Life saviour

Chapter twelve - I can't let her down

Zach's POV:

Zoe finally told me the truth. It's far from what I expected. I thought her parents were arguing. It's normal for people to do it. I didn't expect what she showed me. Her mom is a depressed alcoholic, and no one knows where her dad is. I feel bad for her. She doesn't deserve all this. The thing is that I can't help her. I can't do anything. I can ask my parents for advice, but they will keep asking questions. I prefer to skip this part. That doesn't mean I can't talk with my friends. Mostly, I mean Jake. He is in a relationship and can tell me what to do. My friend still feels a bit upset. Maybe he has to talk with Zoe. She knows what to say to make people feel better. She is not Vanessa, but at least she can help him with something. I can't do anything. After all, I'm not pressuring anyone. I have other things in my head. My parents came back. They weren't happy about the party. I don't understand them. They let me do it. Everything is the way it was. I cleaned everything. Nothing got stolen from the house. I have no idea what to do with them. I don't think we can talk like ordinary people. They will always criticize me about something. I didn't do anything wrong. I believe I have to speak to my mom. She is the stubborn one. Sadly, I look like her. I hope that we can resolve our problems without arguing.

I can't stop thinking about Zoe. I feel like her problems keep her away from being herself. I saw her at my party. She was someone else. That was the person she wanted to be. The other thing is that she is only eighteen. I don't think there is a need for her to be a babysitter as a full-time job. It's not for her. I want to make her go out often, but I don't think I can. She won't leave her mom for anything in the world. I would do the same even if I'm arguing with mine.

The weekend was great, but I had to go back to school. I texted Zoe on the way to mine. I guess I woke her up. She was late. I don't know the old Zoe. I believe she was happier and more organized. After my first class, I went to talk with Jake. He looks better. Maybe Vanessa will come for a visit. We haven't talked much after the party. Let's say I was busy with other things. For now, I haven't told anyone. Dylan and Logan came as well. I guess I can't keep this a secret anymore.

- What is going on here? One of you is hiding something. - Dylan said

- We are not hiding anything. I have no idea what you are talking about. - Jake said

- You do.

- Can we not talk about this now? - I asked

- Why? Do you have something to tell us?

- No, I don't. You two don't share everything with us, either.

- I do. Last night, I tried to hit on a girl. She hit me with her shoe.

- So? The fault you don't know how to talk to girls is not mine.

- Where is Zoe? I haven't seen her around you.

- I don't know. I don't stalk Zoe.

- Maybe I can find her. She will tell me what is going on with you.

- Dylan, leave him alone. You get mad when we bug you if you are not in the mood. - Logan said

- Thank you.

- Alright. I won't ask anything, but this is not over. - Dylan said and left with Logan

- How bad is it? - Jake asked

- Terrible.

- You can help her.

- That's the problem. I can't. Zoe kept telling me, but I refused to believe it.

- Maybe things can get better.

- They won't.

- Do you like her?

- I don't know. I never tried to keep a girl before.

- I'll ask you this way. Do you care?

- Yes, I do.

- Then you know the answer to my first question. Even if you can't help, you can be with this girl.

- I'm trying. Zoe feels the need to stay at home all the time.

- Can I know why this upsets you? I have never seen you reacting like that to a girl. I can do it because I'm dating one.

- How is she? You are in a good mood.

- There is a slight chance that she might come back here.

- With her parents?

- No. Nothing got decided. I told Vanessa your idea. We'll see what her parents will say.

- She can talk with Zoe.

- True. Your girl needs more friends.

- I know.

Jake and I kept talking until the next class. I didn't want to hide this from the boys, but I didn't know how they would react. I used to be like them. Careless when it comes to girls. Now I'm not like that. Since I met Zoe, things have changed. I care about her more than I'll admit. I feel sorry for her. Nothing of this is her fault. After school, I went to find Dylan and Logan. I owe them a proper explanation. We went to a coffee shop for drinks. I didn't order anything. Mom says I spend my allowance on stupid things.

- Why are we here? I have better things to do. - Dylan said

- I'm sorry about the morning. I didn't want it to end like that.

- What is going on with you? Something has changed. - Logan said

- Yes, it did.

- Won't you tell us?

- It's because of her. You said you didn't like her. - Dylan said

- It's true. Kind of.

- Hold on. Are you dating Zoe? - Logan asked

- No, it's not that.

- Then?

- I care. I care about Zoe.

- Since when have you cared about girls?

- Since I met her. I wanted to make fun of her and did it for some time. Now I regret this.

- Why? Miss Goody Shoes didn't like it. - Dylan said, chuckling

- It's way worse than that.

- Don't tell me she has mental issues.

- All I will say is her parents are divorced. I don't think it's good to tell you the rest.

- Why didn't you tell us about her?

- Because we used to play with girls. You know. I mean, the one-night stand.

- Was she?

- No. I made out with Zoe at my party, but that was.

- I think this turned into something else. Am I right? - Logan asked

- Maybe.

They kept asking questions about Zoe. I answered everything. I don't want to hide. Dylan wasn't happy. I'm starting to think that someone broke his heart. When it comes to dating girls, this becomes a private territory. I didn't ask because it's better if I don't know. Also, he won't tell me. I was home for dinner. I tried to call Zoe, but she didn't pick up. I received a message. She is fine, I don't need to worry. That means something has happened.

- If you don't like the food, go and take something else. - my mom said

- It's not because of the food. I'm not hungry.

- Did you eat before we came home?

- No, I didn't.

- Then?

- It's nothing. Don't worry.

- I'm your mom. Part of my job is to be worried about you.

- Mom, I'm fine. I'll be in my room if you need me. - I said and walked away

- I want the truth. - my mom said, coming in

- Can I be alone? I don't want to talk with anyone.

- Did I do something?

- No. The world doesn't spin around you.

- Then? Tell me. I won't give up.

- You can't help me anyway.

- Why are you so sure?

- Because I know it.

- Are you arguing with your friends? I haven't seen you together.

- I was with them in the afternoon. We went for drinks.

- Now, I know where your allowance is going.

- Can we not talk about this right now?

- Why don't you spend it on food?

- It's my allowance. It's not like you give me much.

- I give you fifty dollars every week. Two hundred dollars from my salary go to you. Isn't this enough?

- Do you even shop anymore? Prices have risen.

- No, you spend them on unnecessary things.

- Whatever. Can you leave me alone? I don't want to talk with anyone.

- I have made a dessert.

- It doesn't matter. I'm not hungry.

- Hopefully, you're not doing something horrible. - she said and left

I stayed in my room for a while. It didn't help. I have to see Zoe. She texted me back, but it was not enough. I believe she has a problem. I took my jacket and my phone. The only thing I can do is to go to her house. My parents asked questions, but I ignored them. I'm not scared of walking alone during the night. She might not want to see me, but I do. I need to make sure she is well. I knocked on the door and waited. Soon, she came dressed in her PJs. That looks good on her.

- Zach? What are you doing here so late?

- Can I come in? Please.

- Um, sure.

- Thanks. How are you?

- I'm fine. I already texted you that.

- I know.

- You didn't believe me, did you?

- No, I'm sorry. I had to make sure everything was fine.

- Well, I appreciate it. Do you want us to go to my room?

- Sure. Have you planned something?

- It's not what you are thinking about. I'm not in the mood for it.

- I had to ask.

- You can sit.

- Yes, miss. Do you want something else?

- No, thanks.

- How is your mom? I don't think it's getting better.

- No. I don't know what to do with her. She is in the same state.

- I believe everything will be fine. All you need is patience.

- I have since this started.

- So you are used to it.

- I am. - she said and snuggled

- Ok.

- If you mind, I'll move.

- No, it's ok. We learn something new every day.

- True. What did you learn today?

- That sometimes I care too much.

- It's not a bad thing. Boys have feelings as well. They should express themselves.

- What are your feelings?

- Now, I feel good. I like having company.

- Is it because of me?

- I don't know. Maybe.

- Well, I'm still taking it.

- How about you? What do you feel?

- I feel bad, worried, and happy.

- Oh, woah. That's a good mix of emotions.

- Don't tell.

- Hold on. Are these for me?

- Maybe.

- I'm fine. You don't need to feel sorry for me.

- I can't help it. That is who I am.

- I hope you get over this. I bet so many girls are waiting for your attention.

- They can wait. I don't care about this.

- Really?

- Yes. My focus is on someone else.

She didn't say anything, but I saw the smile on her face. You want this to be about you, don't you? Well, she is lucky. I was talking about her. I feel like no one else matters anymore. It's only her, and it will always be her. I admit it. I like Zoe. Does she like me back? I don't know. I want to believe it, but I can't. I don't think she has time for this. It doesn't mean I won't try. I will always be next to her if she needs me. Friends do this all the time. I didn't expect things to change that quickly, but I'm not about this. I used to make fun of her. That is because I didn't know what was happening. I hope she doesn't hate me for this.