My Light

Nora's POV

I don't know what it is about Zayn. Maybe it's that he's quiet and he's one to just study people but it drawls me to him. His awkwardness. It's actually really cute. I never thought that he would be so awkward at times but it's happening. He says things that he's unsure of, he doesn't know what to do with his hands half the time, it's quite unusual but I like it. I enjoy his awkward nature.

We don't have to wait at all at the diner, it's close to three so we're at that odd time where older people aren't eating yet, but lunch is over. It's quiet in this 1950's themed place. I put my flowers down, they should be fine for a little bit without water, and slide in the booth, Zayn taking the side opposite of me. I already know what I want. I've been here plenty of times before, usually sitting at the counter or just getting a to go box.

“So what are you getting?” I don't even look at the menu, my mouth already salivating just from the smell of this food.

“Um, we just got here, I don't know.” He chuckles just a little, I can tell from his laugh that he used to smoke and has quit not that long ago. I did know that he used to smoke quite a bit, I know fans always wanted him to quit, but I haven't smelled it or seen him smoking since I've net him this past week. But when he laughs sometimes, you can hear that throaty catch, and sometimes when he laughs a lot he starts coughing. And he's always fiddling with his hands, always has something in his hands.“What are you getting?” He peeks his eyes above the menu, raising his eyebrows up and down. It's those little things he does that make me laugh.

“Um, cheeseburger, fries, and chocolate milkshake. Duh.” I mean, we're at a diner. That's what you get.

“I didn't think you'd go for that kind of food.” He puts his menu down and crosses his arms, leaning back.

“Why not?” I purse my lips.

“I don't know, all that homemade past and bread your grandma makes, I guess this stuff just probably doesn't compare to it.” He shrugs.

“Oh don't get me wrong. Nonna's food is amazing. But sometimes I just want some processed food. Some manufactured, what the hell is in this, a million calories, fill up my arteries nasty food.” It's like a small addiction.

“Interesting.” He rests his chin on his hand, rubbing his chin slightly.

“So what's your story Zayn?” I ask, twirling the straw of my water. He asks me so many questions about myself that I just don't get a chance to ask him anything.

“My story?” We order quickly as the waitress comes by, Zayn ordering the same thing as I did.

“Yeah, you've been asking me question right and left all week and I hardly know a thing about you.” I don't really like to be a pusher but I just want to learn about him.

“Well anything you want to know you can look up on the internet.” He shrugs, looking away.

“Well that's not really something I care about. I want to know Zayn, not something I can look up on the internet.” I can understand why he's getting defensive but it doesn't make any sense when he's asked me a million things this week.

“Well.” He takes a sip of water. “I'm 26. I have jet black hair that constantly changes. I enjoy drawling.” He smirks at me as I glare at him.

“Really Zayn? That is crap I can look up on the internet.” I lean back, a little standoffish about his reaction. It was just a question, not like I want his deep dark secrets.

We sit in silence, looking around. Maybe his won't work. I mean I don’t know what I want to be honest, we've just met a week ago, that's not long enough to have any sort of relationship other than friendship. I wouldn't mind getting to know him but I can't base it on a week. His slight attitude change completely turns me off. I don't have time for that crap.

“Sorry.” He mumbles.

“What? I can't hear you when you mumble.” I tease, stuffing my mouth with french fries.

“I said I'm sorry. I didn't mean to answer. Things are just weird now that I'm not part of One Direction. I don't want to get all deep on you but everyone just wants to know every piece of my life and I feel like nothing is private. I just always have this front up I guess.” He leans back and I don't really know what to say.

“Okay.” I shrug, sipping my milkshake, the mood at this table suddenly making me not hungry.

“Well, this isn't anything major, but it's something people don't know I guess. I'm going to look at flats next Sunday. I know I'm awkward, I'm getting over things to be honest. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?” I'm a little taken back, once again.

“You want me to come with you to look at apartments?” I ask for clarification.

“I mean, only if you want to, of course.” He taps his fingers on the table, I've noticed it's nervous habit of his, seems as though he's making up beats in his head and tapping along. “You-you don't have to.” He adds quickly.

“I'd love to.” I smile, trying to lighten the mood at this table and enjoying the moment.

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We spent the rest of our time forgetting about that slightly weird moment. I understand where he's coming from but damn I just wanted to ask. I just wanted to go home and take a nap, but by the time we left it was close to four, the train was a nightmare, I had to wait for the second one to come because the first one that was there was full. I literally squeezed into the second one, I didn't want to wait any longer. Standing right next to someone that I don't know is a little uncomfortable but it's only a few blocks, not my first time.

When I finally arrive home, I'm just exhausted. But it's a little after five and I can't take a nap now. I feed Albert and lounge on the couch for the rest of the evening. Nonna went to bed early, she's always in bed by six and up by four. My mom is working, again. Sometimes I feel like we don't have a real mother/daughter relationship. I mean, I love her, she's my mom but I've always been closer to Nonna.

I need some fresh air. I could call my friends, go out and have drinks but after a long week I just want to be by myself. I navigate my way through the dark to my room, kicking anything my feet come in contact with and open the window, grab a blanket and take the steps up to the roof. My little oasis. My mom has taken over Nonno's garden, her and him always got along better. I run my fingers over the plants, I know almost nothing about them but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy them. I deal with flowers, not herbs.

It's dark outside but the lights from the city always make things brighter, I find my lounge chair easily and drape my blanket around my legs. This week has been interesting. I've had lunch with Zayn Malik everday, not something I would have thought would ever happen. I mean that just doesn't happen. And now we're meeting up on next Sunday to look at his future apartment. I guess I understand a little, he's bored, doesn't have a lot of friends in the city yet so I'm apparently the next best thing?

I look around at the other buildings across the street, it's just one floor taller than ours. I swear some people don't understand that even if you can't see out, other people can see in, I've seen many inappropriate things over the years. My phone buzzes and I see it's from Zayn. We exchanged numbers, his idea, this afternoon to figure out plans.

From Zayn: What are you doing tomorrow?

I bite my lip, what is up with him?

To Zayn: Stopping at the shop in the morning, then free as a bird.

I don't ask why he's asking about my Saturday plans, I'm assuming he's going to ask me about something because why ask what my plans are without having something to do. It doesn't take long before my phone buzzes again.

From Zayn: They have music at Central Park tomorrow, wondering if maybe you wanted to go with me?

It's crazy because it's only been a week but I can see him nervously texting over his phone, probably tapping his feet, anxiously waiting my response. I consider him a friend.

To Zayn: I'd love to. I'll bring a blanket. You bring food.

I hear nothing back from him as I pull the blanket closer, enjoying the night sky.

Notes

Hey everyone!! Hope you all are well on this beautiful Monday morning. It's obvious I took the weekend off, kind of nice to just relax and write a little bit.

So what do you think? I'm hoping you all like it, I know it's moving a little faster than my other stories but for some reason I'm sure you all are okay with it. I've got big plans for this one! And Zayn's little attitude...he's trying to adjust back to dating, adjust back in to the "normal" world and not a person of constant interest so he's a little guarded, even if he knows Nora, so don't take it personal.

Have a great day!!
xoxox