Chapter 9: Colt and Ze

Colt's POV

It was the day before Prom nite and I still have not gotten a partner yet. I just couldn't believe it. I guessed after I found out that Vivien is going with Jake, I have been disappointed that I can't be bothered to look for a partner. Moreover, I have been worked up with the incident over Ze and Rocky. I sat alone in the cafeteria and sighed. Just then Rocky and Emily came over with their tray.

"What's up bro. You look down. Got pissed off by a girl?" Rocky teased.

"Of course not!!! Only girls got pissed off by me," I said confidently

"Cool down Colt. He was just kidding," Emily laughed.

"So, are you still thinking of whom you want to go to the prom with?" Rocky asked. I thought I would be very anxious of not getting a date for the prom but as it is actually happening, it doesn't feel that bad though.

'Hey Ze, over here," Emily shouted and waved her hands. I turned just in time to see Ze walked over to our table with her tray.

"Hi, what are you guys discussing about? It looks serious," Ze said as she placed her tray in the table and sat next to me.

"Oh…Colt still has no date for tomorrow's prom nite," Rocky said as he munched on his apple and at the same time I answered, "Nothing!!" I growled at my brother. Just then Rachel walked by and stood next to our table.

"Did I hear correctly that Colt has no date for tomorrow?" she asked excitedly, clutching her books to her chest tightly, like a little girl eagerly waiting for ice-cream

"Of course not…..you heard wrongly. We were talking about another person," I lied. Rachel looked disappointed and before she left she leaned down towards Colt, "If you need a date last minute, you know you can always call me", with that she left.

"Why didn't you ask her, bro?" Rocky asked. I am not sure he was teasing or meant it. I would be caught dead going to the prom with Rachel. Not that she is not good but she is like a leech. I will have a hard time when school starts next year. Moreover, she is not my type and I do not want to give false impression to any girl unless I am serious. Well, I am not as bad as some of them thought I am.

"So Colt, are you sure you want to go to the prom a…lone?" Emily teased, emphasizing on the last word. Rocky laughed while Ze looked at me, smiling.

"This will be the first time ever Colt going to the prom without a date," Rocky continue laughing.

"Hey, what is so strange anyway? I can go alone and who knows I might meet some fantastic girl at the prom," I defended myself.

"Yeah right, as if you might," Rocky teased.

The Night Before Prom Nite

Ze's POV

"Ze, Colt is here to see you," mom yelled from the living room. Colt? Why is he here at this hour? I thought he was over at Rob's place to practice with his band, as usual. Normally he would call me or wait till the next day at school if he needs to talk. I wonder what's so important that he has to come over to my house. I walked down the staircase and saw Colt seated on our white sofa which is my mom's favorite. Dad was watching some football game on the television.

"Hi Colt. What's up,"

"Hi…you got a minute?" he asked as he stood up.

"Sure. Come, let's go to the front porch," I said, leading the way.

Once we were outside, we sat on the white painted bench which dad has made it himself when we first moved in. It is a comfortable place to sit and to look at the stars at night. But tonight, there wasn't many stars in the sky. I turned to Colt, expecting him to speak.

"So, what are you doing here? I thought you were over at Rob's practicing", I asked

"Today we ended early so that we can all have a good night rest before the prom tomorrow", he answered. I just nodded. Then he continued. "You know, you have been busy with preparation of the prom and I have been busy practicing with my band in preparation for the prom that I don't have the time to catch up with you. So I thought tonight will be a good time. I am just concern about you. Is everything okay with you and Rocky? He sounded concern, what a sweet guy.

"I am fine, thanks for your concern," I replied. We sat there in silence before I spoke again.

"I have realize that, Rocky is happiest whenever he is with Emily and so the same with Emily. To him, I am just a good friend, I am just Ze. Even if I told him my feelings towards him, it wouldn't be fair to either him or Emily. It might even spoil our 2 years of friendship which I cherish very much," I said, facing down. Colt just nodded.

"It's good to hear that my dear friend is coping well," he put his hand over my shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze. "But, do you still like him, I mean Rocky?" he continued. I was facing down at the floor

I was quiet, my mind was racing and I was trying to figure out my feeling towards Rocky. Was it just infatuation? Slowly I looked up and face Colt.

"Colt…….a moment ago I might have doubted but after some thought, I realize I still like Rocky a lot. I am not sure whether this feeling ever go away but yes, I like him a lot. It's very difficult to explain. Deep down in my heart I have this longing for him that I didn't realize was there until the shooting at the supermarket. It was at that moment I realize I can't lose him. He meant a lot to me", I could feel the squeeze on my shoulder.

"But Colt, my good friend, you don't have to worry about me. Although I still like your brother a lot, I will not let this affect me. I am finally letting go", I looked at him with a smile. He just nodded.

"So, you are okay now? You sure?" Colt asked lightheartedly. I nodded and gave him a slight punch on the shoulder.

"Let's talk about the prom. So, have you found your date already?" I asked mischievously.

"Well…..I did, in fact I just found one", he said looking directly at me

"Oh, that's great. Who's the girl? Don't tell me it's Rachael", I gave a short laugh.

"As a matter of fact, nope. It's you, if you are willing," he sounded serious. I shot him a confused look.

"Oh…. You are a real blur girl…. Hey, I am asking you to be my date for the prom tomorrow," he rolled his eyes

"Hm…. Is it because there is no one else left to ask?" I purposely wanted to make him feel bad but in a joking way and of course he knows that.

"Well….I guessed so," he answered, deliberately wanting to upset me.

"If that's the case, I will have to think about it," I acted offended while smiling at him.

"Ok Ze, I am serious. Would you like to go to the prom nite with me?" he asked, looking seriously at me. I paused for a moment before answering.

"Of course. I would love to," I said and with that we gave each other a hug.

"It kinda late now. I better make a move. So, I will come and pick you up at 7 tomorrow night," I nodded.

Colt left slightly after 10. That night, for the first time, I had a peaceful sleep. It seems as if a whole load was lifted up from my shoulder.