( day 13 )

Cammie tied the end of her balloon into a tight knot and let it fly to the ceiling. It was already five o'clock and Liz's house was transformed into the perfect party setting. There were over a hundred pink and silver helium balloons that floated above to the ceiling. All the furniture was pushed aside and cleared off for dancing space. There was a long snack table placed at a corner of the room filled with bowls of chips, cans of soda, and various chip dip choices. Streamers laced through the room and low rock music played from the speakers.

"Everything looks perfect," Liz smiled happily and looked at Cammie. "But we definitely got to get ready now."

Cammie nodded as Liz grabbed her arm and dragged her up to her room. Liz's room was exactly how Cammie expected it. She had empty light blue walls except for a few picture frames that hung up. Her bed was neatly made and had a flannel duvet that matched her walls. Everything was orderly and it didn't look like a speck of dust would even dare to linger in the corners of her room.

Liz turned on her lights and Cammie noticed that on her bed sat five different dresses that were still held by hangers. She walked over to the pile of dresses, picking up one by one for Cammie to observe. Cammie looked over each one and put great thought into it. She liked all of them and thought Liz would look great in any of them. But Cammie had to admit, the pink party dress she showed her was by far the best one.

"This one," Cammie nodded, pointing to the particular dress. Liz looked down at the one Cammie chose, dropping the other options onto her bed. The pink dress was very rocker chic. It went down just above knee-length but could still hug Liz's torso. The dress was a very light pink and had black polka dots all over them. Two thin straps held the dress up and a black rose was pinned on one strap. Liz stared at it again, thinking. But after awhile, she nodded. "This is perfect."

She quickly ran to her bathroom and got changed. Cammie walked over to Liz's desk where she placed her bag with her things. She pulled out the navy blue dress she chose to wear that night when she noticed her phone light up with a text message. She released the dress from her hold and picked up her phone, pressing a button on its keypad. She noticed she received a new message from Zach about an hour ago. She read it.

I really hope you're not mad about last night. I'm really sorry and have been thinking about it constantly. I feel really bad, okay? But I hope your mind hasn't changed about going on a date with me. I would really love to go on a date with you.

Cammie bit the inside of her cheek, not wanting to smile or get excited that Zach texted her and apologized. Seriously, guys like that were not easy to come by. And here was one, just standing at her feet and texting her of all people. Cammie quickly typed back her reply.

I'm not mad. And I'm not just saying that. I really am not. And no, my mind hasn't changed…. But I just don't think it'll be a good idea because of… certain things. Don't read too much into what I'm saying. I'll just see you later on (:

She hit send and quickly changed into her dress before Liz came out. Cammie was adjusting the straps of her dress when Liz came into the room, spinning in her pretty party dress. Cammie looked up and smiled. "That dress is great on you!"

"Thanks, you look great too!" Liz smiled, running her fingers through her hair. Cammie stuck her hand into her bag and pulled out her curling iron and makeup bag. She smiled and gestured for Liz to sit on her desk chair. Liz strode over then plopped on the seat. Cammie quickly got to work, turning her naturally straight hair into loose curls. After, she dusted eye shadow on Liz's eye lids and drew on some eyeliner. She swept light blush on her pale cheeks and swiped a lip gloss wand across Liz's thin lips. When they were done, Liz looked into the mirror with her widening eyes. "Whoa," she breathed.

Cammie smiled, "do you like it?"

Liz nodded, staring at her reflection. Cammie would take that as a yes and continued getting ready. Cammie wasn't really in the mood to dress up, so she took her hair and piled it into a messy yet fancy bun. She only applied some mascara and lip gloss then called it a night.

"Let's get downstairs, Jonas is coming." She said as she was reading a text message on her cell phone. She stood up, slipped on her strappy sandals, and dashed downstairs. Cammie followed after, not as eager as her friend.

Jonas was there, dressed nicely in a white dress shirt but wore a plain black t-shirt inside. He wore dark jeans with a pair of black Converse high tops. His hair was messy but Cammie noticed there was a hint of gel styling it that way. He was holding a small box that was wrapped in shiny blue wrapping paper. Cammie could see a big "for Liz" card attached to it next to a white bow.

"You look amazing," Jonas said, catching his breath. Cammie had to smile; it was adorable watching Jonas look at Liz like she was the most incredible thing in the world. And to him, she probably was. Liz blushed shyly and accepted the present that Jonas was offering. "Happy Birthday Liz," Jonas said, his eyes shining as they met hers.

::

By seven o'clock, Liz's house couldn't have been more alive. There was a huge number of people, not as big as any of Grant Newman's parties, but pretty big nonetheless. Everyone was either dancing or eating or socializing. It was great and Liz seemed to be having a good time. Cammie was too, but as she danced with some of her new friends, she couldn't help but search for Zach's familiar face in the crowd. As far as she could tell, he wasn't there yet. She wanted to pull out her phone and ask him where he was. But she didn't. She didn't want to seem clingy or overly attached to Zach.

"Have you seen Zach?" A voice shouted in her ear. She turned around to see Liz swaying happily to the Gym Class Heroes song playing through the speakers. Cammie shrugged, trying not to feel happy Zach wasn't there yet because Liz wanted him there. Cammie immediately wanted to kick herself. Why was she such a bitch?

"I'm going to get a drink," Cammie shouted and turned to push through the dancing adolescents. She made her way to the snack table and grabbed an unopened can of soda. Cammie popped it open and left the living room to get some fresh air outside. She opened the front door and there was Zach Goode standing there, with his million dollar smirk and a present in hand. He looked good. Even if he was just wearing a royal blue long sleeve t-shirt and jeans.

"Hey Gallagher Girl," he smiled at her.

"Hi," Cammie said after approximately ten seconds. She cleared her throat and nervously scratched the back of her neck. "I was just about to get some air."

"Oh?" Zach asked, raising an eyebrow, "Well, why don't I join you?"

"Oh-okay," she shrugged as she closed the door behind her. He fell into step with her as they made their way down Liz's street. At first they didn't say anything, and then Cammie looked at the present in Zach's hand and asked, "What'd you get her?"

"Oh, just a new day planner," Zach shrugged, "I remembered she loves these things and was in need of a new one."

Cammie nodded, "Oh, cool."

"Yeah," Zach said back awkwardly. He side-glanced her then stared straight forward, not knowing what to say. He cleared his throat as she stared down at her shoes. He looked at her and stopped walking all together. She noticed his pause and stopped herself. She met his eyes and they stared at each other for awhile. "We should get back," Cammie said her voice low and quiet.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, concerned as usual.

She nodded.

He shook his head.

She insisted.

But he refused.

"I know when you're lying," Zach said to her not budging. He wasn't fooled by the mask Cammie wore on her face to shield her true feelings.

Cammie sighed, "I'm okay."

"Please don't be stubborn."

"I'm not! I'm just… it's just…" she sighed, feeling defeated. "You and I will never work out, okay?"

Zach stared at her, a little surprised. "Why do you say that?"

"Because there's this girl and she kind of has a crush on you." Cammie said lamely, feeling her cheeks burn up. "And no, this isn't some joke. I'm actually serious."

"Is this why you're being weird?"

"Yes," Cammie breathed out, feeling the tension leave her body.

Zach shrugged, "well, I don't care."

"You don't?"

He shook his head, "Of course not. Listen, in all honesty, I guess I could like other girls since you and I are not dating."

Cammie started to glare at him but he laughed, reaching out for her arm. "But I don't like anyone else, okay? I like you and right now, that's all that matters."

Cammie's face softened, her face blushing a little. "Um. Okay. I don't like anyone else either." She nodded in confirmation. She was surprised at how easy that was to admit to Zach. If it was any other guy, she'd be stumbling over her words and backing down. But there was something about Zach that gave her courage to be wild and crazy and young.

"Good to know," Zach said with a nod. "Ready to get back?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

::

Back at the party, Jonas was running his hands nervously through his hair. Cammie walked up to him, holding a drink in her hand. "What's up with the face?"

"Tonight's the night, Cammie." He said confidently, staring at his own reflection in one of the shiny picture frames. Literally everything in Liz's house was spotless. Jonas continued styling his hair as Cammie watched him, "what do you mean by that?"

"I'm telling her," He said back.

"Telling who what?"

"Telling Liz that I like her," he answered.

Cammie's eyes widened, "please tell me you're just joking." She was already searching the crowds for Liz and trying to figure out a plan from stopping this from happening. But Jonas was already turning away from his reflection and saying, "I'm not kidding. I need to tell her and now's the perfect time. She's happy. We're both dressed up. It's her birthday. It'll be great!"

Cammie stared at him and grabbed his arm tightly, "well, maybe it's not such a good time. I mean, she's busy with her guests and there are a lot of people here Jonas! Maybe you'd want to do this in private?"

"No way," Jonas shook his head, "I'm doing this in front of everyone, Cammie. I really like Liz and I want the whole world to know!"

"B-b-but no!" Cammie stuttered nervously. "I mean, don't you think you should find out if she likes you first?"

"Hey, rejection only stings for a while but regret will always hurt." He mused wisely, "I don't want to regret this by not telling her."

"Well, it's not like you won't ever tell her!" Cammie insisted, "You just won't tell her tonight."

"What if tonight's my only chance?"

::

Zach found Liz in the kitchen, talking to some of her friends from school. She was dressed extra nice and her smile seemed to shine brighter. She must've been really happy. Zach walked over to her circle of friends and tapped her shoulder. She turned around, her eyes widening then shrinking to its normal size. "Zach," she said sweetly.

"Happy Birthday Liz!" He said and handed over her present. She accepted it and pulled him into a hug. He hugged her back, feeling her arms tighten around his body. Zach noticed she held onto him longer than necessary. When they finally broke free, 'I'll be' by Edwin McCain started to play. She smiled and asked, "Dance with me?"

"Sure thing, Liz," he said as she tugged on his arm and led him to the dance floor. He spun her carefully then she folded into him, her arms around his neck and hers down at her waist. They swayed to the music gracefully. She leaned her head against his chest. He'll admit, he was a bit surprised at her sudden need of affection. But maybe like with Bex, Zach could blame depression or alcohol.

He hoped it was alcohol.

She pulled back and stared up in his eyes, "Zach, I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" He asked, curiously.

She tightened her arms around his neck and took a deep breath. "I like you. Okay? As in more than a friend and you might not feel the same way. But, I like you. A lot." And then she stood on her tip toes and kissed him. Except Zach didn't kiss her back, he just couldn't it was awkward and uninviting. Sure it was sweet, but it was too weird. So he pulled away.

Zach literally felt his heart stop beating. What kind of twisted game was this? He looked down at her, staring into her eyes for a long time. "Liz…" he started gently.

Her face was slowly falling, but she tried her best to act casual. Zach continued as they danced to the music, "It's not that I don't like you. You're great. It's just… I kinda… there's someone else, okay?"

"Bex?"

"No, not Bex… someone else," he simply said. "But you're great, okay? And I'm still your friend, please just remember that."

::

If looks could kill, Liz and Zach would've been dead a long time ago. Jonas was giving the dirtiest glare that Cammie had ever seen someone give. It was a mix between hatred and disgust. But it also had a bit of sadness and hurt. But it was more on the hatred and disgust.

Liz kissed Zach. She kissed him! Right in front of anyone to see and who saw it? Jonas did.

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath and stomped outside. Cammie stared back at Liz and Zach who weren't even moving to the music anymore. She then turned and followed Jonas outside. She caught up to him and placed a hand gently on his arm. "She likes him?" It came out in a low growl.

Cammie regretfully nodded.

"Why?"

She shrugged.

But she did know why. Zach was the dream guy of any girl. He was smart, sweet, funny, and really nice. Any girl would be crazy not to like him. She honestly couldn't blame Liz for falling for a guy like Zach.

"I feel like an idiot," Jonas sighed, scratching the back of her head. "I honestly thought she liked me."

"Don't beat yourself up for this," Cammie said in a soothing voice. "Things happen."

"I feel like shit," He shook his head, almost disappointed in himself.

"Hey, come on, if anything Liz's the one who lost tonight."

"No she didn't, she got to kiss Zach." He rolled his eyes. If Cammie wasn't positive that Zach didn't kiss her back that may have stung her more than it would have stung Liz. But she didn't reply to that comment.

"Did you really like her?" Cammie asked, sitting on the patio bench in front of Liz's house. Jonas didn't sit instead he paced under the front porch's bad lighting and nodded, "I did. I really did. I've had this crush on her for as long as I can remember."

"Well, maybe you can still tell her how you feel? Maybe she'll come around." Cammie tried her best to be optimistic.

He shrugged, about to say something. But was interrupted when the front door opened and there stood Zach himself. Jonas glared at him and looked at Cammie, "I'm going to go home now. I'll see you later?"

She nodded, not wanting to force him to explain anymore. He glared at Zach one more time and walked off the front porch steps and into his car. Zach watched him go, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Once Jonas's car drove down the street and turned the corner, Zach sat next to Cammie. "What's up with him?"

Cammie shrugged, "Oh, just some stuff. Are you leaving soon?"

He shook his head, "no, I was just looking for you."

"Oh." Cammie said, staring straight ahead.

"Was it Liz?"

"Was what Liz?"

"The girl with the crush on me?"

Cammie just nodded.

"Oh," Zach said. "Well, I don't like her, you know."

Cammie nodded again.

Then said, "That's good to know."

"Is she the reason we wouldn't work out?"

"I don't want to mess anything up with her. Especially, since she's been such a great friend to me." Cammie looked at him. "But I don't want to mess anything up with us either."

"Go on a date with me," Zach encouraged.

"What now?"

"Well, no." Zach shook his head, "but sometime soon. Promise me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Just call me whenever you're ready to go. I get why you wouldn't want to hurt Liz like that. Trust me, I don't want to either. But I really like you. If you haven't noticed." He smiled at her. "And I'm willing to wait however long till you're ready to take the risk and go out with me."

Cammie's insides felt like jello. "Do you always know the right things to say?"

"Only with you."

a/n: teehee, why are zammie so cute? :D hopefully this chapter satisfied everyone. I just bought new school supplies and I'm excited for the next semester! Thanks for the reviews on the last chapter and let me know what you think so far!