We Meet Again

Sarah just couldn’t understand. If only she wasn’t a Directioner. Or if Zayn and Louis weren’t in One Direction (or famous for that matter). Maybe my life was just complicated.

“So,” Sarah began. “What you’re saying is that Louis Tomlinson touched your ass, and you didn’t like it?”

“No, it’s just that when I woke up, we had our arms around each other, and I fell asleep in the car, so I couldn’t have out my arms around him. So why would he do that?”

“Because he likes you!” Sarah sighed. “You’re so lucky-a famous person likes you! You could become famous too! Now dropping out of Juilliard doesn’t matter!” I rolled my eyes. Did she really have to bring that up?

I shook my head at Sarah, getting back on topic. “No, no, no. He wouldn’t do that to Zayn. For example, let’s say me and Louis were to get into an argument, and somehow Zayn picking sides came into the equation. It would cause Zayn so much stress, and Louis wouldn’t do that to Zayn.”

“Celeste, people do anything for love.” I winced. That was the wrong thing to say. My ex-boyfriend, Andrew, told me that before he, well... that’s something I’d rather not get into right now.

My phone whistled, which meant that I had a text message. It was from Zayn.

What up, boo? I miss u. We should get together soon.

I raised my eyebrows. The only time I was Zayn’s “boo” was when we were drunk or high, and that hasn’t happened, at least for me, in two years.

Right after I finished reading that, I got a text from Louis.

Hey, babe. Missin u the most. Let’s meet up, just us. What u think/

I groaned. “Sarah, we have a crisis.” I showed her the messages.

“Damn. Tell them you’re gonna be at work. It’s true.”

After I send them the message, Zayn sent me this.

I’ll be over. Love ya.

Weird. I thought. Zayn has told me he loved me when he was sober, but not just out of the blue like that. He has to be trying to win me over so Louis couldn’t have me. Zayn knew he held a special place in my heart, even though he was just my friend, so I wondered what was going on. I know he used to like me more than a friend, but did he still like me like that, even though he was Perrie’s boyfriend?

Louis sent me:

C u there babe, Me and the boys will b there round 4

“Sarah, the boys are coming to Starbucks today. Thanks for the advice.”

“Look, your two lovers are obviously very determined, more than I thought. You still love me though, right?” She batted her eyelashes and gave me a puppy dog face, causing me to burst out laughing.

“How could I not?”

...

The private school girls were gone. Because of some festival going on, everyone was there, not here. 5 boys walked in, and I breathed in deeply.

“Welcome to Starbucks, how may I help you?”

“She’s British!” Niall and Liam practically yell. I smiled. I get tired of the New Yorkers, too.

“Louis’ bitch!” Harry smirked and gave him the finger.

Zayn hopped over the counter and gave me a hug. Louis was nowhere to be seen

“Where’s Louis?”

“I’m not sure,” Zayn said, looking around. “I’m pretty sure he was walking with us. Harry, do you know where-”

Suddenly, Louis came in, trumpets blaring out of his phone. He was dressed like a medieval prince’s messenger. I giggled and the boys just watched along with Sarah, full of curiosity, except for Zayn. He had his eyebrows raised, his lips pursed, and his arms folded across his chest. Whatever.

“Miss Celeste Taryn Woods, Prince Louis Tomlinson has a message for you.” Louis said once he got to the register. From behind his back, Louis pulled out a scroll and parchment and I gasped, trying to hold in my giggles. The boys and Sarah still watched, hooked on Louis’ every move, but Zayn was still in his original position. What was up with him?

“Prince Louis Tomlinson would like to accompany Miss Celeste Taryn Woods out to dinner. Does she accept?” Louis stared at me, his blue eyes sparkling in anticipation. Everyone, Zayn included, stared at me.

“Of course I will. Tell Prince Louis to pick me up from my place at seven on Friday. I’ll text him with my response.”

Louis smiled, and the boys-minus Zayn, of course- cheered. Zayn gave me an I meed to talk to you look. I excused myself and left out the back entrance. In the midst of the excitement, Zayn slipped out to meet me.

“Zayn, shit. Fuck this. What the hell is your problem?”

“Calm it down with the profanity. I know it’s a language you speak fluently, but can you switch to proper English?”

“No, Zayn. Fuck no. I’m going on a date with Louis, one of your best friends. Why can’t you be happy for me?

Zayn took a deep breath before saying, “Celeste, I love you, more than you think. I can’t bear seeing you with any other guy. Now you’re going to go out with me best friend, who’s going to rant and rave about you endlessly. How do you think I’m going to feel? I can’t feel happy, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

I leaned against the wall and stared up at Zayn. I had no idea he felt this way about me. At least, not anymore. See, Zayn and I were a couple for about two months, when we were 13. We started to drift apart, and decided to break up so our bond would stay strong. Then, when we were 16, Zayn told me how he felt about me. I didn’t feel the same way, and Zayn was heartbroken. Now I had to break his heart again.

“Zayn, I love you so much-as a friend, brother, and protector. Not as anything else, though. We’re not 13 anymore-we can’t just go and break up, having only endless chatter and candy jewelry between us. I mean, what about Perrie? Louis and Eleanor are on a break, so I can go out with him, but I can tell you love Perrie so much, and you guys are so cute together. So how about I go out with Louis, you stay with Perrie, and we stay friends?” Zayn looked at the ground and nodded. Then we walked back in, the commotion of the whole thing just dying down. I decided to call Zayn later-but I wasn’t sure if he’d pick up.

Notes