Fate

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Turning around to face them, I saw they both held warm smiles upon their faces. How could two men be this sweet and caring and not have a loving family with no problems to go home to? Eric had Zayn as a son and no matter how much I'm sure he loved him it seemed as if Zayn didn't share his feelings. It angered me slightly to know Zayn had a father like Eric and couldn't stop being an ungrateful child long enough to see what he had in him. Eric loved Zayn even if he was spoiled and rude. He couldn't even call Eric dad. I didn't know the story hidden in their past but I knew Eric didn't deserve the way Zayn treated him.

As for Alec, I knew he didn't have anyone to go home to. He had no wife or children. No girlfriend of any kind. I knew he knew my parents and went to school with them but that was all. There wasn't truly much I knew about either of the men standing in front of me besides the fact that they were caring adults that cared more about me than they probably should.

I took a deep breath, stepping forward. "Hey..." I muttered, offering them both a small smile.

Eric smiled. "Mr. Gray and I were just discussing your change in the schedule if you were planning on changing. He's agreed to—"

"I'll stay in the class," I blurted looking at both of them.

They shared a look before smiling slightly. "Are you sure that's what you want?" Alec asked.

I sighed. "No, but it's better than the alternative," I admitted, running a hand through my hair.

Eric nodded, "If I need to speak to Zayn, I will. And if not me, Mr. Gray can do it." He offered and Alec nodded in agreement.

I rubbed my upper arm repeatedly in nervousness. "No, it's fine. He won't be a problem. We're getting along," I shrugged.

I wasn't sure if that was a lie or not. At the moment he seemed okay, playful even but that didn't mean it wouldn't turn into a lie later on. Zayn and his bipolar moods were always changing on the dime and I wasn't sure if I could handle it.

This decision was risky and if things didn't work out I didn't know what I would do.

Alec leaned on the desk, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "I know I said I wouldn't switch partners but if you need to, I can." He offered softly.

I shook my head. "No, I don't want to be switched. We've already worked this hard on the project. No need to switch now." I sighed, even though I wasn't completely convinced myself.

"I understand," Alec smiled.

"If there's ever anything either of us can do for you, Ariel, we want you to know we're here," Eric stated.

I saw something in both men's eyes that I couldn't quite decipher, but I knew his words were both genuine and caring.

I nodded, "Thanks," I said turning away to head out the office door.

Once out, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. There I'd made up my mind. I was staying in Alec's class and staying partners with Zayn. When I went to that office I wasn't sure of my answer and even when I admitted my answer I still wasn't sure of it. It just sort of came out. Like fate choose for me.

And maybe it did.

Something told me I needed to tell Zayn the news myself but he was nowhere in sight so I texted instead.

Ariel: I decided to stay in the class and stay partners so I hope you're going to try your best to complete this.

Zayn: Of course, miss Young. Though you don't have to worry about me. I'd be more concerned about you.