Chances - 1D KidFic

Where's Papa?

*trigger warning: panic attack, mentions of death*

Zayn's POV

I look out the window at the rain. Papa's car isn't in the driveway. "Dad, where's Papa? He's usually home by now." At least he is when I come home with him, but I had a dentist appointment today so Dad picked me up early from school. 

"He's probably stuck in traffic because of the rain. He'll be home shortly," Papa assures as he wipes Harry's face clean.

"He doesn't answer his phone."

"Well, he shouldn't answer his phone while he's driving."

"But he's more than a half hour late!"

"I know, Zayn, but it's raining outside and there is probably a lot of traffic. He will be home soon."

"But..."

Niall starts crying on the baby monitor.

"I have to go get your brother. I'm sure you have homework to do. Please go to your room. Papa will be home soon."

"Okay..."

*******************************************************************************

This can NOT be happening again! Where the hell is Papa?! He was supposed to be home an hour ago!! I check my phone again and nothing. He hasn't called or texted back. He won't answer.

Dad said he was just stuck in traffic. He's fine! 

...but what if he isn't? That's what we thought happened to Mum, isn't it? Then she never came home! Something's happened to him. I just know it. I check my phone and still nothing.

What if he never comes home and Dad is left to care for us alone? What's gonna happen to Dad? What's gonna happen to me, and Harry, and Niall? No, I can't think about that. I don't want to be alone again. 

That can't happen. Papa is probably fine. Stop worrying! 

I check the time. He's over an hour late. This is too late to just be traffic. Something's happened to him.

I didn't notice the tears that started pouring out of my eyes. I couldn't control it. It feels like my heart is beating really fast. I keep telling myself that Papa is okay, but the negative thoughts won't go away. I can feel myself shaking. Crying is making it difficult to breathe. I've never felt this way before. "Stop freaking yourself out!" I tell myself, but I can't stop.

"Zaynie!" I hear Harry call as he opens my door. I look at him and don't know what to say. "Zaynie why you crying?" He asks, looking very sad all of a sudden.

"Harry, get.. out," I manage to choke out through my sobs and hyperventilations.

"But Zaynie..." he says, stepping forward.

"HARRY, GET OUT!!!! NOW!!!" I scream. I've never yelled at him before, Niall either. I didn't mean to, really! I just don't want my little brother seeing my like this. 

I must have scared him because his little lip starts to quiver and tears prick at his eyes. He runs away screaming "DADDY!!!!!"

I felt terrible for screaming at Harry but it's too late to take it back. Papa's almost an hour and a half late and I can't shake the thought of something being wrong with him and him not being okay. I keep pacing my room trying to calm myself down but it's not working.

"Zayn, why..." Dad starts when he comes into my room but apparently notices me crying. "Zayn, what's wrong? Talk to me," he asks as he closes the door and comes closer to me.