You’re six years old, have scabs on your elbows, missing your two front teeth, and best friends with the boy who lives next door, Zayn.

He’s a year older, and never failed to tease you about it. 

Zayn is a quiet young lad, always keeping to himself, and only speaking when spoken to. But when he’s with you, he’s completely different. A little boy full of energy and laughter. Both of your parents looked at you in wonder as they realized that you were the only human being alive who could bring that side out of him.

One sunny day in your backyard, you and Zayn swung on your swing set.

“Zayn,” You said. “Do you want to have a contest?”

As he swung his big chocolate brown eyes lit up in excitement. He always loved a challenge. “What kind of contest?”

“How about we jump out of our swings, and who ever flies farther, wins!”

“You’re on! I’ll go first.” He announced. He swung his legs hard, back and forth to get the swing higher. After three good pushes, Zayn flew out of his seat, and landed athletically on the balls of his feet. He cleared about eight yards.

“Beat that!” He called.

You smirked, knowing you could, and swung even higher than Zayn did. After gaining enough momentum, you squeezed your eyes shut, and let go.

You flew.

And flew.

Yes, you did beat Zayn, but what you didn’t do, was land as gracefully as he had managed to do. Your little knobby knees connecting with the ground, and you landed with a cry of pain.

“Owww!!!” You yelped.Crouching up, holding both knees, tears streamed down your face as the throbbing pain seemed to increase.

“san!” Zayn trotted over to you, and crouched down in front of you. “Are you okay?!” He asked, eyes full of worry and concern.

“My legs! They hurt Zee!” You always called him Zee in times of desperation. Your tears muffled your voice as you spoke.

Carefully, Zayn removed your hands from both of your knees, revealing light purple bruises starting to form. The sight made you cry harder.

“It hurts,” you whimpered.

He looked you in the eyes and knew what to do.

“Here,” He said. Zayn bent down slowly, and pressed his little soft lips gently to your right knee.

You stopped crying immediately. Pulling back and leaning down once more, he kissed your left knee softly as well. The pain was gone. All you could concentrate on was him. He looked back up at you.

“All better?”

The only thing you could manage was a nod.

Zayn smiled, and sat next to you, throwing an arm over your shoulder.

“My mum taught me that. It always works.” He said.

“They don’t hurt anymore. Thanks Zee,” You smile a toothless grin at your best friend.

“Don’t worry Sandy. I’ll always make it better.”

“I hope you’re my bestest friend forever!”

“I will be San.”

“Promise?”

“Pinky-promise.” He held his hand up and you linked pinkies, sealing the deal.

“You know,” He said “My mummy says that when you get married to someone, they stay together forever.”

“Really?”

“Sure. I’ll marry you. Then we’ll always be together.” He murmured. The thought of never losing your best friend put a wide smile on your face.

“Okay Zee.”

**** 12 Years later.

“Sandy! You look so pretty!”

You turn to see Safaa, your grooms little sister in the doorway of the bedroom.

“Thank you! Come here!” You crouch down and hold your arms out. She giggled and ran to you, jumping into your arms. Hugging her, you said “You’re prettier.”

“Oh never! That dress is really pretty Sand. You look like a princess.” She smiled. She looked so much like him when she did that.

“Thank you babe.” You set her down and brushed the hair out of her little ten year old face. “Are you excited?” You ask.

“Yes! Bubba said you’re going to be my new sister.” She always called her brother Bubba.

“Yes. I am. Is that okay?”

“Are you kidding? I can’t wait!”

“Good, because it’s happening right now.” You smile and grab her hand. “Let’s go.”

Down stairs, you hear the wedding march start, and your heart starts to race. Your father, wearing a classic tux, holds out his arms for you. With a tear in his eye, he says “Are you ready baby-girl?”

“I’ve been waiting for this since I was six Daddy. I’m ready.”

He nodded, and started to walk. You turned the corner, and found yourself in you childhood back yard. The sun was setting and the sky was painted a light shade of pink. Lights were strung on the trees and on the fence. Balloons and ribbons decorated the chairs, in which were inhabited by people, dress in suits and Sunday dresses. At the sight of you, they all stood and turned to stare. You blushed deeply, hating to be the center of attention.

But as you started to walk, all was forgotten once you saw him.

He stood at the end on the isle, in front of an alter, dressed in a tux. He was absolutely stunning. Your heart pounded in your ears as it swelled with love and passion. His soft black hair was styled downward, the little streak of blond peeking out underneath. Over the years, he had traded his chubby baby face for a strong masculine jaw, and sharp cheek bones. His gorgeous brown eyes creased with a smile as they saw and assessed you. His big white grin and perfect teeth never failed to take your breath away, and was doing a good job of it now. He was utterly perfect.

When you finally closed the space between you and him, and your father handed you off to your husband to be, you had never been more in love with Zayn Jawaad Malik before in your life.

‘I love you’ He mouthed.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..” The speech started. You were a bit impatient, just wanting to get to the I Do’s and the kiss. Definitely the kiss.

After the speech, and repeating everything had to, it was time for the vows. You went first. It was sweet and funny, making Zayn and the audience laugh with your sarcasm and wit. Soon after, it was his turn.

“Sandy,” He started. His voice was smooth and deep, giving you chills like it always did. “I promise to never stop loving you. I have loved you ever since we were kids. Always looking after you, protecting you from any harm. And now, as we wed, my love and protection for you will get stronger, and never weaken, for the rest of our long and happy lives together. Twelve years ago, on a Tuesday afternoon, I promised you that we would marry, and that we would always stay together. I have every intention to keep that promise. I’ve already done half of it,” He smiled and you laughed, with tears in your eyes at the beauty of his words. “I promise to always lift you when your down, and kiss your knees when they hurt. I love you Jess.”

You and the audience were speechless.

“Sandy, do you take Zayn to be your lawful wedded husband?”

“I do.” A tear escaped and traveled down your cheek. Zayn lifted his hand and brushed it away with his finger tips.

“Zayn do you take Sandy to be your lawful wedded wife?”

He smiled a heart breakingly beautiful smile, eyes never leaving yours he murmured barley audible, “I do.”

“You may kiss the bride.”

Within seconds, not soon enough, Zee’s lips were on yours. Kissing you deeply, forgetting the world.