*Please read the note in the end*

*Aubrey’s P.O.V*

Turning the shower off, I step out dripping wet. Wrapping a towel around my body I head to my room. Zayn was sleeping when I got up, after being in the shower for 5 minutes he came in using the toilet; letting me know that he’s awake now. My bed is unmade; checking the clock it’s 10 AM. I’m going shopping today with Allison and I decided I’ll be taking the girls too. Drying off my body I slip on a pair of shorts and a V-neck, I’ve decided to be casual today. Throwing my head up into a towel I leave my room, heading straight for the kitchen. Zayn sits on a stool at the island; his back faces me as I enter. He’s eating a bowl of cereal as he sits on his phone scrolling through it. I give him a small kiss as I enter “Good morning sweetheart” he says, his voice still groggy from waking up; it instantly reminds me of last night “Sleep well?” I ask, going around as I grab a bowl and spoon for myself “I did, and yourself?” he retaliates, pouring Cap’N Crunch in my bowl “Pretty good” Zayn glances at me over his phone, a thin smile on his lips.

I sit next to him now, pouring the milk “I’m going shopping today..” I add in our light awkwardness “Yeah, any particular reason?” He asks, still staring at my phone. I drop my spoon quite noticeably “Are you serious?” I scoff, Did you seriously forget? He stares at me, no emotion in his face until after 5 seconds he breaks into laughter “I’m joking, I know you’re going to buy a dress for your party tomorrow” He chuckles again, instantly smothering me in kisses; my face still in shock “I was going to smack you” I say playfully “But you are going to be upset with me..” He puts puppy dog eyes on, I want to tell him not to tell me because now I am frightened “I can’t make it to your party.. ”Are. You. Serious? “I’ll make it up to you, I promise” Tears instantly spring to my eyes, this is something I’ve been waiting for because It would be fun for the both us, and if he isn’t going then I might as well forget it. I wipe my eye quickly, jumping out of my seat I run to my room “Aubrey!” I hear Zayn call before I slam the door.

How the fuck could he not go!? We’ve been planning for this since last month; I wanted to make myself look pretty for him and for him not to go!? What the fuck!? “Aubrey please understand” Zayn’s in my room now “Just forget it Zayn, I’m telling my mom I’m not having one” I say, my back facing him “No, don’t do that” He places his hands around my waist, pulling me into a hug “All I want is for you to go” I choke into his chest, he begins stroking my hair “Why can’t you go?” I muffle into his bare skin. He sighs, hesitating on what to say “I have work..” He says kissing my head; I look up at him now “Please come..” I beg softly. He stares down at me sadly, his mouth forming a frown “I’ll see what I can do. Okay?” He coos, rubbing my back “Promise?” I beg once more. He nods “I promise” And with that my tears disappear, I believe him; I don’t know why, but I do.

I back away now, wiping my tears away. We’re silent for a minute before he breaks it “Who are you going shopping with?” He asks, running his hand through his hair. I smile now “Allison, and I was going to ask you if I could bring the girls so they can get a dress too” He smiles when I finish my sentence “That would be very nice Aubrey” He grins to the side and it brings back last night once more. I’ve been asking myself whether I should ask him if he remembers or not, but I’m not sure if I should.

~~~

I finish getting dressed and apply makeup until I’m ready to go. Zayn is in the kitchen as I’m about to leave. He stands as I enter the room “I swear I’ll make it up to you” He promises once more, pulling me into a hug. I don’t say anything but nod slightly into his chest. Ask now Aubrey! “So I’m gonna pick the girls up and then head to the mall” I smile.
“What about Allison?” He asks, tilting his head.

“I’m meeting her there” I say slipping my shoes on. We’re both silent as I head for the door “I’ll see you later then?” He says slinking his arm around my waist “Yeah” I nod firmly. He kisses my lips slowly; it feels passionate; very loving “Zayn?” I ask, pushing him away slightly “Hm?” Just ask him. I pause, taking in a breath “Do you remember last night?” I blink, hoping he’ll say what I want to hear. His mouth is parted slightly, thinking for a moment. He then scratches his head “All I remember is throwing Kevin off you then coming home; and that’s all I remember” He shrugs. I then feel a sudden ping in my heart; my eyes begin to tear up before I quickly blink them away. I knew he didn’t mean it.. My throat starts to hurt as I hold all my feelings in. “Did I do something last night?” He interrupts my thoughts, his face is soft and I can’t help but remember those three words that left his mouth last night. Haunting me. I try to hurry up so I don’t cry in front of him “No, you just got drunk and was acting silly” I shrug, adding a lame chuckle. He eyes me suspiciously, before he could say anything I give him a quick peck “I..” I think quickly, I just completely forgot that he never meant those three words, so I can’t say them back to him. Then he’ll look at me funny and probably leave.

“I’ll see you later” I quickly cover it up as I peck him on his mouth and head to my car. I quickly get in, starting it and driving away. I don’t go very far until I park in an empty parking space. Locking the doors I let the tears stream down my face. You probably think it’s stupid but I actually care for Zayn to the point where I’d take a bullet for him. I love him. Yes, I love him. And it hurts so much to know that he said those words last night just for them to blow up in my face. Where is this relationship going? Are we even going to be together? If he left me I think my heart would literally break in half. I’m just thinking to fast aren’t I? Am I thinking too much about the future? How could he NOT remember last night? I know he was drunk but it’s not that hard to forget something so serious to be said. Can you?

After taking five minutes to myself to let everything out I feel a little better. I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe he did mean it. He just doesn’t remember. I wipe my eyes, opening the visor I fix the little makeup that managed to run down my cheeks. Once finished I drive away from that spot. And head down the street to pick up Katie and Alexis.

~~~

“Where are we going?” Katie asks in the back seat. I look at her through the rear view mirror “We’re going shopping” I smile “Really? For what?” Alexis chimes in, looking away from her window “My birthday is coming up so we need dresses to wear. Don’t we?” I smile in the rearview mirror again. They begin to squeal and jump with excitement. I chuckle as I make a left “Can we pick what we want?” Katie asks, stopping herself from being so overjoyed. I nod “Yup, it has to have some sort of gold on it though” I say before turning on the radio. We’re silent for 5 minutes until Alexis perches up “How old are you turning Aubrey?” I smile as I look at them again “21” They both look out there windows “Can you put Taylor Swift in?” Katie asks innocently. I chuckle lightly as I pull ‘1989’ from the case. The girls do faint ‘yays’ as I push it in. ‘Welcome to New York’ begins to play and I turn it up louder than usual as we all begin to sing along loudly to it.

After taking 10 minutes to find a parking space I cut the engine. The place is packed today “Please stay close to me girls” I wouldn’t want anything to happen to them. I lock the car before we started heading for the doors. Katie and Alexis surprisingly grab ahold of my hands. I almost stop in my tracks from the sudden realization but I grip their hands tighter and continue. Ever since Zayn told me about Britney I’ve planned on trying to be subtle with the girls and try to take things slow with motherly objectives, I don’t want to scare them. I’m glad they’re beginning to trust me though. Finally inside I check my phone to see where Allison is. Her text explains that she’s in the lunch wing, and that’s directly where we head. The girls still stay very close as we make our way through the people. Looking through everyone that walks by us I finally catch Allison sitting at a table sucking on a soda as she sits talking next to someone.

“Allison” I call as I take 3 strides before I’m next to her. She instantly smiles and stands “Aubrey, you’re finally here” we giggle as we hug “Hi girls” Allison smiles wider this time down to Alexis and Katie. Holding out her hand they give her a high five “So this is my friend Sam I met a few days ago. I hope it’s okay she came” Allison gives me a hopeful look. I stare at Sam, trying to determine what she’s like. She’s very pretty, her red hair falls down her back nicely and her green eyes look hopeful. I smile ”Hi” I wave “And um, I was kinda hoping she could come to your birthday tomorrow?” I look at Sam with a grin. I’m sure it’ll be fun. “Sure, I don’t mind” I shrug. “Yayy” Allison claps happily “So I think we should start looking around then?” Allison tilts her head “Yeah we should” Katie and Alexis immediately take a hold of my hands.

~~~

After looking in half of the stores we head into a new store that was just put in “Le princess boutique” the fancy calligraphy sign read. The girls’ eyes literally pop out “Woow” they enthuse. I don’t blame them though, the dresses were gorgeous. “Can we go look around please?” Alexis begs with her eyes. I nod “Okay, but please stick together and stay in this store. Okay?” I reassure “We promise” they nod before running off to a white gown. “These are really pretty oh my goodness” Sam says looking at a price tag of a black dress “Wait there are other departments” Allison points out. Two other doorways say “Princess” and “Accessories” in the fancy calligraphy. I enter the princess doorway and more gowns sit on mannequins and hung up on hangers. All sorts of colors of gowns and all sorts of different types. I instantly begin to wonder what color I want or what design I want; things I hadn’t really thought about until getting here.

“Oh my gosh, this is soo cute” I hear Sam say out loud. I turn in her direction; her back faces me. I put on a light smile and make my way towards her; the baby blue gown sits on a mannequin. The blue straps are gorgeous with studded detail around the neck “That is really cute” I say, now next to her. She looks down at me, seeing as how she was naturally taller than I was “You think? I think I might get it” She tilts her head abit, adoring the dress “Why don’t you try it on?” I ask, throwing in the offer “I think I will” she says before walking away to find someone to help her. I take one last look at the gown and hope I can find something that I’ll like myself. Moving to the other side of the room I pan my hands along the dresses that hang on racks, in which none catch my eye.

Walking by another arch I instantly stop, spinning myself around and glancing back inside. A very light pink gown sits in the corner of the room; my feet begin moving before I could even think to do so. It’s absolutely beautiful. The corset studded with jewels as the bottoms flows like the waves in the ocean, it’s absolutely perfect. Pink was a color I never thought I would choose but I can’t pass this up. Looking around I see a lady who looks as though she works here “Excuse me!?” I call. She turns on her heel “Yes?” She puts on a pretty smile as she walks over to me “Um, could I try this on?” I put on a shy smile. The ladies’ face goes blank “I’m sorry but this gown is part of the new collection coming in next month, this one is just to show the collection coming in next” I instantly have the urge to cry, I’ve never wanted a dress so bad before “A-are you sure there’s nothing you can do?” I ask, blinking my oncoming tears away. She frowns, instantly feeling bad “Wait here, let me check with my boss and see what I can do okay?” She gives me a reassuring smile as she ushers away.

Then I’m left here, with this beautiful gown that I probably can’t have. I bite back the tears as I circle around it; admiring the corset and feeling the smooth material “Aubrey!” I hear a very familiar girls’ voice, Katie stands behind me “Hey Katie” I weakly smile “That’s a pretty dress” she states pointing to it “I know, I want it” I say, circling around it for the fourth time. Before she could say anything more I speak up “I’m not sure if I can though, it’s the only one..” I hear Katie’s breath catch in her throat “Well I have good news!!” the woman is back with a clipboard, I turn my frown upside down as she’s only a foot ahead of me “So the only way you can get this is dress is if you pay in full right now, you also have to become a member of the store..” I smile instantly “Yes, yes of course” I almost jump in the air from happiness, now reading the ladies’ name tag it says ‘Dianne’ I wrap my arms around her “Thank you so much Dianne”
“You’re very lucky, it’s the only dress of it’s kind”

*Zayn’s P.O.V*

Putting the car in park I turn the ignition. I sit back in my seat, closing my eyes and try steadying my breathing. I can’t believe I’m about to do this, but you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. Hopping out of the car I click the button to lock the doors and shove the keys in my pocket. Walking up the steps to Aubrey’s mother’s house I stop, quickly fixing my hair and adjusting myself before I ring the doorbell. A minute goes by until a very familiar looking man answers “Mr. Malik?” his eyes widen in surprise. I had forgotten his name until it bursts from my mouth “Rupert” I side smile, yes it is very odd that I am here “Is Ms. Jackson in?” I ask kindly hoping he won’t make me leave “She is. Please come in” He opens the large door wider now, allowing me inside “Please follow me” He nods as he shuts the door.

Following him up the large staircase we take a left down the long hallway. He motions for me to stop as he lightly knocks on a cream colored door “Come in” Miss. Jackson’s faint voice is quiet on the other side of the door. Rupert leans himself in “You have a visitor Miss” I gulp nervously, what if she makes me leave? What if, she turns around and actually hates me? “Let them in” she says and that’s when my heart beat quickens, it’s a matter of life and death at the moment “Come on” Rupert waves me in. Nervously, I take a small step after the next. Her face is lit up as I enter, her white teeth shining and her blue eyes bright with joy. I believe this room is her office, seeing as how she sits in a big spinny chair in front of a large mahogany desk. Different colored folders sit in a pile on the corner of the desk; A sketch book sits in the center; and a white fancy phone sits in the other corner. The room is cream colored, and somewhat cozy. Entering I nervously gulp “Hello Miss. Jackson”

“Why hello Zayn, it has been a while” She beams. “Please, sit” She motions to the comfy seat in front of me. I oblige; plopping myself in it “Rupert, could you please get me a tea? Would you like anything Zayn?” She asks, giving me bright eyes “Uh, could I just get a soda?” I shrug, my nerves far from gone. Rupert nods and leaves, leaving Miss. Jackson and I alone “So what can I help you with Zayn? Is Aubrey okay?” A sudden nervousness hits her voice as she asks the last question, I quickly reassure her “Aubrey is fine” She breathes naturally again “How are the girls?” She tilts her head to the side, I smile to the thought of her nice question “They’re fine” I nod, my giddiness begins to disappear making me feel more comfortable “I have come to ask a favor..” I begin to regret showing up here. No Zayn, you can do this. “Uh-huh, and what is that?” She leans back in her chair, folding her arms in front of her. “Well Miss. Jackso-Zayn please call me Julie” She scolds lightly, I nervously scratch my head “Sorry. Julie, I um” I stop, highly unsure on how to explain myself. Looking through my lashes Julie stares at me with a gentle smile, I think she knows I’m nervous.

I take a breath and decide to just let It out “You had asked me if I could do some modeling for you.. And I read online that you could get a couple hundred each shoot..” A smile instantly hits her face “May I ask why you’ve decided to do this? Because I know you didn’t want to in the first place” She raises an eyebrow. She’s right, it was never on my bucket list; but I need to do this for Aubrey. I begin to bite my lip, my nerves kicking in again “Well, the gift I want to give Aubrey was my grandmother’s. It’s in storage, so that’s why I need the money..” She nods subtly, playing with the ring on her finger “I see..” I gulp nervously “Zayn, I could have loaned you the money. It’s no problem” She smiles and I start shaking my head “Thank you, but I’d rather earn the money then just receive it for doing nothing” She opens her mouth to say something, but is interrupted by a knock on the door “Yes?” she calls lightly.

Rupert opens the door and comes in carrying a tray “Your tea miss” he says while shutting the door behind himself. He stands next to me as he hands me an orange soda, I instantly reminisce that orange is Aubrey’s favorite flavor “Thank you” I nod up to Rupert who only smiles. He now stands next to Miss. Jackson as he sets the tray on a stand that he had unfolded from the corner “Thank you Rupert, that’ll be all” she smiles once more before he leaves the room again. She’s such a sweet lady, I wish my mom was like her.. I’m bounced from my thoughts to Miss. Jackson’s voice “Well Zayn, the only thing I can do is call my photographer and set up a shoot in town. Is that okay?” She raises an eyebrow again; Thank you so much, you are my savior. I almost jump out of my seat; this day is going quite well so far.

“Thank you so much” I try to say calmly but it does come out a bit edgy “No problem Zayn” She smiles as she reaches for the white phone on her desk “Um, where is the restroom?” I get up as I ask the question, the phone is to her ear as she looks up at me “Down the hall, second door on the left” she points before she starts pressing keys on the phone as I leave the room. I follow her directions as I enter a very clean and cozy looking bathroom.

~~~

Finishing up my business I zip up my pants and head over to the sink. Turning it on I wet my hands, grabbing the pretty White Sea shell soaps I rub them in my hands. As I go to grab the hand towel my phone starts to ring. I quickly wipe my hands, pulling my phone out the screen shows Aubrey’s name, I quickly hit ‘Answer’ “Hello?”

“Hi Zayn, what are you up too?”

“Hi baby, I’m uh. Just watching some TV. What about you?”

She pauses for a moment, she’s smiling on the other side; I’ve noticed she likes It when I call her really cute names.

“I’m on my way to my mom’s house. I bought the dress I wanted, it’s so beautiful. The girls’ dresses are gorgeous as well”

My mouth instantly drops “You-you’re on your way to your mom’s?” Maybe I just misheard her.
“Yeah, is that okay?” She’s a little sarcastic “Y-Yeah of course! I just thought you said something else” I sheepishly grin; I wish she did say something else. Because now everything is ruined. She’s going to find me here and everything is just going to go wrong.
“Well I have to go now; I’m driving up to my mom’s now”

Shit! Shit shit shit shit “Bye babe” I quickly say before I hang up on her, practically running out of the bathroom and down the hallway. I knock quite profusely on Miss. Jackson’s door. Shit shit shit SHIT SHIT SHIT. I begin to panic, Aubrey could be here any minute “Come in” her voice is faint on the other side. Slamming the door noticeably behind me Miss. Jackson looks at me strangely “Is everything alright Zayn?”

“Aubrey is here, she doesn’t know I’m here and she isn’t supposed to know. What do I do?” I panic more and more every passing minute “Wait what?” Miss. Jackson stands “She’s almost here and she can’t know I’m here” I almost yell, but somehow I’m able to keep it inside “Mom!? Where are you?” Aubrey yells, you can hear her running up the stairs “Shit” I curse aloud, looking at Miss. Jackson with fear in my eyes “Quick” before I know it she’s running towards the door on the other side of the room, I didn’t notice it before due to the fact it blends into the wall “In here” She opens the door, pointing me inside. I quickly oblige, running towards her “Mooomm!!?” Aubrey is closer now, coming towards this room.

Entering the room, the door is shut behind me. A second later Aubrey enters the door on the other side “Mom, hey how are you?” she’s slightly out of breath, and once again I can tell she’s smiling widely “Hello sweetheart, how are you?” they both begin to carry on a conversation. Releasing a breath I didn’t realize I was holding in feels great on my lungs. Turning around, there are sketch stands with sketches on them; at least 5 of them sit in here. All the books are open, each one having a different sketch on them. Stepping closer, they’re fashion sketches. Each one portraying a mannequin wearing a gown, I tilt my head admiring one of them, this one kind of looks like Aubrey wearing a dress; it looks like a wedding gown. The detail is beautiful and it’s kind of remarkable that Miss. Jackson has drawn in all these. This must be her art room, most artists have these. It’s where there thoughts and art come to life, sometimes it’s where people escape and let their minds go wild.

I’m not much into woman’s clothing, but these are really good “Mom, you have to see this dress I bought, It’s so pretty” I hear Aubrey again and decide to get closer to the door, I wonder what it looks like. I almost consider opening the door to take a peak but I don’t want to risk getting caught. “Let me see” Miss. Jackson says as I hear a zipper, there’s silence then Miss. Jackson’s voice is noticeably loud “Zayn is going to love this dress” I roll my eyes, knowing that she is tempting me on purpose. “Who’s car is that in the driveway?” My breath catches in my throat. Oh shit. Miss. Jackson is completely silent until something comes to mind “It’s uh, I bought a new car” She says it so lamely anyone could tell she’s lying. But luckily Aubrey falls for it and I breathe once again.

Oh and I know you’re mad at me for saying I can’t go to Aubrey’s party, but I lied. I’m just going to be fashionably late.

Notes

So of course I'm sorry it took forever for me to post this but it was because I got really sick for a while and I had to go to the hospital a few times and yeah. But anyways, I'm alive and I'm well and I know this chapter sucks. But some really juicy stuff is coming up ;) so stay tuned. I also posted this story on wattpad so it's easier for people to read it. If you have questions you can follow me and ask me at my new tumblr www.fuck-louis.tumblr.com also I need someone to handle a twitter account. I need someone who can tweet as Aubrey and Zayn so if you're interested please message me :) Don't be shy. and omg honestly, 80,000 views. THAT IS ALOT! thank you so much. I love you all so much <3 Please share this story with friends and anyone else it helps alot. I'll see you soon. mwah :*