The Close Call
Chapter Ten: So It Goes

Ughh, Monday mornings' really fucking suck. But it wasn't until I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to be kissed. I didn't even check who it was, so I instinctively deepened the kiss before finally parting it. Oh shit – it's Leah. And Tess was only about a couple feet walking distance away from me. Luckily Cloe was there with her, to calm her down hopefully. "Did you and Zack break up? I thought things were going good for you two." She asked Tess gently. Actually we didn't but I had a feeling that we might be after this… man, how could I have been so dumb?

"Well we hadn't – but I think we might be now." Damn. That was not the answer I wanted to hear. I continued to watch as Leah fixed her make up in front of me – as manly as I am… I was damn well scared to turn around. Tess could definitely take me. She's a tough ass girl. I usually liked it when she could over power me - that being in the bedroom of course, but this was a bit of a different issue. She could punch me out and I had to admit, she's such a soft, sweet girl. But piss her off? Holy shit, that's World War III you're messin' with bud.

"Tess, sweetie calm down." Knowing Cloe, she was probably rubbing Tess's arm to try and help her calm down. She's so sweet like that. Always helping others before herself. "Did you know Zack was seeing Leah behind your back?" She leaned in to whisper something to Tess, something about a hoe and a man. But at least Tess giggled a little, but I could feel the negativity radiating off of her, not that I could really blame her at all.

I'd be pissed too.

"You… know how things are, or were, between Zack and I. We have, had, that trust and communication like not many couples do have. If he'd have told me – which there's no reason for him not to, this would be good. It'd be okay because he'd of told me about her. But since he's seeing this chick behind my back – our trust is so far gone." Yeah, I couldn't blame her at all. I mean, there's no reason why I didn't tell her. Except for maybe the fact I'm lazy and put it off. But putting it off, clearly lead to hurt feelings.

"Yeah. I mean you guys were doing very well and I was impressed at how Zack was able to stay so committed and faithful to you because well it's obvious he's a big player. But you guys looked so cute together and you seem... good for each other." Cloe, please – if it's one thing I could ever ask, it's for you to help me out of this mess. "I can understand exactly what you're saying. If a guy did - and has done that to me in the past in previous relationships of mine, the trust is erased." Damn it. Well, I can't blame them. They're right and I'm in the wrong. Very, very wrong. Tess did more for me than any skank ever did. I know I'll miss Tess, I'll miss her so much but I don't think there's any hope left – but I have to try. So, I did the most bravest – or most stupid thing I could think of. I turned around.

"Baby, I'm so sorry." I genuinely told her as I took her hand, went to lean in and kiss her but to my surprise, she pulled away. Ah, shit. I've really done it this time.

"Don't 'Baby, I'm sorry' me Zackary." She told me, I could tell that she was really trying to keep her cool here. Ouch, I must've really hurt her. How could I do such a thing to the girl, who's been nothing but there for me? "I trust you. Sorry, trust – ed you and I guess the joke's on me for doing so." She looked away from me and continued to speak. As I continued to listen. "That's what I get for giving my full heart to someone." Then she shook that sentimental moment away and looked directly into my gaze – man, this was going to hurt so bad. I could feel it. "Let me tell you something, there's no reason why you couldn't have told me about her - that's what made us so strong. Our communication and our trust. I thought I really meant something to you. I thought 'we' mattered to you, but 'we' don't anymore. We're done. Over with, I clearly can't trust you. I'm sorry it has to end like this, and I do deeply care for you, but I can't be with someone I can't trust. Having to be skeptical of everything you say to me, whether you're lying or not. With someone else I don't know about. Trust is like a mirror, once it's broken, it's never the same afterward. There's no point – I won't be hurt by you again Zack. This is goodbye."

Cloe just looked between Tess and I, not really saying anything. Probably thinking something along the lines of, 'I'm witnessing these two break up? Jeez, whether I'm part of the drama or not it always seems to find a way to sneak up to me.' Poor Cloe, that girl has drama that follows her constantly, but I think she's got a love / hate relationship with it.

I watched as Tess walked away from me. I felt torn, seeing the other side of my heart walk away like that. All hurt, broken and bruised by trust. I didn't want that to be the way it ended between us. To tell you the truth – I never wanted it to end between us. I'll never find another woman like Tess again. And what I had with her, I fucked it up so badly.

I'm soo sorry about that drama. I hope it doesn't make you think any less of me, but I had to get that off my chest. – Tess

I couldn't help but to shed a tear as she walked away. I didn't even bother to wipe it away. I just wanted Tess back within my arms, but that couldn't happen.

It's okay Tess, it's not your fault. I still wuves you. If you want I can round up Roxxi and we can go stomp the shit out of Leah...or replace her shampoo with hair removing cream. And if you want I will personally glue Zacks dick to his stomach for you. xD I don't know how I can help but, do you want me to talk to him? – Cloe

"So you and Tess are history, I guess you're free to go and fuck Leah as much as you want." Ughh, it's true. I could, but I didn't want any part of Leah, I wanted Tess. I want my baby back. I noticed Cloe covered her mouth, but then continued on. "Ooh Zack, I'm sorry that wasn't the nicest thing for me to say. Do you want to talk? I was about to go out for some Chipotle - wanna come with?"

I wuves you too. =) But... well, you can talk to him all you want, but seriously, how can I bring myself to trust him? I don't want to have to worry whether or not he's telling the truth or hiding something from me. Or who he's with behind my back. Ahahah, well hold Roxxi off - I didn't say Leah needed captial punishment. But it makes me feel good knowing you gals got my back, thanks for that. – Tess

That sounded tempting, but I just wanted to get some things off my chest. "I can't believe I fucked up something so... well, something I'll never get back again. I was going to tell her, I was." I shifted my gaze over to Leah – I didn't want to hurt her, but she had to hear what I was going to say next. "I'm sorry if this sounds disrespectful, but I want no part of you, because you'll only be second best and you don't deserve that."

I then glanced back over to Cloe. "No, it's cool Cloe, I needed to hear that - thank you." As for that Chipotle, it sounded great, but could I possibly stomach that? I wasn't so sure. I shrugged. "Sure, I guess."

Of course we have your back. Cloe always protects her thugs, her mafia. :) Yeah I totally understand Tess. Trust and communication are a foundation, a necessity for a relationship - you can't have one without the other and when you lose one the relationship ends up crumbling. I don't blame you for not being able to trust him after that. I can't believe you guys just...broke up. Yet in a way I'm proud of you because you stood up for yourself and stood your ground. Most girls would just forgive their man for cheating and the same shit would keep happening to them. Big Daddy supports you a hundred percent. – Cloe

I just leaned up against the lockers, trying to figure out what to say to a totally stunned Leah, who looked well, betrayed. And then there was Cloe, receiving texts and so on. Man, I was just frozen. What the hell could I do y'know?

Thanks Angel, I really appreciate that. I'll just head over to Nona's grave and rant for awhile. That'll cheer me up a bit, she always listens to me. Yeah, I'm not one of those girls, I mean... maybe we could work things out - don't tell him that, because I want to see if I actually am worth something to him, but even if we did... he's gotta earn that trust back, it ain't just being given. Does that sound fair? – Tess

I watched as Cloe glanced up at Leah, she didn't seem to be impressed, but she wasn't mad either. "Leah sweetie, it's not very attractive going after a girls sloppy seconds. It doesn't make you look sexy, just desperate. I can be a flirtatious, horny, teasing, nympho - but I know my limits." Cloe placed her hand on my shoulder and sincerely began to talk to me once again. "Aw Zack, well I'll treat you to a nice big burrito bowl on me and we can talk about this." She gave a light sigh and continued on. "And I know it's probably hard right now, but smile." I laughed when she actually took the corners of my mouth and tried to literally make me smile. She was so hot – yet could be so lovably dorky ahahah. "There, so much sexier."

Aww Tess... Well if you ever need another person to rant to you can always have bitch sessions with me, as well as Koby, Jade, and Roxxi. Cade too but he's a bit more...secretive. It's a good thing you're not one of those girls and don't worry I won't tell him any of that. And yep I agree, he's gotta earn your trust back and I think you should really make him work for it. – Cloe

"Thanks Cloe, I think I could use that. I'm really glad to have you here right now." Oh shit, Leah lightly crossed her arms and shook her head at me, in disgust I believe.

"I didn't even know you had a girlfriend Zack. I hope you guys can work things out, you seemed like such a great couple." Gee, thanks Leah. Go ahead and remind me about what I lost. As if I'm not already beating myself up over it now. "I think you're in enough pain at the moment - the look on your face just screams out your feelings for her. Don't just stand here; make an effort to get her back if you... truly love her." As Leah walked away – I knew damn well she was right. Sure I was scared of this thing called 'love' for multiple reasons, but just because I did feel that way – it didn't mean we had to get married tomorrow and start a family the day after. Nah, we could just take it one day at a time. I had to go get my baby back. I will. I smiled with the thought of having Tess back in my arms. Truly happy.

Aw, it's okay Cloe. I wouldn't want to intrude on your bitch sessions, it's all good. I've got my sister and that's all I need. I know he's going to ask me how to earn my trust back, I don't know what to tell him. What can he do to repair such a broken bridge? – Tess

"There's that real smile of yours." Cloe stepped back and licked her lips as she ogled me. "Gorgeous." She gave a shrug and continued on with what she wanted to say. "No problem, I do what I can for my thugs. I've got Tess' back but I also got yours. And maybe I can help you sort your big pile of shit out." She took my hand and gently lead me out of the school, pfft – what a better time to skip then now?

Ooh, the jealousy written all over these other girl's faces… I'm so amused, and I could see Cloe definitely was too. "He's still off limits ladies, sorry to disappoint." She rolled her eyes as they glared at us, but then spoke up again. "Dumb horny bitches."

Hey, there's always rooms for our bitch sessions. Always. Whenever you want to join in you can - you just might be dealing with a strung out Koby during those sessions. xD Don't tell him how he can earn your trust back, that's making it way too easy for him. You make him earn it for real, if he loves you he'll do whatever it takes to earn it back. – Cloe

I took a moment to really wonder who Cloe was texting so much, but of course I shifted my gaze else where, still following her. It was rude to read over someone's shoulder.

Ahahaha, well I think I'll let you deal with Koby XD. It's okay Cloe, it really is. I'm fine. =) Oh of course not I'd just say, 'Earn it back' and that'll be it. That's what I'm... kinda scared of, what if he doesn't love me enough to want to earn that trust back? What if he gives up on us altogether? – Tess

We continued walking down the hallway, until Cloe looked back and gave me a small sexy smirk. I wondered what was going on in that mind of hers. "Well Zack by tomorrow they're going to think you broke up with Tess for Leah and that I swooped in and fucked you." Ahahah, oh Cloe. I could always count on her to make me smile.

"As tempting as that is to let them think - I just want Tess back in my arms, but I know that's not gonna happen, and she's got every right to walk away from this and never want to see me again." Why does this love shit have to be so damn complicated? I mean really. It's not fair.

Yeah... it is a bit of a nerve wrecking situation. But I'll tell you this, when you walked away from him - I saw him shed a tear because you were exiting the relationship - which you have every right to do so, but still. Maybe he does love you so much and wants to earn your trust back, but is scared it won't be good enough. – Cloe

"Aw Zack... that's so sweet, and sad. But I wouldn't be so pessimistic about it, she wants to see you but she wants to know how much you're willing to show her you love her, that you're worth trusting and not gluing your dick to your stomach." Ahahah. Oh Angel. But she's right all the same. I needed to keep my chin up high with hopes that we'd work through this. Overcome it and be together again.

And we would too.

He... teared up? Honestly? Well, if you talk to him, tell him that... he at least has to try and make that attempt to tell me, he wants to earn my trust. Could you do that for me? – Tess

"She... does want to see me? Really?" I gave a light chuckle at her previous statement, but then continued on. "I... will never be tempted again, not if it gets me so dangerously close to losing her." And believe it or not – I meant every word of that.

Yep, he shed a tear. And then I made him smile for me. And of course I could do that for you, don't worry I know how to work this out. We'll be talking about it all while I treat him to some Chipotle. – Cloe

She looked at me, almost with slight disbelief written upon her face. "Of course she wants to see you, her feelings haven't left for you - her heart was just stomped upon when she saw you kissing Leah. But you have to try really hard Zack, you're going to have to go through hell and high waters to earn her trust back - which I don't blame her. Trust is like a mirror, you can break it and try to put the pieces back together but you'll always be able to see the cracks." A smile caressed that beautiful face of hers as she proceeded on with her point. "Well good then, it's sweet to see how much you really do care about her. And maybe you two should become swingers or something and have Tess join you and whatever tramp you hook up with." Cloe! Ahahah, oh man. That was too funny, but I knew exactly within my heart, what I truly wanted to do.

I guess I do mean something to him then. Thank you Cloe, for attempting to fix him, but I think me leaving was that slap in the face of reality for him - I'll take a lot of shit, but trust is something I don't mess around with. Thanks again, Angel! I owe ya one – Tess

"Yeah, I don't blame her. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes; I just hope it's enough." If someone were to ask me what my biggest fear was, I'd have to say that'd be losing a loved one. And Tess is my loved one. I'm not going to lose her though, no way. "Nah, I've been foolish for way too long, why would I need anyone else when all I need and want, is Tess?"

Cloe was never a girl to believe in love. She thought it was utter bullshit and I have to admit – for awhile, so did I. But Tess has shown me different and I can only hope that Cloe will have someone in her life to show her exactly what love is. Although with my statement, she seemed to have melted ahahah, aww. "Aw Zack that's so sweet and if you're that determined, she'll be back in your arms very soon." She gave a soft smile and then said, "For a moment I actually believed love wasn't a crock of shit that I didn't want coming anywhere near me. But the way you feel about Tess... it's sweet, what you guys have is raw." Aww, hell yeah. That's exactly the kind of response I was hoping to get from Cloe as I revealed my true feelings for Tess. It felt so good to have some support.

"I can only hope you're right." "Well, you'll find yours soon, just don't be so closed to the slight idea of it. And thanks Cloe, I'm glad you think it's raw ahaha." I gave her a genuine hug. "Thank you Angel, thank you so much."

And this? It's a new start.

What's it the start of?

Tess and I. The story of broken trust but the will to move on – together.

The End

::~*~::

Well, the end of another story! Wow. I can't believe it's done. =) Ahahahah, that makes me quite happy believe it or not. Because from this, that means I'll only be moving on to bigger and better ideas. So yeah. Anyway, thank you soo incredibly much for reading, favoriting, alerting, reviewing – all of that fun stuff! This was definitely fun while it lasted, but now it's time to move on. I can't wait to hear what you've all thought of this story. I'll be focusing on my other stories 'When I'm Gone' and 'Manipulation' before really releasing any new stories. So if you haven't checked those out yet, you always can.

Well this is it, take care and until next time!

Oh and one more thing:

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