Moselia's mother, busy unpacking the car, nodded absently. "That sounds fine, dear. Just make sure to study hard and get plenty of rest."
Her father, distracted by his phone, grunted in agreement. "Yeah, okay. Just be home by Sunday dinner."
Moselia breathed a sigh of relief, her plan seemingly going off without a hitch. She couldn't wait to sneak out and meet Zayn at the old oak tree, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
But as she turned to head to her room, she caught her mother's eye, a flicker of suspicion passing across her face. "Moselia, sweetie, what's going on? You seem a bit... distracted lately."
Moselia forced a smile, trying to appear nonchalant. "Nothing, Mom. Just stressed about school, that's all."
Her mother's gaze lingered, but eventually, she nodded. "Okay, dear. Just be careful, okay?"
Moselia nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for lying to her mother. But she pushed it aside, her mind already racing ahead to tomorrow night's secret rendezvous with Zayn.
"alright I'll be there" she texted him back.
"Can't wait to see you, Moselia," Zayn responded, his text sending a flutter through her chest. "Remember, come alone. And trust me, I'll explain everything tomorrow night."
Moselia's phone buzzed again, another text from Zayn. "And Moselia?"
"Yeah?" she replied, her heart racing with anticipation.
"Don't forget, I'll be watching over you. Always."
Moselia's skin prickled with goosebumps as she read his words, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling inside her. What did Zayn mean by "always"? And what did he plan to reveal to her tomorrow night? She couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to change forever.
She shook her head and resigned herself to what she will see tomorrow, then she texted Rachel.
"I'm coming for a sleep over tomorrow"
Rachel responded immediately. "Yaaas, girl! I'm so down for a sleepover! What's going on, though? You've been acting weird all week."
Moselia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'll tell you everything tomorrow, Rach. Just make sure to cover for me, okay? My parents think I'm studying with you."
Rachel's response was immediate. "Gotchu, girl! Don't worry, your secrets are safe with me. See you tomorrow!"
Moselia breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for her friend's understanding. She couldn't wait to confide in Rachel about Zayn and the mysterious connection they shared. But for now, she just smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness building up inside her. Tomorrow night was going to change everything.
The next day, Moselia went to school as usual, and after school, she went back home, her mind couldn't help but swirl back to the conversation she had with Zayn and the kiss.
She flushed each time.
As she walked into her house, Moselia's mother greeted her with a warm smile. "Hey sweetie, how was your day?"
Moselia tried to play it cool, but her cheeks betrayed her, flushing pink. "It was fine, Mom. Just the usual."
Her mother raised an eyebrow, noticing Moselia's rosy complexion. "You okay, dear? You look a bit... flustered."
Moselia quickly shook her head, trying to brush it off. "I'm just tired, Mom. That's all."
But her mother's gaze lingered, a knowing glint in her eye. Moselia wondered if she suspected something, but her mother just smiled and said, "Well, go get changed and then come down for dinner. Your father and I want to talk to you about something."
Moselia's heart skipped a beat as she headed to her room, her mind racing with possibilities. What did her parents want to talk to her about? And how could she keep her secret rendezvous with Zayn hidden from them?
She went back upstairs and dropped her bag then came downstairs for dinner as always.
As she sat down, she looked at her parents.
"What's up? I hope nothing is wrong? I'm not in trouble am I?" She kidded trying to lighten the tension even though she was curious deep down.
Her parents exchanged a glance, and Moselia's father cleared his throat. "No, sweetie, you're not in trouble. We just wanted to talk to you about... your future."
Moselia's mother took over, her voice gentle. "We've been thinking, and we want to send you to a summer program in Europe. It'll be a great opportunity for you to learn and grow."
Moselia's heart sank, her mind racing. Europe? But what about Zayn? What about their plans? She tried to sound enthusiastic, but her voice came out flat. "Europe... that sounds... amazing."
Her father smiled, oblivious to her true feelings. "We thought you'd be excited! It's a once in a lifetime chance. You'll be leaving in a few weeks."
Moselia's eyes widened, panic setting in. A few weeks? But she couldn't meet Zayn, couldn't uncover the truth about her past and her connection to him. She felt trapped, her future being decided without her input.
"but.. I don't wanna go, I wanna stay, with you guys"
Moselia's mother's expression softened, and she reached out to put a hand on Moselia's arm. "Oh, sweetie, we know this is a lot to take in. But trust us, this is for the best. You'll have an amazing experience, make new friends, and learn so much. And we'll be here, waiting for you when you get back."
Moselia's father added, his voice firm but gentle, "It's not up for discussion, Moselia. We've already made the arrangements. You'll be going to Europe, and that's final."
Moselia felt a surge of frustration and desperation. She couldn't let them send her away, not now, not when she was so close to uncovering the truth about Zayn and her past. She needed to think, to come up with a plan. But for now, she just nodded, trying to appear resigned. "Okay... I understand."
"can I at least go for a sleepover with my friends?"
Moselia's mother hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, dear. But just for tonight. You'll need to start packing and preparing for your trip soon."
Moselia's heart skipped a beat as she realized this might be her only chance to sneak out and meet Zayn. "Thanks, Mom! I'll go pack my bag for Rachel's house."
As she got up from the table, her father called out, "And Moselia? Don't think about trying to sneak out or stay out late. We'll be checking in with Rachel's parents to make sure you're safe and sound."
Moselia forced a smile, trying to appear innocent. "I wouldn't dream of it, Dad." But inside, she was already planning her escape. Tonight was her chance to see Zayn, and she wasn't going to let anything get in the way.
As expected dad called her parents and they were all enthusiastic about it, I wonder how Rachel did it, I was grateful.
After packing my bag, the driver dropped me off at Rachels.
She was excited to see me.
As soon as the driver left, Rachel pulled Moselia into a tight hug. "Girl, I'm so glad you're here! I was worried your parents might not let you come."
Moselia laughed, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Me too, Rach. But thanks to you, they think I'm just having a sleepover."
Rachel grinned mischievously. "I told my mom to play along. She's cool like that. So, what's the plan? When are you sneaking out to meet Zayn?"
Moselia glanced around nervously, making sure no one was listening. "Midnight. He's waiting for me at the old oak tree in the park. I have to go, Rach. I have to know what's going on."
Rachel nodded, her expression serious. "I get it. But be careful, Moselia. We don't know anything about this guy."
Moselia nodded, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "I know. But I have to try."
I stayed with Rachel till 11:30pm and then I decided to go.
"Okay, girl, be careful!" Rachel whispered, as she walked Moselia to the door. "Text me as soon as you can, and don't forget to sneak back in before dawn!"
Moselia nodded, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of fear. She slipped out into the night, the cool air enveloping her as she made her way to the park. The old oak tree loomed in the distance, its branches creaking in the wind.
She approached the tree it was quiet, just as she was about to bring out her phone, she felt a presence and by reflex wanted to attack when Zayn caught her wrists.
"Fiesty little rabbit" he smirked.
Moselia's heart skipped a beat as Zayn's eyes crinkled at the corners, his smirk still plastered on his face. She felt a flutter in her chest, her mind racing back to the kiss they shared. She tried to pull her wrists free, but Zayn's grip was gentle yet firm.
"Let me go," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Zayn chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Not yet, little rabbit. We need to talk."
Moselia's blush deepened as Zayn's gaze roamed over her face, his eyes lingering on her lips. She felt a shiver run down her spine, her body responding to his proximity.
"What do you want to talk about?" she asked, trying to sound calm despite her racing heart.
Zayn smiled and carressed her cheek fondly, "you" he whispered.
Moselia's heart fluttered as Zayn's fingers grazed her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. She felt a rush of excitement, her mind racing with the sudden change in conversation.
"Me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Zayn nodded, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with a warmth that made her feel like melting. "Yes, you. I want to know everything about you, Moselia. What makes you tick, what you love, what you fear... everything."
Moselia's blush deepened, feeling a sense of vulnerability wash over her. No one had ever shown such interest in her before, at least not like this.
"Why?" she asked, her voice still barely above a whisper.
Zayn's smile grew, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Because I think I might be falling for you, Moselia. Hard."
"you-" she flushed immediately remembering the kiss then looked away hoping Zayn didn't see through her thoughts, he smiled.
Zayn's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're thinking about the kiss, aren't you?" he whispered, his voice low and husky.
Moselia's face burned with embarrassment, she couldn't deny it. She nodded slightly, still looking away.
Zayn chuckled, his fingers tracing her jawline, making her shiver. "I've been thinking about it too," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity. "I couldn't stop thinking about it, actually."
Moselia's heart skipped a beat, her pulse racing with excitement. She slowly turned back to face him, her eyes locking onto his.
"What does it mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zayn's expression turned serious, his eyes burning with intensity. "I think it means we have something special, Moselia. Something worth exploring."
"I'm just a minor, compared to your age, you're 38 years old and I'm.. just 20, it doesn't seem right" she looked away, folding her arms which seemed cold.
Zayn dropped his suit jacket over her and whispered into her ear.
"Do you think what we feel for each other is wrong then?? Do you think, we should stop? Do you think maybe, we shouldn't be together then?? I'll respect your wishes my dear little rabbit" his voice was husky with a hint of disapproval and temptation.
Moselia felt a shiver run down her spine as Zayn's warm breath caressed her ear. She felt a surge of emotions, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. She looked down at the suit jacket draped over her shoulders, feeling the warmth and weight of it, like Zayn's protection.
"I...I don't know," she stammered, her voice barely audible. "I just know that people will talk, they'll judge us. And I'm still in college, I'm just starting my life..."
Zayn's fingers brushed against her chin, gently turning her face towards him. His eyes burned with intensity, his voice low and husky. "I don't care about what people think, Moselia. I care about what you think. Do you feel it too? This connection between us?"
Moselia's heart skipped a beat, her pulse racing with excitement. She felt like she was drowning in his eyes, like she was melting into his touch.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I feel it too."
Zayn's eyes flashed with triumph, his lips curling into a sly smile. "Then let's not worry about what others think. Let's just follow our hearts, little rabbit."
"my parents..."
Moselia's voice trailed off, her eyes clouding with concern. Zayn's expression softened, his fingers gentle on her chin.
"I know, little one," he whispered. "I know. We'll face them together, when the time is right. But for now, let's just focus on us. On this feeling between us."
He paused, his eyes burning with intensity. "I promise you, Moselia, I will never hurt you. I will always protect you, always cherish you. You're safe with me."
Moselia felt a lump form in her throat, her heart racing with emotion. She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust him. And as she looked into his eyes, she knew she did.
She looked around the park, the winds rustling the trees.
She felt herself immediately being lifted from the floor and she shrieked.
Zayn smiled as she struggled for him to put her down.
"We're going somewhere warm, don't tell me you wanna stay out here in the park all night?"
With that she calmed down and Zayn smiled, the door to the limousine was open and they got in, the warm air in the car was better.
Just before she could relax, she felt Zayn hovered above her and immediately started kissing her, she was inexperienced just like the first time.
He drew her closer, melding his lip to her as they were in close contact enough to feel the heat of their body.
Moselia's heart raced as Zayn's lips devoured hers, his kiss deepening as he pulled her closer. She felt like she was melting into him, their bodies pressed together in the warm, intimate space of the limousine. She tried to keep up with his passionate kiss, but she was no match for his experience. Zayn's hands roamed her body, sending shivers down her spine as he explored every curve.
As they broke apart for air, Moselia gasped, her lips swollen and tender. Zayn's eyes burned with desire, his face inches from hers.
"You're so beautiful, Moselia," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "I can't get enough of you."
Moselia's cheeks flushed, her heart racing with excitement. She felt like she was drowning in his eyes, like she was losing herself in his passion.
"Zayn," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Yes, little one?" he replied, his lips brushing against her ear.
Moselia's body trembled, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't express. She didn't know what she wanted, or what she was getting herself into. All she knew was that she couldn't resist Zayn, couldn't resist the way he made her feel.
She immediately gave him a shoulder punch.
"You could have warned me, that was my first kiss" her voice got lower with each sentence and a faint blush could be seen on her cheeks.
Zayn's eyes widened in surprise, and he rubbed his shoulder, laughing. "Ah, I didn't know that! You're a natural, though," he teased, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Moselia's blush deepened, and she looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Shut up," she muttered, her voice still low.
Zayn's expression softened, and he gently turned her face back to him. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just...I couldn't help myself," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Moselia's eyes met his, and she saw the genuine apology there. She felt her embarrassment fade, replaced by a warm feeling in her chest.
"It's okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just...wasn't expecting it."
Zayn smiled, his eyes still locked on hers. "I promise to warn you next time," he whispered, his lips curling into a sly smile. "But can I ask...did you like it?"