Zoey couldn't help feeling miserable. What am I going to do? I love both guys, but both for different reasons. Most girls would kill to have two guys as hot as them running after her. Zoey dragged her feet in the front door. The house was quiet and dark. The only light came from her dad's study. She poped her head in. "Hey, Dad, I'm home." "Hey kiddo, your mother's working late too. She should be back soon though. Dinner's in the oven." "I'm going to go to bed. Night, Dad."
Zoey turned over onto her side. She didn't feel like going to school today. She didn't feel like leaving the house. How can I go out with Mark this weekend when I totally nearly kissed Elliot, last night. I've been flirting with him and I haven't even noticed. But I haven't been flirting! No, it was Elliot. But he knows what flirting is, it's not like he's unexperienced. Every girl that comes into the café are throwing themselves at him. Zoey sighed. I can't go to work. I can't face him. None the less, she knew she couldn't very well avoid him forever. That would simply make the situation even worse and more awkward than what it already is. She threw on her uniform and strolled, grudgingly, out the door. She knew she would be late but she couldn't care less, not today anyways.
"...I heard he asked her out." "No way, they were just flirting. You don't think he'd really go for her, do you?" Megan and Mimi gossiped as the three of them made their way to the next class. Zoey spotted Mark at the far end of the hallway. She began to panic. She had never texted him back last night. "Look, Zoey, it's Mark," megan waved. "I still can't believe you're going out with like the most popular guy in the school. Ye're so cute together, Zoey," Mimi sighed. "Ya, I don't know why he's going out with me," Zoey laughed nervously. "Neither do I, I mean he could get way older and...well you know... developed girls. Aside from that boss of yours, Elliot, he's like the hottest guy around," Megan stated. Great vote of confidence, Megan. Mark was smiling as he approached them. "Hey, Mark!" Zoey squeaked. "Hey, Zoey!" He lent over and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Every girl around was staring with both jealousy and also admiration. Zoey's face flushed red. The bell for next class rang loudly. "I'd better go, see you later," and Mark hurried off with his friends, to their class.
Zoey trudged slowly towards the café, after school. What will he say to me? He'll probably just ignore. He probably hates me. She slowly pulled open the café's door and stepped cautiously in. Kiki and Bridget were deep in a secretive conversation. Corina was lulling in adorance over Zakuro. Wesley and Elliot though, were nowhere to be seen. "Zoey!" Kiki jumped to her feet. "Hi guys," she managed a smile. Kiki and Bridget hurried over to Zoey. "Zoey, we've heard a rumor! We've got a secret to tell!" Kiki thrilled. "It's not much of a secret if you're going to go around and tell everyone!" Corina rolled her eyes. Kiki stuck out her tongue at her. "Can we tell you, Zoey, please!" Bridget beamed. They followed Zoey into the locker room. She listened as she changed into her uniform. "It's Wesley, Zoey! Wesley has a girlfriend!" Kiki pranced. Zoey raised an eyebrow with suprise. "He has moved on? Moved on from his butterfly girl?" "Yes, that's right. Well, we're not certain but," Bridget lowered her voice, " we suspect Zakuro." "Zakuro!" Zoey couldn't keep her voice low. "What makes you think that!" Not Zakuro and Elliot? "Well, we've seen them, talking in secret, on several occasions." "It looks suspicious!" Kiki giggled. "Have you said anything to Zakuro or Wesley?" "No, not yet, but Kiki will never be able to hold her tongue for the day." "I won't, I can't wait! Let's go ask her now!" "NO!" Bridget and Zoey both yelled in unison. Zakuro would kill her for asking such personal questions. She's a cranky person as it is. Zoey and Bridget raced after Kiki but they were too late. "Zakuro! Are you going out with Wesley!" Elliot was just opening the café doors, for business. A small crowd had began to gather. Wesley entered the dining area, as he usually did at the start of the working day, to greet the customers. "Well, Zakuro, are you?" Kiki tittered. Zakuro whipped round, a fierce expression on her face. "What?" "Well, if not Wesley, is it Elliot?" Kiki hopped from one foot to the other. Zakuro's eyes narrowed. "It is, it is Elliot, isn't it! O! Are ye in love?" Elliot and Wesley had heard the comotion by now and quickly joined the tight circle. "What's this?" Wesley questioned. "O! Elliot and Zakuro are getting married! They're in love! They'll live happily ever after!" Kiki squeaked. There was a short silence among the seven of them. "Is that so?" Elliot's voice echoed off each of them. Zoey sheepishly looked up, towards Elliot. He didn't say no. It's true. He loves her! She could feel small tears welling up behind her eyes. Elliot looked at her. He could see her watering eyes and his face softened. "No, it is not true, Kiki," his voice was harsh and somewhat hoarse. He watched Zoey as he spoke. "But, but, Elliot! I've seen ye together, ye are adorable!" "Kiki!" Zakuro hissed. I have seen them together. Kiki has a point. "We should get back to work," Zoey ordered and stormed off. The day dragged on long and hard and everyone remained quiet silent. As ther day finally came to an end and the café was closing up, things finally started regaining normality. Corina was sipping her tea and fixing her perfectly arranged hair. Kiki and Bridget were giggling and whispering as they brought broken cutlery out to the bins and Zakuro stood, with her usual hazy expression, staring out the window. "Zoey?" Elliot gently called. She looked up from the table she had been cleaning. He stood across from her, his face looked shy, somehow pained. Zoey glared at him. "What?" she snapped. "O! Get over yourself, Strawberry. You know Kiki was mistaken." "I know," she pretended not to care and continued clearing up. "Zoey, stop pouting," he begged kindly. He took her hand. She yanked it free. "I've got a boyfriend, Elliot. I'm not just one of your little toys you can mess about with." He looked taken aback. "Is that what you think? After all this time, Zoey?" He was beginning to get angry. Corina and Zakuro had noticed them talking and were straining to hear. Elliot lowered his voice and leaned in, towards Zoey. "If that is what you think of me, if I disgust you that much than just say it. Say it, Zoey." His eyes were like daggers, sharp and painful. "If I have offended you than I am sorry, but do not be under any illusion that I do not care for you. But what was I thinking, you're just a child. You're so self- absorbed." And with that he left and made his way down to the lab. Wesley had been standing in the doorway and had been close enough to hear the entire conversation. He cares for me? Zoey stood there, numb, awestruck, bewildered. What does this mean now? He hates me? He cares for me? Zoey looked towards Wesley. He gave a weak smile as he walked towards her. "Let him cool off, Zoey. It's been a long and eventful day for all of us."