Meanwhile, at the guys' dorm, Chase Matthews and his friend, Michael Barret, a boy who had dark skin, black hair and brown eyes and was wearing a purple P.C.A. sweatshirt and blue jeans, were studying.
"So," said
Michael, "have you told Zoey you love her yet, Chase?"
"No,"
said Chase, "and I'm not going to."
"Come on, Chase," said Michael, "it's been four years since you and Zoey kissed. You even traded your father's wedding ring for a necklace for Zoey. You have to tell her."
"Why?" asked Chase.
"Chase, if you don't make a move, someone else will," said Michael.
"Like who?" asked Chase.
"Logan," said Michael.
"Our best friend and roommate?" asked Chase.
"The very same," said Michael, "he, like you, has a little crush on Zoey. I even heard that he wants to kiss Zoey—on the lips."
Just then, Michael just saw Chase's homework stuff in Chase's place.
Michael chuckled and said, "Works every time."
Meanwhile, Mark came to Zoey and said, "hey, Zoey."
"Oh, hey Mark," said Zoey.
"You were just the girl I was looking for," said Mark, "I have a question for you."
"Okay," said Zoey, "shoot."
"You know the end-of-the-year ball coming up?" asked Mark.
"You mean the ball that we have a week before summer vacation?" asked Zoey, "yes, I know it's coming up."
"Yeah," said Mark, "and I was wondering, are you going with anyone?"
"Um, no," said Zoey, "why?"
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me," said Mark.
"But I thought you were going with Quinn," said Zoey.
"Well, I broke up
with her," said Mark, "so, do you want to go with me?"
"Um,
I was kind of hoping that Chase would ask me," said Zoey, "the
reason why is because I sort of… oh, forget it. Sure. I would love
to go with you."
"Great," said Mark, "well, see ya."
He left. A few minutes later, Chase came to Zoey and said, "Zoey."
"Oh, hey, Chase," said Zoey, "what's up?"
"Nothing," said Chase, "hey, Zoey. I was just wondering if you wanted to go to the end-of-the-year ball with me."
"Oh, um," said Zoey, "Chase… I'm sorry, but someone else already asked me. And I didn't want to be rude, so I said I'd go with him."
"Oh," said Chase, "okay. Great. Fine. No problem."
"Chase," said Zoey, "I really am sorry."
The night of the ball, everyone was dressed up in dresses and tuxedos. Chase, wearing a black tuxedo, was waiting for Zoey to see who asked her.
Then, Michael, who was also was wearing a black tuxedo and white gloves, came to Chase and said, "um, Chase. I think you need to see this."
He took Chase to the auditorium and they both saw Zoey, with her hair in an elegant bun and she was wearing the necklace Chase gave her, a light blue strapless dress that was lower then her feet, long, white gloves, and light blue high-heels. She was dancing with—Mark?
Chase couldn't believe his eyes. He rubbed his eyes, but he still saw Zoey and Mark dancing. Quinn, who's hair was in a partial ponytail of two braids and was wearing a sleeveless dark pink dress that was lower then her feet and pink high-heels, came to him and asked, "why is your best friend dancing with my boyfriend?"
"Well, why is your boyfriend dancing with my best friend?" asked Chase.
They both came to Zoey and Mark and Chase asked to Zoey, "can we talk in private?"
"Sure," asked Mark to Quinn.
Chase took Zoey to a private place and asked her, "Zoey, why would you want to go to the ball with Mark instead of me?"
"Well, because she's cute, smart and funny," answered Mark to Quinn, "and I sort of love her."
"You what?" asked Chase.
"I wanted to tell you, but I was embarrassed," said Zoey to Chase.
"You should be embarrassed," said Chase.
"I mean, Zoey?" asked Quinn.
"I know," said Mark, "but I love her."
"Well, I'm going back to the dance floor with Mark," said Zoey.
"So, I'll see ya," said Mark as he and Zoey went to the dance floor and waltzed.
Chase and Quinn came together and Chase said, "I can't believe it. Zoey and Mark… together? Gross."
"I know," said Quinn, "we've got to keep an eye on them."
"You don't mean…" said Chase.
"I mean, Chase," said Quinn, "we're going to spy on them."