Chase's Grandma

Zoey rejoined the party, now clad in her pajamas, but she couldn't find Chase anywhere, but she could see Quinn, Logan, and Lola dancing.

"Where's Chase? I want to get a picture with him."

"Chase left." Logan answered.

"What do you mean Chase left? This is his birthday party. Where did he say he was going?"

"He didn't say." said Quinn.

"Michael might know." Lola pointed over at Michael, standing by the Blix bar, and he looked like he knew something was wrong.

Zoey walked through the crowd until she was standing in front of him. "Michael."

"Hey." Michael couldn't look her in the eye.

"Where's Chase?"

"Um…He had to go."

"Well, why would he?" Zoey frowned in realization, "He went to go finish his paper, didn't he?"

Michael sighed, "Zoey."

"I can't believe him, this is his birthday party, why is he so obsessed with finishing-"

"Come here." Michael grabbed her hand and pulled her outside the party.

"OK will you tell me why?" Zoey was really annoyed that Chase was still trying to finish his stupid paper.

"Listen." Michael tried to placate her.

"Don't you go defending Chase, you know he should be here, having fun, not back in his dorm writing."

"Listen." Michael interrupted her again. "Chase's grandmother died."

"His grandmother died?" That finally made Zoey stop her rant against his stupid paper.

Michael nodded solemnly.

"But I just talked to her, she said it was just the flu."

"It was more than the flu."

"Well where is he? Is he OK?"

"I don't know, he made me promise not to tell anybody, and then he left."

"Michael, you can tell me."

"I swear, he said he wanted to be alone."

Zoey thought for a moment, she had to find Chase, all those times she need him, she knew he needed her now. Chase's grandma couldn't be dead, she was so excited to visit a few days ago. She turned around and walked through the guys' dorm. Chase must be devastated, she checked his room first, but he wasn't there. She texted him, but his Tekmate rang from his desk, abandoned. She took it with her, just in case someone in his family called again. She thought about where Chase would want to go to be alone, there was only one answer, he must be at the fountain, that's where he always did all his thinking. Zoey had just left the building when thunder rumbled and the skies opened up in a downpour, as she walked through campus she was quickly soaked through, but she didn't care. Chase was a million times more important to her.

She finally made it to the fountain, already stepping through puddles, and there he was, sitting on a nearby bench. Shoulders huddled, head down, seemingly staring at nothing in front of him. Zoey's heart broke for him even more.

She walked into his line of sight, he looked up, but wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Do you want to be alone?" Zoey asked, softly.

Chase took a large, stuttering breath, and shook his head.

Zoey sat down beside him, he could hear his shuttering breaths as he fought to keep his composure, she threw her arm over his shoulder in comfort. A moment later, he leaned closer, burying his face in her shoulder.

She could feel his hot tears spilling onto her pj's warm against the cold rain. All Zoey could do was continue to rub his shoulder in comfort.

Zoey was completely unaware of the passage of time as her mind raced for something to say, but she was at a loss for words. She just met Chase's grandma this week over the phone, but she already knew she was an amazing person. She had been so excited to see the look on Chase's face when she arrived, and then was crushed when she couldn't come, but she had never imagined this would happen. Even when she called to tell Zoey she couldn't come, she still sounded in good spirits, just sad that she couldn't make it to the party.

The way Chase talked about her, Zoey knew how special she was to him. She couldn't imagine what she would do if someone in her family died on her birthday. She made a promise to herself, she would not be leaving Chase alone tonight if he didn't want it.

After who knows how long, Zoey started shivering in the cold, and she could feel Chase shaking beside her too, and not just from the tears. She couldn't see that well in the darkness, but Chase was looking very pale.

Chase took a deep breath, and turned his head to look up at her grief filling his bloodshot eyes, he wiped his nose but seemed to be all cried out for the moment.

"Chase," Zoey said softly, "how about we go inside? We don't want to get sick."

"I don't want to go back to the party."

"No, of course not. Let's go back to your room, we both need to warm up."

"Alright." Chase shakily stood up, and they both held on to the other's waist as they made their way back to the dorm. Chase was keeping his head down, only seeing his feet take one step after the other, trusting Zoey to steer him along.

They made it back to the dorm, and thankfully the halls were empty, seems like everyone else was still at the party. That was probably for the best, Chase probably didn't want everyone to see him like this.

Chase pulled out his key, but it took him a few tries to stick it in the lock, his hands were shaking so much. Zoey glanced at his face, and his lips were slightly blue. Zoey knew she had to warm him up as quickly as possible.

They stepped into the room and Chase still looked just as lost. Staring around the space blankly.

Zoey walked over to his dresser and grabbed a dry shirt, pants, boxers, and a towel. She turned around to see Chase had walked over to his desk and had picked up the picture of his grandma, his silent tears splashing on the frame.

"Chase…"

"I…I don't know what to do Zoey. She's always been there for me, I spent every day after school with her since I was little, and since I came to PCA I always talk to her on the phone every single week. What will I do without her?"

Zoey set down the dry clothes and surrounded Chase in a hug. "I obviously can't imagine what you're feeling right now, I always send my grandma email updates every week too. And I only talked to your grandma this week, but I can tell you she is where you get your kindness from. She wanted to be here for you, just like I know you are always here for me. And…" Zoey started tearing up too. "I promise to always be here for you Chase."

Chase shook his head, sending a spray of water around the room, not that Zoey minded. "I'm sorry, I should man up and not be making a big deal about this."

"No Chase, you have nothing to apologize for, let it out, as much as you need. I won't judge you, I want you to be safe, healthy, and happy. I know you don't feel happy now, but you aren't alone. And you have all your friends, you have Quinn, and Lola, and Michael, and Logan, and me. We threw that party for you tonight because we love you, and we will all help you through this anyway we can. Whatever you need, we'll be there, I'll be there."

"Th-Thank you Zo-Zoey." Chase's teeth were starting to chatter.

"That's it though mister, you need to change. Now."

"OK, that's pro-probably a goo-good idea." Chase nodded. "Wha-what would I d-do without you?"

"You will never have to find out the answer to that question." Zoey pointed at the discarded clothes. "Dry off, put them on, then we can talk more." Zoey started walking to the door.

"Wh-where are you go-going?"

Zoey turned around in the doorway. "I need to go grab new clothes too. I promise I'll come right back."

"You can't go out there just to get soaked again." Chase ran over to his dresser with the most energy Zoey had seen from him tonight.

He pulled out a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "You can take these. I don't want you to get sick either, especially since it would be my fault if you did."

"Chase, stop it, none of this is your fault, you're my best friend, of course, I'm going to stay with you."

"Well, whatever, you can change in here and I'll go change in the bathroom."

"Don't take too long, or I will check on you, whether you like it or not." Zoey warned him.

"Consider me warned. And I promise to knock first, because I respect you, and because I'm scared of what you would do if I ever made you mad." Chase said, showing the first smile Zoey had seen since the party.

"You better if you know what's good for you." Zoey smiled back. If jokes could help Chase she would gladly help anyway she could.

Chase smiled again as he left the room, closing the door behind him.

Zoey turned to the clothes Chase had offered her and pulled off her soaked sleep mask and green gossamer shawl. She also kicked off her shoes and peeled off her waterlogged socks, she stripped down and toweled herself off, until she was mostly dry, but she couldn't get her hair completely dry. Zoey knew it would probably be a mess in the morning, but right now she had much more important matters to think about. Like the sudden realization that she was now wearing Chase's clothes. It gave her a warm feeling in her chest that she couldn't explain, but it couldn't fight against her grief. She kicked all her drenched clothes into a pile by the corner of Chase's bed.

She cracked the door open, to let Chase know he could come back in, but he still wasn't there. So she just sat on the couch to wait. Then her eyes caught on the photograph too, and Zoey felt tears building in her own eyes, but she was jolted out of her reverie when she heard a knock at the door.

"Zoey, it's Chase. Can I come back in?" He whispered softly.

"Ye-Yes." Zoey said her voice shaking.

She almost laughed when Chase walked in with his hand over his eyes, just in case. He grinned slightly when he uncovered his eyes and closed the door behind him again, until his gaze met hers. "What's wrong Zo?" She could see his eyes following a tear racing down her cheek.

"I know I didn't know her that well, but I miss her too, and I can't even imagine what you're going through."

"I-I…"Chase sat down next to her. "I just don't know what I'm going to do without her. But I'm glad you're here with me. You being here means the world to me."

"If you want, can you tell me more about her? But you don't have to if it hurts too much."

"I'll try it, I can't feel much worse." Chase tried to joke. "Um…let me think. OK so when I was little, she'd always take me to the movie theater whenever a new kids' movie came out. That was lots of fun, not only because of the movie, and she was usually just as excited to see the movie as I was, but then I would always sleepover at her house, and then the next morning I got to help her make breakfast, so we'd have pancakes and eggs and bacon. She was really good at making Mickey Mouse pancakes with sprinkles in them. In fact, for years I only ate pancakes when I was at her house because my mom never put sprinkles in them at home."

"That's so sweet, and those pancakes sound delicious."

"Yeah, they were, they were literally the best." Chase's smile returned again.

"So what's your favorite movie you saw with her?"

"I really liked Tarzan, I'm pretty sure I remember my grandma said I acted like a monkey for a week after the first time I watched it."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I was running around on my hands and knees, jumping and climbing literally everything, you know I think that was probably the week I fell off the jungle gym at school." Chase grinned sheepishly.

"You fell off a jungle gym? Were you OK?"

"Yeah, even back then I probably tripped or fell on something at least once a week, and I still had my bush of a head, so my head was fine." Chase patted his head appreciatively.

"So not much has changed I see." Zoey ran her fingers through his dark, still soaked curls.

"Yeah, not much except…" Chase's face fell again.

"It's OK Chase. We don't have to keep talking about her if it makes you sad."

"No, this is good, this feels nice, talking about the good times." Chase wiped the tears gathering in his eyes away and took a deep breath.

Zoey shivered again, and she could tell Chase noticed.

"Are you still cold?"

"Yeah, a little, but I'm fine, don't worry."

"I'll always worry about you Zo, like you've said, you're my best friend."

"I know."

"Well come over here then." Chase moved over to his bed and grabbed a blanket. Zoey followed and let him drape it around her shoulders.

She could see Chase still shivering after a few moments, so she moved closer so that they were side by side, shoulder to shoulder, both under the blanket, with Zoey's arm circled around his waist. She could feel Chase slowly returning the gesture. "You aren't going to freeze either." She reminded him.

Zoey released a yawn she had been fighting to hold in. "Sorry, I'm good."

"Are you tired? Do you want to get back to your room?"

"I won't leave if you don't want me to." Zoey promised.

"Honestly, I'd rather you stay here with me." Chase smiled before his cheeks reddened and he rushed out. "I mean look outside, I'm not going to let you drown or be struck by lightning or anything."

"OK then. I'm fine with the couch."

"No, I'll sleep on the couch." Chase vehemently corrected her.

"I'm not taking your bed. I can bet you're already not going to sleep well, and I know you haven't been sleeping as much as you should this week, working on your stupid paper."

"My paper!" Chase exclaimed, jumping up from the bed.

"No Chase, don't even think about it." Zoey stood up and pointed her finger at him, "You need to rest!"

"But I need to finish, I only need 120 more words!"

"Not tonight."

"But Zoey."

"No. You can ask for an extension, I know your teacher will understand."

"Please, just give me ten minutes." Chase begged her.

Zoey looked over at the clock. "Fine, but I'll be timing you, and the moment you hit ten minutes you're going to bed. In your bed."

"No, it will be on the couch, but fine." Chase grabbed his laptop and quickly scanned the last page he had been typing. "OK I'm ready, start the clock."

"And go!" Zoey said. Her eyes bounced from the clock to Chase, who did look surprisingly focused, and everywhere else around the room, occasionally pausing on the photograph on Chase's desk.

"And…5, 4, 3-"

"And done!" Chase shouted.

"Good. Now put it away." Zoey ordered.

"Yes ma'am." Chase shut his laptop and set it on his desk.

"Now, are you ready for bed?"

"Yes, I mean no, I'm ready for the couch." Chase jumped over to sit on the couch across from Zoey who was still sitting on his bed.

"No I'm taking the couch."

"If you're staying here, you're my guest, you should have the bed."

Zoey crossed her arms. "I'm not taking your bed. You need your sleep."

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

"Are you seriously not going to let me sleep on the couch?"

"No, I am not." Chase crossed his arms. "You are more important."

"No I'm not, you are just as important as anyone else Chase." Zoey finally came up with a solution to their problem and a blush rose to her cheeks. "You know what Chase?"

"What Zoey?" Chase asked nervously, he could always tell when Zoey had a plan, and he had no idea where she was going to go with this one.

"I'm still feeling kind of cold." Zoey made herself shiver.

"Do you need another blanket or anything?"

"No, but I'm so cold, I think I need you to keep me warm tonight."

"Um…what?"

"We'll both sleep in your bed, keep each other warm, and I can be right there if you need anything."

"Let me get this straight, you want to sleep with me?"

"I wouldn't say it like that!" Zoey playfully slapped his arm. I just think it's the best solution to our problems. It's not weird or anything, we're friends, I want to be there for you."

"How can I argue with that logic? If you're comfortable with it, I'm ok with it." Zoey almost laughed seeing Chase's face red as a tomato, but she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks too despite her claims of being cold.

"Yes, but only if you're comfortable with it too, or seriously I will sleep on the couch and you won't be able to stop me."

"If you give me those two options how can I say no"

"Good." Zoey said, laying down on the bed, Chase walked over and shut off the lights, before joining her. He pulled his blankets over both of them and they just laid there for a few moments in awkward silence.

"So…"

"So…"

"Are you still cold?"

"Yes, of course that's why I need you here." Zoey smiled in the dark.

"Then come here." Chase wrapped his arm over Zoey and pulled her closer, so they were laying side by side, staring up at the bunk above them Zoey resting her head on Chase's shoulder. Zoey could feel her heart speeding up at the closeness with Chase, this was definitely something new. She felt safe and secure, she hoped Chase was feeling the same way.

"This…this is nice, isn't it?" She asked Chase.

"Totally, this is why you're my best friend, you're always just full of good ideas." Chase agreed.

"Want to play would you rather?"

"Sure, would you rather…be stuck outside in a thunderstorm or a blizzard?"

"Thunderstorm obviously" Zoey answered in a heartbeat.

"Why's that?"

"We already survived that tonight," Zoey motioned out the window that had rain still pounding against it, "a blizzard would be so much worse for being colder. Plus I've only seen snow like twice in my life so it would probably freeze me in like 5 minutes."

"I'll make sure you see snow sometime then, but fair point. You've never experienced winter until you've been to the Northeast. You go."

"OK, would you rather be in gym class running endless laps with Coach, or in Mr. Hodges' econ class taking a test?"

"Oof, now there's a tough one, I would rather be in gym class."

"Why?"

"Because all Coach can do is kill my body, Mr. Hodges can drive anyone insane from how horrible he is, and then I would turn into a crazy ghost. Would you rather kiss Logan, or wrestle Chuck Javers?"

"Wrestle, no question."

"Why?"

"Cause I did that once, and I don't even remember it, if I kissed Logan I'd have to live with the shame for the rest of my life." Zoey giggled.

"You should tell Logan that."

"Maybe I will, the next time he asks, I'll tell him to go wrestle, and if he survives a second time he'll get a kiss. Now, would you rather…kiss Otis, or eat whatever Quinn's green stuff is?"

"Depends, what is it?"

"I have no clue, and I want to keep it that way."

"How much do I have to eat?" Chase asked nervously.

Zoey thought for a moment, "Enough to fill a cereal bowl."

"Well, since one has the high potential to kill me, I have to go with kissing Otis."

"Gross."

"Both of those options are gross, I'm watching out for my body, aren't you always telling me to eat healthier?"

"OK you got me there."

"So you wouldn't kiss Otis?"

"No way, I would much rather eat the green. If it's dangerous, or makes me sick, I'll just throw it back up again, and then it's over. Plus Quinn says whatever it is, it is edible."

"Are we sure it's not Quinnvented baby food?"

"Could be."

"Are you warming up yet?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you can go mister. You are staying right here." Zoey said, turning over and snaking her arms around Chase, so now they were both laying on their sides, face to face, mere inches separating them.

"Yes, Ma'am." Chase said, his breath catching in his throat. "OK Zoey would you rather…kiss me, or Michael?"

"Hmm, that is a hard one, you're both pretty cute…" Zoey said, thankful that the darkness was hiding her blush.

"You think I'm cute?"

"And you are the sweetest guy at PCA, and my best friend, Michael's great too, but he has nothing on you, so I guess I would rather kiss you."

"Good…Good to know."

"So, Chase."

"I'm going to pay for that, aren't I?"

"Who would you rather kiss, me or Lola?"

"Um, definitely you."

"Really, but I thought you liked Lola?"

"To be totally honest I never really saw her as more than a friend, not like I see you. I mean. You know, we're best friends, but I will always choose you over pretty much anyone else." Chase chuckled nervously, his hold around her loosening slightly.

"Good to know." Zoey said, she could feel her heart drop, like she expected more from Chase, like she wanted him to say more.

"YAAWWN, well look at the time, I am beat. I'm ready to shut down for a few hours." Chase said.

"I understand, I'm tired too. But you can wake me if you need anything, and I mean anything." Zoey reminded him.

"I know Zoey, and I hope you know the same goes for me."

"Of course I do. Goodnight Chase."

"Goodnight Zoey."

Chase unwrapped his arms from around her, and Zoey scootched a few inches away, and turned over, so she was laying on her other side, facing the wall. She was still awake for a long time as she listened to Chase's breathing relax, and fall into the easy rhythm of sleep.

She rolled back over, and she could just barely see Chase's face outlined in the shadows. She had started the night feeling cold and heartbroken for her friend, but nothing had made her feel as warm as right now, feeling Chase's arms hold her, and her holding onto him. She decided to follow her heart, like it hadn't been pointing her in that direction for months now, but she was done ignoring it. If Chase wanted to, and if it made him happy, she promised herself she would. Because she knew in her heart, she couldn't live without Chase, she wanted him to be by her side always, preferably just as closely as this.

Zoey leaned over and gently kissed his forehead. "Goodnight Chase, sweet dreams."

She then turned back around and laid her head on the pillow, and she may have also slid over close enough she could feel Chase's breath against her neck. She started to relax into sleep, and a few minutes later, smiled even more when she felt his arm wrap around her waist and tug her even closer.

Logan and Michael walked back in the room after the party was over, even though the lights were off, they could see Chase curled up under the blankets of his bed.

"Seriously, has he been here all night? Why wasn't he at his party? It was so much fun, even without the beach theme." Logan complained to Michael.

"Look Logan, just tomorrow, give Chase some space OK, he's going through some things."

"Yeah, sure, whatever. Think I should tell him he missed his chance to slow dance with Zoey?" Actually where did she go? I never saw her after she asked where he was."

"No, Logan, please don't bother him about anything. He probably wants to forget this night ever happened."

"What's going on?"

"It's not for me to say, if Chase chooses to tell you, is the only way for you to find out."

"Alright. Goodnight Michael."

"Goodnight Logan."

"At least we don't have to worry about changing in the dark."

"I know, I'm a genius, pajama theme rocks."

"Beach theme would still have been better." Logan shot back as he climbed onto his bunk above Chase.

The next morning was Monday and unfortunately, after everyone's late night they still had school, so Michael's alarm went off bright and early. RIINNGGG!

Michael reached up to grab his alarm and shut it off. He glanced over at Chase and Logan's bed, and rubbed his eyes because he must be seeing double.

Zoey's automatically reached out to turn off the alarm, but she couldn't find her bedside table. With a groan, she opened her eyes and saw a gray wall with a few posters staring back at her. Then she felt someone shifting around in bed beside her, so she rolled over, and found herself inches away from Chase's bleary, forest green eyes.

"Umm. Wait a minute, last night wasn't a dream?" Chase asked softly, his eyes widening in surprise.

"No…depending on what your dreams were?" Zoey softly answered as her brain remembered last night too.

"You comforting me, after…after you know."

"I do, it wasn't a dream Chase, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Thank you." Chase said, his arms still circled her, so he pulled her closer into a hug, that felt like it was warming Zoey's entire body.

"Um…Chase, is there something you need to tell us?" Michael asked slowly.

"Oh crap," Zoey said, pushing herself away from Chase, while he immediately let go. "This looks so bad."

"Augh." Logan jumped down from the top bunk, stretching his arms above his head. "What's with Chase? He asked as he turned around, then he stopped and took in the scene. Chase and Zoey, both sitting up together in bed. "Wow Chase, I see you must have had a good birthday, did Zoey make up for screwing up your present?" Logan shot them his signature smirk.

"Logan, please don't." Chase asked quietly.

"No this is not what it looks like!" Zoey shouted, both of their faces shining beet red.

"Then you better explain Brooks, or are you going to let Chase explain since he's a real man now? Or if you want, you can give us a demonstration." Logan smiled.

"Get your head out of the gutter, you really think either of them would do that? Although an explanation would be appreciated, I don't need details, but I mean." Michael tried to play mediator between everyone, but he was definitely giving her and Chase some questioning looks.

"No Zoey and I did not do…anything like you are thinking about last night. Micheal, you know why I left." Chase said.

"And why I left to go find him." Zoey added.

"Zoey helped me through it, and then the storm was so bad I didn't want her to leave again, and then we argued over who got the bed, so we decided to compromise."

"And your compromise was?" Michael asked.

"We shared a bed it's no big deal." Chase tried to claim, but he still sounded unsure about it too.

"Look, you two speak about this to anyone, and I'll borrow one of Quinn's lasers, and Logan don't you dare give Chase any crap, he has more important things to think about." Zoey turned to Chase, her voice softening, "Let me know if you need anything, or just want to talk some more, I'll be there for you, but I better get out of here and back to my dorm before anyone else wakes up." She gave his hand a squeeze in farewell before she stood up, grabbed her still soaked clothes from the floor and jogged out of the room.

"Wait a minute was she wearing your clothes?" Logan asked.

"Logan I swear to god, we didn't do anything, it was just sleeping. Look, I left the party because I found out my grandma died yesterday, and Zoey found me crying out in the rain, and took me back inside and tried to comfort me. Emotionally, not anything like that. Michael, you have to believe me, do you really think Zoey would do that, or that I would use her like that?"

"No, I know you aren't that stupid, and Zoey isn't either, but the evidence is pretty strong, you have to admit."

"I still don't believe it."

"Logan, it's the truth, and you better not say a single word to anyone. About me or Zoey. Especially not her."

"Fine, whatever you say, but next time I catch you will confirm it." Logan grabbed a towel and soap and headed off to the showers.

Chase rolled his eyes and started looking through his dresser for his outfit for the day.

Michael put his hand on Chase's shoulder. "Are you doing OK?"

"Honestly no, but Zoey…she is the most amazing person I have ever met, I don't know what I'd do without her."

"OK, I hope you know you can talk to me too."

"I will maybe, but honestly right now I don't want to talk to anyone but Zoey about her."

"It's cool, just know, I'm here for you man, and if Logan's fantasy did happen…"

"It wasn't and it won't ever be." Chase shot down Michael's thought immediately.

"I understand, but if it ever does happen, you are so filling me in." Michael slapped him on the back.

"Dude, seriously."

"I'm serious. I know you would never do that with anyone, much less with Zoey, and hours after you sat in the rain depressed over someone you love dying. Seriously, dude, I promise I believe you, and I am here if you want to talk, about anything."

"Thanks, Michael, I know." Chase smiled.

Zoey was walking back to her own dorm, thankfully no one else saw her sprinting through the guys' hallways, or walking through campus, the ground was still wet, but the sun was shining through the morning clouds. It looked like another beautiful day at PCA. Although she was dreading the next few minutes too, she knew she would be grilled by Quinn and Lola just as bad as Logan and Michael had.

She unlocked the door and walked in, Lola and Quinn both looked up, faces creased with worry that broke into smiles upon her entrance.

"Zoey, where were you? We called you like ten times after the party last night, but you never answered or came home. We were just about to call the dean." Lola shouted, running up to give her a hug.

"I'm sorry I worried you guys, I was with Chase."

"All night?" Quinn and Lola shared a look between them and had curious looks on their faces that perfectly matched Michael and Logan's from a few minutes earlier.

"Yes, and before you say anything, I already heard enough from Logan and Michael, nothing bad happened last night, I mean, something bad did happen, but not between me and Chase."

"Come on, spill." Lola demanded.

"The reason Chase left right away was that his grandmother died."

"She died? The same one you tried to fly in for his birthday?" Quinn asked.

"Yep, apparently she wasn't just sick with the flu."

"Oh no, what did you do?" Lola asked.

"I found Chase sitting in the rain and just sat with him, gave him a shoulder to cry on. Eventually, I took him back to his room to warm up, since we were both soaked and shivering and then I stayed with him all night."

"OK, where exactly did you stay all night?" Lola asked.

"In his room."

"Where in his room?" Quinn asked, her smile growing wider.

"Fine I slept in his bed." Zoey said blushing.

"With Chase?" Both demanded.

"Yes, don't make this a big deal."

"Its totally a big deal. I mean obviously you two didn't do anything. Right?"

"No Lola, of course not, first off, Chase and I are best friends, and second I would be a horrible person if I did that the same night he was sobbing on my shoulder in the rain because his grandma died."

"OK, I'm sorry, I was just making sure." Lola held her hands up in surrender.

"But really Zoey, you slept in Chase's bed and you didn't feel anything?" Quinn asked.

"All I cared about was being where Chase needed me, and ok it felt really nice, waking up in his arms."

"Awwe!" Lola and Quinn both gushed.

"Zoey, are you finally breaking your denial?" Lola asked.

"What denial?"

"About how you refuse to admit you love Chase, and refused to believe Chase loves you."

"I do love Chase, but as a friend."

"Just friends?"

"I stayed because Chase needed me. I would do the same for you two."

"Did he say he needed you?" Lola asked.

"No, he didn't want me going back out in the rain again. And then he wouldn't let me sleep on the couch, and I didn't want him to sleep on the couch either. So we compromised."

"Quite the clever compromise. Who came up with that idea?" Quinn asked.

"It was me."

"So you're the one that suggested you sleep together? Way to go Zoey!" Lola cheered.

"It's nothing." Zoey insisted.

"I know you truly believe that guys and girls can just be friends, but I think that changes when you sleep in the same bed together." Lola told her.

"Look, fine, maybe I do like Chase, but he's grieving right now, I can only support him as a friend, not make a move on him or anything like that."

"Sure Zoey, if that's the only thing that's stopping you, the morning after you showed up wearing a guy's clothes instead of your own after staying out all night." Lola giggled.

"Hey, we have to get to class soon right? Let's table this discussion for later, or preferably, never."

"Alright, but this will continue." Lola promised her.

After school was done for the day, Zoey once again found Chase sitting by the fountain.

"How are you? Do you need anything?" She asked, sitting down beside him close enough that their shoulders were just barely touching.

"Not specifically, I'm just thinking." Chase sighed.

"About what?"

"My dad called, Grandma's funeral is going to be this Friday, he emailed me a plane ticket back home to Baltimore, I'm leaving for the weekend on Thursday. I'll be back Sunday night."

"Is he coming to get you?"

"No, I'll be riding the plane by myself, he's already called Dean Rivers and Mr. Bender will be driving me to the airport."

"So you don't have anyone going with you?"

"Afraid not, my parents can't leave cause they have to prepare everything for her funeral and her will and stuff."

Zoey thought for a few moments, before making up her mind. "Chase, let me come with you."

"What? Why would you do that?"

"You shouldn't be alone on a plane across the country when you're grieving, let me help you." Zoey grabbed his hand.

Chase tried to talk her out of it, but Zoey wouldn't be deterred. "But how? You don't have a plane ticket, and I can't imagine your parents will just let you skip school."

"You're more important to me than two days of school, I know my parents will understand, and I already have a round trip ticket I can use whenever I want, and I want to use it to help you."

"How?"

"It was for your grandma, but…"

"She never used it."

"Yeah."

"I am saying you in no way have to do this Zo, you've already been the greatest friend ever, I can't ask you to do this for me."

"I'm not asking."

"Alright then, if your parents give you permission, I would love to have you with me this weekend, it would help a lot." Chase admitted with a smile, squeezing Zoey's hand back.

"Then I will." Zoey reached around Chase and hugged him tightly. "I will always be there for you Chase, whatever you need."

"I know thanks Zoey."

"I'll go call my parents and talk to you later." Zoey let go and started walking away.

"Later." Chase waved her off.

A few days later, after the funeral was over, and Zoey and Chase were riding back to PCA in the back of Mr. Bender's truck, Chase was feeling happier. Zoey had hardly left his side the last four days, except at night, of course, Chase knew that long-held dream would probably never happen again. She made every day brighter, he still missed his grandma, but knew he would be alright. And this was the first time she met any of his family, and they all loved her, and of course, many of his relatives asked if they were dating to which they gave equally blushing denials.

Other than at the funeral itself, Zoey was always ready to crack a joke or play an interesting game of would you rather to keep Chase's mind off his grief. But he also had something in the pocket of his jeans that he was currently mulling over.

Friday night, after the funeral, while Zoey was taking a shower, his dad had walked up to him

"Chase, Mo- sorry, Grandma felt so bad about missing your birthday last week, and I know she would feel awful about ruining your big day."

"It's fine, with what she was going through, my birthday doesn't matter."

"Of course, it still matters, it mattered to her, she wrote you a card when she knew she couldn't visit, but she never got the chance to send it. Here you go." His dad handed him a blue envelope, with Chase's name and address perfectly written on one side.

"Th-thanks Dad." Chase could feel his emotions rise to the surface again and he had to fight back his tears.

"No problem, you can read it when you're ready, and Mom and I are here if you want to talk about anything."

"I know. I love you Dad." Chase stepped forward to give him a hug.

"I love you too Chase." His dad hugged him back.

Chase walked to his room and shut the door behind him, before sitting on his bed. He stared at the envelope in his hand, a few teardrops falling down and soaking the paper.

He slowly opened it and took out the card.

Dear Chase,

I'm so sorry I couldn't come to your birthday party. I was so excited to come to PCA and meet all your friends and finally see your school in person, and enjoy the California sunshine. I hope you still enjoy your birthday and you've finished your paper. You're too young to worry about work when you should be having fun. Zoey's told me all about how much a workaholic you've been on it this week.

And speaking of Zoey, she's a special girl, not just anyone would fly their friend's grandma across the country for a birthday present. I know you always say you're only friends, but if you want something more, you shouldn't be afraid to take a chance, ask her. I guarantee she'd say yes, I know I'm biased but you are definitely the most handsome boy at PCA. I think Zoey would be lucky to have you, and you would be lucky to have her. If nothing else, make sure you dance with her at your party. That's how I met Grandpa you know, at a school dance, he asked me to dance with him, and by the second song, I was swept off my feet. Best of luck to you Chase.

Again, I'm sorry I had to miss it, but maybe I'll try again next year.

Happy Birthday Chase,

Love,

Grandma

Chase could feel his tears gathering even stronger, and he put the card on his desk so he wouldn't ruin it. He wiped his tears on his sleeve and looked up when he heard a soft knock on the door.

"Chase?" Zoey asked, "Can I come in?"

"Yes." Chase said, his voice still shaking slightly.

When she laid eyes on him, she quickly ran to sit beside him and threw her arm around him. "It's OK, what's wrong?"

"It…its, Grandma wrote me a birthday card, but she never sent it, Dad just gave it to me to read, and she still sounded so upbeat, just sad that she couldn't come to the party, and even promised to try to come next year."

"I'm sorry Chase, I shouldn't even have tried to do that in the first place."

"No, none of this is your fault, it's just life."

"Yeah, can I read it?"

"No! I mean, sorry, but I want to keep it to myself for now, this will be the last thing she gave me you know. Maybe someday."

"Of course, Chase whatever you want." Zoey nodded along.

"Thank you for being here Zoey, you've literally been the greatest this week, you and everyone else, but especially you."

"Of course Chase, you know we'd both do anything for each other."

"Yes, I know."

Now Chase and Zoey were almost back home, and all alone in the back of Mr. Bender's truck. They had just a few miles to go, and Chase knew he may never have as good of chance as this.

"Zoey?"

"Yes Chase?"

"I just want to thank you again for everything you've done for me."

"It's nothing, I know you would do the same for me."

"You bet I would, do you wanna play a game of would you rather?"

"Sure."

Chase took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "Would you rather…go on a date with me, or just stay friends?"

"Chase, is this serious?" Zoey asked looking surprised.

"Yes, deadly serious." His heart was pounding.

"That is the easiest would you rather question in the world." Zoey started smiling. "Yes Chase, I would rather go on a date with you than just stay friends."

"You really mean it?"

"To quote you I'm deadly serious. I want to always be there for you Chase, and I want you to always be there for me. We're stronger together, you know that, right?"

"Right."

"I may have been denying my feelings for a while, but I want to follow my heart."

"Me too, Rebecca was entirely me trying to get over you, but she tried to keep me away from you, and that will never happen. I want to be there for you too, whatever you need."

"I know."

Zoey and Chase both slowly leaned closer and closer until they met in a tender kiss, both lightly pushing against the others' lips for a few long, drawn-out moments.

When they pulled away, both had the happiest grins they had all week.

"Zoey Brooks, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Yes, I will." Zoey hugged him and leaned in for another exciting kiss.

"Can I talk you into staying over again tonight?" Chase asked jokingly.

"That was a one-time thing, or at least if Logan and Michael are there Buster." Zoey shot him down, but she still had a smile on her face.

"Fair enough, honestly that was the best night's sleep I had all week." Chase admitted.

"I know me too. Too bad for roommates. Lola and Quinn would probably allow it, but I'd never hear the end of it."

"Yeah, too bad."

Chase thought to himself. You were right Grandma. Thank you, for everything.

As they passed the sign for PCA, Chase could see a ray of sunlight break through the clouds, and he knew everything would be alright.