Tenderness is a Dangerous Thing

Chapter 49: Three Unlikely Friends

Anna entered her physics class and walked over to the middle bench on the right-hand side of the class. Each bench is fitted with dark worktops that contrast with the light-colored wooden chairs tucked neatly underneath. As she entered, a long experimental apparatus on a bench in the back row drew her attention. It was a straight metal track, likely used for mechanics experiments involving motion or collisions. Mounted supports and clamps hold the track securely in place and beside it is various measuring instruments and small pieces of equipment, including a bright yellow digital meter on the far left and a compact red electronic device positioned near the center. Several small metallic components and weight are scattered nearby.

Anna placed her purple backpack on the floor and took out her physics textbook and a brown paper folder; the one Mr. Kent gave her with college information. She looked at the back of the room, where Mrs. Asha’s large mahogany desk stands empty. On top of it there is a microscope and other apparatus, stands, clamps and measuring devices. One the large dark green chalkboard spanning the rear wall, faint chalk diagrams, equations, and sketches are visible across its surface. To the right of the chalkboard stands a modern interactive projector screen mounted on a stand and on top of the unit sits a projector. She opened the brown paper folder and took out the college information.

Anna scanned the information and the unfilled college applications, taking into account information that would suit Zack’s personality. Looking for colleges that offer more practical activities. Several students filled the class and took their seats. Then Mrs. Asha walked in, a striking, authoritative figure with an elegant yet understated appearance. Her hair was silver-grey, swept up into a loose, textured bun high at the back of her head. A few wisps escape the hairstyle, framing her face and softening the otherwise polished look. The silver color contrasted sharply with the black button-up blouse and long charcoal-black tailored coat she wore. A black belt with a rectangular metal buckle cinched her high-waisted black trousers and around her neck hung a thin silver chain with a small pendant.

After history class, Zack had mathematics then it was lunch time. Zack walked into the cafeteria and sat at this usual spot. Evan was already in the cafeteria, flirting with one of the blond cheerleaders, Sarah. Sarah has long, naturally wavy blond hair that falls well past her shoulders and it parted slightly to one side, with loose curls cascading evenly down both sides of her head. She has turquois-colored eyes and wears no make-up, unlike most of the other cheerleaders. She was wearing the school sleeveless cheerleading uniform that combines white and dark green colors. The top was a V-shaped neckline accented with multiple dark green tripes that continue into a bold diagonal band across her chest. The fitted bodice transitioned into a matching dark green skirt.

After making plans for after school, Evan joins Zack and sits beside him. “Hey, man,” Evan says casually. Zack barely acknowledges Evan’s greeting, his mind is still preoccupied with thoughts of Anna. He stabs at his lunch tray half-heartedly, the food tasting like cardboard compared to the memory of her skin against his. “Yoh, are you okay? You look like you have seen a ghost,” Evan jokes nudging his shoulder. Evan leans back on the bench, smirking as he watches Sarah walk by their table. “Man, I am telling you, Sarah from the cheer squad is totally into me. She was practically begging for me to walk her home after practice.” Zack rolls his eyes without looking up from his plate. “Great. Another girl you are going to ignore after you get what you want from her.” His tone comes out harsher than intended, and Evan raises an eyebrow in surprise. “Oh, come on man, when am I going to live that down? I already apologized,” Evan says casually.

Zack sets his form down with a sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Apologies do not fix what you did to her, Ev.” His jaw tightens as he remembers what happened. “And besides, you have been flaunting new girls in front of her ever since. It is not exactly making her feel better about the whole situation,” Zack continues, leaning forward aggressively. Evan holds up his hands defensively. “Dude chill out. I get it, I was a d**k. But I can’t help it if girls keep throwing themselves at me.” He takes a bite of his pizza, chewing thoughtfully before speaking again. “Look I have been trying to, I don’t know, be better. I have walked Sarah home like five times, and I have not f****d her once.”

Zack stares at Evan incredulously, nearly dropping his fork onto the cafeteria table. “Wait, what? You have been walking Sarah home for five days and have not slept with her yet?” His disbelief turns into a grudging respect as he studies his friend’s face for any sin of bullshit. “Seriously? Since when do you actually try to be a decent human being?” Evan shrugs uncomfortably, clearly unaccustomed to discussing his actions beyond conquests and one-night stands. “I don’t know man. Something about seeing how messed up things got with Anna... It made me think maybe I should try acting like a normal person instead of just taking whatever I want.” He glances around the crowded cafeteria nervously before lowering his voice. “I am not saying I am going to get a girlfriend and be as hopeless as you, but I will be less of a jerk,” Evan mumbles.

Zack’s eyebrows shot up at Evan’s confession, a rare genuine smile spreading across his face. “Hopeless? Dude, you have been walking a girl home for five days without trying to get in her pants. That is practically marriage material for you.” He leans back on the bench, studying his friend with newfound interest. The usual cocky smirk is replaced by something more thoughtful, “You know what? Maybe there is hope for you yet. If I can go from being a complete asshole to actually caring about someone else’s feelings, maybe you are not beyond saving after all,” Zack says with a laugh. Evan runs a hand through his light brown hair nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the emotional direction of their conversation. “Do not get ahead of yourself. I am just trying not to be a total d**k anymore. That is all.” Zack’s gaze drifts towards the cafeteria entrance just as Anna walked in with her friends. Anna looked over towards Zack and smiled. She says goodbye to her friends then walks over to sit across from Zack. “Hey,” she said sweetly.

Zack’s entire demeanor changes the moment he sees Anna approaching their table. The stress from his conversation with Evan melts away, replaced by a warm smile that reached his green eyes. “Hey yourself,” he responds softly, before she can sit he scoots over on the bench to make room for her beside him and pats the spot. “I was just thinking about you.” Anna quickly changed course and went to sit next to Zack, and he wrapped an arm around her back possessively as she sat down, leaning in close enough that only she can hear his next works. “I missed you during math. Could not focus on anything except when I would get to see you again,” he admitted quietly, his breath warm against her ear. Evan watched their interaction with obvious discomfort, clearing his throat loudly. “Uh, hey Anna. How is it going?” His attempt at casual friendliness falls flat given how awkwardly he had been treating her since the Botany camp.

“You should be focusing on class, or you will not get a reward, remember,” Anna whispered in Zack’s ear. Then she looked toward Evan. “It is going pretty well actually. Me and Zack have been discussing college applications,” she said with a smile and glanced at Zack in the corner of her eye. Zack’s grin widens at Anna’s whispered reminder, his hand sliding lower on her back to rest possessively on her hip. “College applications? f**k, you are really trying to motivate me, are you not?” he watches her with a mix of amusement and genuine interest. “What are we looking at? You want to go somewhere fancy or are we keeping it local?” Evan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly feeling like a third wheel in their private conversation. “College applications? Dude, you are already thinking about that s**t. It is only senior year.” Despite his words, there is a hint of envy in Evan’s voice as he looked between them. Zack and Anna seemed to have everything figured out- their future, study sessions, even secret rewards for good behavior.