Chapter 3

After the ordeal at Sushi Rox, the girls retreated back to their dorms and the boys went back to theirs. There was a lot to talk about. In room 101, Zoey finally confessed her feelings.

"Okay, Lola. You got me! I like Chase and I am a jealous wreck!" At this news, Lola just smiled, pleased, and Dana's jaw dropped.

"I have missed way too much. Zoe, you like Chase?" exclaimed Dana.

"Yes but don't say anything. This will ruin things if it gets out!"

"Don't worry. My lips are sealed."

Meanwhile in the boy's dorm, Michael is giving Chase a piece of his mind.

"Man, what's up with you and this Rebecca chick? I thought you loved Zoey!" scolded Michael.

"Michael, have you noticed that every time I tried to tell Zoey the truth something got in the way of that. Every time I'm about to spill, something goes wrong. Either you or Logan barge in out of nowhere or TecMates fall in fountains and my message never gets across. I decided over the summer that maybe it wasn't meant to be. I've decided to move on. Besides, Zoey has always made it clear that we are just friends." After Chase's little spiel, Logan put in his two cents.

"Yeah Michael. Give the dude a break. He has the right to play the field."

"For once, Logan has a point, Michael." Logan shot Chase a dirty look and said, "Listen. Why don't you girls finish this later? I need to get some beauty sleep in my single bed."

"What! No Logan you're going to give up that single bed this year. Go make yourself comfortable in one of those two bunks over there. This bed is mine." And with that, Michael hopped on top of the single bed and pretended to snore. Logan wasn't having it though. He slammed his body right on top of Michael's. You can only imagine what kind of fight that was.

An hour later, Zoey rose from her bed where she was reading a magazine. She had never been so low and depressed. Usually as the leader of the pack, Zoey was expected to have way more resiliency. But she just couldn't take it. She left a note for Dana and Lola who were out getting dinner.

Hey Guys,

When you get back I won't be here. I'm going for a walk on the beach. I just thought you should know so you wouldn't worry. If you need me, you know where to find me but please…try not to need me. I'm a little depressed today.

Love,

Zoe

So Zoey left for the beach. She just walked and thought and walked and thought. She kept this up for almost an hour when she saw two figures heading in her direction. Zoey didn't think anything of it at first but then she recognized the mass of hair and female next to it. Then she saw that they were holding hands.

Zoey's POV

…Oh lovely.

Zoey tried to dodge them but she then realized that if she kept walking in that same direction, the couple was inevitable. Just when Zoey spun her body around to walk the other way, she heard a voice calling her name. She tried to ignore it. She tried to walk faster and dodge these people in the most imperceptible way possible, but it was of no avail. The bushy haired boy tore away from his girlfriend and ran after her until he caught up.

"Hey Zoe! What's up?"

"Oh hey Chase." It took every bone in her body to act like she was really happy to see him.

"I was calling you back there. You didn't hear me."

"Oh were you? I didn't even notice. I was too engrossed in my th-." But Zoey was cut off by a panting, red faced Rebecca.

"Chase, how could you run off like that!"

"Sorry Rebecca. I wanted to see Zoey." Rebecca shot Zoey this really nasty look and said, "Whatever, just don't let it happen again." She said this more to Zoey than to Chase. Zoey, not having the strength to mouth off just settled for an attitude filled, "Whatever" and turned to Chase.

"So, Chase, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Um. Rebecca can we have a minute please?

"What? Chase I-."

"Becky, please."

"Fine but I'm going back to my dorm. Call me later. We definitely need to talk." Rebecca stormed off and Chase sat down on the sand. Zoey sat with him.

"Zoe, I wanted to make sure you're okay with me and Rebecca."

"Chase, why wouldn't I be? We're just friends right." Of course she had to play off her real emotions.

"Yeah that's what I thought but you've been off since lunch."

"Don't worry about me Chase. I'm fine. Have your fun."

"Thanks for understanding, Zoe." He kissed her cheek very softly. It was definitely a friendly kiss. No tight hugs. No groping. Just a peck on the cheek but it meant everything to Zoey. She was smiling almost all the way back to her dorm.