The Ghost Counselor [Ziall] [MAJOR EDITING]

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Moody

Note: The story so far was a re-telling of sorts, of the events that took place 2 months ago. Now the story is lapsing back into present time.

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PRESENT DAY

March 2014

ZAYN'S POV

Driving-- more like speeding-- to school today, I felt like hell. Today was just not going my way, more than what normally went.

I was suffering from a cold, my chest wheezing like a broken air conditioner with every breath I took. I'd slept late at night, so naturally I overslept and was fucking tired. Not to mention I forgot to wear my contacts in a hurry, so driving with the oncoming headache was proving to be a challenge on my senses.

Rubbing my red nose, I pulled over into the school parking lot. Cutting the engine, I hopped out of the Beetle and slammed the door shut, adjusting my backpack and smooting down my flannel shirt.

Briskly walking towards homeroom, I quickly swiped my phone out, noting with relief that I'd made it in the nick of time.

Making my way through the crowded hallways and towards my designated homeroom class, I sunk into the first empty seat, laying my pounding head on the cool surface of the wooden desk, sighing deeply. Fucking stupid cold!

"Mate, how're you feeling?" I felt a light pat on by back a few minutes later, and someone took a seat beside me. I wearily lifted my head up.

"Just peachy," I spat at Louis, who chuckled in amusement.

"Still moody, I see. And you look awful," he stated sympathetically, patting my shoulder.

"Gee, thanks Lou," I rolled my eyes. He was right. I've been acting moody these days, but today was the worst.

"We're still up for the bonfire tomorrow, yeah?" Louis asked, adjusting the feathery fringe on his forehead that was peeking out from his beanie.

"Of course we are!" I sniffled.

Louis, Harry, Liam and I always did something together over the weekend, 'cos Liam always managed to drive up here. He just can't stay away from us, just like he promised.

And of course, I'm not gonna miss out in hanging out with my best friend just 'cos of a stupid cold. And besides, there's a lot I have to catch him up on.

"Good morning class. Please take your seats," our elderly homeroom teacher Mrs. Breslin waddled in, followed by some even more late students and a breathless Harry. He plopped down in the seat beside Louis.

"Hi guys!" he puffed out, trying to smooth down his curls, which were sticking up comically, most probably from the helmet he wears during the bike ride.

Louis smiled at Harry in response while I blew my nose at him.

"Ooh, still sick I see?" Harry stuck his tongue out at me.

"Yep. Haz? Come over here and gimme a kiss to make me feel better?" I batted my eyelashes, to which the curly haired lad shoved me away, laughing.

"Quiet!" the pruny teacher barked, fixing her laser glare in our direction.

~*~

I somehow survived the rest of the school hours, and the Advils I took did help. Like a lot. And now I was dreading basketball practice. Why didn't I just decide to stay home sick? Besides, maybe they don't even need me.

Unlike I'd expected, after the hype of my big winning shot, Coach had moved me up, and I kept playing, well, just because I loved to play. Not because I strived to be better. I played basketball as a hobby, but I was actually getting better at it. And apparently Coach saw potential in me. Wow.