(Author's note) I hope you all had a wonderful valentines day full of hope and love. I ended up making 200+ cookies the night before for everyone in each of my classes. But I have a bit of a favor to ask from you, I'm running for sophomore class reprehensive and I need some ideas for campaigning. The general rules are; no insulting other candidates, only a minute long speech, and you can only spend $50.

Chapter 6: Keep Holding On

Z-POV

Zoey was about to get up and walk back to her room when the phone started to ring. She didn't recognize the number but thought she should answer to tell the caller that Adam would call them back.

Zoey: Hi this is Zoey Brooks.

You know it's funny how things work out. Doesn't it just seem all too amazing or fantastic or incredible to be just a random coincidence. Honestly think about it, what are the chances that Chase Mathews would go to PCA in the time they decided to allow girls. On top of that what are the chances that at the exact moment Zoey Brooks got out of a her car on her first day of PCA, that some goofy guy would be riding by on his bike and turn just in time to see her get out of the car. Maybe there are just an infinite number of realities, but if there are we're pretty damn lucky we're in this one.

Zoey heard a loud thud come from the side of the phone call.

Zoey: Is everything ok over there? No response. Hello? You know its generally considered polite to say something when you call a person.

A very soft, comforting voice finally said something: What if you have no idea what to say? Because no matter what you said you knew it wouldn't begin to express what you wanted to show.

Zoey's brain shut down on her, her head had to no idea what to say but her heart was praying for this so it took over: Get as close as you can without breaking any promises.

Chase Mathews, the goofy, loving, and smart boy from next door knew exactly what she meant. His voice softened to a tone that seemed almost sad: Well I would tell her that I miss her. I wasn't expecting her but I feel my pain subside from hearing her voice. I spending every waking moment wishing I was there holding her. And every moment asleep I am there next to her, looking in those beautiful eyes.

Zoey: She would say back that she needs you. Every day it gets harder. She's losing her mind without you. At night she can't sleep because she knows she no longer has the option to press a few numbers on her phone and you'd be there in an instant.

Chase's voice seemed full of sorrow: I'd say what I always said. You're stronger than anyone I know. Don't lie awake waiting for me, I'll be there when I can but right now I'm stuck in a world I don't want to be in because she's not here.

Zoey: I need you, for one night. One night and I promise I can wait until you're back.

Chase: Go to your room I'll be with you tonight.

Zoey Brooks walked from the fountain back across the campus. Everyone else had seemed to have gone or was going to bed, not that she would've noticed them. As the teenager walked all she heard was him breathing. Zoe could feel Chase holding her hand, she looked over and saw his smiling face.

The blond teenager made it back to her dorm room and was relieved to find her roommates had already fallen into a deep slumber. When see got changed to go to sleep she imagined her best friend nervously sitting on her bed starring at the door playing how the night would turn out in his mind.

When the teenager got out of the bathroom she saw a pair of dark green eyes light up. Chase was wearing a flannel shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and baggy basketball shorts. Zoey was wearing a loose pink tank top and loose cotton shorts. Their eyes met and she let a gasp escape from her mouth.

Chase smiled that infectious and goofy grin. Zoey slowly walked over to him, every second a surge of comfort and peace washed over her. When she reached the boy who had captured her heart for years, she wanted nothing more than to kiss him and never stop but she knew he would not stand for that with her roommates so close.

The blond kissed the guy on the cheek and as soon as she did he started to giggle. Zoey leaned over whispered to the boy : Thank you. For everything.

Ms. Brooks had been under the comforter while Chase refused to do the same. He put at least a good six inches between him and his best friend. Zoe knew he was afraid that she wouldn't want him that close. To encourage the young man she faked a shiver long enough to make sure Chase noticed.

The bushy haired boy took off his flannel shirt feeling rather daring and put it around the girl he's always had feelings for. She accepted and smiled at him. Zoey started to blush noticing that he was shirtless. She quickly turned away partly disappointed that he didn't take her hint in the way she wanted.

Chase must have read her mind because not a moment later he brought himself up next to Zoey. She smiled to herself, feeling that it was her turn to make a move. The blond reached back and grabbed Chases hand. She pulled to over draping his arm over her stomach.

They lied there, feeling everything a person hopes for all at once. Chase broke the silence for a moment: Zoey Brooks, I'm head over heals for you. My heart is completely yours, but you can't put everything on hold for me. Just close your eyes if you need to at night and you'll know I'm right next you.

Zoey Brooks, a girl madly in love fell asleep as the light from a cell phone slowly turned off.

The next morning Zoey woke up with a giant smile on her face. She turned around expecting to see her best friend but he wasn't there. However to her surprise she found herself wearing his favorite flannel shirt.

As Zoey got ready she felt an object in the pocket. It was a note card. It seemed blank and open. Zoey was about to throw it away when she realized on one side of the card there was something written.

"Zoey Brooks, I'm head over heals for you. My heart is completely yours. Just close your eyes and every night I'll be right next to you."

Quote:

"Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?"

-Richard Bach