Disclaimer: I still own nothing :(

Chapter 7

I didn't sleep one wink last night. When Zach dropped me off home I went straight to bed, but unfortunately spent most of the night coughing and sneezing. I must have the flu, I thought as I rolled over in my bed, groaning at the pain in my chest.

I heard a knock coming from the door and saw Abby peek her head in. "Cam, honey, it's time to get up. You don't want to sleep all day."

"Ughh"

"Cam?" I heard light footsteps enter my room and felt a cold hand descend upon my forehead.

"Gosh, Cam, you're burning up.

I'll go get you some cold towels"

With that Abby left the room, leaving me alone once again.

Sometime later Abby returned and sat down at the bottom of my bed.

"Well, here I thought I was going to get to take you out today."

Oh, no. please no. Please tell me I'm delirious from having a high temperature and that Zach sitting at the bottom of my bed is merely a figure of my imagination.

"Cam, you look terrible. It's probably best that you're sick because to be honest, there's no way I could go out with someone who looks like you do right now. I have a reputation to maintain."

I could hear the smirk on his face. But Zach, being Zach, underestimated me once again. I rose quickly from the bed, grabbed a pillow from the floor beside me and threw it at him, using all the energy I had to hit him square in the face.

"Oh, feisty. I like 'em feisty."

I gave Zach a look that simply said, do NOT mess with me today, and his cheeky grin quickly vanished.

"Wow, Cam you really are sick."

"Uh" I grumbled, climbing back into bed and pulling the blankets back over me.

Abby then came back into the room with the cold towels in hand and an apologetic look on her face.

"Cam, I'm sorry to do this now, but I just got a call from the office and they need me to come in.

I feel really bad to leave you, but I can't say no."

I didn't reply. Huh, I thought, even Abby can't stick me for long. She's been working late and going in early a lot these days.

"I can stay with her if you want Abby. It's no trouble."

"Are you sure Zach? That would be great!"

Abby made her way over to the side of the bed handing the towels to Zach and pushing my hair out of my face.

"I'll see you later, okay?"

I nodded my head; confirmation that I heard her, but still did not reply.

Abby retreated swiftly and it wasn't long until I heard the front door slam and her car engine start.

It was then that I let the tears fall. I didn't even care that Zach was here; he would probably hate me or leave soon enough, so there was no use hiding.

"Okay, do you want me to get you anything? Soup, tea, noodles? I make a mean bowl of chicken soup!" Zach said brightly before seeing the tears streaming down my face.

"Cam? Cam, what's wrong?"

Zach was now kneeling beside my bed, his hand touching my face.

"Cam, talk to me. Please."

"She left," I croaked.

"She had to go to work Cam." Zach stated simply.

"Everyone always leaves."

Zach got up from where he knelt and walked around to the opposite side of the bed, kicking off his shoes as he went. He then pulled back the covers on the bed and climbed in behind me, wrapping his arms around me.

"I won't leave."

At school the next day

Yesterday was weird. I don't really remember much of what happened between Zach and I, but for some reason I know it was weird. I have this strange feeling that I cried in front of him again, which is really embarrassing.

I woke up around 6pm with Zach's arm draped across me, so obviously something happened.

Way to play it cool Cam!

I would just have to act like nothing happened. Or that I'm oblivious to everything…yeah, that would work.

I arrived at school ten minutes late, rushing to my first class, begging that Mr Solomon would go easy on me for being tardy.

I walked swiftly to Mr Solomon's classroom, knocked twice on the door and excused myself, giving a reason for my absence. Luckily Solomon was feeling generous and just told me to sit down quickly and quietly.

I sat down and began taking out my books, only to see Zach staring at me again, only this time he had an expression of care on his face.

Oh, god, what happened yesterday?

Classes flew by and before I knew it I was making my way to my car out in the parking lot. I was half way there when I noticed someone standing beside it, waiting for me. It was Zach.

"Hey," he said sweetly, as I approached.

"Hey," I replied curtly.

"Eh, I was wondering if you would like to do something tonight? I get it if you're still not feeling too good, we can hang at your place."

Oh, no. he thought we were a couple. Or close to being a couple.

Not that there was anything wrong with being Zach's girlfriend, I just didn't want to jump into anything.

"Oh. I don't know Zach; I've got a lot of homework to do."

"Oh, that's okay. Another time?"

"Yeah," I replied, my voice catching as I saw Zach's expression. He looked heartbroken. He must have really wanted to hang out. I feel horrible now. I should have just said yes, but Zach was already walking away, back to his own car.

At home

I still feel really bad about saying no to going out with Zach. He probably thinks I've lead him on now, by the way I've been acting hot and cold. I don't mean to act like that; I mean I do like Zach, it's just I'm afraid of getting hurt. I can't get hurt again; too many people have hurt me.

Maybe I should go over there and tell him I changed my mind. Yeah, I think I'll do that.

Before I could chicken out, I quickly made my way out of the house and over to Zach's. I walked up the stone steps and rapped on the door.

The door slowly opened and answering it was the last person I expected to see.

Why does this keep happening to me?

Hehe, so what'd ya think? This probably isn't my best chapter, but please give me some slack…I'm writing this while sick in bed with the flu. Yes…I used my current state as inspiration for this chapter. Anyway, hope you liked it and again any criticism or pointers are most welcome.

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! (Pretty please…I need them to make me feel better, and I just love seeing them, no matter what they say!)