It was an unusual Quiet long drive back to the mansion. When they got there they all entered and saw the servants along with Alan and Chancy scream...
"Happy Birthday Chase!".
Chase smiled as he came towards them.
"Thank you so much for remembering". He said as he hugged one and each of the servers.
"Thank you Alan, or can I call you grandpa?". He asked raising an eyebrow.
Alan grinned and open his arms.
"I've been waiting 3 whole years for you to call me like that". He told Chase and both collided into a big tight hug.
"So, how old are you?". Alan Asked as they separated from the hug.
"26. Logan Here took me to Burellies where we had a really good time". Chase responded.
"That's great! I'm glad you had fun with your friends, but I also want to have a toss for your birthday Chase. Chancy?". Alan asked and Chancy came up to him.
"Bring me 9 glasses of sparkling apple juice". Alan told him. He then whispered something to him and he nodded and went to get the drinks.
"What did y'all have for dinner tonight?".
"We had some lobster, with delicious crab cakes". Lola said.
"That sound yummy". Alan said
"Yeah very yummy". Chase commented as he and Zoey looked over at their friends who smiled at them.
Then as they continued to talk, Chaney came back with the 9 glasses of sparkling juices. He handed everyone their glass and stood beside Alan.
"Okay, this toss goes to my grandson Chase. Thank you for coming into our lives, and we hope you have many, and many more birthdays to celebrate with us, together. To Chase". Alan raised his glass.
"To Chase...". Everyone said as they took a sip of their juice, except Chase, looked at his drink very suspiciously. Alan looked at him as Chase took his glass close to his nose and sniff it.
"I... I can't drink this". Chase told Alan
"Why not?". Alan asked.
"Because this isn't sparking apple juice, this is wine, and I promise you and my friends that I was not going to drink any more, so here, take this". Chase handed the glass to Alan who smiled at him.
"I'm so proud of you Chase". Alan said as he handed him a glass of Juice.
"Wait! You set him up?". Michael asked.
"I did. I just wanted to see if was going to let his craving for alcohol take over him, or if he was going to let us know that he couldn't drink it because it was alcohol". Alan explained.
"Your good!". Michael told him, getting his point.
"Anyways, it's sad to know that tonight is Zoey, Lola and Michael last night with us". Alan revealed and shocked everyone in the room.
"You guys are leaving tomorrow night!". Quinn asked surprised.
"We totally forgot about us tomorrow leaving". Lola said.
Chase looked at Zoey. He didn't want her to go, he had just come back and she was leaving... Again!
"Excuse me!". Chase said and quickly walked up the stairs and into his room. Zoey looked at his friends and excuse herself as she followed Chase up stairs and leaned against his door.
"Chase? Chase are you okay?". Zoey asked knocking on his door.
Silence, he didn't say a word.
"Come on Chase? Open up". Zoey begged.
"Go away".
"Not going to happen, now open this door so we can talk about this". She sounded calm and save, as if with one hug she could make everything okay.
He closed his eyes and debated. Act like a mature man and open the door to face the situation head on, or stay in his room and wait her out.
"I can stand here all night until you decide to open this door". Zoey sat on his door, making herself comfortable and letting him know that she wasn't going to leave.
Chase walked up and down, trying to see if it was a good idea for Zoey to come in or just let her stay there. He stopped, when he heard her give a long sight as she began to tap her fingers on the wood floor.
Chase went towards the door and placed his hand on he doorknob. He thought for a minute and gave in. He closed his eyes and open the door. For his surprise she wasn't leaning on his door, like he thought she was. She was standing, looking at him with worry.
Chase turned back and walked away from her. She walked in and closed the door.
"What's up with you Chase?". Zoey asked crossing he arms.
Chase who was still looking away from her sighted.
Zoey came closer to him.
"Chase? Come on? You can talk to me".
"I... I don't want you to go back to Washington". He stated firmly.
Zoey broke off and stared at him in shook.
"What?".
Chase turned around.
"You heard me".
She let out a little laugh.
"Yeah, I was sort of hopping I heard you wrong".
He forced himself to meet her gaze steadily.
"Don't leave Zoey! You belong in L.A".
"It's not that I want to leave L.A. It's just that...". Zoey began but Chase interrupted.
"Then don't".
Chase shook his head in disappointment and at on his bed. Zoey walked up to him.
"I think that, if you go back, we're going lose contact again and never see each other".
She sat next to him, her hand found his knee.
"You think I'm going to throw you away? Is that what you think?". Zoey asked, but he remained silent. Her fingers squeezed his knee and she leaned down trying to catch his eye.
"I'm always here for you, even if Im in a different state, you can call me anytime. You know that".
He swallowed.
He did know that. He knew that he'd do the same for her.
"Was that the reason you didn't want me to go?". Zoey asked.
He looked down as he began to speak.
"That's not the main reason I didn't want you to go. Look, I've been here for a day and a half, and my friends and I have connected nicely, mostly with you, and... I don't want to let that go".
She scooted closer to him.
"What are you saying?".
He looked at her again. His hands found their way to either side of her face and he bend her head to hers.
And kissed her.
The kiss was over before Zoey even realized it had begun. Nothing but a firm meeting of lips. It was the type of kiss a friend gives another friend in an impulsive moment of triumph.
Chase shifted away from her. He discreetly looked at her and saw she was still stunned.
He faced himself to meet her eyes.
"Sorry".
Zoey sat still and turned to see Chase, but she wasn't exactly paying attention. She knew she wanted Chase Matthews desperately, consequences be demanded. So Zoey did the bravest thing she could think of.
She leaned in and kissed him.
Zoeys lips touched his and Chase went still shook. They'd kissed before, meaningless pecks, quick kisses, during that time they when they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
Both of them turned a little just to be facing each other. He raised his hand up to her hair, his fingers tangled in her blond hair.
Chase pulled back just slightly as he titled her face up, relishing her gasp of shook, her look of pleasure...
She then closed her mouth over his and took. Chase's kiss had been gentle. Tentative. Zoeys was not. Her mouth slammed down on his with all the want. Zoeys fingers released their grip on his suit only to wiggle underneath as she tried to pull it off. She let out a little sound of frustration when it got caught on his shoulders, and he smiled at the realization that her urgency matched his.
He released her, pulling back just enough to yank the suit off, their mouths never losing contact as he tossed it blindly aside
He pulled his face away from her as they both breathed heavily. They looked into each others eyes for a moment.
"Chase? I want this. I want you". Zoey whispered in between breaths.
That was all chase needed to hear. He leaned towards her and dropped her gently on the bed and resumed kissing and realising their lost love.
*****When The Past Comes Back*****
When the next morning came, Zoey rested lazily on Chase's chest. She was awake and had a smile on her face. With her finger she trailed throughout his nice chest muscles. He inhaled as his eyes slowly flutter open. He looked down at Zoey and smiled
"Good morning". Zoey greeted happily, pressing her lips to his shoulders. Turn she did it again just because she could.
"Good morning". Chase kissed the top of her head.
"I can't believe were here, like this. I thought this would never happen". Chase said.
Zoey smiled.
"Last night was the best night I ever had and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I don't regret anything that happen here yesterday night".
Chase sighted and smiled.
"I wouldn't either".
She scooted up as she covered her chest with her blanket and leaned pressing her lips on his.
Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Chase? Are you awake?". Lola asked.
Chase and Zoey looked at each other in panic.
"Chase?". Lola knocked.
"Yeah?". Chase asked loudly.
"Is Zoey there?". She asked.
Zoey looked at him and shook her head.
"No, why would she be here?". Chase asked.
"I'm just asking. I went to her room this morning and her bed was nicely done, like if it hadn't been slept in it".
Zoey whispered something to him.
"Pretend to be shocked".
"What!? I'll be out in a minute. Wait for me". Chase said.
"Okay..". Lola told him.
He quickly got off bed and changed into some fresh clothing. As he changed, Zoey got out bed also and changed into her last nights clothes. Both of them helped each other fix the sheets of the bed.
"Hide in my closet, I'll take Lola away so you can go to your room and change". Chase whispered and Zoey nodded. She gave him one last kiss before she hides in his closet.
Chase fixed his clothes and ran a hand through his hair. He looked back at his closet and open the door.
"Morning Lola". Chase greeted as he stood in the doorway.
"Morning Chase...". She said as she leaned to her side, giving a quick look inside his room.
Chase closed the door behind him and looked with a serious face.
"So you said Zoey wasn't in her room this morning?". Chase asked.
"Yeah, and I'm really worried". Lola crossed her arms.
"And since last night she came up here to check up on you, I thought that maybe you knew".
"She did came by my room and we talked for a couple of minutes, then she left".
"Did you guys fight or something?". Lola asked.
"No, we just had a friendly conversation". Chase replied as he scratched the back of his head and sighted.
"We need to find her". He said and she nodded as they both went down stairs.
Zoey peaked out the door and seeing that there was no-one in sight she got out the room, closed with the less noise as possible and tipped over to her room.
ω
Lola and Chase went out by the pool and Dustin, who was sitting on a chair got up and followed their friends.
"Wait up". Dustin yelled as he caught up with them, walking along with Chase.
"Did you guys find out where Zoey might be?". He asked.
"No. I went to Chase's room to see if she was with him but he said he hasn't seen her since the talk they had yesterday night".
Where could she be then?". Dustin asked and both Lola and Chase shrugged.
Meanwhile inside the mansion
Zoey had already taken a shower and was heading down stairs. Alan was walking out of his library and saw Zoey coming down.
"Good morning Zoey". He greeted.
"Good morning Alan". She replied surprise to see him.
"Quinn, Logan, Michael and Lola are looking for you. They said that your bed looks like it hasn't been slept in. Where have you been or where were you since last night?". Alan asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I been around". Zoey smiled and nodded. "Now if you excuse me I have to get going". Zoey nervously said as she passed by Alan.
"Wait a minute!". Alan said and Zoey stopped and turned around.
"Your hiding something, tell me". Alan said as he approached her.
Zoey looked around to see if they were alone.
"Come on Zoey? I can keep a secret". Alan told her and she smiled.
"Well something happened yesterday night. Something between me and Chase". Zoey spoke slowly.
"Something between you and Chase". Alan repeated. "What happen between you and Chase?". He asked.
"I'll let you figure out yourself. Hint number 1, I didn't sleep in my room last night. Hint number 2, something happened between me and Chase". Zoey explained.
Alan thought for a moment and then looked at Zoey shocked.
"You mean...". Alan began and Zoey nodded.
"Oh". That's all that Alan could say.
"Yeah, and Lola knocked on Chase's door this morning and to talk to him about me not being in my room, so I had to hide in his closet while he dragged Lola away. He's pretending to be looking for me along our other friends".
"So you two are going to pretend that nothing happened between you two, while your with your friends?".
"Exactly. But now I need a excuse to tell everyone about my disappearance from this morning".
Alan gave her a smile and layed a hand on her shoulder
"Don't worry about that, just follow my lead". Alan said as they both walked out to the patio.
Chase, Lola and Dustin looked and looked but there was no sign of Zoey. Dustin looked by the tennis courts while Lola and Chase looked around the big patio. After 40 minutes of looking they all gathered back by the pool.
"Any signs of her?". Chase asked Dustin.
"No. I looked everywhere, but she's nowhere to be seen". Dustin said as he scratched the back of his head.
Both Lola and Chase gave a long sight.
"Where could she be?". Chase asked and Dustin shrugged. Lola looked by the patio entrance and saw Zoey and Alan walking towards them.
"Look! Zoey!". Lola yelled in surprise while the two guys raised their heads and saw Alan and Zoey approaching.
"Hey kids wait up!". Alan yelled as he waved at them while Zoey walked behind him.
"I found her". Alan happily said as both of them stood in front of Chase, Lola and Dustin.
"Where we're you?". Dustin asked.
"I... I woke up early to go for a run". Zoey said.
"But you never go out for a run? Just that one time you we're so stressed about our final exams. Are you stressed or something?". Lola asked.
"I just have a lot in my mind right now". Zoey dully replied.
"We bumped into each other inside the mansion, and we've been looking for you all. Where's Logan, Michael and Quinn?". Alan asked.
"They went to the store to buy some stuff. They want to do a goodbye party before we go tonight". Lola explained.
Chase gave a long sight and looked to his surroundings, trying to give a perspective that he didn't care.
"Well, it's great to see that you okay Zoey, and now that we've found you, I have to get going". Chase said as he turned around and started walking away from everyone.
"Where are you going?". Alan asked and Chase turned around trying to stay as calm as he could.
"To the grocery store". Chase responded and began to turn away, but Zoey stopped him. All eyes were on Zoey as she began to speak.
"Wait!...Can I come with you? I need to buy some stuff before I go". Zoey said and everyone turned to look at Chase.
"I guess". Chase responded as he continued walking away. Zoey looked at his friends and Alan with a small smile and began to quickly follow Chase.
ω
Chase went inside the mansion and told Zoey to wait for him down stairs. She did as she was told and waited for him. When he came back down stairs he was wearing a white shirt with a black leather jacket. They exited he mansion and got into Chase's car as he started to back out and began driving.
Zoey gave some discreet looks at him as he drove, not for one instance taking his eyes off the road. He looked back at her window, at front and back again at her window. The silence was killing her so she decided to ask the first question.
"Are you mad?". Zoey asked as she turned to look at him.
"I'm not mad. Why would make you think I'm mad?". Chase sarcastically replied.
"Because you look and sound mad. Are you mad that I'm leaving tonight? And that there's nothing we can do to stop this from happening?". Zoey asked a little annoyed.
"Oh there's something I can do". Chase said as he made a quick right turn. Zoey looked out her window and saw that they weren't on their way to the grocery store.
"Where are we going!?". Zoey asked.
"To see a friend of mine". Chase said as he drove as fast as he could and stopped in front of the 4 Stroke.
"If I asked you to stay in the car would you?". He asked and she crossed her arms not looking at him.
"Good". He said and got off the car. As he made his way to the entrance
he noticed Zoey getting off the car
"Zoey!? Get inside!". Chase whispered.
"If your going, I'm going". She told him and he sighted. He grabbed her hand and intertwined their hands together.
"Just don't say anything". Chase told her and she nodded.
They went to the entrance where two big strong guys stood guarding the door.
"Name". One of them asked.
"Chase. Chase Matthews". He told them and both guards smiled.
"Welcome back Chase! The guys inside really missed you". They told him.
"Thank you, and I bet they did". Chase smiled as he and Zoey entered. Both of her saw a big change in the night club. It wasn't packed like other days and no loud music was playing.
Chase looked around until he found the person he was looking for. He and Zoey walked over to him.
"Harley!?". Chase happily yelled.
"Chase?". Harley asked as he turned around. "Chase!". He said as both of them collided in a manly hug.
"Hi, Erica". Chase greeted.
"Hey Chase". She replied with a smile.
Chase turned to Harley.
"How you been!". Chase asked.
"Good, good. I'm still getting over the traumatizing situation that happen a month ago but I'm doing well. How about you?".
"I'm...okay I guess".
Zoey grabbed his hand and intertwined her fingers with his and Chase turned to look at her.
"Um... This here is Zoey". Chase introduced.
"Hi". Zoey waved
"Nice to meet you". Both Harley and Erica responded.
"So, did you investigate what I told you?". Chase asked.
"We did and fortunately for you, its possible. Since they have 3 weeks before... You know... That starts again. Here take the information I got you". Harley gave the vanilla folder to Chase.
"Thank you guys. I really appreciate this". Chase said.
"We're going to miss you man! This place will not be the same without you". Harley said.
"Hope that this decision you've made, leads you to the happiness you've been looking for". Erica added.
"I'll miss you guys too, and I hope your right Erica, this is a big sacrifice that I'm doing. Well, I'll see you guys soon". Chase said as he started walking away and waved goodbye along with Zoey.
Both of them got out of the club and and stood beside his car. They stood there looking at each other, until one of the security guards spoke to them.
"You leaving so soon Chase?". He asked and both Chase and Zoey turned to see him.
" I just came to see Harley". Chase replied and both men nodded
"Hey! Just one more question before you go. Is that pretty lady... Your girlfriend?".
Zoey looked at Chase with a teasing smile. He looked back at her and chuckled.
"Yeah, she's my girlfriend". Chase responded.
"Ha! I told you!". One of the man said as he punched the others arm.
"You sure have good taste". The other man said, but before Chase could answer back, Zoey responded.
"I'm the Lucky one". She said as she looked at Chase.
"How sweet". One of the guards said in awe. His partner turned to see him and punched his arm.
"Don't punch me ever again!".
Both men started arguing and Chase and Zoey decided not to interfere. They turned to see each other and began to do small talk.
"So? You want to go somewhere and eat something for breakfast?". Chase asked
"What is wrong with you?". Zoey asked and Chase looked at her confused.
"What do you mean?". He asked.
"I mean, first we are happy with each other, then we're mad, and then your happy again? What's up with you?".
"I'm unpredictable, I thought you knew that already".
"Well yes, but you weren't like that when we were at PCA".
"You miss the old Chase?".
Zoey got closer to him and layed her hands on his chest, while he placed his hands on her waist
"I don't have to miss him, you know why? Because he lives in you, and no matter what you do, he'll always be a part of you. I'm also glad I kinda got to know your bad boy side. It showed me a different perspective of you that I never knew you had, and I don't care if you decide to stay a bad boy or go back being the good boy because we both know that you'll always be The Chase Matthews I knew back at my first day at PCA, Who became my best friend, and love of my life". Zoey finished and kissed him slightly on his lips.
"Is this my cue to say something romantic now?". Chase joked.
"Give it a try". Zoey smiled.
"Okay?". Chase nodded and cleared his throat.
"I'm not so good with talking about my feelings sometimes, but I didn't want this thoughts I have to go unsaid. You know that I fell in love with you since the first day I meet you. I still remember the day we became boyfriend and girlfriend. May 2, 2008". Chase said and Zoey grinned.
"And I felt that my life was complete, but some temptation were found along the way, and made us grow apart. We ended our relationship abruptly and painfully, but one thing I can say. I can say that I wouldn't change anything, absolutely anything that happen to us in the past. I think that what happen in the past were life lessons that needed to be placed in our way, for us to be able to become stronger, not only as a couple and friends, but also as individuals. We learned from our mistakes, for me it took a little longer but I manage to readjust myself thanks to my grandfather who never gave up in me as well as my friends. The only thing I need to say to you is Thank you. Thank you so much for reminding me who I am when I sometimes forget. We've always worked so well together as a couple and I couldn't feel happier that we're together." Chase finished and Zoey's eyes were red from the tears she had let out.
Chase smirked and hugged Zoey tightly. She sobbed into his shirt as she continued to cry for a couple of minutes until they separated. Chase kiss the top of her forehead and wiped the tears of her eyes.
"Oh come on? Don't cry". Chase told her and she looked up at him.
"Well you said you weren't good at this, but you touched my heart with your words".
They smiled to each other until they heard some sobbing. They turned to the security guards, who wiped some tears off their eyes.
"That was beautiful! Wasn't that beautiful partner?".
"It was more beautiful than the last scene of the Titanic". The man said to each other.
Zoey and Chase looked back at each other. "Umm...Let's get out of here". Chase said as he open the passenger seat and Zoey got in closing the door. He walked to his door, not taking his eyes of the two man still crying and sobbing. He got in and quickly left.