Life saviour

Chapter seventeen - He is hiding something

Zoe's POV:

I have the feeling that Zach is hiding something from me. For the past week, he kept asking me weird questions. I don't know what he plans to do. I asked, but he didn't tell me anything. I will trust him on this one. Grandpa asked me a million questions about Zach. I told him we were only friends. He didn't believe it. I know it doesn't look like that. I like my friend. I don't know if it's that way. He never missed a chance to kiss me. It's the friendly way, but I like it. Maybe I have to admit the obvious. The thing is that I can't enjoy this the way I would like it. I don't want to leave my mom alone. Grandma and I managed to understand each other. My mom went outside. I don't know how she did it. She took a shower and got dressed nicely. Since then, she checks herself in the mirror before she goes out. I wonder if she has met someone. It's better than staying in bed or drinking wine while watching TV. Sadly, I don't want a new dad. I'm happy with the current situation. At the same time, I have to think about her. If this makes her happy, I will let her enjoy it. This means I will have more time for my friend. I'm sure he will like it. First, I need to understand what he is hiding from me. I know he won't hurt me. I hope that he won't get in trouble.

Lately, I have been in a good mood. Mom is happy as well. My grades went a bit up. I mean, a few A's are better than D's. Maybe things are going back to normal. This is my wish. I started paying attention in class. Miss Paterson is not lecturing me anymore. That is if something doesn't happen. I will enjoy the moment for as long as it lasts. Zach said he had planned something for me. I have no idea what it is. I don't need anything from him, but I appreciate it. He is a good friend.

I'm having breakfast with my mom. She made it. I'm surprised to see her back on track. Hopefully, this is not something temporary. I want to ask her the obvious, but I don't expect her to tell me. I went to wash my plate when I got an idea. I carefully went behind her and hugged her. She didn't pull away. Neither told me to leave her alone. I love this much more every day. I'm dying to know what happened to her. Someone makes her feel this way. Sadly, it's not me.

- Mom, what is going on with you? You are glowing.

- Thank you, honey. I feel good.

- Can I know who makes you feel this way?

- If it was only one person.

- What do you mean?

- I go out with different people every day.

- You switch men.

- You can say it like that, yes.

- That is gross. Why are you doing it?

- Why should I limit myself to only one man? I can have whoever I want.

- When I said you should go out, this is not what I meant.

- I like this life. I'm too young to limit myself.

- Are you sure this is a good idea? You might get hurt.

- This is where you are wrong. If we never had a relationship, he can't hurt me.

- I don't know. The logic doesn't seem right.

- It is for me. You can do the same. Go out with people.

- I do it. I have friends.

- Honey, I wasn't talking about friends.

- That is gross. I won't do the same thing as you. I already like someone.

- Don't make the same mistake as me. You will regret it.

- Mom, I always think before I do something. I'm not like you.

- If you say so. Eat and go to school.

- I still have time. What will you do?

- I will go out with Kevin. He will take me for lunch.

- Who is Kevin?

- I don't know. We met each other last night.

- Mom, be careful. You can't go out with every man you see. It might be dangerous.

- I know how to take care of myself. You can invite someone here while I'm gone.

- I'll think about this.

- Do you have a boyfriend?

- No, I don't. Since when do you care about this?

- Don't trust boys. They are like toys. When you get bored, you get another one.

- Eww. I'm not doing that. Boys are not toys.

- The one that you like probably is.

- No, he isn't. He is a nice guy.

- That's what they want you to think.

- I'll go to school.

- But you have time.

- I'll see you later. Bye, mom.

Something got in her head. This is not what I meant, but I'll let her enjoy it. Hopefully, nothing terrible will happen. I went to school and saw the girls in front of my locker. Ally and Ellie talk the most with me. I was about to say something when I got a message. It was from Zach. He wanted us to go out tonight. I asked about his plans, but he didn't tell me anything. The girls only smirked without saying anything.

- It's not a date.

- We didn't say anything. - Ally said

- But I know what you were thinking about.

- Why don't you want to go out with him? It's visible that you like him. Also, he is a good guy.

- I don't have time for this.

- Stop making excuses. He won't wait for you forever.

- We are friends. This is more than enough.

- Zoe. We all know you two are meant to be. - Ellie said

- Really?

- Yes. He keeps texting and checking on you all the time. If that is not love, I don't know what it is.

- Zach is trying to be nice to me.

- Me too, but I don't do all this. Are you afraid to fall in love?

- What? No, I'm not. It has nothing to do with that.

- Then?

- I don't want to do it. This is my choice.

- No one said the opposite. We are trying to say that.

- The bell.

- There is no bell.

- Zoe, stop trying to deny the opposite. - Ally said

- Why are you so interested in my love life?

- Because we care about you. Like every other person, you deserve to be happy.

- I am happy.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. My life is perfect. I don't need anything else.

- If you say so.

On the lunch break, I was with the girls. They only try to help, but I don't need this. I can take care of myself. I texted Zach to see if he would tell me what we'll do tonight. No, he won't. He told me to stop asking and send me the smirking emoji. This is what I call it. I'll trust him on this one. When my last class ended, I went to visit my grandpa. Mom is outside. She told me when she would come home. Grandma is working. I need to talk with someone about this. Also, I will use his place to study.

- Hey, grandpa. Crosswords again?

- Hey, and yes. I have to keep my mind busy.

- Good for you.

- How was school? Anything new?

- No, but it was good. Can we talk about something?

- Sure. What is bothering you? Did Zach do something?

- How do you know?

- Because the smile can't go off your face. - he said, chuckling

- Very funny. He wants us to go out later but refuses to tell me where.

- Where is the problem?

- What if I don't like the place?

- Do you think he will do something you don't like? I think both of you have passed this stage.

- This stage?

- You two have a great friendship. Also, you trust each other. What else do you need?

- Nothing. I'm nervous and excited. Do I look good?

- Is this a date?

- I have no idea. He won't tell me anything.

- You look great. Even if you are in a pajama, he will still like you.

- I hope so. Lately, I feel like he is hiding something.

- Why?

- I have seen him doing something. When I ask, he pretends like there is nothing. I thought we were friends.

- I'm sure he will tell you when the right time comes.

- I won't wait forever.

- No one said that you have to do it. You can ask him tonight.

- Maybe I will. Hopefully, he will answer me.

- Zach is a good guy. This friendship means a lot to him. Otherwise, he would've left you a long time ago.

- I hope you are right.

- You'll see.

Grandpa and I keep talking. I don't know what he and Zach talked about that day. He liked him a lot. Maybe I should bring him here again one day. I spent the rest of the afternoon studying. Later, I went home to get ready. I took a shower and changed my clothes. I have been with these the whole day. I put on leggings and an oversized hoodie. I'm in my era right now. When I was ready, I went to have dinner with Zach. The food was delicious. He offered me a late-night walk. I can't say no to this.

- Thank you for the walk. I like it.

- I'm sure about this. Do you want us to go somewhere else?

- No. That is more than enough for me.

- Are you ok? Your head is somewhere else.

- I want to ask you something. Please be honest.

- No problem. What is your question?

- Are you hiding something from me?

- What?

- Answer me.

- No, I don't. Why would you assume that?

- Because you do something. When I ask, you keep your mouth shut.

- I do something, but I can't tell you now. I want to make sure I'll have a result.

- Won't you tell me what it is about?

- No, because you will get mad at me.

- Why? What have you done?

- Nothing. Yet.

- Zach, don't hide things from me. Please.

- I'm not. Please give me some time. I'll tell you everything. I promise.

- Fine. If you get me in trouble, it's over.

- You won't. There is a chance that you might like it, but I'm not sure.

- It's better if you stop talking. I don't want to know anything.

- Good for you. Late-night drink?

- Now?

- Why not? It's on me.

- It's enough that you paid for my dinner.

- I stole money from the secret spot.

- What spot?

- My parents keep money in one place. I took some.

- You took or stole? - I asked, chuckling

- Where is the difference?

- My little criminal. Thank you for bringing my mood back.

- Always. You can tell me what you need. I'll do it for you.

- I need you to take me back home. I don't want to walk alone during the night.

- I will never let you do it.

He didn't tell me anything. At least we cleared this out. Why does he think I would get mad at him? I don't know. It's better if I don't think about this. I know he won't do anything to hurt me. After all, he knows what the consequences will be. We didn't do much tonight, but I liked it. We still rely on our parents for money, so we can't spend much. Well, I can't. Zach keeps stealing dollar bills from his parents. I'm sure they know about this. Parents have eyes and ears everywhere. That is if we don't talk about mine. They don't seem to care. I hope that Zach won't do something to ruin our friendship.