Zoey rolled her eyes indignantly. 'Oh, look, here he comes.'
Logan swaggered up to their table at Sushi Rox. The place was almost empty. 'Dude, where've you been?' Chase frowned. 'We've been waiting here for, like, half an hour. We thought you weren't going to show.'
Logan rolled his eyes. 'Whatever. Gimme some sushi.' He leaned over and snatched some of Chase's food, but Chase didn't notice; he was eyeing Lola warily.
Logan leaned back in his chair, chewing thoughtfully. 'So, any ideas for a rocking prank?' he demanded.
'We could hold a water fight between our classes,' Zoey suggested. 'That could be fun.'
Logan rolled his eyes. 'Totally lame.' Zoey glared at him.
Quinn cleared her throat and raised a hand. 'Well, I had the idea of hard-wiring the school's security system to only let seniors off the campus at the end of the semester,' she said excitedly.
Chase raised an eyebrow. 'Um, OK, Quinn, that's interesting…'
'Quinn, when would you let everyone else out?' Zoey asked, concerned.
Quinn frowned. 'I haven't thought of that yet. The hardwiring would appear to be irreversible at this stage.'
'OK, no,' Zoey concluded firmly. 'Any other ideas?'
'Yup,' said Lola suddenly from the end of the table, folding her arms. 'I have a great prank.'
All eyes turned on her, interested, except Chase, who looked suddenly queasy. 'Shoot,' Logan commanded.
Lola's expression was incredibly akin to a smirk. 'Well, all of the teachers are expecting us to head off to college, right? I say we pretend to the whole school, including the teachers, that Chase and Zoey are getting married on prom night and going to live in a trailer.'
Michael guffawed. 'Haha, yeah! I'm liking that!' His laugh sputtered out into a lame mutter as he caught Chase's stricken eye. 'Uh… I mean… how will that be funny?'
'Think about it. Chase and Zoey are kind of the sweetest, most responsible people in our year. No one would expect this of them. We could even make invitations to the wedding for everyone! It would be hilarious. Then at the prom we tell them all it was just a prank.'
Chase was pale. 'I… I don't think so… I…'
'Lola, that's awesome!' Logan sniggered. 'Nice thinking! I mean, I could even get Dad to pay to set up a ceremony at the prom for the two of them!'
'Um, hello?' Chase said, slightly high-pitched. 'Saying no here!'
'Oh, come on, Chase,' Zoey laughed good-naturedly. 'That is a really good plan. It will be so funny, tricking everybody into thinking we're having some last-minute marriage when we haven't even dated or anything!' She seemed genuinely amused at the idea. Chase could never resist that smile. He sighed resignedly. 'Fine, I guess.'
'Oh, cool!' Lola squealed, clapping her hands. 'I'll go start making the invitations on my laptop, see ya!' She jumped up and skipped away. Unexpectedly, Chase pushed back from the table and got up, walking swiftly after her. 'Yeah… I'll help…' he called uselessly over his shoulder.
He slammed through the doors of Sushi Rox and yelled Lola's name frantically after her. 'Hey! Come on!'
Lola slowed down and allowed him to catch up with her. 'What's the problem, Chase? I said I'd get you pathetic pair of saps together somehow!'
'Not like this!' Chase cried hysterically. 'This is cruel! CRUEL!'
Lola giggled. 'Sometimes you have to be cruel to kind, Chase. Just leave this to me, 'kay?'
Chase couldn't do anything except let her stride merrily away. He rubbed at his bushy hair in confusion, feeling uncertain, before heading towards his dorm. He needed some time to think.
Back at Sushi Rox, Logan and Michael finished their drinks with the girls. Michael waggled his eyebrows at Zoey. 'So my blushing bride, ready to become Mrs Matthews?'
Zoey laughed. 'So ready. I wonder what the Dean'll say!' Everyone chuckled at the thought.
Michael shook his head, dispelling his laughter. 'Hey, Zo, notice Chase wasn't really into it at first? One word from you, and he changes his mind. Kinda interesting.'
Logan sniggered. 'Yeah, so interesting. Not.' He winced as Michael kicked him under the table.
Zoey's forehead wrinkled. 'For once I agree with Logan. Not interesting. I'm just an excellent persuasive speaker.' She laughed. 'Ah, come on, let's head back to the good ole dorm room and help Lola with the invites. Just think, this is one of the last nights we'll spend in it!'
Nicole's chin quivered. 'Oh my God…' she whispered.
Zoey rolled her eyes and grabbed her arm. 'C'mon, let's go…'
Quinn scowled. 'Well, you can carry out your little scheme,' she huffed. 'I'm going to attempt my original idea. Good day!' She stormed off. The boys were left alone. Michael looked confused. 'Doesn't she mean good night?'
'Whatever,' Logan shrugged.
'So,' Michael asked, watching Logan seriously for an answer. 'You reckon Chase has a chance?'
'What are you talking about?' Logan snapped, feigning ignorance.
'You know what I'm talking about,' Michael muttered urgently. 'Him and Zoey. Zoey and him. Mr and Mrs Matthews for real. You feeling it with her?'
Logan frowned. 'You know, I just don't know. We'll have to wait and see.'
