"I'm going with him." I turned around to face Kennedy.

The worry in her eyes was clear she didn't want me to. But I'm not a baby anymore and she needs to understand that.

"Not alone your not." She nodded her head, turning to Liam and politely asking, "Excuse me but do think there's room for one more?"

Liam looked back and nodded. "Hop in!"

Kennedy and I immediately swung the car's door open, me taking the front and her taking the back. We strapped on and before we knew it, Liam started driving.

Worry washed through my body just at the thoughts of what stupid thing Liam could be talking about that Zayn's doing. Why would he, anyways? I hope he just isn't going to fight, that's all I can think of right now.

Liam raced us out of what seemed to be town itself. I was worried what Zayn would be doing here. One thing's for sure, it was private enough to get away with murder. No, but he wouldn't do that. I know he's better than that and I'm only going to put more worry on top of the one I already have.

I looked back at Liam. He kept his foot accelerating on the pedal, I thought he was never going to slow down and that just finished my nerves to the point where I'm starting to shake.

"Liam?" I gently shook his shoulder.

Kennedy looked at me and I looked back at her, holding contact for a while until I decided to try again.

"Liam? Slow down!" I exclaimed looking onto the road ahead of us.

He finally snapped out, showing down to look back at me. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Are you okay?" I asked looking at him very concerned.

He woke himself up, shuffling his body in a better position on the car seat. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

"I can take the wheel if you want?" Kennedy offered, also moving forward to sit between the two chairs Liam and I were occupying.

"No, I'm okay, really." He nodded his head looking back at us. "It's just.. Zayn has an insane mind, you know what I'm talking about, Paige."

"What does he mean he has an insane mind?" Kennedy asked, mainly looking at me.

"I mean like, he wants things done a certain way. His way. And he'll do anything to get that." Liam answered, speeding back the car again. "This morning, we were all working. He got a call before we left and he didn't seem so happy. I think it was that Ezra guy, no one makes him angrier."

Ezra. I knew it. It's always him who makes Zayn turn this way. Turn into something he's not.

Liam drove faster. This time, I allowed him. I was just as angry and wanted to get there as soon as possible.

"What do you think he might be doing?" Kennedy asked referring to both of us.

Lord I hope it's not a fight. I would tell her, I really would, but I'm afraid she might not see Zayn as a good influence and maybe change our parents minds. I know it sounds nothing like Kennedy but I'm only speaking in the lowest standards here.

"Well, Zayn didn't leave our job.. In his car.." He continued.

I looked at him in the most confused face ever. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, he took one of the cars he was working on. You know.. to go back street racing?"

"What's that?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows.

"It's dangerous.." Liam continued.

"And illegal!" Kennedy finished off, looking at me as if what Zayn was about to do was something completely abnormal coming from him. "Paige, this is nothing like him? He seemed so nice that night during dinner?"

I turned around in my seat to get a better look at her. Well, the mystery was reveled and there's no way in hiding it any more. But I'm committing to myself right now that no matter what anyone says, I'm staying with Zayn.

"Kennedy, there's a lot more to Zayn than anyone's ever seen. This is exactly like him.. When he's angry." I explained, not wanting to give away much information.

Kennedy remained quiet, absorbing the information she just received. I didn't know what she was going to do, nonetheless, say. She's always been scary in a way that no one but me can really know what it feels like.

"Paige..." She almost groaned

"Uhh, sorry to interrupt your little conversation but I think we have more important things to worry about." Liam continued, stopping his car in front of a huge avoided abandoned street. Only it wasn't as empty as I suspected.

My eyes quickly widened at the sight of a huge mob of people, all crowding around what I already knew was Zayn. Without saying another word, I swung the door open of Liam's car and rushed out.

The noise here was crazy loud, all cheering for what was about to happen. I made countless amount of effort to swivel myself through them to get to the center of all of this. It was hard, most people were rude but I was mostly concerned about the guy on the other side.

I finally made it thanks to the harsh push one man gave me. Soon to land behind a tall male in a leather jacket and light black jeans...

He was getting his equipment ready, not really paying much attention to the attention he was getting. That's definitely him.

"Zayn!" I called out, catching my breath under my voice.

He turned around, bringing back down the helmet he was about to wear back down. The face of shock he showed made me realize he didn't want me to know about this.

He didn't say a word, only looked back at the crowd and when he came back to make eye contact with me, he licked his lower lip and whispered.. I'm sorry.

I wasn't going to let him do this. My feet ran up to him, stepping in front of him with an aggravated look in face but mostly scared. By the judgment of these streets he's about to race in, he might crash!

"What exactly do you think you're doing?"

He looked around, opening his mouth as he was about to speak but I didn't let him.

"Is this about Ezra?" I exclaimed. "What did he say now?"

He shook his head, hand resting over my shoulder in effort to calm me down. "Paige this has nothing to do with him, okay. I got a call from my Mum today, told me that the neighborhood watch wanted her out of the house before this week. I have to find the money to get her and Avan out."

"And this is your answer!? No! Zayn I have the money, I can give it to you and--"

"No!" He interrupted me, "I'm not going to let you. None of this concerns you."

"But--"

"But nothing." He interrupted, stopping once he noticed his voice was getting pretty loud. I know it wasn't his intention, and he realized what he's done. I'm not bothered by it, more like understanding.

So now I know it wasn't Ezra who called. It was his Mom.

"I'm going to race." He looked down at me. "It's the only way I can get my Mom out of there."

"How!" I exclaimed, eyes trying to tear up but I wouldn't let them.

He flicked his vision towards a big billboard announcing the race plus a little something extra in the bottom.

"The grand price is 50 grand." He spoke, my head still turned away from his.

When I turned around he looked a bit scared. I can tell by the way his bottom lip nearly trembled while he sighed. "I can't take fifty thousand dollars from you. I know it's not there."

"Then I'll get some people to pitch in?" I begged, grabbing the side collars of his leather jacket between my fingers.

He shook his head in disagreement, moving my hands away from him. "Stop trying to help, Paige. It's only going to make me angrier."

He turned around, waking over to what seemed to be his pit crew and having me racing after him. "Zayn! What can possibly be going though your head right now? This isn't the answer to your problems. You have to learn to face them, not run away. It's never such a bad idea to have help from others, especially at times like this. Please, Zayn, don't do this!"

"You don't understand, Paige!" He turned around, angrily pinning his eyes at me and yet again, raising his voice.

I remained silent, stunned to see him act this way towards me. He noticed too and immediately regretted it. His hand went out to grab my shoulder but I withdrew before he had the chance. The face of shock still present on my expression. This can't be happening. Not again. Not so soon.

He clutched his hand back together, biting down hard on his lips inside his mouth as his arm moved back away from me.

"Can I at least have a kiss?" He spoke shortly after. "For good luck?"

Right now I wasn't up for him. Not for the way he's been acting and certainly not for what he's about to do. It's like he doesn't want me to make a decision. His ambition is taking out the worse in him, again, and it isn't going to turn out all rainbows and butterflies.

I took a big step back, crashing into someone to have them rudely shout at me. Zayn looked at the man in anger, already he started yelling at him saying words too much for me to repeat. The man looked at him with the same terrified look, only I wasn't terrified. Like I said before, Zayn doesn't scare me. But he certainly does already find a way to surprise me. I took action once again as I saw Zayn about to attack the guy. I moved him away, giving the guy a chance to walk away. Zayn was about to talk but I didn't let him.

"No Zayn!" I exclaimed, "Just.. Stop." My voice cracked a little in the end.

Zayn's eyes looked at me in complete guilt. I knew right there what I've done. What we've both done. I couldn't stand another second liking at him because it only reminded me of what he was going to do. And how he wanted no part with me in it since he won't listen to what I have to say. My feet backed away again, soon running straight back into the sea of people without saying another word.

"There she is!" A voice similar to Kennedy's sounded over the roaring music that begun to play.

I turned over to where her voice came from to see her rush past the people. Liam behind her.

"Paige! Are you crazy!" She exclaimed. "You can't just run off like that?"

"Did you find Zayn?" Liam asked.

I looked down, nodding my head. "Yes." "But he's not stopping."

"What do you mean?" Liam asked.

I looked up, sighing. "I mean his Mom called. They need the money and he's racing."

Kennedy was now starting to understand what was going on. Liam on the other hand, was just as upset about this as I was.

"You can't let him do that." Liam pointed out the obvious.

"Actually I can." I sighed, "There's nothing I can do about it anymore."

"Paige, what are you talking about?" He looked at me as if I was crazy. "You are the only girl I've ever known who's had the guts to walk up to him when he's about to lose his mind and actually talk him out of it!"

The sun was beginning to set. Lights were beginning to go on as the music only got louder, crowd got crazier. I finished watching the area around me, finally coming to a realization about what he was taking about. It was then I looked back at him, eyes widened before glancing back where the people about to race were getting ready to start. I'd say there was about ten cars racing, all for the grand price. It was then I spotted Zayn, a look of rethinking everything was clear to notice in his face. I still had a chance. But there's still something I forgot to do.

I left Kennedy and Liam without saying a word. My feet sprinted up to where a red car stood parked. Zayn opening the door to get in.

"Zayn!" I yelled reaching him, making him stop his actions from getting into the car. He look worried as I stopped in front of him.

"Paige are you--"

"Please don't do this, Zayn."

He sighed, looking around before meeting my eyes again. "Didn't we just do this?"

"It's not worth it, Zayn. I know how this goes. One small hit from another car, you're off the road and flipped upside down."

"Paige, I'm sure you'll do whatever it takes to help your family. So let me help mine. By myself." He spoke in determination. His hand then slowly came up to my cheek, smiling as his warm thumb traced small circles around it. I fluttered my eyes closed, sighing to myself almost in a way of giving up completely. I waited for what I knew he was going to do, but it never happened. My eyes penned again as I felt his large hand withdraw from my face. He seemed sad, wanting to do it but just not sure if he should. His body slowly started turning, hands raising to place his helmet over his head. I stopped him before he did.

"Paige I really don't--"

He didn't have time to finish, for I wrapped my arms around his neck, crashing my lips into his. He seemed startled at first but easily gave in. I pulled away shortly after, forcing my lips to curve into a small smile. It's the only thing I could do right now.

"Go kick some ass." I chuckled.

Zayn laughed along, leaning in to kiss me one last time. He backed away, finally putting on his full face helmet and hopping in the driver's seat of the car.

I stepped forward, leaning down into the open window of his car. My expression changed completely, and it wasn't for the better. "Be careful, please?"

He started his engine, my heart begun to race. Zayn nodded his head and gave me a thumbs up.

I didn't know when to move until I felt two equally large hands grab my arms. I was stunned at first but then only saw it was Louis.

"I got her." He smiled. "Good luck mate."

Slowly, Louis moved us out of the racing space and let go of his grip on me.

"So I guess you found out, huh?" He asked, gently patting my back.

My silence was all he needed for an answer.

"He wanted to tell you, he really did. But he didn't want to worry you." It was almost as if he thought I was angry. Truthfully, I wasn't. How could I be angry at something it's already to back out from. At least I know he's doing it for a good reason. I'm not saying I'm 100% with this, but I'm not against it either. I have to support him.

"It's okay, Louis." I smiled, nodding my head.

When I looked up, I was stunned to see Niall, Harry, and Vanessa, all now joined with Liam and my sister. Louis and I rushed to them, noticing the happy expressions in their face.

"Nah, he's ready. You'll see." Harry smiled, arm around Vanessa's shoulder.

"It's still stupid!" Vanessa argued.

"That's because you're a girl." Niall chuckled, taking a quick sip from the crystal bottle before speaking again. "He'll be fine."

"Hi guys." I smiled.

"Paige!" They all exclaimed, all a little surprised and nervous.

"W-What are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"Guys, she knows already." Liam crossed his arms over his chest, stopping to smile at me.

"Well, don't worry." Harry smiled, "You know Zayn, nothing scares him."

I knew that wasn't true. We all have something we fear. Mine is losing the people I love. Of course something scares Zayn, he's human right? He might just want his feelings to be secret, not exposed to others so they don't point it out against him. That's how at least I see it.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" The loud speaker sounded, causing all of our attention to go towards the cars behind the checkered starting line. "Welcome to the back street racing event with a grand price worth the risk! Now as you can see, our racers are just about to begin. Please take a few steps behind the railings and we'll begin in 1 minute!"

I grew more worried and worried by the second. It came to the point where it became pretty noticeable and I wasn't surprised it was Kennedy the first to see it.

"Paige? Are you okay? You look a little pale?" Her hand stretched over to feel my forehead but I shook my head.

"I-I'm fine, really." I smiled.

"Noo.. I don't think so." Louis shook his head. "Are you.. Scared?"

Of course I was! But there's no way I'm admitting it. I need to stay here to see what happens, to make sure he's safe and gets home alright. That's not going to happen if I admit it because Kennedy will take me away the next second.

"No, of course not." I smiled, shaking my head in disagreement.

"Paige, do you actually think I'm that stupid?" Kennedy furrowed her eyebrows, grabbing my wrist. "Come on, your done here."

"No!" I exclaimed, "I have to make sure Zayn doesn't get hurt!"

Kennedy looked back at me. "Are you kidding me? Zayn's old enough to take care of himself. Right now, I'm sure he'll want you home, safe and away from this. You look like you're about to pass out!"

"Paige, I think you should listen to your sister." Liam reached an arm out to me.

"I'm fine!" I exclaimed. "Why can no one see that?"

"Well we can see your changing colors." Niall pointed out. I didn't know if he was playing or not but chose to ignore it.

"You should go home." Harry nodded.

"See! Even your friends think you should leave." Kennedy grabbed my arm again.

"We'll make sure nothing bad happens to him." Vanessa looked at me sincere.

I didn't want to leave, but in the same time I knew they were right. I couldn't stand here, watching my boyfriend race in a death race. It's too much and the worst part is that I can only watch.

"Come on." Kennedy smiled. "We know he's going to win."

Somewhat, that reassured me of the good thing that comes out of this. She made me feel better and before I knew it, I was already under her arm as she walked us away. We waved goodbye and Liam also decided to join us so he can drive. I almost forgot Kennedy didn't have a car here.

***

I felt heavy under my sheets. Eyes closed, dreaming of one thing in particular. Zayn. He will win, I just know it. I hope he understands why I left. I nearly fainted in the backseat of Liam's car. By the time I got home, I was nearly passed out. The last thing I remember is Kennedy giving me some medicine and Liam placing me in my bed, all tucked in with the white sheets.

It was still cold tonight. I felt it in the atmosphere around my room. It was also quite, too quiet. I'm sure Kennedy stayed over tonight. She's probably sleeping in our parents room right now, far, far away from mine. But that's good I guess. The only thing that still works me though is that race. How come no one's called me yet? Maybe a quick text? Can that thing really last this long?

I was immediately startled once I heard a loud ringing noise vine from the other side I was laying on. My eyes fluttered open to a blurry room, hands finding a way towards the light of my phone screen. The object was grabbed in my hand, finding it difficult to wake up. I guess I found myself more awakened in my mind.

"Mmm.. Hello?" I asked in a sleepy voice, eyes trying to adjust to the minimum amount of light in the room.

"Paige?" The familiar voice sounded exhausted.

"Who is this?" I furrowed my eyebrows, looking at my alarm clock to see the time it read. 3:12 a.m.

"Oh, it's um.. Harry."

"Harry? Uh.. Hi?" I was still confused about this, shifting myself to plop up an elbow on my mattress. "What's going on? Is everything?"

I was going to ask him about the race but his tone worried me a little bit more at the moment.

"Actually no.."

I sat up comely straight this time, running a hand down my hair as a million thoughts rushed to the front of my brain. "What happened?"

"Um.. I really hate doing this to you since I know you were sleeping and weren't feeling so good before--"

"Tell me, it's okay." I interrupted him.

"It's Zayn again..." He continued, voice beginning to crack and then clearing out his throat. "He's um.. In jail."

"Jail?" I breadth out.

This can't be happening.