Torn Apart

School had just let out and I was walking home. I was taking my normal route, on the border of the forest. The view was amazing, especially at night.

Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder that snapped me out of my thoughts. I whipped around, soon locking my blue-gray eyes with unfamiliar chocolate brown ones.

“What are you doing in the forest this late? Shouldn't you be home by now?” The boy said. I began getting scared, for I was forbidden from being in this forest. My mother had always been afraid that there are 'vampires' here.

“I-I was just heading home n-now.” I stuttered to the mysterious figure with black hair and tattooed arms. “Are you sure? It doesn't look like you know these woods too well...” He trailed off. I hadn't even noticed that I had wandered into the forest instead of staying on the border.

“I-I don't really know my way, w-would you care to show me?” I asked him, my eyes blazing with a mixture of nervousness and embarrassment. He looked around a few times as if he were about to cross the street before answering. “Yeah, c'mon.”

The boy reached his hand out for me to take and I grabbed it, allowing him to guide me home. I began to walk, but he stayed still.

“Are you coming?” I asked him, but he shook his head. “Come here.” I stepped forward so that there wasn't hardly any space between us. Then, he effortlessly picked me up, bridal style.

“What are you doing?” I asked the boy while wrapping my arms around his neck and resting my head on his chest. “I'm getting you home.” He said as he began running.

At first I didn't realize how fast he was running, but I did realize how fast we arrived at my house.

“How did you get here so fast?” I asked him as he set me down on my own two feet. “I took track.” He responded. It seemed like a perfectly good reason, but I just didn't believe him.

I wrapped my arms around the stranger's neck, engulfing him in a hug. His tattooed arms snaked around my waist as he hugged me back.

“Thanks.” I mumbled. He pulled away and looked at me. “Anytime. I'm Zayn, Zayn Malik.” I smile at him. “Ashton Edge.”

The boy who I now knew as Zayn nodded his head respectfully. “Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” He said before turning around and walking into the forest. I could feel a light red color creep up onto my cheeks as I watched him.

“Wait, why are you going back there?” I asked Zayn. “I live there.” He chuckled. “Oh.” I replied, feeling slightly bad.

“Will I see you again?” I asked him, suddenly feeling very shy. “Most likely.” He answered, throwing a wave over his shoulder as he walked into the forest.