Show Me The Way
Chapter 17
EVIE’S POV:
We spent most of Christmas Eve Day just doing a lot of nothing. All of Zayn’s sisters tortured him by showing me old pictures and telling me stories that he would never dare tell me. I helped his mom cook, while Zayn watched and was absolutely no help at all. It was great; there was Christmas music playing and their tree was beautiful and it felt good to be here. Patricia had told me about a party at their family's house tonight and asked if I would want to go. I didn’t tell her that I had already heard about the party when I had accidently woken up and eavesdropped on their conversation, but I agreed and she seemed happy.
“You really think I need to wear a tie?” Zayn asked, digging through the small suitcase he packed. “I don’t think I even brought a tie. I don’t think I need a tie.” I just watched him, amused with how confused he looked, attempting to find something to wear besides his usual ‘It looks like I just throwed this on yet I look perfect in a completely unintentional way’ style.
“I think you’ll do just fine without a tie.” I said.
“I guess. My Aunt Iris can be kinda judgemental about - me. She thinks i’m gonna end up ‘a washed up druggie with no future’. Her words, not mine. So, I tie would really help in this situation.
“So I’m gonna go with something that covers up the tattoos too?”
“Definitely.”
“Then just... wear this.” I said, grabbing a dark green crew neck sweater from his bag, throwing it at him. “And this-” I found a wrinkled denim button up shirt. “-But don’t do the thing where you pull the sleeves up. We’re going for clean-cut. Oh! And you’ll get extra points for actually ironing it.”
“You’re really good at this.” Zayn said, seeming in awe of my skills. I felt pretty proud.
“I know. I used to pick out all my brother’s ‘fancy’ outfits for when we had to go to my grandparents for Sunday dinner. It’s a gift.” He laughed.
“So what were you gonna wear?” Zayn asked, taking the few steps between us until he was so close, I could smell his cologne.
“Not sure. Why, what were you thinking?”
“Well, I think you look extremely fit in everything...”
“And I think you’re full of shit.” I giggled, laughing off his compliment due to the fact that his voice was so low and sexy that I could hardly stand it.
“You think i’m kidding?”
“I think you’re sweet, but not stupid.”
“You’re wrong. I think you look good when you wake up, and you’re hair’s all messy...” He spoke slowly, tugging on a lock of my hair. “...I also think you look good when you’re working, and your hair is up, and some of it falls in your face...” He stopped again, tucking that same hair behind my ear. “...And I think you look good in my shirt...” He smirked. “... And I think you look good right now.” My heart dipped in my chest as he looked at me with dark, hypnotizing eyes. His hand grazed my hip, pulling the bottom of my shirt up slightly, revealing bare skin. And while half of me wanted to attack him right this second, the sensible part of me was aware of the situation.
“You do know that not only your sisters, but your mom, is right downstairs?” I giggled, trying to get rid of the butterflies in my stomach.
Zayn sighed, “Yeah, alright, good point.” He huffed, putting random articles of clothing that he had thrown across the floor back into his bag. “But I’m telling the truth, about the other thing.” I just smiled, unable to do anything else. My insecure instinct told me to retaliate, telling him that I most definitely do not look good when i’ve been working at the cafe for five hours and my hair is a complete disaster and I can barely think straight. But he was sweet to say these things, and I knew how lucky I was.
- -
“Do you think this is okay?” I said, self conscious of my navy dress. It was the dressiest thing I had brought, but ever since Zayn told me about his Aunt’s high expectations,I had second guessed everything about my outfit; was it okay to wear my hair down or did it look like I hadn’t put any effort into it? Was red lipstick too much? Did I wanted to wear heels or was that trying too hard? Luckily, I had given myself plenty of extra time, and everything worked out alright.
I had just walked into Zayn’s room, fully dressed. He was still just wearing a pair of black chino’s, his bare chest exposed as he styled his hair in the mirror. But when I came in, he turned around.
“It’s better than okay.” He smiled, giving me an approving nod. “And don’t worry, my Aunt Iris doesn’t judge everyone harshly. Just me.”
“Yeah, but all she’ll know about me is that I’m with you. So I think that makes me open to be judged harshly by association.” He brushed off my comment. He didn’t want to hurt my feelings, even though I was right.
10 minutes later he was ready to go. Patricia had suggested we take separate cars in case we wanted to leave a bit earlier. She had said something along the lines of “Aunt Iris can talk for hours, I wouldn't make Evie sit through that. Only one of us really needs to be tortured this evening.” Patricia was so sweet, I couldn’t believe how easy she was to talk to.
As Zayn and I drove together, the radio playing quietly, he told me about the things that we passed; his old schools, the park where he had his first cigarette, the house he lived in when he was little.... All of the things that made up parts of his life. I felt like this trip was exactly what we both needed. It was bringing me closer to Zayn, even closer than we already were. I felt a serene calmness as we drove through the snow.
* * *
ZAYN’S POV:
“Zayn, you’re here, how lovely. I wasn’t sure if we should be expecting you.” This is the first thing my Aunt says when she sees me walk through her front door. Her house is the same; bigger and fancier than anything I ever lived in. It still felt cold and empty, like a museum.
“Hi Aunt Iris, how are you?” I say through gritted teeth. Evie can sense my annoyance immediately, with our hands clasped together she gently runs her thumb over my knuckles, letting me know that she’s there. It helps.
“I’m lovely, and you? Been arrested yet?”
“Not yet.”
“I’m just joking, dear. Not need to be upset. I hear you’re doing quite well for yourself, even without a real job at the moment. And this must be the girl your mother was telling me about-” She stopped, her eyes narrowing at Evie.
“I’m Evie Baylor, nice to meet you.” Evie said confidently, sticking a hand out for her to shake. “Yo have a lovely home. Was that a Michaela Meise I saw in the foyer?”
Aunt Iris seemed stunned, blinking several times in astonishment. “Yes, yes it was, well- Thank you.” She shook Evie’s hand tentatively. “Zayn, I believe your mother is in the other room. Help yourself to things in the kitchen.” She said, turning around and starting a new conversation with someone else.
“How did you do that?” I was stunned, and she was acting like it was no big deal.
“What?”
“Um, that-” I waved my hand in front of us. “- I’ve known that woman my entire life and she’s always hated me, no matter what I said to try and fix it. And just like that, you got her to stop talking. She seemed to like you.”
Evie shrugged, “I dunno, another one of my skills?” She said, smiling and pulling my arm to lead me into the other room.
- -
We milled around for a bit. Even though I was allowed to drink, I thought it would be better if my family didn’t see me. So, I sipped on what looked like tea, but was actually scotch. Evie was sticking with her Diet Coke, and poking me in the ribs every time I leaned into her, lowering my gaze.
“You’re drunk.” She giggled.
“I’m not...” I said. Um, yes I was. “You just, smell really nice.” My words slurred as I leant against the wall, leaning my head down to bury my nose in her hair. It smelled like heaven, like Evie. I pressed my hand to the small of her back, urging her towards me. “C’mon.. let’s get outta here...”
“Zayn, it’s only been like, an hour.”
“That’s plenty of time. Please? My mum said we could go. She won’t mind. Plus, we’ll have the house to ourselves...” She looked up at me from the corner of her eye, an amused smile on her face. “I saw that look. You wanna go too.”
“Fine, but we ha-”
“Evie?!” I heard the voice of one of my sister say. “Is he drunk?” It was Doniya. She had seen me like this dozens of times, I wasn’t too worried.
“Um, I, yeah-”
“Okay, it’s fine. Just, take him home, alright?”
“Seeee, I told you it would be okay.” I muttered, tugging on her arm. i wanted to get out of here, now.
“Give me the keys.” Evie sighed. I guess I was moving too slow, because before I knew it, she had reached into the pocket of my pants, and retrieved the keys herself.
Evie grabbed my hand, pulling me through the house quickly, making me dizzy. When we got outside, the freezing air hit my face, waking me up slightly.
“It’s snowing.” I said, looking up at the sky as tiny white flecks fell. I watched as they gathered on the ground, on my shirt, they were everywhere. Evie unlocked the car and I got in the passenger seat. When she was in the the driver's seat I reached out, running my fingers through her hair. “You have snow in your hair.” I smiled, I’m not sure why I found this so fascinating.
“You are so drunk.” She laughed. For a second in the house I wasn't sure if she was mad at me. I’m glad she isn’t.
“Not that drunk... you look really pretty. You always look really pretty...” Words were forming before I could even process them, just tumbling out aimlessly.
“Thank you” Evie said quietly, turning to look at me. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, red lips and bright eyes and glowing skin even in the middle of winter. I could stare at her forever, but I didn't get the chance. She turned back to face forward, starting the car and blasting heat. She drove tentatively, the snow laying fast and faster. Thankfully, it didn’t take long to get back. And by the time we were there, I was able to walk from the car to the door without any major issues. We stepped into the dark house and I felt Evie behind me. She placed her hands on my back.
“Are you feeling alright?” She asked.
“Yeah. it’s, that part of my family. They make me crazy.”
“I can see why.” Her hands left my body, going to flick on the light. “You’re Aunt seemed....”
“Crazy?”
“Yeah.” She giggled. “Kinda. I just don’t get it. how could they not be proud of you?”
“According to them, my life like this won’t last long. They’re all just waiting for it to expire, and for me to come crawling back here desperately. The thing they hate the most is the fact that I never went to University. But, I don’t want to talk about that.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“I dunno...”
“You tired?” She asked sweetly, taking a few steps towards me. I felt myself swaying slightly. But when she reached her hand up to touch my cheek, I stopped, frozen in place.
“Kinda...”
“We should go to sleep. Santa’s coming.” I chuckled. She just smiled, gazing up at me as her hand cupped my cheek. “If I haven’t said it enough, thank you for letting me be here.”
She had said it more than enough, but I liked hearing it every time. I’m glad she was having a good time, I wanted her to remember this, to have a perfect Christmas memory. “You’re welcome, love.” After a few seconds, she stepped away.
“Come on, you need to get to sleep.”
“What are the chances you’ll let me into your room?”
“And have your mom come home and wonder where you are when you’re not in your room, i’m not too sure about that. I think we’re doing pretty well, I don’t want her to hate me.”
“She could never.”
We spent most of Christmas Eve Day just doing a lot of nothing. All of Zayn’s sisters tortured him by showing me old pictures and telling me stories that he would never dare tell me. I helped his mom cook, while Zayn watched and was absolutely no help at all. It was great; there was Christmas music playing and their tree was beautiful and it felt good to be here. Patricia had told me about a party at their family's house tonight and asked if I would want to go. I didn’t tell her that I had already heard about the party when I had accidently woken up and eavesdropped on their conversation, but I agreed and she seemed happy.
“You really think I need to wear a tie?” Zayn asked, digging through the small suitcase he packed. “I don’t think I even brought a tie. I don’t think I need a tie.” I just watched him, amused with how confused he looked, attempting to find something to wear besides his usual ‘It looks like I just throwed this on yet I look perfect in a completely unintentional way’ style.
“I think you’ll do just fine without a tie.” I said.
“I guess. My Aunt Iris can be kinda judgemental about - me. She thinks i’m gonna end up ‘a washed up druggie with no future’. Her words, not mine. So, I tie would really help in this situation.
“So I’m gonna go with something that covers up the tattoos too?”
“Definitely.”
“Then just... wear this.” I said, grabbing a dark green crew neck sweater from his bag, throwing it at him. “And this-” I found a wrinkled denim button up shirt. “-But don’t do the thing where you pull the sleeves up. We’re going for clean-cut. Oh! And you’ll get extra points for actually ironing it.”
“You’re really good at this.” Zayn said, seeming in awe of my skills. I felt pretty proud.
“I know. I used to pick out all my brother’s ‘fancy’ outfits for when we had to go to my grandparents for Sunday dinner. It’s a gift.” He laughed.
“So what were you gonna wear?” Zayn asked, taking the few steps between us until he was so close, I could smell his cologne.
“Not sure. Why, what were you thinking?”
“Well, I think you look extremely fit in everything...”
“And I think you’re full of shit.” I giggled, laughing off his compliment due to the fact that his voice was so low and sexy that I could hardly stand it.
“You think i’m kidding?”
“I think you’re sweet, but not stupid.”
“You’re wrong. I think you look good when you wake up, and you’re hair’s all messy...” He spoke slowly, tugging on a lock of my hair. “...I also think you look good when you’re working, and your hair is up, and some of it falls in your face...” He stopped again, tucking that same hair behind my ear. “...And I think you look good in my shirt...” He smirked. “... And I think you look good right now.” My heart dipped in my chest as he looked at me with dark, hypnotizing eyes. His hand grazed my hip, pulling the bottom of my shirt up slightly, revealing bare skin. And while half of me wanted to attack him right this second, the sensible part of me was aware of the situation.
“You do know that not only your sisters, but your mom, is right downstairs?” I giggled, trying to get rid of the butterflies in my stomach.
Zayn sighed, “Yeah, alright, good point.” He huffed, putting random articles of clothing that he had thrown across the floor back into his bag. “But I’m telling the truth, about the other thing.” I just smiled, unable to do anything else. My insecure instinct told me to retaliate, telling him that I most definitely do not look good when i’ve been working at the cafe for five hours and my hair is a complete disaster and I can barely think straight. But he was sweet to say these things, and I knew how lucky I was.
- -
“Do you think this is okay?” I said, self conscious of my navy dress. It was the dressiest thing I had brought, but ever since Zayn told me about his Aunt’s high expectations,I had second guessed everything about my outfit; was it okay to wear my hair down or did it look like I hadn’t put any effort into it? Was red lipstick too much? Did I wanted to wear heels or was that trying too hard? Luckily, I had given myself plenty of extra time, and everything worked out alright.
I had just walked into Zayn’s room, fully dressed. He was still just wearing a pair of black chino’s, his bare chest exposed as he styled his hair in the mirror. But when I came in, he turned around.
“It’s better than okay.” He smiled, giving me an approving nod. “And don’t worry, my Aunt Iris doesn’t judge everyone harshly. Just me.”
“Yeah, but all she’ll know about me is that I’m with you. So I think that makes me open to be judged harshly by association.” He brushed off my comment. He didn’t want to hurt my feelings, even though I was right.
10 minutes later he was ready to go. Patricia had suggested we take separate cars in case we wanted to leave a bit earlier. She had said something along the lines of “Aunt Iris can talk for hours, I wouldn't make Evie sit through that. Only one of us really needs to be tortured this evening.” Patricia was so sweet, I couldn’t believe how easy she was to talk to.
As Zayn and I drove together, the radio playing quietly, he told me about the things that we passed; his old schools, the park where he had his first cigarette, the house he lived in when he was little.... All of the things that made up parts of his life. I felt like this trip was exactly what we both needed. It was bringing me closer to Zayn, even closer than we already were. I felt a serene calmness as we drove through the snow.
* * *
ZAYN’S POV:
“Zayn, you’re here, how lovely. I wasn’t sure if we should be expecting you.” This is the first thing my Aunt says when she sees me walk through her front door. Her house is the same; bigger and fancier than anything I ever lived in. It still felt cold and empty, like a museum.
“Hi Aunt Iris, how are you?” I say through gritted teeth. Evie can sense my annoyance immediately, with our hands clasped together she gently runs her thumb over my knuckles, letting me know that she’s there. It helps.
“I’m lovely, and you? Been arrested yet?”
“Not yet.”
“I’m just joking, dear. Not need to be upset. I hear you’re doing quite well for yourself, even without a real job at the moment. And this must be the girl your mother was telling me about-” She stopped, her eyes narrowing at Evie.
“I’m Evie Baylor, nice to meet you.” Evie said confidently, sticking a hand out for her to shake. “Yo have a lovely home. Was that a Michaela Meise I saw in the foyer?”
Aunt Iris seemed stunned, blinking several times in astonishment. “Yes, yes it was, well- Thank you.” She shook Evie’s hand tentatively. “Zayn, I believe your mother is in the other room. Help yourself to things in the kitchen.” She said, turning around and starting a new conversation with someone else.
“How did you do that?” I was stunned, and she was acting like it was no big deal.
“What?”
“Um, that-” I waved my hand in front of us. “- I’ve known that woman my entire life and she’s always hated me, no matter what I said to try and fix it. And just like that, you got her to stop talking. She seemed to like you.”
Evie shrugged, “I dunno, another one of my skills?” She said, smiling and pulling my arm to lead me into the other room.
- -
We milled around for a bit. Even though I was allowed to drink, I thought it would be better if my family didn’t see me. So, I sipped on what looked like tea, but was actually scotch. Evie was sticking with her Diet Coke, and poking me in the ribs every time I leaned into her, lowering my gaze.
“You’re drunk.” She giggled.
“I’m not...” I said. Um, yes I was. “You just, smell really nice.” My words slurred as I leant against the wall, leaning my head down to bury my nose in her hair. It smelled like heaven, like Evie. I pressed my hand to the small of her back, urging her towards me. “C’mon.. let’s get outta here...”
“Zayn, it’s only been like, an hour.”
“That’s plenty of time. Please? My mum said we could go. She won’t mind. Plus, we’ll have the house to ourselves...” She looked up at me from the corner of her eye, an amused smile on her face. “I saw that look. You wanna go too.”
“Fine, but we ha-”
“Evie?!” I heard the voice of one of my sister say. “Is he drunk?” It was Doniya. She had seen me like this dozens of times, I wasn’t too worried.
“Um, I, yeah-”
“Okay, it’s fine. Just, take him home, alright?”
“Seeee, I told you it would be okay.” I muttered, tugging on her arm. i wanted to get out of here, now.
“Give me the keys.” Evie sighed. I guess I was moving too slow, because before I knew it, she had reached into the pocket of my pants, and retrieved the keys herself.
Evie grabbed my hand, pulling me through the house quickly, making me dizzy. When we got outside, the freezing air hit my face, waking me up slightly.
“It’s snowing.” I said, looking up at the sky as tiny white flecks fell. I watched as they gathered on the ground, on my shirt, they were everywhere. Evie unlocked the car and I got in the passenger seat. When she was in the the driver's seat I reached out, running my fingers through her hair. “You have snow in your hair.” I smiled, I’m not sure why I found this so fascinating.
“You are so drunk.” She laughed. For a second in the house I wasn't sure if she was mad at me. I’m glad she isn’t.
“Not that drunk... you look really pretty. You always look really pretty...” Words were forming before I could even process them, just tumbling out aimlessly.
“Thank you” Evie said quietly, turning to look at me. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, red lips and bright eyes and glowing skin even in the middle of winter. I could stare at her forever, but I didn't get the chance. She turned back to face forward, starting the car and blasting heat. She drove tentatively, the snow laying fast and faster. Thankfully, it didn’t take long to get back. And by the time we were there, I was able to walk from the car to the door without any major issues. We stepped into the dark house and I felt Evie behind me. She placed her hands on my back.
“Are you feeling alright?” She asked.
“Yeah. it’s, that part of my family. They make me crazy.”
“I can see why.” Her hands left my body, going to flick on the light. “You’re Aunt seemed....”
“Crazy?”
“Yeah.” She giggled. “Kinda. I just don’t get it. how could they not be proud of you?”
“According to them, my life like this won’t last long. They’re all just waiting for it to expire, and for me to come crawling back here desperately. The thing they hate the most is the fact that I never went to University. But, I don’t want to talk about that.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“I dunno...”
“You tired?” She asked sweetly, taking a few steps towards me. I felt myself swaying slightly. But when she reached her hand up to touch my cheek, I stopped, frozen in place.
“Kinda...”
“We should go to sleep. Santa’s coming.” I chuckled. She just smiled, gazing up at me as her hand cupped my cheek. “If I haven’t said it enough, thank you for letting me be here.”
She had said it more than enough, but I liked hearing it every time. I’m glad she was having a good time, I wanted her to remember this, to have a perfect Christmas memory. “You’re welcome, love.” After a few seconds, she stepped away.
“Come on, you need to get to sleep.”
“What are the chances you’ll let me into your room?”
“And have your mom come home and wonder where you are when you’re not in your room, i’m not too sure about that. I think we’re doing pretty well, I don’t want her to hate me.”
“She could never.”
Notes
Hey !!! So this chapter is kinda just filler stuff, but I think some parts are kinda cute so I hope you can enjoy them. I have a feeling you’re gonna like the chapter after this one, and the drama is gonna start soon, so that’s something to look forward to :) So anyways, i really hope you like this chapter. please let me know what you think, plus if you have an predictions or suggestions or anything at all like tht.
Also, if there’s anyone who could make banners for my three fics, that would be beyond amazing and I would love you forever and do anything for you :)
i love you lots and hope you have a great weekend :)
ps. HERE is Evie’s outfit in this chapter
http://heledis.com/
12/10/13