Author's Note: Thanx to everyone for the replies!
Starburst87: I appreciate the criticism, it shows where I need to improve, but I don't understand your comment about Shay sounding "ugly". And as for making Zoey sound like the jealous type, I'll tell you what I told Callmemaddy, I only did that to put emphasise on the fact that Chase go after another girl while he's in a relationship with Zoey was wrong. In this fanfic, Zoey is betrayed more jealous than she usually is. If this is a problem than I'd have to advise you not to continue. Though, I'd hope you will continue reading.
Chapter 5: Discovery and Heartbreak
"I better get these back to Shay."
Chase picked up Shay's basketball and walked over to her blue bookbag. As he picked up the bag it fell open and Shay's faded red notebook fell out. The notebook opened to a page somewhere in the middle.
"Oops."
Chase kneeled down to pick it up and as he did so, some writing on the page caught his eye. He knew he shouldn't, but maybe this notebook would give him some more insight to what made Shay tick. So, despite his mind telling him 'no', Chase sat down on the bench with the notebook and, starting from the begining, began to read through it. The first half of the book was dedicated entirely to writing songs.
"She's really talented." Chase thought as his eyes read over each verse and the many notes and crossouts.
But as soon as he got halfway through the notebook, the songs turned to blank pages and then finally to diary entries. Most of which were smudged with tear stains. Chase read through them and was shocked at what he found.
Happy Father's Day! Happy. Yeah right. Today was hell. I've been working my butt off for the past few months at that revolting, degrading returaunt for extra cash. I finally had enough to buy dad a Father's Day gift, a beautiful leather-band watch. I even had it engraved. So today I gave him the gift and he totaly flipped. He started screaming that he wanted golf clubs, not a watch, GOLF CLUBS...
Most of the entries were all similar to this one. Shay's dad getting angry with her over something trivial...him screaming...him hitting her...Shay's crying... Chase couldn't believe Shay kept this inside for so long. As he kept reading, Chase watched as Shay's writing about her father and his abuse turned to PCA.
It's been two weeks since I started here at PCA and I'm really enjoying it here. I never want to go back home. The guys here have all started calling 'Ace'. All of the guys, that is, except for one. Chase. sigh Chase is so sweet...and cute...and just a great guy. Too bad he has a girlfriend. She's so lucky to have him. Chase and I've been friends for a little while and it feels pretty weird having a feelings for him so soon. I don't think he'd even look at another girl besides Zoey. One can only dream. But even if Chase liked me that way, we could never get together. Dad would beat me to no end. I can never have any friends. Never. I can't let myself get wrapped up in feelings. It'll be too painful once I have to let go...
"What are you doing?"
Chase looked up from the notebook to find Shay staring at him, a look of horror on her face. He stood up, closing the book.
"Shay, I..I'm sorry. I didn't know..."
"You shouldn't have read it." Shay said shakily as she took her notebook from Chase's hands.
"I'm sorry. I was just curious. I had no idea..."
"You can't tell anyone. No one."
Pure fright shone in Shay's eyes as she stared at Chase. He knew her secret and she felt so vulnerable. So exposed. Like she was standing naked in front of him.
"I won't." Chase tried to reassure her, feeling hurt at the thought of what she had to go through.
"Promise me."
"I promise."
An uneasy silence fell between the two. Shay clutched her notebook to her chest, avoiding Chase's eyes. And it was Chase who broke the silence.
"Shay, he shouldn't be doing that to you. You don't deserve it."
Shay closed her eyes. She was determined not to cry in front of Chase. No, she couldn't cry. But, despite her efforts, the tears slid out from underneath her eyelids. Chase noticed and soon had his arms around her. Shay didn't pull away, but instead leaned against his chest.
"You don't understand. He's my dad, Chase." She said through quiet sobs.
Chase wrapped his arms tighter around her, "That's no excuse. You shouldn't have to go through that."
Shay cried harder into Chase's chest. Chase gingerly led her to a soft patch of grass, with his arms still around her, and sat down. He pulled the crying Shay closer. The two sat like that for a long time, until Shay's tears finally subsided.
"I'm sorry for sitting here crying like a fool." She said as she wiped at her eyes.
"No. It's okay. You had all right to cry."
Shay managed a small smile before adjusting herself so her back was pressed up against Chase's chest with his arms wrapped around her waist. She leaned her head back against him and looked up at Chase's face.
"You're such a good friend, Chase." Shay whispered.
"I'll always be here for you when you need me." Chase whispered back as he leaned down and kissed her softly.
"Chase! Logan said I'd find you..." Zoey stopped midsentence as her eyes took in the scene in front of her, "What are you doing!"
Shay scrambled out of Chase's arms and onto her feet as Chase rose to his feet as well.
"Zoey. I-I...It's not what it looks like. Shay was just upset...and I thought I'd comfort her..." Chase tried to explain.
"Upset? What was she upset about?" Zoey asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
She looked angry and acted angry, but inside Zoey was more hurt than anything. Ever since that first day they met Shay, Zoey had been scared to death of Chase cheating on her with the new girl. They had been hanging out together more. Chase would ignore Zoey and tell her he was doing one thing and then she'd discover that he had snuck off with Shay to play basketball or what not. She had trusted him. And here it was, her trust violated. It took all Zoey could to keep from running off to cry. The feelings of betrayl and heartbrokenness swelled up in her chest as she stared at Chase, waiting for his answer and fearing the worse.
Chase looked at Shay, whose eyes were still red from crying. He knew he couldn't tell Zoey the truth. He had promised Shay.
"I-I-I can't tell you." Chase said quietly.
Zoey pursed her lips and nodded slowly, her eyes glazing over. She blinked a few times to keep from crying and stared at her boyfriend and then to Shay.
"You can't tell me." Zoey took a deep breath, "Chase, I think we need to talk. Alone."
Shay caught the hint and nodded. She grabbed her notebook, bookbag, and basketball and walked up to the girls dorms. As soon as she was gone, Zoey turned her attention back to Chase.
"Chase, this just isn't working. I've tried trusting you, despite all that's been going on, and this just made it worse." Zoey paused to wipe away a tear that had slipped out involuntary, "I can't deal with it anymore. I really like you, but if I can't even trust you, then I just don't think we can stay together. And look at what you were doing."
"But, Zoey..."
"No." Zoey held up a hand to silence Chase, "It's over. Good-bye."
And with that Zoey turned and ran off, tears streaming down her cheeks, leaving Chase alone to think over what happened.
End of Chapter
