Chapter Text
Liam accidentally slams the door as he enters his house. He freezes for a second, expecting his mother to start shouting at him because she always reminds him not to slam the doors. Nothing happens, though and he continues walking to his room. He pauses in front of the kitchen as he hears rumbling and his mother’s chirping voice echoing through the room. That’s probably the reason she didn’t pay attention to him. He sighs and takes the stairs two at a time so he can get to his room faster.
He passes his sister’s old room on the way to his and he can’t help but stop and peek through the door that’s always cracked open because his mom likes to think her girls might still come out of there. Liam misses them, too and he understands.
It’s almost empty now, considering Ruth’s married and Nicola moved in with her husband-to-be. All of the girly stuff that used to invade the room is gone now, along with them. Now, it’s just a normal guest room with no traces of two teenage girls ever spending their childhood in there.
Liam sighs, leaning his head against the doorframe. He would give everything to talk to one of the right now. They may have been a pain in his ass when they were younger, but they always knew what to do when it comes to girlfriend problems and always helped him out.
He shakes his head, finally moving to his room.
He lets this door fall shut quietly behind him, unlike the first time. He leans against them for a minute, trying to compose himself, but it doesn’t seem to be working.
He flicks his backpack to his left, not paying attention to where it ends up falling before he flops onto his bed, crumbling the sheets underneath his weight.
It’s hot outside, and he practically ran home. He sits up, pulling off his shoes, socks and the plain white T-shirt right away. When he’s left in only his gray sweatpants, he lays back on the bed, hands behind his head as he stares at the ceiling.
The sheets beneath him are cold against his warm skin that’s glistening with sweat and it protests with the air being colder than on the outside, goosebumps showing up.
He probably needs a shower and a glass of something cold, but he can’t move. He’s too frustrated to do anything, really.
He’s been dating Sophia all through highschool and to be honest, things were going pretty great for the first two and a half years. They were the perfect, clichéd couple. She was a cheerleader and he was the captain of the football team. Everyone seemed to have interest in being a part of their life and since Sophia always liked the attention and popularity and Liam liked her it wasn’t something he was going to oppose to.
Liam also liked the feeling of everyone admiring him and what he had managed to achieve when he was younger. He had an amazing girl, so much people around himself, always begging for his attention and he was always happy to give it. He ended up giving so much that he almost ended up with nothing himself.
Over the years, Liam grew up. All of those friends showed up being fake ones, with no respect for anything he believed in, football became more than just a way to prove himself to others and his girlfriend… Well, Sophia ended up being just a big disappointment.
She was just a shallow waste of space, as Louis liked to put it. Liam didn’t like hearing it, but Louis’ thing was to say everything right into someone’s face. That’s probably one of the main reasons that Sophia hated him with a passion. The feeling was mutual and Liam would bet his life on it, giving the glares Louis gave every time she was around.
Their relationship was still something he couldn’t give up on, though. They were falling apart for the last few months, but she insisted to keep it going and saying that she loved him. Liam was sure he loved her, too, but he was tired of this. Everything became just a habit. Dates, hugs, kisses and even sex. It was just the same old routine where they just wanted it to be over so they could go and do something else.
This was the last day of school. Liam was waiting for her after his classes, even if Louis, Harry and Niall bitched about him leaving them again.
They were his best friends, those three and he knew that they didn’t like her, but they appreciated his decisions and his choices, loving him unconditionally.
He wanted to be with her today, though and apologize because he’s been missing out on her lately. He was too busy with everything else to give enough attention to her and he was feeling guilty because of it. That’s why he wanted to take her out and be with her for the rest of this day, now when they’re finally free of school.
What he saw when she emerged from the building wasn’t an angry girlfriend full of rage and hurt. Sophia was happy and giggling like a maniac to something one of her girls said. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail and Liam rolled his eyes because he liked it loose and lately, Sophia always wears it like this. Her summer dress was too short for his liking and her heels to high for school, but it was part of her that he didn’t want to discuss, knowing there’s no way to end up winning.
She wouldn’t even notice Liam if it wasn’t for one of her friends who tilted her head in his way. He saw that her expression changed drastically as she saw him and stomped over to him, telling her friends to wait up for her.
She didn’t kiss him, not even on the cheek, not even a proper ‘hello’ before she said that she was sorry, but she had made other plans and she forgot to tell him.
Liam tried to explain to her that this was important and that he wanted to tell her something, but she interrupted him before he could get a word out.
“You don’t care about me, Liam. You only care about what you need and what you want.” She said with a bitchy tone and she left with her friends.
Liam stood there, not even understanding why he was shocked anymore and rushed home before he lost his mind over it.
Right now, he was over thinking everything they’ve agreed on. He was trying to remember why this whole thing they had is worth the nerves he’s losing over it.
When nothing realistic came into his mind, he jumped out of the bed and ran into the shower.
He hoped that that’s going to clear some things out.
It didn’t.
After he finished showering, he put on some new clothes and went down for lunch. His mom was setting the table as he entered the kitchen.
“Hi, love.” She said sweetly as he pressed a kiss on her cheek. “How was your day?” She asked.
He helped her with the last of the work and slid into a chair next to hers. “Good.” He said as he served himself. She gave him a knowing look, raising her eyebrow and he smiled at her. “Seriously, mom. It’s fine.”
She shook her head. “That damn girl…” She started, but Liam interrupted.
“Mom.” He groaned.
“I know, I know. It’s none of my business.” She raised her hands in defeat. “It doesn’t mean I’m not right, though.” She mumbled, reaching over for a piece of meat.
“You really don’t like her, do you?” Liam asked, but it sounded more like a statement that a question.
She turned to him and just stared at him for a while. Most of the people would expect her to say that he was wrong and that she loved the girl and that she thought the best of her, respecting Liam’s choice. It was his mother in question, so he wasn’t surprised at all when she said, loud and clear: “No.”
He should probably argue for Sophia’s sake. Instead, he chuckles as his mother shrugs.
They eat in silence before his mother speaks again. “I have something to tell you, love.” She smiles and Liam nods, gesturing for her to carry on. “You remember my friend Trisha? The one who moved away to US a few years ago, when her husband passed away?” Liam nodded again. “She’s moving back here and I invited her and her family to dinner.” She chirped. “They’re gonna be our new neighbors, love. They’re moving into Mrs. Hawkins’ house.” She clapped her hands together happily, looking like a kid on Christmas.
“I’m glad, mom. I know you were best friends and you miss her a lot.” He says honestly.
She sighs. “Yes, I really do. Keeping contact with someone over the phone for so many years is very hard. Plus, I’m really happy our kids get to see each other again. You remember Doniya and Zayn?” Liam nods, because he does. Doniya was his best friend and they kept contact for a year or two after they left, and he remembers Zayn, too and how they played together for hours and hours. “Well, there are Waliyha and Safaa. They were very little when you last saw them.”
“Yeah, Waliyha was four or five and Safaa was just a baby, I think?”
His mom nods. “I’m so happy. I hope we’ll have a good time.” She says.
“I’m sure we will.” Liam assures and the blinding smile his mom sends his way makes everything else melt away.
Saturday is spent in making the house look its best so when the guests come it ends up looking spotless. His mom is freaking out, Liam can see. It’s adorable, Liam thinks, the way she’s so excited to see her best friend after so long.
He was awakened by the rumbling outside in front of the old Mrs. Hawkins’ house. He didn’t have to get up and peek through the window to know that the Maliks arrived, but when he did, he saw his mom already there, hugging a lady her age that he remembers quite well.
Trisha looks the same, he thinks. Long hair colored brown, same crinkling eyes as she smiles at his mother’s goofiness, returning the hugs. She’s a pretty woman and the years only did her a favor.
He can also see Doniya and two little girls running in the front yard, clearly loving their new place.
What catches the most of his attention is the figure leaning against the car.
It’s a boy his age. He smiles at the memories that fill his mind, two little boys hiding under the covers with a flashlight on, reading comic books and discussing which superhero was better. Soft giggles that left his mouth as Liam told jokes that weren’t funny at all, but Zayn still laughed and cuddled closer to him asking for more. He made him feel like they could conquer the world together.
Now, there are only small traces of that boy left. The soft silky hair is still raven black, but a tiny fading blond streak peeks out. It’s buzzed on the sides and the rest of it is styled into a quiff that’s just enough high. Round blushing cheeks are replaced with high cheekbones and a sharp jaw, covered in a light scruff. Lips, no longer slick from the little boy licking them, nervous are now red and plump and curled around a cigarette. They form into ‘o’ as he exhales the smoke.
He’s wearing all black. Trousers that leave nothing to imagination, a black top with a band sign on it and even if it’s hot as hell outside, a leather jacket.
Liam can’t help but roll his eyes because Zayn looks like a total cliché, only missing a motor bike.
That’s when he notices him looking back. He’s wearing a smirk on his lips, and before Liam’s breath catches it turns into an unexpected glare and Zayn throws the fag carelessly on the ground before he goes inside the house.
Liam’s brow furrows in confusion, before he closes the blinds and goes into the shower. He’s probably imagined it all, he assures himself, letting the water wash away the picture of the boy out of his mind.
It’s around seven when the doorbell rings and he hears his mother shriek downstairs. Liam chuckles, because who wouldn’t?
He’s getting ready, putting his clothes on. He decided on a simple white T-shirt, because those are his favorites and dark baggy jeans that sit low on his hips. He styles his hair quickly and it’s easy now that it’s still short from when he got a buzz-cut a few months ago.
He pulls his shoes on, before finally leaving the room. He comes down the stairs and he’s met by a cute little girl at the bottom of it. She’s wearing a mischievous grin on her face, which would surely make Louis Tomlinson bow down to her.
He grins back as he approaches her. “And who are you?” He asks sweetly.
“Safaa!” She says excitedly, extending her hand for Liam to shake.
He chuckles. “Hi, Safaa.” He says as he shakes her hand.
“Are you Leeyum?” She chirps and Liam laughs, nodding. She grins. “You are cute, just like my mom said you’d be.”
“Thank you.” He says slowly, blush creeping onto his cheeks. “Why aren’t you with the others?” He asks.
She shrugs. “I wanted to find you. I was promised a piece of chocolate cake for desert if I did. Now come with me.” She orders, grabbing Liam’s hand and pulling him along.
Liam’s eyes widen in astonishment. She’s a very smart kid and he admires it.
She pulls him out in the back yard where his mother insisted on having dinner, since it was warm and nice.
“Liam, love.” His mother says at the very second he’s out there. “Come here.”
He goes to his mom, Safaa letting go of him and running away somewhere.
He’s met by other three women, all looking gorgeous and smiling at him.
“Liam.” Trisha says as she gathers him into her arms, hugging him tightly. “You’re so… Big, love.” She says and Liam can’t help but laugh.
He did change. He’s grown into a proper man over the years, all the baby fat replaced with muscles and broad shoulders. He grins as he hugs back.
He shakes Waliyha’s hand and grins at her when she croaks a shy and insecure ‘Hi’, but he catches Doniya in a strong hug, lifting her off her feet as she peppers his cheeks with kisses, making everyone giggle.
“Hiya, Li.” She whispers as he puts her on the ground, cradling his face in his hands.
“Missed you, Don.” He admits, because even if they didn’t see each other, he remembers his best childhood friend and everything still feels easy with them. She nods and pulls him into another hug.
When they pull back, he turns around to see everyone already at the table. His mom and Trisha are already engaged into a conversation, not paying attention to anything else. He grins and turns to see Doniya with the same expression on her face.
He pulls her towards the table where Waliyha sits next to Zayn, who’s cradling Safaa in his arms, a fond smile on his face as she talks.
“And Leeyum’s very handsome, Zee. I’m gonna ask him to be my boyfriend when I grow up.” He hears her say and he can feel his cheeks burning and Doniya pinches his arm playfully. “There he is! Leeyum!” She calls out and Zayn turns to look at him, biting his lower lip.
A smirk forms on his lips as he notices Liam blushing at her words.
Liam shakes off the nervous feeling, coming up to them and letting Doniya sit next to him as he slides into the seat next to Zayn’s.
“Hello.” He says slowly, extending his hand for Zayn to shake.
Zayn’s motionless for a moment, just staring into his eyes and when Liam starts thinking he won’t take his hand, he holds Safaa with just one, lifting his arms and curling it around Liam’s own. He nods his hello, choosing to stay quiet, much to Liam’s annoyance because he’s dying to hear his voice. His hand falls, curling around Safaa again as she continues talking.
“Do you have sisters, Leeyum?” She asks.
Liam nods. “Two, actually.” He tells her.
“Where are they?” She asks, pouting.
“They don’t live here anymore, they moved away a few months ago.”
Her expression changes into something sad and Liam feels his gut twist. “I thought they were little, just like me and I’d get to play with them. Waliyha says I annoy her and I hoped they’d be my friends.” Zayn snorts and ruffles her hair.
“You’re a menace, Saf.” He says fondly and Liam can’t help the way his heartbeat picks up pace at the sound of his voice. It sounds so different than he remembers. It’s deeper and kind of raspy, but he blames it on the cigarettes he knows Zayn smokes. “There will be a bunch of new friends for you to impress in your new school, yeah?”
She grins again. “Like I impressed Leeyum?” She says, giving Liam a challenging look. Seriously, Louis would be so proud of this kid.
He crosses his hand across his heart. “I’m completely yours, miss.” He says courtly and she giggles, while Doniya snorts next to him.
Safaa then climbs off Zayn, taking her own seat on the table.
Liam gets up to help his mom set the table and soon enough, they’re all eating and talking about everything they’ve missed. Zayn is quiet, though and whenever Liam tries to engage him into a conversation with Doniya, he just nods and replies shortly. Liam doesn’t know what to do after a while. Something just feels off.
He spends the most of the night after the dinner sitting on an old swing texting someone like his life depended on it, while Liam pushes Safaa on the other one and talks to Doniya.
Eventually, Safaa jumps off the swing running towards the table and Doniya following along, leaving Zayn and Liam alone.
Liam sighs and sits on the empty swing. He should probably say something, given the awkward silence, but Zayn beats him to it. He locks his phone, putting it into his pocket and pulling a pack cigarettes out.
“You know,” he starts, but pauses to light up. “You don’t have to work so hard with me, Liam. Our moms are too caught up into each other to notice anything.” Liam’s brow furrows in confusion. Zayn turns to look at him and notices it. “You’ve been trying so hard all night long that I’m losing my hair over it.” He clarifies.
Liam rolls his eyes. “I’m sorry, it’s just... hard.” He decides. “It’s not easy with you like it’s with Doniya.” He admits.
“You and Doniya were best friends, hell you still are. You and I...aren’t.”
“We aren’t?” Liam asks, but he knows the answer.
“No. So stop.” Zayn snaps. “Go back to the being perfect son, best friend and a perfect student and leave me alone.”
Liam cringes at his tone, because what the hell is wrong with this guy?
“What are you talking about?” Liam snaps at him.
“Stop trying to fool me, like them, Liam. I’m not interested.”
“I’m not…” Liam tries, but Zayn cuts him off.
“Just fucking leave me alone.” Zayn says as he gets up, strolling towards the table.
Liam sits there, eyes widened in shock.
He didn’t exactly expect Zayn to open his arms and pull him into a hug like Doniya, but he sure as hell didn’t expect him to be this rude and annoying. He wanted to please his mom and get along with him, but he’s just going to have to fake it all since there’s no way he’s going to be a friend to an asshole like Zayn.
He gets up and follows after Zayn, taking his seat again.
Zayn’s talking to his younger sisters, making them laugh and Liam feels a slight pang of jealousy, because that’s what he wanted to have with him.
Doniya throws an arm around his neck, smiling apologetically. “Don’t worry about Zayn, he’s just being a little shit, like always. You’ll get used to it, just ignore him.” She says loud enough for Zayn to hear which earns her a glare from her brother and a giggle from Waliyha.
“Kids.” Karen interrupts them, stealing all of their attention. All eyes on her, she continues. “You know that we haven’t seen each other in so long and that your house is still not ready for you to completely move in.” Liam nods because he knows that Trisha hired people to take care of that since most of them were women and honestly, Zayn doesn’t seem the type to help with moving. “Um, I know it’s a bit sudden, but we’ve decided on going somewhere for the rest of the summer, like a vacation.” Everyone at the table cheer excitedly, except for Zayn, who just snorts and Liam, who’s too surprised to even move. “I think we haven’t been on a proper beach for years, Liam and I know how much you like the sea and the water.” His mom says. “And Trisha loved the idea of her children spending some time away from all of this before the school starts in September, so we decided on this.” She finishes.
“Mom.” Liam croaks. “I can’t leave right now.” Everyone falls silent and he can feel all eyes on him. “Me and Sophia are going through a rough time and we promised on trying harder to fix this. I can’t leave for the whole summer!” He exclaims.
Everyone else sighs, except for Zayn who snorts, clearly annoyed with this.
Liam turns to glare at him. “Don’t you have a girlfriend to care about?” Liam asks, because there’s probably no one who can possibly be in a relationship with this idiot and he wants to prove him that he does have a heart.
Zayn turns to him with a smirk. “I do, but I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve like you do and I don’t really care what she thinks.” He smiles, mockingly.
“Of course you don’t.” Liam deadpans.
“Liam.” His mom steals his attention again. “I think this will only do you good and you will realize what you really want when you get away for a bit.” She says slowly.
“I want to keep my girlfriend and that’s not gonna happen if I leave for a couple of months.” He responds.
Zayn snorts again and Doniya reaches behind Liam to slap him on the back of his head. “Will you stop, you cold blooded animal?!” She whispers furiously.
“Both of you stop.” Trisha warns. “Liam, darling. I’m sure you can talk to her. If she’s a good person and she loves you, she’ll understand.”
Liam sighs because he knows that she’ll throw a fit as soon as she hears about this, but he nods.
Zayn shakes his head next to him and he wants to tell him to fuck off, but that would only make things worse.
“Can’t I just stay?” Liam asks meekly. “I’m eighteen. I can take care of myself.”
His mom shakes her head and Zayn laughs lowly. Seriously, he wants to punch him at this point.
“Everyone’s going and I don’t wanna hear a word.” Karen says and Liam knows that she doesn’t give a damn about his girlfriend since she never like her.
“Fine.” He sighs as Doniya pats his back in comfort.
“Sorry, buddy.” She says and he nods.
Their moms go back to talking about their plans, deciding on where to go along with the girls while Zayn and he sit back in silence.
“I don’t wanna go, either, if it’s a consolation.” Zayn says.
Liam turns to him. “It’s really not.”
Zayn shrugs and takes a swing of his beer. “C’mon Liam, cheer up. You’re gonna have me around all the time, to spoil everything for everyone and to question your every move, being a little coldblooded shit like always. How bad can it be?” He says, glaring at Doniya who rolls his eyes at him.
Liam groans. He really is a little shit.
And this is going to be a long summer.