NARRATOR-

They gathered in a sort of dark fashion at yet another candlelight vigil. This one was different. It had been about 3 months since the disappearance of Elena King. It seemed like the crowds multiplied every time a vigil took place. People gathered to light candles and pray together for her safe return, though an eerie suspicion hung in the air this time.

Many believed she had been murdered, which is why the police had hit a dead end. There was just no subjects. No one to blame. If someone had wanted to commit the perfect crime, maybe this one was it. Though many could point fingers at one person in particular, there was just no solid proof.

"Elena is my youngest daughter," Her mother, Gabrielle, said softly into the microphone set up in a gazebo. The audience gathered around it with white candles, some with photos of Elena, and many with flowers. "She was not only the purest soul, but she was my little girl. Many of you knew she loved going to church," she backed away from the microphone just a bit, her heartbreak manifesting in her voice, "I remember she'd cry when she'd hear Reverent Jones sing Amazing Grace."

The beloved Reverend stood behind Gabrielle along with some members of the congregation, who held white roses in their hands.

It would seem like many were saying goodbye to Elena instead of gathering to pray for her to come home. Many news stations were nearby and the event had made the national news, in one last attempt to get sympathy from whoever had taken her captive.

"I ask that we all come together and help each other heal from this tremendous loss. Elena, wherever she is, knows that this is her home. She is loved, she is safe here with those who love her. I know God is watching over her and that no matter what, he has not taken his eyes off her. His hand will guide her home."

Harry was somewhere in his own little world, drunk and refusing to accept that Elena was no more. It had been a while since he had heard anything about her case and he had no hope anymore. It had been as if she had never even existed and he couldn't handle seeing her missing person's flyer all over town and all over the TV.

They didn't even know her, he thought, why do they care?

They were selfish, to try to get ratings and views off a poor girl's misfortune. How could they even understand how badly it hurt if they never loved her?

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me

I once was lost

but now am found

Was blind but now I see

Elena sat alone next to a closed window, a glass of water and an unopened pack of crackers next to her on the table. She looked out at the trees outside, becoming sick with anxiety.

She sniffled, allowing tears to fall down her cheeks. Today was a bad day for her. The pain in her chest seemed to have control over her. It was hard to even get a word out. Zayn had disappeared and left for a few hours now, so even if she had wanted to talk to someone, there was no one.

She rubbed her growing bump lovingly and hummed, happy that she could at least see the trees outside moving along with the wind.

"Elena?" Zayn called for her and she immediately stilled.

"Hm?" she replied, not trusting her voice and not wanting to upset him by answering him the wrong way.

He came into the room and immediately caught sight of her looking out the window. "Are you having fun over there?"

The man made no effort to get any closer to her, he chose to simply stand against the wall by the door.

"I'm just tired today, feeling sick."

He appeared concerned. "I'm sorry about that. I promise it'll end soon. Election time is coming up and I need you to just do this for me for a few more weeks."

"What?"

"You'll understand soon. Everything will be just as we planned it, once I get us a new house, we can get married before the baby comes. It'll all be fine. Just hold on for me, Elena, and it'll all be over. Believe me, angel."

He made an effort to sit closer. He sat on the edge of the bed and laid his palms on his knees. Zayn watched her and sighed.

So much had happened. So much he regretted now. She knew too much about him, had foolishly fallen in love with her from the moment he took her hand. Elena King, the love of his life. The thought of loving another seemed absurd, and even if it ever happened, he'd forever compare them to her.

Zayn had told her all about his family, his real family, who he had abandoned in hopes of starting a new life away from his painful upbringing. He spoke of his birth mother, his sister and step sister, and their new life with his mom's new husband. It was perfect for them, they were successful, but he never felt like he fit in with them. He was too much like his father, he was the bad apple. Zayn only ever felt loved with Elena, which is why he fought so hard to keep her. He knew she wasn't in love with him, but perhaps after some time, she would be. They had been together for a few years now and everyday, he noticed her soften towards him. He noticed the little details, the way she did things for him without expecting anything or how even when they slept, she'd reach for him to hold. Maybe it was all going sour because Zayn didn't know how to love. He didn't know how to express emotions without making the other person feel afraid. How could he explain the intensity of this? Zayn loved her. Elena was the only person he could see.

"You know me, Elena," he sighed, in a moment of vulnerability. "You know I'm fucked up."

Elena turned to look at him, biting her lip. Her hands quivered in her lap. "You're a very strange man," she answered, "but there's still a chance at redemption for you, I think."

Zayn laughed halfheartedly. "Oh, angel. You should hate me."

"I can't."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Why's that?"

Elena inched closer until she sat at his feet. "Because you're the father of my child. I can't hate you, I wish I understood you. I wish I wasn't afraid of you," she sniffles, "For so long, I wanted to love you. You never let me. You just... You push me away. You do this. You hurt me and our baby. What do you want from me?"

"I'm sorry," he looks away from her, not willing to show her the emotion in his eyes, "I'm sorry. I'm just scared."

"Of what?" Elena asks.

"You're the only person i've ever let in. You're the only person I love. I know, I know you'd never do anything against me. I know you'd never tell anyone the truth about me. You stuck around for so long, I took you from everyone and still, you look at me and see a man who can be saved. I think a part of you loves me, you know? A part of you thinks that maybe one day, I can be the man for you."

His words register in her mind and she sees that he's somewhat right. There was no doubting that. It was all just so complicated and fucked up. Then, Harry came into play. It seemed like such a mistake now that she was thinking clearly. She stayed with Zayn for a reason. It wasn't fear or guilt, she had somehow developed feelings for him.

"I want to get away from all this. I want to know what its like to love you without having to be afraid. I want our child to grow up in a healthy environment. I can't be with you like this, Zayn. I can't be with you if you're going to hurt me. I'd rather you just kill me," she says softly.

"I want that, I want a family with you and for us to be happy."

His hand grabs for hers, their eyes meeting. "It's almost over, I swear..." his voice gets softer, "i've never heard you say that you love me."

"I never wanted to admit it to you."

Elena leaned closer, noticing how much lighter she felt. "You never say you love me either."

"But I do love you," Zayn kissed her lips lightly, whispering against them rare words of affection. "You're my only angel, the love of my life."