and Harry were a couple I always liked seeing. Thankfully they came at the right time.

"Harry." I breadth out.

"What was all that for?" He chuckled looking out the door towards the people I just kicked out.

I rolled my eyes, "Oh, they were being a bunch of idiots, talking trash about Zayn."

"Shit." Harry's eyes widened, "And you kicked them out?"

"Of course I did." I pinned my eyes as I remembered all the stuff they said. "But I settled it out with them."

"Paige, is everything okay?" Vanessa asked closing the door behind her as her and Harry's figure came closer into the house.

"Yeah? Where's Zayn?" Harry followed.

"I-I..."

"Paige?" Vanessa asked again.

"I'm so glad you guys are here." I admitted giving them a pleading look.

"Paige, you're scaring us." Harry put a hand over my shoulder.

I couldn't define what I felt like. I think I was mostly scared.

"Harry, I think you should go find Zayn. Bring him back here as soon as you can." Vanessa looked up at him.

I stopped him before he left.

"No, please, Zayn needs his space." I begged.

"Oh no." Vanessa gasped, "Don't tell me you two--"

I shrugged my shoulders, eyes beginning watery as I tapped my foot impatiently and did my best not to look at them. They bring up Zayn any moment.

"Why? What happened?" Harry asked with his grinning face on as he looked down at me.

"I didn't tell him something and he didn't like it. He says he's not mad but I know he is." I wiped away a tear from my cheek. "And now I'm starting to get these feelings--"

"No." Vanessa grabbed me in her arms, embracing me tightly. "You know how he gets. Please, Paige, just give him some time."

I drew back shortly, hoping her words were right.

"Out of all the girls I've ever seen him with, none of them came as close to where you stand." She continued.

"Yeah, and none of them dared to go into his room when he's mad." Harry added making me smile.

"Or get into one of his fights to get him out and heal him afterwards?" Vanessa added. "You're all he ever talks about, Paige."

"I remember when he first met you, he'll come mad late to our flat and just talk about you. He annoyed the shit out of me for days." He laughed and we followed, "But now we know he's been bragging about something that mattered."

I remained quiet. I never expected that.

"Listen to Vanessa, Paige." He acknowledged.

I nodded my head, looking over to Vanessa to see her vision was now on something else behind me. I turned around to see Zayn at the top of the staircase in a shirt and blazer. Quickly, I dried my tears but it was no use, he already noticed me. When I turned back around to face Harry and Vanessa, I noticed there was already someone at the door. Avan.

"What are you doing here?" A deep voice asked from behind me.

I didn't have to turn, I already knew who it was.

"I was invited, remember?" Avan grinned, "By your girlfriend?"

He hated me, I know so. He keeps on pointing out my mistakes in front of Zayn to get him aggravated.

"I thought I told you to keep her away from this?" He growled.

Harry grabbed Vanessa's hand and she grabbed mine. Quickly, Harry pulled us both out of there.

"Just let her go, Zayn. It's what's best for each of you." Avan pinned his eyes at him.

"You don't know what's best for me and you certainly don't care." Zayn raised his voice back at him.

"Didn't you want to talk to me?" Avan asked, "Well, here I am."

"I don't have anything to say to you anymore. I said what had to be said." Zayn growled.

"You left out some parts." Avan replied, "Like the part of I didn't have a brother! I never did" He raised his voice just as he finished.

"Stop being so dramatic, Avan." Zayn scoffed.

"No, even when you were there, I never had you. You were always out, causing some trouble while I was stuck in school. You were everything, Zayn. Mum was always paying more attention to you, she never cared for me! I was always invisible when it comes to you. Even my friends would come up to me asking if the rumors about you were true. When you left, I thought that was my fault because I would always follow you around like a lost puppy. I thought that was it, no more Zayn. But I was wrong. People still talked about you and how fucking dangerous you were! Mum started worrying even more, saying it was her damn fault and slowly she started to ignore me. You were the only thing she talked about! I was nothing! It was because of you this family tore apart!" He yelled in anger causing a scene.

A circle started to form around them, Tess stepped out of her group to step up front.

"That's not my fault! You did that to yourselves!" Zayn yelled back.

"No." Avan smiled nodding his head. He looked hurt. "It's all you. It's always been. I mean, have you even noticed what this fucking party is about? Or at least who it's for?"

Zayn looked around, silence filling the air for the first time in a long time.

"Exactly." Avan continued. "You know, when you left, I thought my life was over. You were like a father figure to me but you never allowed me to be with you. As if I was an embarrassment! That's all I am to this family, an embarrassment!"

"Avan, shut up!" Zayn growled.

"Don't tell me what to do! That's done! I figured once you left, I should become more like you. You were the only person I wanted to be like because you might've not seen it, but you had the life! All the girls wanted you, you could fight, everyone knew your name and never dared to pick a fucking fight with you! Me on the other hand, I was the complete opposite. That's why I hated you, because I was jealous. So I did what I always wanted to do and became more like you. Now look at me... I see things so clearly now! Even your little lies like the ones of you-- changing and what shit? I'm not the same guy either, Zayn. You never changed, your still the same badass idiot you were four years ago!"

Zayn didn't say anything but his fist was already balled up and tighter than I've ever seen it before, including his jaw.

"You may have everyone fooled, but not me. Not this time Zayn. Which is why I'm also the only one who's noticed that... Even though I never met the guy--" He paused.

I mentally prayed to myself here wasn't going to say what I thought he was.

"You're just like him!" He yelled.

What is he doing?

"You trick people into loving you so then you can leave them behind without saying shit and making them feel guilty for something they had nothing to do with!" He yelled turning to me, "It's the only reason your little play toy should leave!"

At the moment I saw Zayn's fist started to rise. He can't punch his brother, not even in front of his Mom. I couldn't let this happen so I started to do the only thing possible.

"Paige! No!" Harry yelled as I jumped into scene, gripping Zayn's fist with all my might and pulling it away from Avan.

"Get off!" Zayn angrily yelled, pushing all the force he had on his fist onto me.

I felt my body slightly be lifted into the air, a move I never experienced with other than Zayn. But it was never in this way. My body was crashed, motionless, onto the wall behind him. Hard wood breaking against my back along with some vases and other crystals that were on it. As it felt like the world was in sudden slow motion, the thump my body made against the ground didn't hurt as much as I thought it would.

Sadly I didn't do much. Zayn's force was too much for my body to handle. His anger he had on my before and the anger he has just experienced with his brother had him over the edge. It was too much anger on top of him and that ugly side of Zayn came out. It fled to the front of his mind the way it always does. Only I was so stupid in thinking I could stop him in this stage. I've only seen this once, trying to hit a family member much less, his brother.

The room started to spin. I began to think if I was going crazy when I heard screams start to happen. My eyes were open, wide open. I saw blurry figures of people flood through the door behind Avan. Vanessa was freaking out, trying her best to get to where I laid but couldn't with the amounts of people running in front of her. Even Tess started to scream, she was the one closest to me at that moment and she rushed right to me.

The last one I noticed was Zayn. He stayed standing still but with all the blurred figures I was seeing, I couldn't see his expression.

"Someone, call 911! She's not moving and bleeding!" Tess's voice yelled as I felt her cold hands touch my cheeks.

"Paige, honey please stay with me!" Tess's voice started to be heard in faintly echoes.

My eyes slowly closed but opened quickly. Tess was gone and I felt my body being gripped in the hands of another.

"Zayn?" The words barely made sound.

What's going on? Why am I like this? Why is no one telling me anything?

"No, Paige. Just hold on." His deep and raspy voice whispered. "Everything's going to be okay."

The room started to tune out. The worried girl on the phone talking in great urgency. The few voice left running out the room. Feet running across the hardwood floors as someone yelled to turn off the music. And finally, the sound that scared me the most...

"Zayn! Zayn!"