Zoey.
I have to admit, today was really fun. Chase and I spent most of the day wandering around the mall, just looking, you know like in all of the clothes shops and such. We ate a pizza at the food court,it was pretty good and generally had a good laugh. It's nice to know that nothing has really changed between us. At the moment, we're walking home, through the park like we used to like old times. It's strange, I've never really looked at Chase in this light before. I mean, sure he's handsome enough; okay, he's a real looker; all right tell you the truth, he's drop-dead gorgeous. He's very strong, from our time we study of the martial arts together. He's kind, sincere, honest, and courteous, sometimes almost to a fault. He's brave when he has to be, he won't start a fight, but he sure won't back down if a friend is in trouble,or a total stranger for that matter. He's intelligent,to an extent much more so than any of the others realize. He devours books like nobody's business to see others work for writing, even if he doesn't let others realize it. In a few years he might be able to give Quinn a run for her money. I'm almost sure that he's already surpassed Logan and is probably about equal to Michael. It's almost frightening, the intensity he's put into improving himself. And I'm starting to wonder about why, why he would be trying so hard.
"Chase?" I know that there's a trace of apprehensiveness in my voice, because I know that the answer to this question will either strengthen us or tear us apart before we even begin.
"Yes Zoe?" If he senses my discomfort, he doesn't show it.
"I need to know Chase, why did you start to change?"
"How do you mean?" His words are carefully spaced, almost like he's trying to think of a way out of answering the question before i explain what i had meant.
"For the last few years, you've been changing, studying, training your mind and your body; why?" He's silent for a moment and I'm afraid for a moment. We've stopped on a bridge over a small river, and the sun has set.
"You." His voice is so soft, I barely just hear him, but I manage to hear enough.
"Me?"
"Because of you. I've always felt drawn to you, much more than others. But guys were all over you, and you weren't exactly pushing them away either. I mean, you've had guys practically crawling over you. Yet, I was never one of them. As much as I cherished our friendship, for a time I hated it, thinking that it kept you from seeing me as a possible love. Finally, I just accepted that I didn't stand out in that swarm of boys. So, I tried to make myself better, so you'd notice me."
Chase.
A part of me prepared for her to turn and run as fast as i could, I really don't know why. I had turned away from her and was looking out at the trickling water flowing under the bridge we were on. I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Zoey's eyes filling with tears. I started to apologize, but before i could say anything she hushed me, her smile contrasting sharply with her tears.
"But I did notice you. Chase I've always seen you. You're right, I didn't want to ruin our friendship before, but that was only because I was scared that you didn't feel the same way I did. I love you, Chase, and I don't want to deny the fact anymore." With that she pulled me down into a kiss, deep and tender, but burning with a passion that I had never felt before.
"Take me home, Chase," she whispered, he voice echoing through the confines of my heart. All I could do was nod and take her arm, while trying resisting the urge to scream in joy.
"Take me home,Chase" she repeated. "I want to be with you tonight and forever." And I knew what she meant. Of course I did, I felt the same thing. Before, neither of us was yet ready for the depth we knew our love was. Last night, we were afraid to let our emotions overtake our judgement and later regret what we did. Tonight though; tonight is about us. No family, no friends, no fears. Just our two hearts desperately seeking unity and release emotions that have been hidden by fear of rejection and friendship.
Zoey.
I was scared as we finally reached my apartment. I knew that Chase loved me, and I loved him, but I still felt nervous about what was next. As we enter the apartment though, it all just washed away. I felt perfectly, calm and I knew instinctively that now was the right time for this. I took off my shoes and roam into the darkened living room, not even bothering to turn on the lights due to the curtains were open and the moonlight poured in, illuminating the room more than enough for the situation. I turned my head slightly as Chase came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, nuzzling his head into the crook of my neck.
"There's still time to go back,you know Zoe" he whispered.
"I know," I replied, wrapping an arm around his neck, keeping his head in place, and used the other to pull on of his hands down to my right breast. "I believe that this is where we left it this morning?" He gently untangled himself from my arms and pulled away to look at me.
"I love you. Today, yesterday and tomorrow. I will still love you a month from now; a year, five, ten, fifty, a hundred. Even after death, I will be there for you, so long as you will have me there." His words went strait to my heart, touching me so deeply in place that i had only dreamed of. With those words we embraced once more and kissed with a passion that I was sure I would be feeling well into the morning. Ever so gently, he picked me up in his arms and carried me to my bedroom, yet never breaking the kiss as he went. With the same gentleness as before, he deposited me on the bed and stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of me before peeling off his shirt. The rest of the night was paradise.
Chase.
For the rest of my life, I will never know how I knew what to do, it was my first time. My body was finally screaming, 'Yes! This is who it's supposed to be!' Even now, after several hours of glorious, long, passionate, love, she still holds that glow she had at the beginning. I'm just glad I had that many condoms on me. Having a kid with Zoey would probably be wonderful, no i mean it would be wonderful but for now, we would be so dead.
I gently get up as she lies there, sleeping, truly looking like the Angel. I softly pull on my boxers and pad over to where I hid my sketchbook and pencils. I gently ease them out from where they were, trying desperately to not make any noise.
"Chase?" Apparently, it didn't work. I turn back to her, momentarily forgetting what I'm holding. "Chase, what is it? What's that in your hand?" Shit busted. I gently walk back over to the bed, realizing that hiding something like this from her would be really wrong, especially now. I hand her the sketchbook and motion for her to open it. She flips through it for several minutes, not saying anything. Finally, she closes the book and stares down at the book for a moment.
"They're beautiful, Chase" she finally whispers. Her remark flusters me slightly. I was expecting her to be angry at me for drawing her without her permission or something like that but no. I'm so caught off guard that I say the first thing that comes to mind.
"The subject is beautiful. I simply try to do her justice." She blushes slightly.
"How long have you been drawing me?"
"Almost two years now. Since I finally admitted to myself that truly I loved you."
"Why didn't you show me before?"
"I was afraid what you would say. I was afraid that you'd think I was some kind of pervert or creep, drawing women in their sleep."
"Why did you just draw me when I slept? I mean, we've had sleepovers enough, sure, but why not other times?" The one question I didn't want her to ask.
"Actually, there are more. Another three books full."
"Of me?"
"Not just you. There are some of the others, one or two of mom, our friends and some characters for some of stories that i have wrote. You're just the only one I've ever shown them to. And you are the most featured subject. But, I still prefer the drawings of you asleep. I have more time to study you and get it just right. And when you're asleep, all the innocence I know rests in you shines through. I'm just lucky enough to be able to capture it." She doesn't say a thing, she simply pulls me down into another kiss.
"I love you, Chase."
"I love you, Zoey."