No Matter What // Zayn Malik

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Two years in.

Zayn Malik

"Do you miss her?" Josh asked as we sat around the tour bus. We were driving away from our ver last show. We were all blubbering like babies. The bus was quiet until Josh had mustered up the courage to speak up. 

I dryly laughed, looking at my wrist. "Yes, I do."

"We all do." Liam mumbled.

"She's really happy though." Josh nudged me a little. "She sends me sketches all the time.

I smiled a little. "That's great."

"I fell like I'm responsible for you two splitting." Harry softly said from his bunk. He was lying up there but still in our conversation. The boy was weird. There were plenty of seats around. 

"Oh shut up, Harry." I laughed. "We've been over this." 

"I know, I just - "

"Don't feel bad. Really. We both wanted this."

"So art school for you?" Niall asked, eyes zeroing in on me as if I was the only one in the room. I know he was nervous about the whole situation. We all asked the question, What happens after One Direction? Louis knew the answer and he'd live another dream of playing football. Josh might drum for another band. Harry, Liam, and Niall weren't sure yet. I wasn't either.

"Hopefully. My letter hasn't come in yet." 

I stared out the window. Josh began to make a soft beat with his sticks. Harry went to find a blanket. Niall leaned on Liam sadly. 

"We're all going to be close right?" Niall spoke softly. His comment made me smile, yet grow sad very quickly. Would we all still be together? Brothers till the end like we planned?

"'Course buddy." Louis came in with a soda. He leaned against the wall beside him as he gave him a reassuring smile. Niall relaxed as Liam wrapped an arm around him. Niall seemed content and that made me grin.

"Even while Zayn's at art school."

I looked up at Louis to see him smirking with a white envelope in his hand. He shook it around a bit as my eyes got wide.

I quickly bolted up and leaped towards him like an animal. "You opened it?!" I snatched it from his hand as everyone sat up a little straighter. "Lou!"

"I couldn't help it!" 

"I swear, I'll - "

"We could do a reeanactment!" Josh offered quickly. 

"Dramatized version!" Liam added. 

"What's going on in here?" Harry strolled in with a loud yawn. 

"Zayn got his letter!" Niall grinned. 

"Why is it open already?" 

I glared at Louis and Harry caught on, muttering a quiet "Oh".

"Okay." I took a deep breath, all for dramatic effect. I bit my lip. "Here we go." 

"Wait." Harry mumbled. "Are we doing a ree-" 

"Shh!" Niall snapped and Harry quickly sealed his lips together. "Did you make it?" 

Josh peered over my shoulder as I reopened the letter's envelope. It wasn't hard. Louis practically tore it into pieces. Seeing the words "Zayn Malik, we are proud to say you got into the Slade School of Fine Art and will be joining us in the fall" made it all worth while. 

"I'm in!" I screamed and the boys immediately hugged and congratulated with screams, hugs, and plans to go out to celebrate. 

"We're proud of you, man." Liam said, patting my back. 

"Congrats." 

"Your dreams are coming true." Josh smiled. 

Hopefully Olivia's were too.