I entered through my hostel gates, giving a slight nod to William who greeted me with a smile. I had started feeling a bit welcomed here, even though it was only my first day.
There must be so many more like me, right? New to this place, this whole new world? There must be so many like me.
Except, not like me.
I stared at the book in my hands, it's spine cold against my palm. My thoughts wandered, stopping before a lightened face; Every. A smile crept on my lips when her face flashed before me, I just couldn't help it.
I needed to return the book before she could get caught, she could get severe punishment for pulling a stunt like this. Why would someone risk that much for me?
The flavours of California (Ice-cream) were savouring in my mouth, like the embers of a warm fire, and I could still hear Every's laughter when I told her it was the best thing I'd ever tasted. I told you her eyes had shimmered.
I was in no mood to eat from the Mess, now that I was reluctant to lose the flavours that were still exploding in my mouth, but I think I didn't really have choice. I didn't have enough money and it was the only place where I could eat for free. Wow, how my life has changed.
It was a good change, anyway. Or so I convinced myself. It had to be.
Climbing up the steps I pushed the front door ajar, revealing George who straightened in his chair like he'd been waiting for me.
"Hello Mr. Mulligan." I greeted, pacing towards the stairs to get in my dorm as quickly as it was possible. The curtains in the parlour were drawn, so the light penetrated enough from the windows alone that there was no need of any electricity.
I, personally, liked this thing about this place. Things are better when they are natural. Its same for people.
"Zayn, you're back. I was looking for you." I furrowed my brows, coming to a halt before his desk.
"Why?" I asked, placing my arms on the desk casually, forgetting- not for the first time- this wasn't my home. I folded them, not lifting them still. The book was brandished before him, extremely vulnerable. But he didn't even glance at it. "I'm not late. I'm early, in fact."
"I know, but the Headmaster has scheduled a meeting with you. He'd like to talk to you personally." His jaw tightened, like this was a matter of agitation. "It's scheduled at noon, today. He says that you asked for it? Now, I don't mean to pry but did you really?"
This made me uncomfortable, and I finally pushed myself away from the desk, my arms now dangling at my sides, feeling useless. "I did, actually. But- I didn't know he'd agree so soon." I admitted, pursing my lips apprehensively.
George nodded slowly, his face pensive and legitimately concerned for once. I held my breath, waiting for him to speak.
"I don't think that's a good sign." He said finally, leaning in his chair.
I debated if he said that to make me nervous, or if he was warning me beforehand what to expect. I just shrugged and moved towards the stairs.
"Your dorm mate is going to shift today." Mr. Mulligan announced, making me stop mid stairway. I turned to look at him, forcing a smile.
"He's always welcome." I tried to joke.
"Don't lock your room. It's useless anyway. I've got a spare key."
My heart leaped. "But isn't that wrong? Like, I don't know, it's wrong?" The only ounce of my precious privacy.
"I meant to say it's the key that I'll give to him. That's why don't bother locking the door." His wilting eyes bore into mine. Looking at my deadpan face, he suddenly chuckled, an eerie sound with it's senile music.
"I don't think you understood me, son. I'm saying it will be helpful if we don't find you doing any funny business, you know." He wiggled his greying eyebrows at me, a smirk pasted on his thin lips.
My eyebrows arched and I tried to stifle the laugh that ached my stomach, but I finally gave in.
I beamed at him stupidly, shaking my head in disbelief. Winking, he went back to his work- whatever paperwork he pretended to have, and I jogged up to my dorm.
It should be a bit more familiar than it was today morning.
Shutting the door behind me, I slumped on the wooden door when I saw the twin bed replaced by two poster beds. Sighing, I reached for my phone.
To Lou :
Hey :) x
From Zayn
Lou typing...
"It's like he was waiting..." I smiled, that widened when I thought how Louis never failed to make my heart melt.
Lou typing...
To Lou :
Typing a novel, are we?
From Zayn
From Lou :
YOU WON'T FREAKING BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!!! ZAYNIIEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS WORLDDDDDDD! YOU WON'T BELIEVE!!
To Zayn
To Lou :
IF YOU WILL TELL ME I'LL DECIDE ON MY OWN!
From Zayn
From Lou :
FIRST TELL ME IS THIS GOING TO BE YOUR NUMBER FROM NOW ON???
To Zayn
To Lou :
YES LOUIS NOW STILL THE BEANS!
From Zayn
From Lou :
GOTTA SAVE YOUR NUMBER FIRSSST!
To Zayn
To Lou :
Spill*
From Zayn
From Lou :
YOU AND YOUR SPELL CHECK! CAN I CALL YOU?!!
To Zayn
To Lou :
WHY ARE YOU ASKING?
From Zayn
Lou typing...
Lou calling
I answered the phone and I could feel Louis had been jumping this whole time.
"Are you ready for the big news?" He wheezed, his voice filled with mirth. It made me squirm as well.
"Yeah?" I demanded, sitting on the bed. I didn't like the feel of it at all. It was harder than I'd anticipated.
"I got it." Louis spoke with persistence. My heart skipped a beat, if this was what I thought it was...
"Are you talking about what I think you're talking about th-"
"Yes." He pressed. "Yes, that's what I'm talking about! I got it Zayn, he liked it! He bloody liked it!"
I covered my mouth but it still couldn't suppress the wide grin that spread across my face. My cheeks flushed and I wanted to jump. "Gosh, Louis." I murmured, squeezing my eyes shut.
This was what I didn't like about myself. The way I always reacted to things-things that I was sensitive towards.
My excitement would almost kill me inside-bubbling, inflicting to the point where I was unable to express it. All coming down to a low murmur.
"Shit man, I can see you right here you know, I can just imagine how you're saying this!" Louis yelled, successfully making me emotional.
"Louis, I don't the what to say mate- I am- I'm so proud.. I knew it! I knew it, I told you right? I told you to believe in yourself! See? You are going to smash it, Lou. I see it, I see it so clearly!"
He stayed silent for some time, while I counted those minutes. Waiting. "Don't make me emotional now, you sentimental freak!" Louis chuckled, his voice nearly cracking. He took another pause, and I chose to stay silent myself. "Zayn I am so happy." He whispered, "I'm so so happy Zayn, I wish you were here."
"Me too." I replied without hesitation.
"Zayn do you think- shit, Zayn I'll talk later. I'll talk later okay?"
I knew what this meant, he couldn't get caught again.
"Bye-" He spoke under his breath. Before I could reply, the call disconnected.
I stared at the phone.
Call duration : 20 min.
When did our talks start to became any less than an hour?
I gazed outside the window, watching the trees that were tall enough to reach up till here.
Absquatulate. The word echoed in my mind, reminding me the meaning. I opened my phone again, clicked Louis' name to message him at least.
My fingers typed the word but the phone almost dropped from my hand when I heard someone rap against the door.
"Zayn? Zayn, can I come in?"
Mr. Mulligan.
I went to answer the door, keeping the phone on the bed. My phone lay there, waiting for me to hit send. Guess that never happened.
Absquatulate, to leave without saying goodbye.
________________________________________________
I tried to experiment with my writing style.
And, any theories? Or thoughts?
Was this chapter a bit vague?
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