ZAYNS POV


"She's...stable." The doctor addressed them. Relief washed over the faces of the crowd. "Come, let's sit and we can discuss everything." He ushered them to the waiting area.

Her family and friends immediately followed the doctor, all except Sonny. He stood there eyeing me, keeping his lips firm in a tight line. His arms spread open and took me in to the tightest hug. I was emotionally and physically drained and at that moment all I could do was drop my head on his shoulder. We stood there in silence, just taking a moment to let the news sink in. She's ok, she's going to be alright.

"How are you my boy?" He whispered.

"M'okay." I breathed. He squeezed a little tighter.

"Thank you for staying with her."

"But she-" I began, but Sonny quickly cut me off.

"She's stable, I'll take that over anything right now." He let go to look me in the eyes. "You look exhausted, how about you go back to the hotel clean up and rest for a little while huh?"

"I don't want to leave her." I shook my head.

"After you've had some rest, then come back." He insisted. "She'll still be here when you return. I'll personally make sure she stays put." He offered a small smile.

"I'll just take a quick shower then I'll be back." I looked back at the double doors. She's in there, resting.

"Pops." Tui called for Sonny.

He hugged me once more and went over towards the doctor. I took a quick glance at the crowd, her family listening intently to the doctors words. Liam paying extra attention to the detail, Niall and Louis comforting Bridgette and Grace and Harry staring back at me. I simply nodded and walked towards the exit.

"Zayn!" Footsteps grew loud as he approached. I turned to find Harry catching up to me.

"Hey mate." I sounded exhausted, but I tried my best to speak with some kind of emotion.

"Are you alright?" His eyes gave away his stress.

"Yeah, I'm just going to change. I'll be back after." I glanced down at myself. Blood covered my shirt and my pants.

"I'll go with you." He said.

"You don't have to mate, I'll be quick." I shrugged.

"C'mon, the faster we leave the sooner we'll be back. The doctor said she'll be out for a little while anyway."

Was that hope in his voice? I nodded and turned to walk out. Harry and I haven't been on the best of terms, if anything only cordial at best. I missed how we used to be, goofing off during meetings while getting the evil glare from Liam and Niall. He was there for me when the news about Stella cheating on me came to light. Who would've thought that Alana would be the one to strain this friendship. I'm not even pointing fingers, all three of us are to blame in some sense. I don't want the tension there anymore. I love Alana, but not in the way a boyfriend would love his girlfriend. I love her because she's a smart ass, because she has this unbreakable love for her family, because she is a hardworking business woman, because her little facial expressions when she doesn't like something, because she's overprotective over everything and anyone she cares about, because...Fuck. I love her. That's all there is to it.

---

LIAMS POV


Three days. It's been three whole days and she still hasn't woken up. We can't even fly her stateside because we don't know what condition she'll be in when she wakes. The nurses gave her medication to keep her comfortable but the downfall is that it makes her sleepy. The doctor prepped us on how to help her regain her speech, and how therapy may be needed. Everything is contingent upon how she heals, so we won't know what she'll need. One thing for sure, we need her to wake up. Grant and Jen won't enjoy their honeymoon, the lads and I have been working from here, her parents and Sonny are constantly back and forth from the hotel and Tui, Jacob and Harley have been on the phone constantly to find out what poisoned her. Bridgette and Grace didn't want to leave but given the circumstances, they had to hold down the fort on the business end. Sonny, Harry, Tui and I were on our shifts keeping Alana company. Seeing her on these machines made my heart sink. She looked helpless, and that was the complete opposite of what she really was. We've all had our moments with her by ourselves. All consisting of us needing her to wake up already. Bridgette was by far the funniest, she spoke to Alana as if she was awake. Threatening to run over the person who caused all of this. Scolding her for not waking up yet. Of course there were inside jokes she spoke of that only her and Alana would understand, something about sweet bread and watermelon water. A knock at the door brought me out of my thoughts.

"Mr. Malik?" A woman popped her head in the room.

"Yes?" Zayn cleared his throat. "I have a couple more forms I need you to fill out." She waved the papers around. "I'll be back within the hour to pick them up, so take your time." She kindly smiled.

"Alright, thank you." He stood up and she handed over the papers. He sat back down and read over the documents. As soon as she exited the room all eyes were on Zayn.

"What's all that for son?" Sonny asked.

"It's just some paperwork for Alana." Zayn gave him a faint smile.

"Shouldn't a family member be doing that?" Harry questioned.

"I suppose, but under the circumstances it isn't necessary." Zayn sighed in annoyance.

"And what circumstances are you referring to?" Harry pushed.

"Just leave it Haz." I spoke up. These two have been doing better, but there are moments when they are at each others throats.

"Enlighten me mate. What circumstances?" Harry now stood and let go of Alana's hand.

"Why can't you just leave it alone?" Zayn threw the pen down in annoyance.

"C'mon fellas, chill out for a minute." Tui tried to calm the two. I was closest to Zayn, and Tui was closer to Harry. Of course if it got to the point of these two fighting we would stop it immediately.

"Enough boys!" Sonny raised his voice. We all froze and looked at the man who has been so soft spoken these few days. "All of this tension needs to stop." Zayn and Harry looked as if they had been yelled at by their parents, apologetic frowns swept over their faces.

"Sorry Sonny." Zayn scratched at his beard. "I'm going to take a break." He walked past Tui and I making sure to not slam the door.

"I'll go keep him company." Tui quickly followed.

Harry, Sonny and I sat in silence for a few moments to collect ourselves. The paperwork that the woman had brought in caught my attention. One word stood out among the rest. I picked up the papers and began skimming over the words.

"What is it?" Harry asked. Before I could say anything Sonny spoke up.

"Zayn is paying her medical bill." He said. "He's what?!" Harrys voice raised a few octaves. "Actually he already paid it, he's covered all of the costs." Sonny only kept his eyes on his granddaughter. "The night that she was brought in, he wanted to maker certain that she was given whatever care she needed."

"That wasn't his place." Harry sneered.

"Oh give it a rest Haz!" I suddenly found my voice. "Had it been anyone else you wouldn't be throwing a fit like this. She's your girlfriend, is she not? You should be happy that she's receiving the best care available!"

"That's the point! She's MY girlfriend!" He yelled.

"Are you really pulling that card right now? We know she is! Can't you just accept the fact that you aren't the only one who cares for her?" I yelled back.

"Oy! Whats this noise about?" Niall walked in with Zayn and Tui. Harry clenched his jaw and glared at me.

"You know Alana would have your head on a spike if she saw the way you were acting Harry." I glared back.

"All I'm doing..." Harry started.

A low grumble followed by faint coughs caused us to shoot our eyes towards the bed. Harry and Niall hurried to the left side, Sonny and Tui to the right and myself right at the foot of the bed. I heard the door open and Zayn call out for a doctor, she was waking up...finally waking up. She coughed more as she came to.

"Bub?" Sonny whispered. "Time to wake up, open your eyes." He squeezed on her hand. She groaned and slightly shook her head.

"C'mon lazy ass, get up." Tui teased. Her doctor came into the room with Zayn right behind him.

"Open your eyes for me love." Harry cooed. Again she only coughed.

"This is normal, she'll be a bit drowsy from the medication. Also, she is not use to the tubes so she may be coughing more." The doctor spoke checking her vitals.

"How are her vitals?" Zayn asked, his eyes glued on Alana. The beeping sound of the machine picked up, and Alana began to move her body. She tried clearing her throat which cause more coughing.

"Ah, just fine. She's just waking up is all." The doctor smiled. Her eyebrows furrowed, slowly her eyes opened and quickly shut them due to the light in the room. "Hello there Alana, I'm Dr. Solomon. I know you might be a little disoriented at the moment but don't panic." He looked at Sonny and nodded for him to say something.

"It's about time you wake up sleepyhead." Sonnys eyes filled with tears. "You gave us quite the scare." She stared at Sonny with a confused look on her face. Her mouth opened to speak but only air came out. Her eyes widened when she realized she couldn't speak.

"Alana, you've had procedure done that is called a tracheotomy." The doctor stopped. "Actually do you mind if I have a word with just Alana? I don't want her feeling overwhelmed." We all looked to Sonny, surely he would protest leaving her when she had just woken. Sonny only looked to Alana, she still looked confused but nodded for us to go.

"C'mon boys, we'll be right outside okay bub?" Sonny leaned down to kiss her forehead. Harry hesitated for a moment but also nodded and gave her a kiss on her hand. Niall and Tui followed suit, I walked over and leaned down to whisper something I knew she would like.

"CRW's. You and me. As soon as we get out of here yeah?" I hoped this would put a small smile on her face. Sure enough the corners of her mouth curled up, there's my girl.

"Sweets we'll be right back okay?" Zayn softly spoke as he reached for her. She shook her head no and held on to Zayns hand. "What's wrong?" He asked. I saw what she wanted, she wanted him to stay.

"Zayn will stay with you ok Alana?" I looked at him knowing he wouldn't object. She nodded and gave me a faint smile.

"We'll be right outside." I closed the door and was greeted by the other three, Harry's eyes fixed on the door then to me then back to the door. I knew he was going to say something, this would be the icing on the cake. All of us out here, her grandfather, brother, friends and her boyfriend...and who's in there? Zayn. Harry opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. He just let out a sigh and sat on the closest chair.

"I can't even be mad. It's always Zayn. At the hotel in Vegas, the night all of this happened and now...this." He leaned his head back and took a deep breath.

"There's a level of comfort when it comes to those two." I sat next to him. "She has a different relationship with all of us, but the only relationship you should keep in mind is that you two are together. Given her past, she would never jeopardize that. You need to accept that people just gravitate towards her, but she only has eyes for you."

"I know, it's just easier said than done." He looked up at the window. Alana was holding Zayns hand for ransom and wasn't looking like she'd let go anytime soon.

---

ALANAS POV


The doctor had explained everything that had happened the other night, most of it was fuzzy, but bits and pieces were fresh in my mind. Thanks to the tube in my throat I can't talk just yet, which pissed me off because I had so many questions. The whiteboard and marker the doctor had given me was the only way I could communicate. Fucking shit. I don't know what's more frustrating, not being able to speak or finding out I was poisoned...at my brothers wedding of all places. I was beyond pissed off, who the hell would want to poison me?

"Alana? Did you hear me?" The doctor asked. I opened my mouth to speak but only let out an irritated grunt. I nodded and gave him a thumbs up. "Alright, so I would say two maybe three more days before you can go back to California. Just as long as everything is healing up nicely." He glanced over the paperwork on his clipboard and smiled. I picked up the marker and quickly wrote out 'Sounds good. Thanks Doc!' and a smiley face.

"No problem at all, would you like me to tell the others to come back in?" He asked. I shook my head and wrote down something new.

'Not just yet. I'll have Zayn call them in when I'm ready.'

"Very well, I'll tell them you need a little time to breathe...sorry no pun intended." He frowned at his horrible wording. "I'll be back in a little while to check on you." He waved and walked towards the door.

When the door shut I heard people bombard the doctor with questions, but within seconds they ceased. Don't get me wrong I'd love to see everybody but right now? I just want some alone time. Time to soak in all that's happened. I took a deep breath and looked up at Zayn, he warily looked at me with the faintest of smiles.

"Do you want to be alone? I can wait outside." He offered. I shook my head no and picked up the marker.

'Why is it, you and I always end up in this kind of situation?' I held up the board to show Zayn, his eyes quickly read the words and laughed once he finished.

"Because you are forever the damsel Sweets." He grinned and rubbed his now longer beard. I shook my head but my eyes lingered a little longer on him.

'You're growing your beard out?' I held up the board.

"Yes and no." He sighed. "It's been pretty stressful these past couple of days and I really didn't feel like shaving."

I immediately felt guilty. He's always been there for me when shit hits the fan and doesn't complain. I mean, I feel like a burden...I could tell he hasn't gotten the proper rest that he should've been getting. I'm sure the others were in the same boat. How is it that I'm always the center of chaos? These guys don't deserve this.

"What is it?" Zayn reached out to me and held my hand. I picked up the marker and didn't let him peek until I was done.

'I want you and the boys to go back to London. I'm beyond thankful for everything you guys have done for me, I love you guys more than you could imagine. But you guys can't run a company from here, you guys need to get back to your priorities.' He carefully read the board obviously disagreeing with me.

"We don't-" he started but I held up my hand to stop him and began writing again.

'Please, I promise as soon as I'm better and everything is in order at work I'll come and visit.'

"Alana." He sighed, squeezing my hand.

"Zayn!" I tried to speak but my voice strained. I let out a sigh of frustration and took to the board again. Between him and the others I knew I had to pull a low blow, the only card I had to play.

'If you have any ounce of love for me you'll do what I ask. Please Zayn.' His jaw clenched and he looked away.

"That's not fair and you know it." He sounded hurt.

I knew this struck a nerve but I had no other choice. This was the only way to get them back on track, I won't let their empire falter because of some unfortunate events that happened because of me. I'll get better, but I need time to heal. That time can be spent running their business instead of doctoring me.

'If I could speak, I'd beg you. Please do this for me.'

"You want us to go away? You want us to leave? You want me to leave?" His voice was on the fence between anger and sadness. I flinched from the raise in his voice and took my eyes off of him. "I'm sorry Sweets, I didn't mean to yell but did you hear your request?" His eyebrows furrowed together. "Your asking me something that I don't want to give you. Believe me I'll give you the world if I could but, You can't send me away. Not after everything that's happened." He reached for my hand again. I didn't dare look at him, if I did, then I'd say yes to whatever he wanted. I had to stand my ground, no more chaos, stand your ground Alana...stand your ground. He had to oblige to my one request.

"Hey, I have a proposal for you." His voice back to its silky waves. "I'll leave and get the lads to leave, but on one condition and one condition only." He held up one finger.

I hesitantly looked at him, instantly condemning myself for doing so. But he said he and the boys would go so I guess hearing him out wouldn't hurt. I slightly nodded for him to keep going. His eyes were locked on mine and his hand squeezed a little harder.

"Come with us." My eyes widened. "That's the only way Sweets. You'll have the care you need, the lads and I will be back at work and still be able to see you." He licked his lips and tilted his head eyeing my actions. "It's a win-win love, what do you say?"

Notes

Oh how life just happens... 2014 has been a pretty shitty year for my family. Too many loved ones passed away.

This is one of those 'Sorry not sorry' kind of things. I write this story because it's fun, it passes the time and for some of my readers...it gives them a little thrill. I know these past couple of chapters have been slow but life happens guys. And to answer some questions no, I'm not giving up on this story. It's just taking some time to make a decent chapter. Sometimes it's writers block sometimes I just don't have the time to post other times I'm just enjoying quality time with family.

So for those of you who have been waiting patiently, thank you. I do my best to keep you guys happy.

BIIIIIIIIIG thank you to my faithfuls, you guys are undeniably the biggest motivation to write.

With that being said, keep a look out who knows when the next chapter will be up ;)

xoxo



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