It All Started with a Tweet [Zayn Malik]

07: The Trip To Bradford

A satisfying solid thud filled our ears as Lani finally closed the car door and positioned herself in the backseat of Kate’s used car. The simple action was enough to calm us after stressing over the fact that not all of our luggage could fit in the tiny sedan boot. But luckily there was room for duffle bags in the remaining space of the car’s backseat. Everything was securely packed and we were ready to embark on our journey down the A647. Destination: Bradford, South Yorkshire.

                The plan for the weekend was to rent a room in a low market hotel, and then I would spend the weekend trying to spend as much time with Zayn as possible, while Lani and Kate would go music shopping. My two best friends only decided on coming because they both like visiting new places and take every chance they get at holidaying. But of course, I was coming for a different reason; Zayn.

                It was rather foolish, I guess. Meeting up with someone on the internet that you haven’t seen before. However I could be excused, since Zayn’s twitter account is verified. But for all Zayn knows, I could be an eighty-year-old man.

                The engine was bought to life as Kate turned the key and gripped her hand firmly on the wheel. I tried to keep my excitement inside, but I couldn’t help but squeal as we backed out of the driveway. I turned a knob on Kate’s dashboard and the end of a cheesy, overplayed pop song burst through the speakers. The catchy beat was soon replaced with the sound of a radio presenter, stating the name of the song and the time.

                “Now,” said the presenter “Directioners all over the country have been waiting patiently for our exclusive 1D announcement, although we have received some recent tweets telling us to hurry up.” The sound and effects guy at the radio station decided to play a drum roll adding to the suspense. I listened close, eager to hear what the station had to say. It was probably nothing, as usual, but there was a small chance that it could be big.

                “One Direction,” the presenter was dragging it out as much as possible to keep listeners on their station “will be joining this year’s line up,” a pause followed “for Leeds Festival!”

                I could imagine nearly all of the fans across Britain, turning off the radio and complaining that the announcement was nothing concerning them. However, there was a small group of adolescent girls, right now, celebrating with joy. And I myself was in that group.

                “Tickets will be on sale Friday, April 30th. Write that down, Leeds Directioners, because 1D are coming your way!”

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                We were now half way between Leeds and Bradford. Silence had washed over the compact car. The only noise to be heard was the purr of the engine as it advanced down the motorway. I extended my hand into a packet of crisps; lifting out a round cut of potato and placing it in on my tongue, letting the taste of salt and vinegar fill my mouth. It was quite satisfying, so I dived my hand in for another.

                Ever since the announcement, I’d been buzzing. Well, I’d already been buzzing of course, but the fact that Zayn would be coming to my hometown just increased my excellent mood.

                “So,” started Kate, causing Lani and I to look in her direction “Bradley asked me to be his girlfriend.” Lani placed one of her hands firmly on the back of my chair, and the other on Kate’s. Eagerly leaning in closer to hear all the details as she aligned her head with Kate and I’s.