Super Long and Guilty Author's Note: Hey readers! I think I have finally returned! First of all I apologize to everyone who had loved this story and then I just disappeared from fanfiction for about a year! This story has been the hardest thing to write, but the response to it and the way I feel about the plot has inspired me to continue. I may have lost some loyal readers leaving for a year, but hopefully I'll gain some back! Thanks for always reviewing and encouraging me.

Second I will repeat once again that everything in the story happens for a reason, which I will explain at the end of the story that I promise will come. I will not abandon this story!

I'd just like to thank everyone too for reviewing and saying the story still mattered to them even after a year. Hearing that they thought the story felt realistic and not just some made up rushed drama really meant a lot to me.

Previously in Chapter 17: Throughout the game Zach checked his phone for any new messages from Cammie Morgan. Every water break he opened his phone to a blank screen. He even sat on the bench holding his phone during half time while the rest of the team was out on court shooting. By third quarter in the game Zach was worried he had made a huge mistake.

Chapter 18

Cammie sat on her bed that evening working on some homework while listening to music. Her phone sat by her and buzzed what seemed like every few seconds with a new text message from one of her friends urging her to reply to Zach's message. The problem was she didn't know how to reply. If she said yes to Zach would their friendship still remain? Would that feeling of freedom to act as crazy as she wants be gone, and in its place a bothersome feeling inside her, convincing her she had to act differently to impress him?

Finally finishing her last math problem, Cammie packed her books away for the night and sat back on her bed only to stare down at the small phone screen.

You've got to reply to him. Cammie thought to herself. If I don't it will just be awkward in the morning. And of course things would be weird with Kaylee. That doesn't really matter thought, she wasn't a good friend with her anyway. In order to help her make a decision Cammie pulled out her Journal and looked through some past entries.

August 18, 2010

People.

People walk in and out of our lives every day. We say hello and meet them, and all too soon, we are forced to say goodbye and leave.

My dad walked in and out of my life a lot because he was in the military. I was always proud to share with others the fact that my dad was currently a soldier fighting in the war, but now I can't say that anymore. The word current can't be used to describe him. On August 18th 2005, I was forced to say goodbye to my father, because he had left.

Today is the day my dad was killed five years ago. He was enrolled in the military and was a month away from coming home, but he was shot in battle, and never came home alive again. I'm not sure if Tyler remembers today is the date of our father's death since he was younger when it happened, but I hope he is dealing with it okay today.

Cammie always thought of her father when she was faced with a tough decision. Thinking of him and how he lived his life really helped her think clearly and consider what he would have done. What would her father think of Zach? She was sure her father would love Zach. He was a smart boy who had an athletic jock side to him while also being able to do any girly activity Cammie wanted to do, except for shopping. Shopping was his limit. He opened doors for her and always walked by her side instead of slightly in front of her. Zach made Cammie feel like his equal, like no matter who complicated their lives; they would still have each other to balance things out. Her father would definitely approve of Zach.

Without realizing what she was doing, Cammie looked down to see her phone in her hand with a new text message page open ready to send to Zach.

To: Zach

I'm sorry it took so long to reply to your message. I just had to take some time to think about answering, I wasn't sure what to say. Now I know, and I'd love to go out with you.

-Cammie

She hit the send button before thinking twice about it and then let the phone fall to her bed. She fell back against her pillow letting out a sigh. She just said yes to dating one of her best friends. Before she had time to freak out her phone buzzed.

I'm so relieved and happy you said yes Cam! You had me worried for a long time today whether I should have sent that message. But can I ask why it took so long for a reply?

-Zach

Cammie had always been able to say any honest opinion to Zach so explaining her worries wasn't a problem.

I'm just worried if anything happens to our relationship that we can't go back to being friends or that dating you may change who we are to each other and how we act. I love the way that we are now, but I do like you. And I'm glad we are giving us a chance.

Zach instantly replied back.

I promise Cam we are always going to be friends. I won't let our relationship change that. Thanks for saying yes. I've got to go to bed but I'll see you tomorrow.

-Zach

Cammie turned off her phone smiling after reading Zach's promise, and got into bed herself. Tomorrow she would be going to school as Zach Goode's girlfriend.

Cammie walked into school wearing her favorite skinny jeans, flats, a bright green v-neck with a flower design, and her hair perfectly straight. She felt good and happy, not because of how much time she spent getting ready for school that morning, but because she saw Zach's face when she walked towards him in the hallway. She approached him while he was talking with Jonas, Grant, Bex, Macey, and Liz.

"Morning guys!" She greeted her friends and took her place next to Zach to see him smile down at her. His shiny blue green eyes sparkled down at her, and all of a sudden she didn't know what to do with herself. Does she hug him or just act like everything is the same. He saved her immediately from worrying by taking her hand in his and giving it a small squeeze. Holding Zach's hand felt right. Her fingers secure in his own strong hand reassured her she had made the right decision.

Grant's eyes grew big and he shouted out, "Whoa what do we have here?" pointing obviously to their hands.

Cammie started to blush and looked at her friends who squealed with excitement and rushed to give her congratulation hugs. At that moment Kaylee walked by with some of her soccer friends and right away looked over to Zach. They had stayed friends, but she didn't hang out anymore with Zach and the group. Kaylee looked a little confused and scrunched her eyebrows together while passing by. Zach kept smiling at his friends and squeezed Cammie's hand once more. Everything was going to be fine, and Kaylee was not going to be a problem. She had chosen Jacob anyway.

Her first day of school dating Zach flew by, and things went as usual except for the fact she now had a hand to hold while he walked her to all her classes. Sure some students stared or made the classic "aww" noise as they walked by, but most students had a feeling they liked each other and it was only a matter of time till this day came.

After school Cammie left her science room to find Zach standing by the door waiting for her.

"Hey there Cam. How was class?" He took her textbook from her arms and they started to walk to her locker.

"It was okay. We just took notes on earthquakes, so pretty boring. We probably covered the same stuff as your class fifth period." She remembered he had the same class right before her, and she frowned at remembering they were so close to having class together.

"So I was thinking tomorrow night we could go to the movies. We haven't hung outside of school in a while."

"Oh you mean like a first date?" She said in a teasing tone.

Zach just rolled his eyes and laughed quietly. "Yes if that's what you'd like to call it. Let's go on a first date."

"I'd love to, that sounds perfect!"

"Great! Well I've got to head to basketball practice so I'll see you tomorrow Cam." Zach extended his arms out, and she immediately stepped closer to wrap her arms around his neck, squeezing tight.

It was nice to have a boyfriend.

A/N I hope everyone liked the new chapter, and hope I still have some readers! With a new desire to continue the story and keep writing I'm aiming to update in about a week or two. Sorry but I have school to think about first. I can assure you though I'm already thinking about the new chapter. Thanks guys and just review please bugging me to keep updating haha. Reviews commenting on the fact that they think my story is real feeling is wonderful for me to read.