《Take my heart》 Chapter 1 I layed in bed staring at my phone when a click came to my window, I ignored it until it happened, again and again, i slipped out of my comfy bed and dragged my feet to the window. I pull back the curtain and see a figure in the darkness he looked familiar but i didn''t realize it was Zeke until he stepped into the light. I swallowed and looked at him, i haven''t seen him since he left and i don''t think i want to see him now. I look down and reach to shut the window. I lean back into my room holding my hand on the edges about to close it. ¡°Wait!¡± he whispers yells. I don''t listen and i start to shut it till a scream of pain is yelled. I open the window quickly and Zeke''s arm was in between the window and ledge. ¡°What were you thinking!¡± i whispered. ¡°I couldn''t let you close it, I need to talk to you¡± he said ¡°You lost that chance two months ago¡± I said my voice cracking as i was about to cry. ¡°Lindsey please¡± he begged I looked at him tears were in his eyes now. ¡°Why why do you want to talk to me now you didn''t want to talk two months ago.. You¡± I started to cry now i couldn''t hold it in anymore I was finally able to see him and talk to him, and i wasn''t wanting to hug him or ask if he''s been ok, I was mad at him. ¡°You left me a note Zeke¡­.. I wake up in the hospital and you leave me a note... ¡° My stomach was twisting as I looked at him. ¡°I cried for a month thinking it was my fault you left¡­. Thinking i messed up somehow¡± ¡°No no Lindsey you didn''t mess up!¡± he quickly added he hopped up into the window and sat on the ledge. ¡°How was I supposed to know that! I couldn''t get ahold of you, I didn''t know if you were ok¡± ¡°Lindsey I was fine¡± he said softly. I grabbed my hair and pulled slightly. ¡°But how was I supposed to know! You left without saying goodbye, the doctor said he saw you leaving out the back door, and when Alex got home half of your clothes were gone¡± I said. ¡°Lindsey I didn''t mean to hurt you by leaving, I was trying to protect you¡± he said trying not to let the sadness in his voice take over. Goosebumps were on my arm from all the cold air flowing through the open window.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°From what Zeke¡± he ran his hand through his hair. ¡°What were you trying to protect me from!?¡± ¡°Myself ok! I was the reason you got hit by the car, I shouldn''t have let you come I should have told you to stay home!¡± ¡°Zeke you didn''t protect me you made me more vulnerable, I was easy to break after you left! I isolated myself from everyone, I stopped hanging out with everyone at lunch instead I sat in the corner of campus!¡± I was too broken to talk to anyone!¡± I yelled tears were hitting my knees as I wrapped my arms around them. ¡°Lindsey, I''m sorry you don''t know how hard it was for me to leave¡­ I didn''t want to..¡± ¡°Then why did you!?¡± ¡°Because Isaac told me it was for the best¡± He said looking at the ground. It was getting harder for me to breathe as the tears kept coming, it was like someone was choking me. ¡°Zeke.. please go I can''t do this right now¡­¡± I said burying my face into my knees I heard scrambling of paper then Zeke spoke again. ¡°Zeke, I don''t know if you''ll get this, or if you''ll even reply but, I need to know where you are. I don''t know what has happened to you you''re not calling me back or anyone for that matter. Zeke you mean so much to me you were that person i could go to when i needed to talk to someone or just to laugh with, but you left and i feel like i messed up somehow and that''s why. I don''t feel like me anymore without you, I don''t wake up smiling or talk to people at school, I wake up in the middle of the night because of nightmares about what could have happened to you, I think about you all the time wondering if your out there still, I''d run a million miles if it meant i could talk to you again, I can''t sleep, I can''t eat, I can''t look out my window without wondering if you''re thinking of me¡­ if you forgot about me about us your friends and family¡­.. Why did you have to leave me like you did? Or leave me at all? I thought you liked me, I thought you were falling for me, I guess I was wrong¡± he finished and folded the paper and put it back in his pocket. ¡°You wrote that to me, and left it on top of Jewell school because you knew it was my favorite place to go.¡± I couldn''t speak, my eyes were hurting and my stomach was twisting and turning into knots even more. ¡°Lindsey¡­. I¡¯m sorry¡± he said, he reached in the window and put his hand on my knee. I jumped slightly and pulled away. ¡°Stop!¡± I said a little too loudly. My door opened and Mia quickly walked over to me, she sat on the floor next to me and looked out the window. ¡°Zeke¡­¡± She said, I could feel her looking down at me then back at Zeke. ¡°I think you need to go¡± she said in a stern voice¡± ¡°Mia please¡± he begged ¡°Zeke, please leave for the night¡± She said again he sighed and jumped off of his spot on the window seal Mia shut the window then put her arms around me I sat there crying into my knees. ¡°Mia?¡± ¡°Yeah¡± ¡°I wrote a letter to Zeke, and he got it.. the only way for that to happen is if.. He stayed in town last two months¡± Chapter 2 1 month ago¡­.. ¡°Zeke Guerrero, Is Zeke Guerrero not here?¡± the substitute asked looking at all of us. I swallowed and spoke. ¡°No, he is not¡± hearing his name still hurt me inside. ¡°Do any of you know where he is?¡± She asked ¡°Maybe you should ask his girlfriend, maybe she knows, or maybe he killed someone again,¡± A guy in the back of class Carson said. ¡°Yo Carson shut the fuck up and leave her alone,¡± Brandi said turning around facing him. ¡°Ok calm down!¡± the substitute yelled. The substitute let us take photos of nature as we all sprawled out across campus. ¡°Yo Lindsey¡± I look behind me and Carson and his buddies Sam and Berry walked up over to me. ¡°So what has Zeke been up to?¡± He asked smirking leaning against the wall next to us. ¡°Why do you care¡± ¡°Just wondering if he murdered someone again, hmm maybe his father..¡± ¡°Don''t talk about him like that?¡± I said ¡°Or what,¡± He said mockingly like he knows I wouldn''t or couldn''t do anything to hurt him, and he was right I couldn''t but doesn''t mean someone wouldn''t for me. ¡°Why are you still waiting for him,¡± He said sliding closer. ¡°Hey back the fuck off of her!¡± I hear Brandi say and she burst through them turning around to look at Carson. ¡°Leave her the fuck alone she''s going through enough and she doesn''t need your shit too¡± ¡°Awe comes on Brandi, jelly that I''m giving Lindsey all my attention,¡± he said smiling. Brandi smiled and leaned closer to him. ¡°Leave her alone,¡± she said and lifted her knee up quickly kneeing him right in the sack. He kneeled over in pain almost dropping his camera. ¡°You ok?¡± She asked looking at me, I only nodded. ¡°Are you coming for lunch?¡± I just shrugged my shoulders, words wouldn''t come out of my mouth no matter how bad I wanted them to. I turn around and walked down the school hallways. My shoulder ran into someone as I was walking. ¡°I''m so sorry¡± I turn around and see a guy in a black leather jacket, he had his hood up and he was wearing blue jeans. ¡°...Zeke?¡± I said softly. He lifted his head revealing his face, it wasn''t Zeke just some other kid. ¡°S.. sorry,¡± I said looking at the floor walking away, It''s been a month and I haven''t seen or heard from him, I call him not stop hoping he''ll pick up. I see him everywhere, well what I think is him but it never truly is. My head was pounding as I walked back towards the front of the school, as I was walking I was stopped by the counselor.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Ms. Shay, you didn''t show up yesterday?¡± ¡°That''s because I don''t need counseling¡± ¡°Ms. Shay, I think you need to talk to someone about Zeke.¡± ¡°If I need to it will be one of my friends, not a counselor,¡± I said and started walking again. ¡°Ms.Shay if you don''t come today then I will call you back every day until you do.¡± ¡°And I will ignore them, every day,¡± I said and went through the school''s front door sitting under a tree. I looked up and through the trees, sunlight was peeking through, I lifted the camera up and over my face taking a picture of it. I look down into my lap smiling at the photo. ¡°Lindsey hey!¡± I looked up and Mia was running towards me. ¡°Hey sis,¡± I said looking up at her. ¡°Are you coming to my swim meet today?¡± She asked smiling, Mia was one of the best swimmers at Bend High winning 1st place at our last swim meet against Summit high. ¡°I wouldn''t miss it,¡± I said smiling. ¡°Yay!! Hey I got to go bus is about to leave, love you!!¡± she said running towards her bus. I smile and stand up and walk around the school towards the back to where photography class is at, as I walk I see a girl and buy cuddling under a tree I quickly look away so the memories of Zeke wouldn¡¯t cloud my brain. I walk into class and the new kid James was there. I look at him as I walk to my seat he had brown shaggy hair and he looked down at his paper. He slowly looked up at me with his piercing bermuda blue eyes. I look away smiling softly, I grab my notebook for doodling and doodle a little Batman on the corner of my page. The bell rings as people file into the classroom returning the cameras and grabbing their bags. I grab my bag and walk out of the class behind James he looked at me before he turned out the door, he had a black piercing on his lip and he was wearing a Harry Potter shirt with white jeans. I turn the opposite corner towards the cafeteria, I walk through the halls and wait in line to get my lunch as I walk out of the cafeteria Jemma runs up to me. ¡°Lindsey!!!¡± ¡°Hey,¡± I said smiling. ¡°Come on you''re joining us for lunch today, it''s pizza day!¡± She said grabbing my arm dragging me to a classroom outside the building. ¡°Lindsey!!!!¡± Everyone yelled. I look across the room to Alex, he still looked sad even when he was laughing and smiling. He came me a sincere smile as I walk over to the boxes of pizza. Ashton gets up from his spot and walks over and randomly hugs me. ¡°We missed hanging out with you,¡± He said hugging me tighter. ¡°I missed you guys too,¡± I said hugging him back. ¡°Come on girly eat up,¡± Amber said grabbing another piece of pizza. ¡°Lindsey you missed it, yesterday we were sitting on the wood bleachers and Daizy almost fell over the side and into the field,¡± Brooklyn said ¡°Oh my god are you ok??¡± I asked looking over at Daisy. ¡°Yeah, i''m ok I was sitting at the bar and laughed too hard and almost fell backward.¡± She said laughing. I look up and around and couldn''t find Chelsi anywhere. ¡°Where''s Chelsi?¡± I ask everyone got kinda silent. ¡°Chelsi wanted to be alone today, Nate and her broke up¡± ¡°Is she gonna be ok?¡± ¡°Yeah she just needs to walk around and blast her Black Veil Brides music and she''ll be all good tomorrow,¡± Brandi said smiling, Alex got up and walked over to me. ¡°Can I talk to you outside?¡± He whispered. I nodded and followed him outside. ¡°Are you ok?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked ¡°Zeke¡­¡± ¡°Alex, my boyfriend left me when I was in the hospital, of course, I¡¯m not ok but I¡¯ve been crying for the past month I''m not gonna let that get to me anymore,¡± I said. ¡°Lindsey he loved you¡± I crossed my arms and looked down don''t cry don''t cry I thought to myself. ¡°Then why did he leave¡± ¡°I don''t know, but when he comes back I''ll be here for him, are you?¡± ¡°What if he doesn''t come back, what if he got arrested what if he''s..¡± ¡°Hey hey don''t think like that,¡± He said pulling me into his chest, I wrap my arms around him and slowly start to cry. ¡°Alex I worry about him every day, I cried so much I don''t think I can cry anymore,¡± I said burying my face into his chest. ¡°Lindsey, he loves you I¡¯m sure he has a logical explanation for why he left. Come on let''s go back inside, he said pulling away and wiping my eyes for me. Chapter 3 Zeke''s P.O.V. still 1 month ago¡­ ¡°Zeke dinners here¡± I heard a faint voice. ¡°Zeke!¡± I perk up in my seat looking at Isaac he gave me a disappointed look. ¡°You went to go see her again didn''t you¡± ¡°I didn''t talk to her¡­ I stood from afar.¡± ¡°Zeke that''s dangerous and what if someone catches you and thinks you''re stalking her.¡± ¡°It''s not my fault I can''t see her anymore I had to see her at her sister swim meet today¡± ¡°Zeke, you can''t keep following her around¡­¡± ¡°Why not!¡± I say standing up ¡°Because what are you gonna tell someone if they figure out it''s you huh?¡± ¡°I¡­ ill¡± ¡°That''s what I thought now come on and eat: he said handing me Chinese take out. I sit on the edge of the bed in the small apartment bedroom. ¡°Zeke, you know I want to protect you. To protect you is to protect them, it''s best if you stay here¡± Isaac said from across the room. ¡°Ok..¡± I say not listening. ¡°I have to start my new job tomorrow,¡± he said trying to strike up a conversation. ¡°Nice what are you doing again?¡± Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Gas station on Greenwood¡± ¡°Oh ok¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep on the couch tonight, I have to leave early. Please stay here tomorrow¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I said eating my dinner. Later that night around 1 a.m. I get out of bed and open the bedroom window stepping over the ledge to the outside. I started running trying to release my stress and energy. I run till I reach Jewel school. I climb to the top of the roof and sit down against the air conditioner duct. I look to my left and there was a pile of rocks, I move the rocks and underneath was a letter taped down. I grab it and turn it around, on the front was my name I look in the top corner and saw Lindsay''s name. Present¡­ I walk down Lindsey''s road and up towards a path that leads back to the highway. I walk down it holding the letter from Lindsey''s in my right hand. ¡°I''m so fucking stupid¡± I whisper to myself. ¡°Why would she want me back in her life after the pain I caused her.¡± I talked to myself and in a rush of rage I spin to my right and punch the tree next to me, I yell loud in pain. ¡°You know you shouldn''t hit a tree,¡± A man''s voice behind me said. ¡°Whoa there¡± ¡°Why are you out here this late¡± ¡°leave me alone¡± ¡°You''re trespassing son¡± ¡°Leave me alone!¡± I yell and swing to my left hitting the man in what I guess is the shoulder. He grabbed my arm and twisted it making me fall to the ground in pain. ¡°Get out of here, you''re a mess¡± He growled and let go off my arm walking into the wilderness. I stand up and walk towards the highway crossing a bridge that laps over the highway. I look down at my phone in my hands, I haven''t used it to talk to anyone in two months. I get to the contacts and click on Alex''s name I click to call as I keep walking. It ran while before the ringing stopped. ¡°You have reached the voicemail¡­.¡± It went to voicemail so I hung up. I keep walking but when I get to Walmart my phone started ringing it was Alex. ¡°Zeke?¡± ¡°...Hey bro¡± ¡°Oh my god, Zeke you''re ok, wait where are you, have you talk to Lindsey¡± ¡°Alex¡­. I need a place to stay¡± ¡°Dude this is still your home,¡± he said laughing. ¡°Thank you, Alex.¡± ¡°Hey where are you I¡¯ll come pick you up,¡± he said ¡°I''m at Walmart¡± ¡°Ok dude, I''ll be there in five,¡± he said then hung up. I walked to Walmart and sat down on one of the benches. A few minutes later Alex pulled up in his car. He got out and walked over to me hugging me, ¡°Missed you dude¡± ¡°I missed you too,¡± I said then we go I his car. ¡°Have you talked to Lindsey?¡± he said as we started heading back ¡°Yeah¡­ actually, a little bit before I called you¡­¡± ¡°And¡­¡± ¡°Alex I messed up, I thought I was protecting her by leaving like that. that I was protecting all you but¡­ I ruined my relationships with everyone¡± ¡°No dude, you still have me and Lindsey will come around.¡± ¡°Dude she hates me,¡± I said getting out of his car as we arrived at his house. ¡°She doesn''t hate you, bro,¡± he said ¡°Your rooms still the same, I''ll talk to you in the morning,¡± he said walking up the stairs to his room, I do the same except going to my room. I flop on my bed looking up at the ceiling. ¡°I wouldn''t be surprised if she found someone else¡± I whisper to myself closing my eyes Chapter 4 My eyes shoot open as I jump slightly. I hold myself up using my elbows as I look around my room. I sighed and sat up resting my face in my hands as they sat upon my knees. I hear the front door slam downstairs and I stand up. Stomps can be head up the stairs and through to hall my door flies open as Chelsi stood there. ¡°Zeke Guerrero how dare you come back and not give me a goddamn call!!¡± I looked around then back at her she walked towards me and hugged me. ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡± She spoke now. ¡°Chels are you crying¡± ¡°No!¡± She pulled away quickly wiping her eyes I smile and look at her pulling her in for another hug. she hugged tightly then pulled away. ¡°Come on the rest of the gangs on their way.¡± I follow her down stairs where Alex was lying on the couch eating something. ¡°Morning Bro,¡± He said with a mouth full of food I waved and sat on the chair near him The room was quiet between the three of us as the door flew open and one by one Gemma Ashton, Mia and Brandi came in. I looked at them and felt disappointed but a smile crept onto my face as Lindsey slowly walked in. She looked at me and stopped before taking a small step back. ¡°Zeke comes give me a hug,¡± Jemma said smiling and I gave everyone hug. I stood and looked at Lindsey who was the only one that I hadn''t hugged yet. ¡°I..¡± I started to talk but stopped she sighed and looked down. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°I shouldn''t have come,¡± She said quietly so quiet I barely heard her. ¡°Please don''t go¡± She turned around and put her hand on the doorknob not moving. ¡°Lindsey¡± ¡°Zeke... I need to talk with you outside¡± she opened the door and walked outside leaving the door open for me. I walked outside and slowly shut the door behind us. ¡°I can''t do this,¡± She said abruptly looking away. ¡°Please look at me¡± I whispered. ¡°Zeke¡­ I..¡± ¡°Lindsey, please look at me¡± she snapped her head in my direction I took a step closer to her. ¡°You hate me because I left you¡­ and the more I think about it I hate myself too¡± ¡°Zeke you can''t just fix this by saying you hate yourself¡± she looked up at me. ¡°I lo¡­ loved you and I¡­ I hurt every time I see you¡± Her eyes start to water. ¡°I want to be able to hang out with you and the group but. I can''t do it until I get all this off of my chest..¡± I sit down on the front step of the house and Lindsey sits down in front of me. ¡°You broke my heart when you left Zeke... I waited and waited but I couldn''t stop crying every day after school I locked myself in my room. I waited because I love you!¡± she spoke quickly and stuttered a lot fighting back the tears. ¡°I still loved you¡± ¡°Then why won''t you forgive me why to do..¡± She interrupted me by whispering softly. ¡°I.. don''t¡­.know...what to do..¡± She whispered I hid her face into her hands and she shook slightly. I slid off the step and slowly wrapped my arms around her. She tried shaking me off but I kept my arms tight around her. She slowly stopped and once she stopped shaking I let go of her and pulled away slowly. ¡°Lindsey you can hate me all you want but I will love you for a very long time and I will stop trying to¡­. I will stop trying if that will make you feel like you can be here with all our friends.¡± My voice shook even though I tried so hard not to let it shake. I stood up and held a hand out to her she took my hand and I helped her up. She was so close to me and all I wanted to do was kiss her.¡­ but I couldn''t I promised I wouldn''t. I took a step back away from her away from her warmth. ¡°Would you like to go back inside?¡± She nodded and I walked to the door opening it letting Lindsey walk through it. I slowly step inside and follow her to the living room. Everyone looked at us questions covered their face. Lindsay just nodded and they all looked away back to the TV as if her single head shake erased their questions. I sat down next to Ashton as he gave me a weird look I sighed and ignored him as we watch wipe-out everyone silent. ¡°Let''s go do laser tag,¡± Jemma said loudly everyone looked at her quickly. ¡°That sounds like a lot of fun,¡± Lindsey said with a small laugh. We all agree that laser tag would sound fun and get the group together. We all waited for the day that was coming up but it took so long for the tension between Lindsey and I grew harder and harder to bear with each passing day. Chapter 5 Lindsey P.O.V. I doodle all over my paper today was the day the gang was going to do laser tag I drew little stickmen shooting guns at each other I look up as James walks into the room he smiles as he passes me and sits behind me. ¡°Whatcha doodling¡± He leaned over so his head was next to my shoulder. ¡°Nothing¡± I laugh as I cover it up ¡°Come one let me see¡± I groan as I uncover the paper he smiles looking at it. ¡°Starwars?¡± I gasp ¡°Noo! I''m going to do laser tag tonight with my friends¡± I turned to face him completely. ¡°Wanna come?¡± I ask smiling he looks at me then laughed quietly. ¡°Sure¡± I stop smiling as I see Zeke come in the room I quietly turn back around and kept my head low as he walked past and sat only a desk or two away. ¡°Lindsey, you ok?¡± James asked looking between me and Zeke. ¡°Yeah,¡± I say quickly as the teacher closed the door and the bell rang. ¡°Ok let''s get this done quickly please¡± ¡°Anderson, Arks¡­.. Device, Guerrero¡± She got to Zeke''s name and I don''t know why I expected there to be silence. ¡°Here,¡± He said coldly as if not to pull too much attention to himself. ¡°Gur..¡± The teacher started to say the next name before another teacher walked in. ¡°Mrs. Fleming''s we need you¡± Our teacher sighed and walked out of the room shutting the door. ¡°Well look who it is Mr murder¡± Carson stood up slowly making his way to Zeke. ¡°That''s the best you can do¡± Zeke mumbled ¡°What did you say¡± Zeke stood up and faced Carson. ¡°Back Off¡± he spoke loud and stiff as he stared down Carson. ¡°Zeke sit down¡± I whispered so hopefully only he could hear for the whole class stared at us. ¡°Aww your little girl protecting you¡± he sneered towards me, Carson leaned towards Zeke As he whispered in his ear. ¡°She didn''t care about you when I was comforting her in your absence... She can get very... Needy¡± He hissed and Zeke pushed him back his fist clenched.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Oh tough guy are we¡± ¡°Carson sit down already¡± James stood up facing Carson. ¡°Awh what''s wrong scene buy did I hurt your fragile emo feelings.¡± the door opened then shut as the teacher stared at the 3 boys all grouped together. ¡°Boys sit down now this is not lunch time¡± She sat down at her desk and Carson, Zeke and James all sat down I kept my eyes locked on Zeke as he slowly looked at me with a soft smile. I realized how long I have been watching and looked away. My stomach did flips over and over as I tried to focus on the teacher. ¡°Today I want you all to focus on movement photos. Photos where it doesn''t look like you took a pic of them standing still, get a picture as there running, jumping, swinging.¡± She explained the requirements and let us all free. ¡°L-Lindsey¡­ hey¡± Zeke spoke quietly. ¡°I remember you wanted things to be normal so I well I was, can we work together at least this once.¡± ¡°S-sure¡± I took a deep breath trying to settle my shaking hands. ¡°Can I work with you two?¡± James stood behind me and I nodded. Zeke seemed displeased but I ignored it as I walked out of the classroom. We stood outside next to the track I took a few shots of the gym class running and a few tried showing off Zeke stood awkwardly next to me and James started walking towards me from his spot on the bleachers. ¡°I got an idea,¡± He said smiling and set his camera down. ¡°Hey, Zeke can you take a picture of us¡± Zeke nodded slightly and held the camera up. ¡°James what are you doing¡± I laughed as he set my camera down and took my hand ¡°Trust me,¡± He said smiling as he brought me close and started dancing. I laughed as he spun me around and spun me out before pulling me close to him dipping him. My continues laugh stopped as I met eyes with the upside down Zeke. James brought me up and I pulled away. ¡°I don''t think anyone thought of that idea,¡± James said as he grabbed our cameras off of the ground handing mine back to me. ¡°Probably not I moved the hair in my face to behind my ear and took a deep breath looking up. I looked over at Zeke who quickly turned his head away not facing me I tilted my head ever so slightly and he sighed looking down at the ground. I took a step back and turned around walking away from the two boys I sang quietly as I walked and slowly twirled every once in awhile I smiled to myself and stopped facing the guys they both had their cameras up and I growled quietly. ¡°You two better not have taken photos of me!¡± I yelled to them but they laughed and started walking back to the class. ¡°Zeke! James! I cried out running up to them.¡± They both smiled back at me then stopped once they realized the other was smiling. --- ¡°Lindsey are you ready?¡± Mia yelled out to me as I finished throwing my hair in a braid. ¡°Yeah¡± I come out of my room and follow her out to her car and she drove us over to Alex''s house. The whole gang was there and Alex sat on the kitchen counter. ¡°So we got everyone except for Lindsey''s friend James¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I said and Alex clapped his hands jumping off the counter. ¡°Then let''s go!¡± We all piled out of the house and to our cars and head towards the laser tag place a bit out of town. ¡°So how are you and Zeke?¡± Mia said ignoring Ashton in the back. ¡°There''s no me and Zeke¡± 2 ¡°Fine, hows Zeke and how are you?¡± ¡°...Were both fine..¡± ¡°You hesitated,¡± Ashton said and I leaned back glaring at him. He smiled and looked back down at his phone. ¡°Do you still like him?¡± Mia asked ¡°Mia can we not do this right now¡± ¡°Fine later then¡± ¡°Or later, or tomorrow or the next week or the rest of our lives¡± I turned the radio up a little more and started humming along. We pulled up to the place and James sat outside on a bench he looked up at saw us as we exited the cars and stood up walking over to us. ¡°Hey Lindsey, Mia and¡± He trailed off once he saw Ashton. ¡°Ashton¡± Ashton said leaning over shaking hands with James. Alex jumped out of his car and jumped and ran over to us wrapping his arms around my shoulders. ¡°Psst Lindsey¡± ¡°Yes?¡± I said laughing ¡°Ima beat your ass in this game¡± He yelled in my ears and walked up to the doors opening one of them for all of us to walk through. ¡°Welcome, how many of you are there?¡± A lady said with a clipboard at the entrance. Alex turned around and mumbled to himself counting. ¡°10¡± He said laughing. ¡°Wheres Daisy?¡± I whispered to Mia. ¡°She got sick¡± SHe whispered back and i nodded looking at the lady. ¡°Ok perfect so here are the rules 1. No tackling 2. No kicking, punching or horsing around. 3. Once you are shot you must wit with your arms behind your head and wait for someone on your team to click your reset button on your back before joining in again, The room if dark excepts for some lights here and there so watch out for stuff on the ground around you and mostly have fun.¡± She walked us to a room splitting us in half. James, Brandi, Jemma, Ashton and I were on the blue team with Zeke, Alex, Chelsi, Amber and Mia were on the red team. We threw on our suits and grabbed our guns and were let onto the field. Chapter 6 Zekes P.O.V. I held the gun up and looked around turning my whole body to, Alex and I must have looked like idiots but we were having fun and acted as if we were in our Call of Duty games. Our suits glowed slightly bright in the darkness as we stayed hiding behind tall mats. I swung around and saw someone from the other team walking our way instinctively I shot the trigger and their suit flashed multiple colors and they stood there with their arms above her head. ¡°Thanks Guerrero¡± Brandi said ¡°Welcome¡± I laughed and slowly made my way down one of the aisles. I walked through the arch way and looked around, they put a lot of hidden areas and dead ends in here. I looked to my left and saw stairs and smiled to myself and slowly climb up them, up there looked almost like a guard''s tower I slowly crept into it and looked at the person in front of me. Lindsey turned around and stared at me not raising her gun up at all. ¡°Ya gonna shoot me?¡± I asked playfully she opened her mouth then closed it again. Her hair was braided and fell down to her side and she wore mascara that brought out even more of her blue eyes. ¡°Quiero besarte¡± I said quietly taking a step closer to Lindsey. ¡°Zeke again with the spanish.¡± She laughed quietly and looked up at me realizing how close i was to her. Her lips spread apart slightly as if to say something but she kept them like that not moving or speaking. ¡°I want to kiss you¡­ quiero besarte¡± I whispered softly bringing my hand up to her cheek slowly expecting her to pull away but she stayed still her eyes locked onto mine. I ran my thumb back and forth on her cheek then softly over her lips. My gut tightened as she slowly moved a little closer to me. It felt as if were were standing here looking into each other''s eyes for centuries but the reality was it was only a few minutes and I didn''t want it to end. ¡°Then kiss me¡± She whispered so quietly i barely heard her. I slowly met my lips to hers and kissed her softly not wanting to ruin my luck. I pulled away after a few seconds and stared into her eyes. I rose my left arm and gently held my gun up to her shooting her vest. Her vest lit up and she gasped looking at me as I backed away slowly. ¡°Sorry couldn''t resist.¡± I laugh softly ¡°Couldn''t resist the kiss or the cheap shot¡± ¡°Both princess¡± I walked down the stairs smiling like a little kid on Christmas when my suit started lighting up. I rested my hands above my head and turned round looking at James. He stood there with a small grin on his face before running up the stairs to Lindsey. I didn''t like him up there with her alone but in a few seconds both of them came down the steps Lindsey''s eyes stayed locked with mine the whole time. Neither of them said a word to me and split up getting back to the game. I bit my lower lip staring at Lindsey as she disappeared and then Alex came running towards me. ¡°Dude¡± He tagged me and started panting¡± ¡°Jemma is just risking it all¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Shes running around not hiding and just shooting all of us like you literally have to run to get away from her.¡± He laughed then brought his gun up. ¡°You ok dude you seem quiet¡± ¡°Yeah I''m awesome¡± I said smiling and started walking around the corner making my way back to the middle of the playing field. ¡°I saw a blue light out of the corner of my eyes and turned to my right shooting as best as I could but missed, I shot again aiming this time and hit the vest making it light up but before I could celebrate my vest lit up itself and Brandi stood to my left. ¡°Pay back¡± She laughed then disappeared back into the darkness. ¡°10 minutes left, last man standing mode activated. Once you''ve been shot you will no longer respawn.¡± The intercom went off and my suit went back to red. I quickly ran behind a wall and the light that rested right above the middle turned on leaving a spot light. I quickly made my way to an identical guard tower like the one i was in before with Lindsey. I looked down and tried my best to shoot the people below i hit 2 people but couldn''t make out who they were from the darkness. Just as I thought ever red team was down my suit lights up and Lindsey is behind me. ¡°Red team wins¡± Says the girl threw the intercom and all the lights flash on blinding me I adjust my eyes and look up and Lindsey was gone back to the bottom taking off her vest. I stumble after her but walk through my team''s door instead. ¡°Dude you ok you seem different¡± Alex said quietly. I nodded and looked down smiling. ¡°Did something happen?, between you and Lindsay? Did you guys kiss?¡± I looked up at him slightly and he gasped. ¡°Oh my god¡± he said laughing everyone looked at him but then walked out of the room. He slowly walked backwards out of the room facing me. ¡°You have to tell me everything¡± ¡°You sound like a chick¡± I said laughing walking past him. ¡°Hey Alex¡­ Don''t tell Lindsey I told you¡± I looked at him and he nodded. ¡°I got your back man¡± I smiled and looked to my right locking eyes with Lindsey then slowly up at James his expression was blank but his eyes seemed challenging as he gently placed his hand on the small of Lindsey''s back. ¡°Hey I should be heading home soon just in case my mom needs help with my sibling.¡± He smiled at Lindsey and she looked up at him nodding. ¡°Ok thank you so much for coming¡± She gave him a quick hug before he escaped through the front doors. We all grabbed our stuff then walked out of the place grouping up by Mia''s car. ¡°I''m kind of hungry¡± Brandi said. ¡°Same: Jemma whispered. ¡°You''re always hungry¡± Aston laughed quickly stepping back to avoid jemma''s fist from his chest. ¡°The Pizza place across the streets open¡± Mia grabbed her wallet from her car. ¡°Come on let''s go get some¡± We all left our cars there and ran across the street and to the front door. ¡°I left my phone¡± Amber groaned and started walking back to the cars. ¡°I''ll wait for her¡± I hollered to the group and Brandi stayed back with me. ¡°Why can''t you let Lindsay go?¡± Brandi asked abruptly. ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Lindsey she just got over you and now you chasing for her heart again.¡± ¡°I made a deal with her I''m gonna try to stop chasing after her all the time but that won''t change how I feel towards her.¡± ¡°James Likes her too, it''s obvious I''m surprised you haven''t noticed.¡± ¡°I''ve noticed but it''s not my life, If Lindsey likes him back then..¡± We heard a yell and quickly started running towards the cars ¡°Amber!!!¡± I looked around and saw her near the fence trying to get a man off of her. ¡°Amber!¡± Brandi and I dashed towards them and Brandi grabbed Aber as I ripped the man off of her. :Hey what the hell do you think you''re doing!?¡± ¡°She''s my daughter!¡± He said defensively. I punched him in the face twice before he fell to the ground. ¡°Brandi get her inside now¡± I looked behind me at them as they ran to the pizza place. ¡°Hey I know you!¡± The man said pointing at me. ¡°Your Guerrero I i was the cell two away from you¡± ¡°You don''t know me¡± I growled and grabbed his shirt making him stand up. ¡°No no I do you beat up the dog of the house¡± He stuttered and tried to gain his balance. ¡°If you know me then you know what I can do to someone who hurts me or my friends¡­ Leave¡± He stood up and stepped back looking at me. ¡°Isaac told me you were a traitor at the bar the other night how you left him with nothing.¡± My blood boiled as he walked away. ¡°I guess he was right¡± He hollered then disappeared in an alleyway. I ran my hand through my hair and slowly walked to the pizza place where everyone stood outside. Chapter 7 After pizza everyone headed back to Alex''s place since Ms. Lane said we could all stay over for the night. I dragged myself up the stairs and to my room taking off my shirt throwing it in my basket. My bathroom door creaked open and I snapped my head towards it to Lindsey standing in the dark in a pair of white shorts and a blue tanktop. ¡°A-Alex told me to use this bathroom¡± She spoke softly not looking me in the eyes. Her hair was down and fell over her shoulders covering her face the more she looked down and away. I couldnt control myself my mind scremed for me to stop as I slowly pushed her hair behind her ear closing the gap between us. ¡°Zeke please¡­¡± She looked up at me and pulled away. ¡°I''m sorry I don''t know what got into me¡± That was a lie. ¡°It''s ok and I''m sorry about all of this¡± ¡°Don''t be everything fine¡± Thats a lie as well ¡°Promise¡± How many times will I lie to her to make her happy. ¡°Its getting late You should go figure out sleeping arrangements¡± Now I was the one too ashamed to look at her. ¡°Zeke I don''t like how things are so awkward between us.¡± ¡°Lindsey I love you¡­ nothing''s gonna change that but you don''t want me too so I hide my feelings¡± ¡°Zeke It''s not th-¡± ¡°I really need to get some sleep so please¡­¡± She let her hands fall down to her side and walked out of my room shutting the door. I spun in a circle and leaned over quickly punching my bed I raised my fist back up and punched my bed again before turning around falling down on it. I looked up at the ceiling rubbing my eyes. ¡°What was I thinking¡± I mumble to myself. When you''re sad it''s not just one emotion its millions it''s the pain in the bottom of your gut it''s the feeling of tears in your eyes sadness is different for many people, and some hits harder than others. I sat on my floor my back against the bed the crickets could be heard from outside as i tapped my forehead in a rhythm. I stood up and paced back and forth and back and forth hoping for some reason it would help me but nothing was I just wanted to say I was sorry to her but would she even want to hear it. I walked over to my door hand on the handle as i leaned against it. I took a deep breath as i slowly let go of the handle and walked back to my bed turning the side lamp off and laying down covering myself with the covers. My eyes shot open as I focused on Lindsey standing next to my desk. ¡°I''m sorry I woke you, I left my wallet in here¡± She said quietly and turned to walk out. ¡°Lindsey?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°I''m sorry¡± ¡°Me too¡± she sighed as she shut my door leaving my once again cold and alone room. I grabbed a pillow and buried my face in it screaming quietly. ¡°Zeke you ok bro?¡± Alex was in the doorway as i took the pillow away. ¡°Yeah, whats up bro?¡± I sat up rubbing my neck. ¡°Just saw Lindsey leave from here¡± ¡°Its nothing like that¡± ¡°I know¡± He sat down next to me ¡°What am I going to do¡± I ran my hands through my air gripping it tightly. ¡°What do you want¡± ¡°Her! I want her I want¡­.¡± ¡°Then why did you push her away why don''t you.¡± ¡°Why don''t I what Alex why don''t i talk to her why don''t I take her for mine havent you seen she likes someone else she''s in love with someone else.. I lost my chance.¡± ¡°No Zeke¡± He stood up his tone stern as he walked near my door. ¡°You let your chance go¡± He walked out of the room and i could hear his footsteps trail downstairs into the living room. I follow him down the stairs and once i reach the bottom everyone looks at me.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°I¡­¡± I didn''t know what to say. ¡°I have to go¡± I walk to the front door grabbing my motorcycle keys and helmet. I slam the door before anyone even had the chance to chase me. I swung my leg over my bike starting it and backing up leaving the driveway. I rode around town for awhile before stopping down town. I parked my bike and took my helmet off setting it down on the bike seat. I turned around a started walking off and around town. I haven''t been downtown for years, many shops changed since i was last here, I looked behind me at a group of guys walking near me I ignored them and kept walking, I went into an anime shop near by and looked around at all the books and dvds, out of the corner of my eye i saw the same big group of guys keeping an eye on me. I slowly made my way out the door and the group still kept close to me. I kept walking quickening my pace before i was shoved against the brick wall next to me. I fell to the ground and looked up trying to find me legs as i pressed myself against the wall. ¡°What''s your issue¡± I stood up pushing the guy closest to me away. ¡°This is our town and I dont appreciate a murderer running loose¡± One of the guys in the back stepped forward punching me. My head flew to the left almost hitting the wall before i looked at him. ¡°Nice punch for a princess¡± His face deepened red as he swung again but missed, then quickly one by one each of them started punching me or holding me down as I did my best to protect my head. They hit me everywhere, my chest and back killed me as they kicked every inch of my body. ¡°Hey get away from him!¡± I heard a girl''s voice as slowly one by one each of the guys stopped abusing me and walked away. ¡°Hey are you ok?¡± I looked up as the girl hovered her hand above me. ¡°Yeah¡± I coughed and sat up. ¡°Be careful¡± She said softly as she helped me sit up. ¡°Here let me help you clean up¡± ¡°No no i''m fine¡± I slowly stood up falling against the wall. ¡°Please let me help you¡± She linked my arm over here shoulder and took me into the starbucks next to us. We walked into the bathroom and she sat me down on the toilet seat walking over to the sink. ¡°Im Taylor¡± she wet a paper towel and walked back over to me. ¡°I''m studying to being a detective¡± ¡°I¡¯m Z..¡± ¡°Zeke Guerrero, my class studied your case multiple times.¡± SHe smiled and pulled her red hair back into a ponytail then leaned over slowly tapping the cloth on my forehead. ¡°And what you just happen to also be amazing at first aid.¡± ¡°No but i have had practice¡± ¡°Oh really?¡± ¡°My brother Jackson''s gay and my other brother William is the captain of the chess team let''s just say they don''t have an easy time at school.¡± She sighed and finished cleaning the blood off my forehead. ¡°I can clean my own blood off¡± I laugh quietly aching in my sides. ¡°You might have experienced mild trauma in your left rib cage.¡± ¡°Well Ms. Experience I''ve been through worse¡± ¡°Did they ever find out who was the one who sent the man to murder your mother¡± she meant no harm but the question still stung. ¡°No¡± My voice was colder than i meant it to be. She froze then threw the paper towel away grabbing a new one and starting the process over again. ¡°Sorry just my curiosity getting the best of me¡± ¡°It''s ok¡± I slowly stood up testing my legs. ¡°I think i should be ok to walk now¡± ¡°Just be careful Zeke¡± She said throwing the 2nd paper towel away. She held the door open for me and followed me out. ¡°Mind me asking who you think killed my mom¡± I looked at her and i think she was surprised at my question. ¡°Well all the class had different answers but from me being a daughter of the detective on the case so I had a little more info than others. Some people think it was a fellow employee at your mother''s job and others thought it was a umm.. client... ¡° ¡°And you?¡± ¡°My father thinks it might have been a family member¡± She whispered the last part. ¡°What would make him think that??¡± ¡°Well I umm Its not my place to talk about it.¡± ¡°Please Taylor¡± ¡°Here this is my dads phone number call him and ask yourself¡± She grabbed a sharpie out of her bag and held my wrist writing the number and his name on my wrist. She smiled and let go of my wrist. ¡°It was nice meeting you Zeke.¡± ¡°Yeah you too Taylor¡± She waved and walked away taking her hair out of the pony tail and got on her phone making a phone call. I smiled and slowly make my way to the downtown library walking inside I looked around as I climbed the staircase heading up stairs. I shuffled through the aisles ignoring the whispers around me, the cruel stares i''d be getting. Even ignoring them didn''t make them go away it just made it worse when i do think about them I quickly put the book away that i was holding and quickly made my way out the library anger filling my body as i made my way back to my bike slowly. Its been months since i''ve come home and still no one will probably ever forgive me. I put my helmet on and looked around one more time. I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and no text or calls were on it. ¡°You''re being an idiot¡± I whisper to myself without even realizing i spoke it out loud. I quickly start my bike and pull onto the road riding through town and to Lindeys house. I pull into their driveway and her dad was in the driveway. ¡°Zeke?¡± ¡°Hello mister Shay¡± ¡°Please call me Luke¡± ¡°Is Lindsey here?¡± ¡°No but she should be soon, why don''t you come in¡± ¡°No thats quite alright it''s nothing important¡± I smile and wave bye as I swing my leg back over my bike. ¡°Zeke¡­¡± He walks over to me wiping the grease from the car he was working on off his hand. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°My daughter loves you and you left her¡± ¡°I know sir¡± ¡°No you don''t know, she hid in her room for weeks crying would not touch her food because she loves you and she only wanted you back, don''t let her go this time because I don''t want to see her like that again¡± He patted my shoulder and went back to his car before saying anything else. ¡°She''s in her room I just needed to talk with you first¡± I laugh quietly and get off my bike walking to the front door. ¡°Just go ahead and walk in¡± Mr. Shay yelled as I walked inside her house slowly looking around. I made my way to the door of her room and knocked softly. ¡°Hold on¡± She said happily and opened the door and looked up at me. ¡°Zeke?¡± ¡°I love you¡± ¡°So you''ve told me¡± She said quietly ¡°No I haven''t.. I love you Lindsey your eyes your smile your everything I love you, I love the way you laugh and the way your eyes sparkle when you look at something you enjoy and I know you loved me so why can''t you give me another chance, I came back to you for you!¡± water swelled in my eyes as I finished. ¡°Because I''m afraid of getting hurt again Zeke! You hurt me!¡± She yelled in frustration and sadness holding onto the door frame. I rose my hand up to her face holding it softly and gently. ¡°I love you Lindsey whether you forgive me or not and I¡¯m done trying to hold it in.¡± She closed her eyes to get the tears out of them. ¡°I won''t stop trying to get you back.¡± She didn''t speak or move I slowly kissed her forehead before letting go of her. ¡°Starting tomorrow I''m done trying to hide my feelings for you.¡± I slowly took a step back then turned around walking to the front door, her mother stood in the kitchen and smiled softly as I opened the door walking through their yard to my bike. ¡°Have a good evening Mr.Shay.¡± I said and he waved as I started my bike and headed back home. Chapter 8 I walked next to her locker waiting for her to shut it, I held the blue rose close to my chest and gently moved it closer to her as she shut her locker looking at me than the rose. ¡°Zeke you''ve been doing this for a week now¡± She sighed and took the rose hiding a smile behind her hair as she reopened her locker setting it in there. ¡°I told you I''m not going to hide it anymore.¡± ¡°Yesterday it was my favorite chocolate then the day before it was a card and don''t think I forgot about the guys in the truck with the sign.¡± ¡°Do you forgive me yet?¡± ¡°I forgive you a long time ago¡­ but I can''t be with you¡± ¡°Then I''ll keep doing this¡± ¡°What have you been watching romance shows recently.¡± ¡°... No¡± ¡°Oh my god you have¡± She laughed quietly and started walking to our photography class. ¡°Your laughs beautiful¡± ¡°Zeke..¡± Her voice was quiet and was interrupted by Carson. ¡°Hey Beautiful this murder bothering you¡± ¡°Leave me alone Carson¡± ¡°If he is I can always send more friends to teach him another lesson.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± My hands clenched into a fist as I pushed him against the wall with my arm to his chest. ¡°Ooo feisty, you didn''t put up a fight last week.¡± ¡°Zeke let go of him¡± Lindsey grabbed my arm and I quickly let him go baing off. ¡°Sad your ex-has to pull you off¡± I glared at him as he laughed and walked down the hall to class. ¡°What the hell was that about¡± She looked at me. I looked away and slowly and gently lifted up my shirt showing my bruises and cuts. ¡°Zeke!¡± She touched my side which made me wince in pain. ¡°Why didn''t you tell me¡± ¡°I haven''t told anyone, they cornered me and beat me up one day I just managed to hide my face enough to where I barely got hit. ¡°Zeke you need to go get that checked out.¡± ¡°No I''m fine¡± I dropped my shirt and finished the walk to class with her at my side. ¡°Hey Lindsey¡± Jane head perked up as he saw her and he stood up meeting her in the doorway. I made my way to my seat but kept my eye on them barely making out what they were saying. After a few Lindsey came and sat down near me. ¡°What was that about?¡± ¡°Just invited me to a party that''s all¡± ¡°Cool,¡± I said nonchalantly not looking at her. She smiled and looked at the teacher as he walked in. ¡°The goal of today is to find 5 true emotions in your photos.¡± ¡°Do they have to be 5 certain ones¡± kid in the back of class asked. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°No, it can be sadness, anger, happiness, pain, overwhelming any emotion.¡± ¡°You can work in partners or by yourself.¡± He sat at his desk after unlocking the cupboard to the cameras. I stood up and grabbed a camera walking over to my desk. ¡°Zeke why don''t you join us,¡± James said looking at me as he stood next to Lindsey. ¡°Sure¡± We walked around for a little bit before my phone started to buzz. ¡°Hello?¡± I answer my phone confused. ¡°Hey Zeke¡± ¡°Whos this¡± ¡°Oh come one you can''t forget your old man.¡± ¡°Yes I can and I will.¡± I reach to hang up but he stops me. ¡°Wait Zeke please hear me out.¡± ¡°You have five minutes¡± ¡°I''m sorry for leaving you all those years ago but I want to be back in your life now.¡± ¡°Why now¡± ¡°I feel horrible for leaving you all those years for never talking to you.¡± ¡°So¡± ¡°Zeke I¡¯m dying, I have cancer stage 4¡± ¡°What?.....¡± ¡°Please give me a chance to make it right to you¡± I sighed and closed my eyes tightly. ¡°Fine, but you only get one chance¡± ¡°I''m hoping that''s all I need, Goodbye son I''ll contact you soon¡± He hung up the phone and I ran my hand over my face sighing heavily. I look over at Lindsey she looked sad and worried as she watches the conversation I just had. I looked at James who turned the corner Lindsey must have noticed this too since she started walking over to me and stood inches away. ¡°Zeke are you ok?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine Princess.¡± ¡°Zeke¡­¡± She rested her hand on my cheek as we looked into each other''s eyes for what felt like hours. ¡°Hey, guys I just got a picture of a guy happy because his new girlfriend agreed to go out with him.¡± We quickly pulled away from each other as James walked up to us. ¡°Awesome that''s three now all we need is a two more.¡± I held my camera up at James and Lindsey they tilted their head slightly confused. ¡°Confusion that''s number four¡± ¡°Awesome now the last o..¡± The teacher hollered over the intercom for all photography students to come back to class. ¡°Great now we don''t have the last photo¡± Lindsey groaned walking back to class. Lindsey''s P.O.V. We shuffled our way back into class with the other students as we went to the printer printing the photos we took, I grabbed the four photos and laid them down on my desk as Zeke snuck out to the restroom and James stood next to the printer. I looked back at James then back at the photos as he hovered behind me. ¡°So we got confusion, sadness, happiness, and stress.¡± ¡°And love,¡± James said ¡°What do you mean?¡± I looked up at him as he set down a picture of me and Zeke with my hand on his cheek. ¡°James I was just trying to calm him down.¡± ¡°You''re still in love with him¡± ¡°I..¡± ¡°I''m sorry I just can''t pursue whatever this is if you still love him¡± He kept his voice low but I can tell he was hurting. ¡°You can''t come to the party tonight¡± He walked to the door of the classroom just as Zeke walked in bumping into his shoulder. Zeke watched him leave then looked at me. Walking over to my desk. He looked down at my desk picking up the photo. ¡°Lindsey I¡± ¡°It''s ok Zeke, really¡± I looked up at him smiling. ¡°I''m going to be ok¡± ¡°Come over today, We''ll hang out watch some movies or play games, I keep my flirting to a down low for tonight¡± I smile and laugh quietly. ¡°Sure why not¡± He smiled and sat down next to me. ¡°Can''t wait?¡± He said looking at me. I giggle and look down at the photos staring at the photo of Zeke and me. ¡°Throw it away¡± Zeke spoke softly looking at me. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because that''s why James got mad is because of that photo¡± ¡°I like it actually¡¯ I smiled and tucked it into my bag. I could see his face grow slowly redder and redder I laugh quietly and stand up. Slowly the day went by every time I saw Jaime in the hall he either turned away or looked away from me avoiding my eyes even after I chase after him. I tightened my hand into a fist as I walk outside to get on the bus. I look down at my phone about to put on a song when Zeke came revving up to me. ¡°Guerrero you scared the shit out of me!¡± I yelled at him and everyone looked at us weird as he took off his helmet and handed into me. ¡°Your carriage awaits m¡¯lady¡± ¡°Your such a geek¡± I laugh and grab the helmet swinging my leg over his bike as I put the helmet on wrapping my arms around him. I could feel him tense up then relax as he started riding off quickly way quicker than the school''s speed limit. ¡°Zeke!!¡± I yelled as loud as I could but he was oblivious. I hugged him tighter closing my eyes putting my head against his back. Before I knew it we were back home and he stopped the bike. ¡°You ok Princess¡± ¡°Not that nickname again: I slowly got off the bike losing my balance a little but collecting myself as I took the helmet off. He laughed as he looked at me. ¡°Nice helmet hair¡± ¡°You ass hat¡± I push the helmet against his chest and walked past him and inside. ¡°Ouch Princess such foul language¡± He followed me laughing as he ran and flew over the back of the couch laying down on it taking up the whole couch. I walk around it and motion of him to scoot a little and he scooted back but stayed laying down I sit on the very edge of the couch but he wrapped his arm around me pulling me against him. ¡°I don''t bite¡± He laughs jokingly. I turn on the tv and flip to Netflix putting on my new favorite show Dexter. My eyes slowly got heavier as we watch the show. ¡°Are you getting tired?¡± ¡°A little but it''s ok¡± ¡°Come on I¡¯ll take you home¡± He sat up halfway to where his chest was against my back. ¡°Zeke I''m fine I promise¡± He sighed and laid back down looking at the tv but I could feel him looking at me every once in awhile. I leaned back against him putting my legs up on the couch. ¡°You can lay down, I''ll keep my hands to myself I promise¡± He laughed quietly and I slowly laid down next to him my back pressed against him so I wouldn''t fall. He kept his hand on his side keeping his promise ¡°Lindsey?... Lindsey¡± ¡°Hmmm¡± I murmured ¡°You''re falling asleep¡± ¡°No, I''m not¡± ¡°I''m taking you home¡± I could feel him getting up and crawling over me to be able to stand up. No, I''m fine here¡± ¡°Lindsey please¡± ¡°No¡± ¡°At least go to sleep in my room¡± I groaned but never moved, SLowly he put his arms under me and lifted me off the couch. I pressed myself against him, my eyes ached for me to just fall back asleep as I almost did when he gently set me down on his bed. ¡°You''re stubborn you know that,¡± He said as he covered me up. ¡°You love me¡± ¡°...... Yes I do¡± Chapter 9 I slowly crept down the stairs so I wouldn''t wake anyone up, Zeke''s alarm clock said it was 3 in the morning. I hit the bottom of the stairs and looked around, Before I fell asleep I changed out of my clothes and threw on a shirt of Zekes. I crept through the living room and to the kitchen grabbing a glass from the cupboard. ¡°What are you doing up?¡± I jumped and the glass fell out of my hands and I slipped slightly falling backward. He jumped forward grabbing me and the glass. ¡°Good reflexes are¡± ¡°Horrible balance¡± We laugh as he helps me up then flips on the oven light. Zekes face turned a bright red as he looked at me. ¡°Er umm nice shirt¡± I looked down then laughed. ¡°Its new¡± I giggled. ¡°So um what are you doing up¡± He tried not to look at me as he handed me my cup. ¡°Just needed some water¡± I turned around filling my cup up then turned back around and Zeke''s head snapped away. ¡°Were you staring at my ass?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°You so we''re liar¡± ¡°Why would I do that?¡± I giggled and set my cup down. ¡°You like me¡­ you wanna kiss me¡± i teased him giggling. He stepped towards me slowly. ¡°So what if I do¡± He whispered softly. ¡°Then why don''t you¡± ¡°Because I''m scared you don''t want me to¡± ¡°I haven''t stopped you have I?¡± He smiled and leaned closer to me his lips softly touching mine. I pressed harder kissing him passionately. He put his hand on the small of my back bending me over slightly. He pulls away slowly smiling brightly, I giggle quietly and kiss him quickly once more before he leans me back up. ¡°Join me in bed¡± I whispered smiling. ¡°You mean in my bed?¡± ¡°Are you coming or not¡± I grab my water and start walking up the stairs. ¡°With an ass like that how can I say no¡± ¡°Zeke!¡± ¡°Shhh everyone''s sleeping¡± ¡°I could just say go sleep on the couch¡± I looked over my shoulder at him and he stopped. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll behave¡± He smiled a cheeky smile as I finished running to his room. I shut the door behind him and slowly crawled under the sheets, He laid down next to me under the sheets he laid his hand on my waist but then quickly removed it. ¡°Zeke it''s ok¡± I laughed quietly He rested his hand on my waist and I slowly pressed myself against himIf you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°I missed you¡± He whispered softly into my ear. ¡°I missed you¡± I closed my eyes slowly falling asleep against his warmth. ¡°Shhh shhh, guys¡± I groaned and turned around slowly burying my face into the warmth next to me. ¡°They''re so cute¡± ¡°Guys she''s waking up!¡± I slowly opened my eyes and quickly Alex, Brandi, Jemma, and Mia tried pushing their way out of the room. ¡°Asshats!!¡± I yelled sleepily. ¡°Whats going on?¡± I looked at Zeke as he yawned like a cat and pulled me to his chest. I laugh quietly and try and pull away but he just holds me close. ¡°Zeke let go¡± ¡°Noo¡± He groaned I stopped pushing against him and laid down putting my ear to his chest listening to his heartbeat slowly gaining speed. ¡°What are you doing¡± He laughed ¡°Listening to your heartbeat¡± ¡°Why¡± ¡°I don''t know, I just like the sound¡± He laughed and ran a hand through my hair slowly. We were startled by his phone going off, He reached over onto the side table holding me close making sure I don''t roll off. ¡°Hello?... What are you doing calling me¡± He slowly started to sit up so I got off of him watching him move so his legs were hanging off the bed and his back was too me. ¡°I don''t care you have no reason to call me¡­ No I¡­ Why do you care? Ok Yeah, I''ll think about it¡± He hung up the phone quickly taking a deep breath. ¡°Zeke?¡± He turned back to me smiling faintly. ¡°Its nothing to worry about princess¡± He moved my hair behind my ear and stood up stretching. ¡°Please don''t hide something from me.¡± He looked at me sitting next to me. ¡°My father wants me to have lunch with him today¡± ¡°Isn''t that good?¡± ¡°My father left before I can even know what he looked like he left and Alex''s mom and my mom raised us both fatherless Alex''s because of cancer and mine because he was a bastard I don''t know why I would want him in my life anymore. ¡°But Zeke he is making an effort now why don''t you give him a chance even if it is only for a lunch or even ten minutes just I really think you should go and give him a chance.¡± I smiled softly running a hand through his hair. ¡°One condition¡± ¡°What''s that?¡± ¡°You have to come with me.¡± ¡°Zen this is a lunch with your father I really don''t think I should go¡± ¡°Please Lindsey you are the only reason i''ll go in the first place and I''m not gonna go unless you come with me so. Please¡± he begged jokingly and I sighed giggling ¡°Fine I''ll go¡± He jumped up excited ¡°yes!¡± ¡°You''re adorable¡± I slip out of his bed and walk out of his bedroom with him following close. ¡°Alex!!¡± I yelled loudly and running feet can be heard from the kitchen, I swung around a looked at him on the floor he looked me in the eyes and quickly stood up and ran into the dining room I chase after him. ¡°H-hey Lindsey¡± ¡°It is not nice to wake people up and watch them as they sleep!!¡± ¡°It wasn''t like that¡± I quickly run around the table but he was quicker than me. I try following him but Zeke steps forward grabbing my waist and lifting me up. ¡°Zeke let go!!¡± I try wiggling my way out of his arms but he sits down on the couch placing me on his lap. I pout and look away from him crossing my arms. ¡°Te Amo Lindsey¡± He whispered and I blushed slightly turning to face him. ¡°Te Amo¡± We smile at each other caught in the moment. ¡°Awee¡± Alex said hiding at the bottom of the stairs. I growl and jump up before Zeke grabs me and I chase Alex up the stairs both of us tripping on a few of them. I follow him through the hall and before he can shut his door I run in a tackle him down to the ground. ¡°Zeke your girlfriend attacking me!!¡± Alex yelled. ¡°Good,¡± Zeke said as he stood in the doorway. I smack Alex on the head then stand up. ¡°That was it?¡± ¡°Yeah¡± I giggle and walk over to Zeke wrapping my arms around him. Take held me close, he''s always holding me close now I can understand why. I don''t want to lose him either. ¡°We should start getting ready for lunch¡± I looked up at Zeke and he nodded walking to his room ¡°lunch?¡± Alex looked at me confused ¡°Zekes dad called and were going out to lunch with him.¡± ¡°How does Zeke feel about that¡± ¡°he''s not the happiest¡± ¡°I bet¡± Alex sat down on his bed and I left his room walking to zekes. ¡°we''ll have to go to my house so I can change¡± I leaned against the door frame looking at him as he grabbed a shirt from his drawers. ¡°why you look beautiful right now¡± ¡°Very funny now hurry up¡± I laugh and turn around jogging down the stairs. Brandi walks over to me as I flop down onto the couch. ¡°How are you too doing?¡± She asked grabbing the tv remote. ¡°Were good¡± I smile softly thinking of how he held me this morning. ¡°I know he loves me¡± ¡°Well I could have told you that¡± She laughed looking at me. ¡°Are you worried¡± Her voice got quiet as she looked at me seriously. ¡°WHy would I be worried?¡± ¡°What if he leaves again?¡± ¡°I don''t think he will¡± I look at my hands which are folded within my lap. ¡°I trust the he won''t¡± ¡°And if he does I''ll cut his throat¡± Jemma pitched in cheerfully as she cuts some apples for lunch. ¡°Hey are you ready?¡± Zeke jumped down the stairs and walked over to me kissing my forehead. ¡°Yeah¡± I stand up and follow him out to his motorcycle. It was like a routine now, Grab my helmet wait for Zeke to get on and then swing my leg over holding on close to him. I could feel his heart beat slightly faster as he started the engine and backed us off before taking off towards my house.