The next day Zella woke up early. Getting up she walked up to the mirror and groaned. Her eyes were swollen from so many tears.
She sighed and got ready for school.
Hurry Zellie, Belle called 20 minutes later.
Comin , Zella moaned hating that nickname they all called her, especially Nashua when he wanted to get her mad.
She ran down the stairs two at a time. She had to make a run for it as the bus beeped twice then started moving away.
Wait! Zella yelled running after it.
The bus driver stopped and opened the door looking impatient at her.
Sorry, She apologized going to seat next to Darrelle.
Made it! Zella laughed as Darrelle looked at her funny.
Barely, Darrelle said sarcastically.
Ha ha, Zella said.
Why haven t I seen you in like two whole days? Darrelle prompted her.
I don t know, Zella moaned, covering her face with her hands.
What s the matter with you? Darrelle asked.
Everything! Zella cried out.
Oh, Darrelle said slowly.
I don t even see Nashua anymore! Zella cried distressfully.
Nashua? Darrelle cocked her head at her.
Oops, Zella gasped as Darrelle smirked.
I never thought I d see the day when you two would fall for each other, Darrelle said loudly, still smirking.
Hush! Zella covered Darrelle s mouth, I don t want the whole school knowing.
I think they already do the way you and Nashua make eyes at each other, She said when Zella took her hand off her mouth.
~C~S~
Zella? Nashua called as she stepped out of history class.
Yes? Zella called, coming toward him.
Can we meet at the hot springs tonight? Nashua asked as she stood in front of him.
I I can t, Zella said, looking at the ground.
Why? he said, trying to meet her eyes.
I m grounded, she said.
Oh well, what about the 14th? That s only 2 days, Nashua said, Dad s not going to be there and I can come to your house, Nashua added.
Sounds good, she said.
The bell rang.
Aw man, I m going to be late, Nashua said, but didn t move.
They seemed to be waiting for something.
About yesterday, do you know your answer yet? Nashua asked finally meeting her eyes.
Yes, Zella said taking a step closer to him. Smiling she said, I love you too, she said, standing on her toes she gave him a quick kiss. See you later, She walked away.
Yeah, see you, Nashua called softly, scratching his head.
~C~S~
You have to tell me everything, Darrelle stretched the last two words.
No! Zella protested, giggling.
Darrelle came to spend the day with her the next day to pry facts about her and Nashua.
Why not? Darrelle pouted.
That s my business not yours, Zella answered, scratching Cupid s neck as the stallion slung his head over her shoulder.
Hey pretty boy, Zella said, leaning her head against the horse s face.
Cupid nickered softly.
Suddenly there was a pickup driving in the driveway.
Mandy s here, Darrelle said walking to her brother s truck as it pulled up beside them.
Bye Zella, Darrelle called.
Bye, Zella called back.
Hey Zella, what s up? Mandy yelled out the window.
Not much, she said.
Mandy liked her but Zella only thought of him as Darrelle s brother. He was the same age as Nashua.
As they left Zella felt instantly lonely.