Life saviour

Chapter eight - He has a girlfriend

Zach's POV:

Zoe called me to go out with her. Nothing is going on between us. I liked the dinner. I don't think she trusts me enough to tell me everything. I'll do everything possible to help her. For some reason, I feel the need to do it. We are not friends. That doesn't mean I will reject this opportunity. I still want to try on her, but not as much as before. Something changed. Let's say she is not the girl I thought she was. It's not like I need to know everything about her. She won't tell me. I have to focus on other things. Jake has been weird the past few days. We tried to talk with him, but he avoided the questions. None of us can help him if we don't know the reason. I thought about a girl, but I rejected this immediately. He would've told us. On second thought, there is no point. We don't treat girls right. I remember what he said about Zoe that day. I wonder who is the lucky one. I can talk with him. She must be good since he cares so much about her. I can try to find her, but I have no idea who she is. One thing is sure. She doesn't go to our school. Otherwise, we could've seen them together. I won't tell the boys anything. I don't know how they will react. Also, this is part of his personal life, and we should respect it. I hope that he will be happy with her.

I woke up and decided to check on Zoe. I haven't seen her for the past week. I thought she was ignoring me, but no. She told me everything. I'm not sure this is the truth, but I accepted it. I asked my parents about the party one more time. It's not like I expected them to say yes. I might give up on this. They won't change their minds no matter what I do or say. I don't have more ideas. I gave up on the last one. There was no point.

I went to get ready for the day. I plan to follow my friend today. Jake is hiding something. I want to help him because he has done it for me. It will be like returning the favor. It's not the same, but I can do my best. Following someone is not the best idea, but I don't have a better one. When I was ready, I went to eat breakfast. My parents were already at the table. I didn't say anything and took a slice of bread. We have toasts today. They looked at me but didn't say anything.

- What?

- You are quiet. - my mom said

- So?

- I thought you would ask us about the party again.

- Why would I? You keep denying it.

- Do you give up? - my dad asked

- No way. I'm waiting for the right moment.

- What does this mean?

- I'll hit when no one expects it.

- If we let you have one, will you stop with your plans?

- What?

- Your dad and I have been thinking about it. We know you won't give up. To end all this, we can offer you something.

- The answer is no.

- You don't even know what it is.

- Whatever it is, you will want something in return.

- Yes.

- Then, no. I won't do anything for you.

- We didn't say that you have to do something for us. - my mom said

- I already know it.

- Will you at least listen to us? You might be surprised.

- What is it this time?

- You can have a party here if you clean everything after it and leave the house in the same state as before.

- What? Where is the catch?

- The catch is that you have to work a lot.

- I don't trust you.

- Why not?

- Because you are never that nice to me.

- A change is possible. Will you agree?

- No! I'm not falling for that. If I do it now, you will make me work ten times harder.

- You can have fun with your friends.

- You better leave the house and don't show up.

- Do we have a deal?

- Maybe. I want to be sure there aren't any traps.

- How?

- I'll think of something.

- If something happens while we are gone, you better run away.

- Since when did you stop trusting me?

- Since you stopped listening to us.

- I do things my way. There is nothing wrong with that.

- There is, but we won't talk about this now. You can go out today.

- I don't need permission to do it.

With that, I didn't say anything. I don't think my parents will let me have a party that easily. They have something in mind. I texted Jake to see if he was available. No, the boy has plans. Well, me too. I followed him. I know where he lives. I went there. I waited for him to go out. My friend went to the airport. I don't understand. Is he waiting for someone? He was bringing a bag. I saw him walking after a girl. I don't think we have met before. It looks like she is leaving. I wonder why he never mentioned her.

- Vanessa, wait!

- Jake? What are you doing here?

- I forgot to give you something.

- Why do you have to do it? I can't take anything else. Please leave.

- Only this. Please do it for me.

- What even is this?

- A small gift. I had to give it to you a few days ago, but I forgot. I'm sorry.

- I can't take it. That will only make things worse.

- Please. That is the only thing I want from you.

- Don't you want to remember me with something?

- I do, but I will regret it.

- I will call you every day. Nothing will change. I promise.

- But it's not the same. I wish I could stay here.

- We can do this. You will come here for a visit. I'll try to do it as well.

- My parents plan to sell the house. I don't think they will come back here.

- What? They can't do that.

- I tried to talk with them, but they didn't listen.

- It's not fair.

- I have to go now. I'll call you when I go to the new house.

- Well, it's better than nothing.

- One more thing. - the girl said and kissed him

- I won't say anything. - he said, and she left

- Hey.

- Zach, what are you doing here?

- I'm here to help.

- Leave. I don't want to talk about this.

- Let's go now. I know a place.

We went for lunch. Jake didn't want to talk. I won't pressure him. Later, we went home. The walk was silent. I don't know who she is, but it's visible she meant a lot to him. I let him in the living room while I went for snacks. I can make him talk, but I don't know how. He probably won't tell me everything. I only want to help. He has backed me up many times.

- Won't you talk? The silence won't help you.

- I have nothing to say. Why were you there?

- Because you didn't want to share. You are my friend, and I want to help.

- You can't, ok? She is gone. She left.

- Who is she? I don't think you two are only friends.

- This would've made things better.

- Well?

- I met her at Dylan's party seven months ago. Her cousin was one of his friends. Things went well since the beginning, and I gave her my phone number. She started texting me often. Two weeks were enough for me to ask her out. The rest is history.

- Why did she leave?

- Her parents should move to a bigger office. They will sell the house.

- Does this mean she won't come back?

- Probably. Vanessa has nowhere else to stay here.

- That is not true.

- What do you mean?

- She can stay with you. No one uses the guest room.

- I can even give her my room, but this is not the issue. Her parents won't let her come here alone.

- Is this why you said that thing about Zoe?

- I don't know her well, but she looks like Vanessa. If you can be with her, don't let her go. You will regret it.

- Sadly, I haven't planned anything with her. She has other problems. This time, I'm not one of them.

- Can I ask you for a favor?

- Sure.

- Don't tell anyone. I prefer to deal with this alone.

- Are you sure?

- I am. I don't need the boys now.

- My mouth is shut.

- Thanks.

He must have found the golden mine with her. Honestly, I'm glad about him. My friend deserves to be happy. We spent the whole afternoon talking about her. I left him to speak. It's visible that she took his heart right from the start. I invited him for dinner, but he didn't want to stay. I was with my parents. I planned to go out, but I gave up on that. We had some leftovers from last night. I don't mind eating the same food twice. It's still good.

- Our offer is still available. - my mom said

- I'm not falling for that.

- It's not a trap. You can have a party if you do what we said.

- For real? You will let me get away with it.

- We know you don't like cleaning.

- Yes, so?

- You will clean all the mess from the party.

- Only?

- Do you want to do something else for us?

- No, but I never thought you would give in so quickly.

- We didn't.

- I still think there is a catch.

- Why?

- Because I don't trust you. Dad and you have done this to me too many times.

- You have lied too many times. We didn't say anything.

- Are you sure?

- I mean, not now.

- What do I have to do to have my party?

- You will clean everything and make sure nothing is broken or stolen. Otherwise, you will repair it or get a new one.

- What? I don't have that much money.

- The problem is not ours. If you want a party, this is the price.

- Fine. I'll agree to this. Where do I have to sign?

- Sign what?

- Nothing.

- We trust you on this one. If you disappoint us, you will be grounded. Understood? - my dad asked

- I get it. I'll be in trouble.

- Yes, you will. How many people will you invite?

- I don't know. Our house is not that big.

- You could've rented a place.

- I don't have money for that. Also, it's not the same.

- One more thing from me. I don't want anyone messing on my bed. - my mom said

- Don't worry. I won't let anyone in any room except for the bathroom. I have private stuff.

- Good. Make sure no one gets pregnant in my house.

- Mom!

- I'm serious.

These are my parents. I understand all the warnings, but there is no need for that. My room is my private place. Only my friends are allowed there. I don't want to deal with anyone else. It's only a party. I want to have fun for one night. My parents said they will have a trip soon. Dad will go for business and decided to take my mom. They will be gone for three nights. I have the freedom to do whatever I want. I'm sure they will find a way to take control of me. Well, they don't trust me. I haven't been the best son they always wanted. I hope that the party will go without problems.