Almost There

-Chapter Two-

The next morning Zoey woke up happier and more relaxed than she had in a long time. Last night was fun and releiving. She had gone through an awful time back home at her new high school. Sure there were some nice people there but none that compared to her friends. Zoey wasn't one to get attached to things and people easily but she did get attached to the campus, the teachers, and of course her awesome friends.

Zoey stood up and streched. Dana was already sleeping so she knew that it must be late. It was almost noon. I just wasted half the day sleeping! Zoey thought angry at herself for not waking up earlier. She threw on a fresh pair of clothes and rushed out of her old dorm.

She found all her friends at their old lunch table.Even Chase was there. She sat down with her ususal salad and blix. "Hey guys!"

"Oh, hey Zoey!" Everyone but Chase replied. He didn't even look up from the book he was reading.

Zoey sat down, extremely uncomfortable.Was he mad at her? "So what are you guys doing today?"

"I've got a basketball tournament," Logan announced,"Be there if you want to watch." He winked at her. Zoey shuddered in diusgust. He was definately the same as he was a few months ago. Dana gave him a dirty look.

"I have the basketball tournament too and than I have to study with my friend Kiera for our French test," Michael said.

"I have this awesome new job off campus at a studio. I have a small role in some tv show," Lola said.

"I'm going to tutor Brandon Willis a sixth grader in biology,"Quinn said.

"And I have a date!" Nicole exclaimed,"Speaking of which, Are you dating anyone back home?" Nicole asked Zoey. Chase almost choked on his ham sandwhich and looked up at Zoey afraid of the answer.

"Well, I dated this one guy, Kyle but it didn't work out," Zoey said embaressed," Chase what are you doing all day?"

"Oh...I'm uh, I have play practice. All day," He answered and than went back to his book.

"Ok, so Dana what are you doing?" Zoey asked.

"I have to be somewhere," She said, not exsplaining any more than that.

"Well, I guess I'll just wander around campus for the day," Zoey shrugged.

"We are all going to see Chase's play tonight at seven," Nicole said,"So youn can meet us there, right?"

"Sure," Zoey replied excitedly.

"I don't think that's such a good idea," Chase blurted out.

"Why?" Zoey asked.

"Because it's an awful play. Horribly written, and my acting isn't the best either," Chase said. The last thing he wanted Zoey to see was him in a lame play written by a freshmen that sounded so much like their situation.

"Oh I don't mind.I'm sure it's not as bad as you think. It'll be fun," Zoey said.

"I've gotta goto practice," Chase bolted from the table and walked toward the theature.

Zoey looked after him, confused. Something was so different about him but she couldn't quite put her finger on it."I'll be right back," She rushed after him trying to keep up with quick paced walk,"Chase! Will you wait minute?"

"I can't," he replied.

"Come on. I'm sure the director won't be upset if you're two minutes late for practice. Please stop. I need to talk to you," Zoey said.

"No."

"Fine than I'll talk and you can listen," Zoey said. Chase quickened his pace even faster but Zoey kept up with him. "You've ignored me since I got here."

"I've been busy," Chase said stiffly.

"Too busy to even say hello to me?" Zoey asked.

Suddenly, Chase stopped and looked at her,"Zoey. I really want to talk to you and for things to be like old times and for us to have such an intimate friendship again but I can't."

"Why not?" She asked.

"Because I loved you and you didn't love me back. Don't you realize that it's hard for me to even look at you? I thought you were out of my life forever and I accepted that. But you coming back just ruined it all," Chase blurted out.

Zoey looked at him hurt,"Chase when I said I didn't love you I want you to know that-"

"Zoey, I'm sorry but I really have to go,"Chase said and than walked into the theature leaving a shocked Zoey behind staring after him.

A/N: Wow so Chase was being kind of a jerk in this chapter. Hm.

This story shall end in a few chapters. It's basicly just a story to get me out of my Reunited thoughts.

-Noelle