Never Thought (A One Direction Love Story)

ICCA

"That looks yummy, uhmm.., Patricia." I say.

"Thank you, Darling. And you sound uncomfortable saying my name." She laughs.

"Uhm.. It's just that well., in my country we don't call our elderly in just their first name. But I'm not saying anything mean about your country or.." I keep blabbering.

"It's okay, dear. I'm fine with Patricia. It makes me sound young." We laugh.

"So while we're waiting for this pasta to be cooked, would you mind joining me outside?" She asks me.

"Sure." We step outside. I love the calm coldness. I can see a cloud of mist when I try to open my mouth. In the Philippines, we don't always experience this kind of coldness since it's always sunny and hot.

We sit on a stool just beside their back door.

"So tell me, Icca. What do you think about my Zayn?" She asks.

I snicker, thinking maybe she's just joking but she her face doesn't change so I answer.

"Uhm. Well, Zayn is uh. You know, Zayn. But he's . Okay." I take a deep breath and she just looks at me and waits.

"Zayn is different. He's mysterious but I love that about him. He's caring and sweet. A gentleman. And he doesn't like it when I get sad or when he sees my eyes filled with loneliness. He doesn't stop until he sees me really smile---and he's willing to do anything. Even if it hurts him." I don't realize that I'm daydreaming already until Patricia speaks up.

"You're ... What do you call it again? Blushing? Is that it?" She says.

"Uhhmm. No. I'm not. It's just cold." I defend.

"Okay. Well, I never knew my Zayn could be like that. He was always caring.. to his sisters and cousins. But I never knew he could love someone like that and care for someone." I try to analyze everything she says.

"Love? I don't think so. I mean, we're .. But .no." I mutter.

"Can I ask you a question. And answer me without any hesitations. Yes or no." She says.

"Okay. " I smile.

"Do you love my son?" She asks. My mind spins. What?! She notices my abacked expression and laughs.

"I mean.. I've never liked somebody like this and I'm not.." I say, blabbering again.

"Yes or No, honey." She cuts me off.

I look at her and take a deep breath.

"I do. I love him. I love your son. I love Zayn Malik."

"Very well." She says with a smile.

"Now, what's your religion? It's just a question dear. Please don't think I'm judging you." She explains.

"I get it, Patricia. I'm a Roman Catholic." I say and she looks at me, maybe waiting for me to react.

"And Zayn is a muslim, right?" I say.

"Mm-hm." She ruffles my hair like a mother.

"I hope that does not come between you two." She says.

"Well, I hope so." I say.

ZAYN

Icca's words are still echoing on my mind.

I do. I love him. I love your son. I love Zayn Malik.

She loves me?! I overheard them when I went to get some hot chocolate. I left though before they say anything else.

Do I love her? I should know the answer myself.

After a couple minutes, mum calls us for dinner. Finally.

Icca and I look at each other and then I quickly turn away.

Zayn, you stupid bum!

Why am I avoiding her now? Ugh. We eat dinner with no silence, of course. But Icca and I don't speak at all. She must've sensed the tension I gave her.

After dinner, we thank my mum and head outside again.

"These food on my stomach better digest." Niall says.

"Let's pray with all that food you ate." Louis jokes.

"Are we cool?" Icca asks me.

"I heard what you said." I say, avoiding her eyes.

"What?"

"You said you loved me." I simply say. I notice her gasp but have no idea what her reaction is right now.

"You're not obliged to say anything, okay?! It was just my opinion! I just..ugh." And she walked away.

I don' know whether I should run after her or give her some time to think. I just stand there, looking at the door she just ran out of.

"Zayn, go. You've never been this weak before. I'm pretty sure she's one of the things that's keeping you alive right now. Go get her." Mum places a hand on my right shoulder.

"Okay, mum. I love you." I kiss her on the cheek before running after Icca.

As I am about to close the door, I look back at her and say, "Yes. She is the one thing that's keeping me alive now.". I see her encouraging smile before I go.