Ah, another day, another chapter. X3 I only received two reviews for the last one, but that's okay, it tells me I have fan followers.
Lipshake - If you thought they were in their first year, how in the world did you understand that first chapter? ) I stated that they were in their second year, explaining why Zoey was "back" at PCA. Kay?
Disclaimer: Once again, Zoey 101 is not mine. Alyssa is though.
Chapter 3 - Talks and Accusations
Zoey could not take her mind off her friends' words the other day. They kept repeating in her mind as she lay in bed, trying to sleep. "He is so cute! Isn't he so cute? Do you think you could set us up?" she could hear Alyssa squealing. "Is it because Alyssa likes Chase? I can tell that you like Chase. You can tell me, don't worry. I won't spread it around." Nicole's words floated around in her head the most, haunting her. But really, why do I care? As long as I know I don't like him, it doesn't matter if she thinks so, she thought.
But she did care.
These thoughts were very unsettling. Sighing, she knew she'd never get to sleep, so she slipped on a robe over her pajamas and flopped down on her couch. She picked up her laptop and began to write an e-mail to her parents.
Dear Mom and Dad,
How are you doing? I know it's kind of late, but I couldn't sleep. First I was up studying for our first test of the year, in Algebra, but then when I got into bed I couldn't help but think of some stuff my friends said. My new friend Alyssa, the one I told you about, she likes Chase and I don't know why, but it bothers me. Nicole thinks I like him. Isn't that ridiculous? But I dunno, maybe I do…
Quickly, Zoey deleted the content of the mail, face flushed. Her parents couldn't know that kind of stuff. She started again.
Dear Mom and Dad,
What's going on? Life here at PCA is great, if not pretty normal. We're really getting used to having Alyssa around. She's a pretty good friend. As for school, we have this new project where we have to make a report and stuff about a big event in history. We got partners, and my partner is Dana. Alyssa's partner is Chase and she likes him and I don't like that
She bit her lip and erased it again. For some reason, she couldn't write to them without mentioning Chase. He was the main thing in her mind. Finally, she wrote a generic "Hi, I'm fine, just checking in" letter and sent it off. But she couldn't get the subject of Chase and Alyssa out of her mind. Eventually, she gave up and pulled out the diary that Nicole had given her as an end of year present at the end of last year and began to scribble furiously.
When she was finished, she looked at her handiwork, satisfied but embarrassed. She made a resolution to burn it, yet she did feel a lot better, better enough to go back to sleep.
"Oh my gosh! Zoey! You look awful!" Nicole exclaimed the next morning. Zoey rubbed her eyes and yawned.
"Rough night," she explained, giving Nicole a look. She expected her to understand why, but Nicole remained oblivious.
"Oh, yeah, Alyssa wanted to talk to you. She's in the lounge." Nicole gestured towards the lounge.
"Okay," Zoey sighed, knowing it would have something to do with setting her and Chase up.
As Zoey walked towards the lounge, she contemplated why Alyssa and Chase bothered her. But it was too painful; she shoved it quickly to the back of her mind. As she approached, she immediately saw Alyssa sitting on a love seat nearby.
"Zo!" Alyssa squealed, giving her friend a hug. Zoey smiled weakly.
"Hey Lyss, what's up? Nicole said you wanted to talk to me," Zoey said.
"Yes, I do," Alyssa enthused. "Have you talked to Chase about me yet?"
"No, not yet," Zoey answered, looking exasperated. Alyssa's face fell.
"Oh," she mumbled. "Why not?"
"I…haven't seen him in awhile," Zoey said. It was true, but she knew she could have made more of an effort. After all, Zoey and Chase had three classes together.
"Oh, okay," Alyssa replied, brightening up again. "You will do it, though, right Zoey?"
"Of course," she told her, not really meaning it.
"Thanks!" Alyssa cried, giving Zoey a hug. Zoey turned to leave but stopped, deciding to ask Alyssa what was on her mind.
"Lyss," she began slowly, "why do you like Chase?"
Alyssa blinked at Zoey as if she were dumb. "Well. Duh," she retorted. "He's cute!"
"That's the only reason why?" Zoey raised her eyebrows.
"Uh…" Alyssa was at a loss for words. "He's a really nice guy. I think."
Zoey was angry. "That's it? But there's so much more to him! He's funny, and sweet, and he really cares, you know? If you tell him something, he'll actually listen, and he's smart, too, and…and…" She stopped herself. What was she saying?
Alyssa stared at her. "Whatever," she muttered, walking off.
Zoey fell down onto the love seat, trying to realize why she had just done that. Nicole, however, seemed to realize it. She rushed over as soon as Alyssa left.
"Zoey, that just proves it," she declared. "You are so in love with Chase! Why else would you be defending him like that?" Zoey had never seen Nicole so excited.
She sighed and buried her head in a pillow. "Maybe…I'm not sure…how can I be sure?"
Nicole thought for a few seconds. Suddenly, she snapped her fingers. "I know! We'll give you a test."
A/N - Another chapter done. D Took me a bit longer this time, since I was away for the weekend. But now I'm sick. Help me feel better by reviewing!