On Monday morning, Zach Dempsey rolled out of bed, strolled to his shower, and realized he was running late for school. Panic set in as he hopped in the shower, washed himself at lightning speed, hopped back out of the shower, ran into his bedroom, ran back into the bathroom to brush his teeth, and then ran back into his room to get dressed. The basketball star raced down the stairs, brusquely kissed his sister and mom goodbye, and darted to his car.
You were standing in front of a very stubborn locker that would not relindquish your Mathematics textbook to you. You tried everything you could to pry the damned thing open, but the lock stood firm against your attempts to crack it. As you let out a frustrated groan, you felt a tapping on your shoulder. Jumping slightly at the sudden touch, you turned to find a gleeful Zach grinning at you.
"Hey there, how's it goin'?"
"Not good, my locker doesn't want to cough up my math text."
"Here, let me try."
You gave Zach your combination, and he made a valiant attempt at breaking into your locker. You heard a clicking noise, and the locker door glided open, squeaking on it's rusted old hinges. You turned to your hero and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thanks, Zach."
"Any time."
From across the hall came the raucous giggling of the entire basketball team. They had watched the scene unfold, and were now snickering and whispering amongst themselves, all while stealing obvious glances in your general direction.
"Oh Zach, you're my hero!" came the mocking voice of Justin Foley as he dramatically clasped his hands and leaned his cheek against them. Scott Reed put on a show of deepening his voice in an attempt to match Zach's, "Aw, it's nothin' babe!" Both boys then made obnoxious kissing noises as they jokingly mocked the couple. The whole group of jocks burst out in hysterical laughter.
"How about, instead of PAYING ATTENTION TO THOSE ASSHOLES, why don't we ditch class and head to Rosie's for a milkshake?" Zach asked with emphasis and a grin upon his face, making sure that his friends knew he was talking about them.
"That sounds great, Zach." You said, returning Zach's smile.
You closed your locker once more and headed for the door. Normally, you didn't skip class, but Zach had an influence on you that made you want to be adventurous for the first time in your life. You took Zach's offered hand and walked out the door with him. The two of you strolled over to his car, flung your schoolbags in the back, and climbed in. Once you both got settled in, Zach put the key in the ignition and turned it, causing the car to roar to life. As he was driving, Zach reached over to the stereo system, popped in the CD hanging out of the slot, and turned the volume up a bit. You gasped, smiling wide as the sound of your favorite song pumped through the speakers and into your ears. Excitedly, you twisted in your seat to look over at your companion.
"How did you know?! This is my Favorite song by them!"
Zach grinned sheepishly, proud of himself for guessing right.
"You gushed about their new album at the party when this song played, so I just assumed that this was one of your favs."
"Can I turn it up a bit?"
"Go right ahead..."
You reached for the volume knob, cranking it up two more notches. The windows of Zach's car began rattling in response to the volume adjustment.
As Zach pulls up to Rosie's both of you reach over to shut the radio, and in doing so, brush hands. It sends a warm blush to your cheeks, and Zach takes the opportunity to grab your hand for a moment. You both turn to look at each other, eyes bright and hyper-focused on each other. Zach pulls you closer, and eventually you're leaning over the console to get closer to him. You and Zach inch closer, and your lips meet in a light, tender kiss. It only lasts a few seconds, and then you both pull away, the sound of your stomachs growling interrupting the moment.
"I guess that's our cue to grab something to eat, huh?"
"Definitely. I'll race you in there!" You say to Zach.
"I'll take you up on that."
You both bolt from the car, the basketball star taking an effortless lead.
"Looks like I win, so, what's my prize?"
"You get to buy me a milkshake, how about that?"
"Very funny."
Zach opens the door and let's you through, before entering the establishment himself. The two of you approach the counter, and a nice older lady asks you what you're having. Zach orders a chocolate milkshake, but you opt for a different flavor than your date. Zach pays and you make your way to an open booth near one of the windows. A few minutes later, your shakes are brought out. Zach looks at you incredulously.
"Is that any good?"
"Yeah, you should try some. Here."
You offer Zach a sip from your milkshake. As the chilly substance travels up the straw and into Zach's waiting mouth, he makes a face, and for a second, you think he doesn't like it.
"Ohh, Brain Freeze!"
"You sipped to fast, silly! You gotta be careful."
"It's good though!"
You let out a little chuckle, and both of you slowly sip on your milkshakes. Light conversation about school, extra curriculars, friends, and more carried through the impromptu date. When the milkshakes were done, it was still too early for you to return home. Zach proposed an idea to you.
"Why don't we go for a hike? I was exploring around the other day and found this great little hill with a beautiful view of the entire town."
"Sounds great. Let's head over." You chuckled nervously.
Zach left some money for a tip on the table and the two of you headed back out of the restaurant and piled back into his car, and he started the engine once more.
The car pulled up to the base of a small hill. It was tall enough to get a great vantage point from the city, but not so tall that it would take tons of energy or time to climb. There was foliage all along the hillside; flowers of varying hues adorned lush green grass. The sky was a bright blue, and there were few clouds. The clouds that were present were puffy and white, beaming bright in the sunlight. It was lovely, but something just didn't sit right with you.
As you took in the size of the hill, you weren't thrilled about the impending trek up it. Zach turned to you and saw the concern evident on your face.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're scared of heights?"
"Nah, I'm uh, not a fan of them..."
"Don't worry" Zach assured you, grabbing your hand and kissing your fingers. "Ill be with you every step of the way. I won't let you fall."
You nodded, and the two of you exited the car. Zach recaptured your hand in his and you both moseyed over to the foot path leading to the top of the hill. As the two of you climbed up the hill, you realized that maybe it wasn't so bad. Your new sense of relaxation dissipated when the two of you crested the top of the hill, and you realized just how far above the city you really were.
"Oh, oh boy... I didn't think it was this high up..."
"Relax. You're fine. Not only am I here to protect you, but we aren't even near the edge." Zach reassured you.
As you both stood their, you couldn't help but think about the past week. You moved away from the town you grew up in, enrolled in a highschool full of jerks, jocks, preps, nerds, and everything in between, made a friend., and met a cute guy whom you are now dating. It's been a whirlwind of a week, and you were enjoying it for the most part. Zach broke you from your thoughts as he spoke in a soft tone.
"Beautiful up here, isn't it? I come up here to get away from it all sometimes. I love my family, my friends are great, and I enjoy being on the basketball team, but sometimes being on all the time takes its toll."
"I think I get what you mean. Being the new kid means there are eyes on me all the time. Everyone's looking to see what label I'll fit. It's rough."
"That it is. But being out here, and now being out here with you, makes it a lot easier to cope with... Thanks."
"Thanks for what?"
"For coming out here and for listening... And for being you."
"Damn it, Zach. You're making me blush! But you're welcome. Thanks for doing the same for me."
"You got it, babe."
The two of you sat in silence, just taking in the view, absorbing the sounds, and watching as the sun slowly made it's way behind the horizon. That was your cue to pack up and head home.
"It's starting to get dark. How long were we out here, anyway?"
"Um," you looked at your wristwatch "Oh crap! It's already almost five. I gotta get home for dinner! My parent's are probably wondering where the hell I am."
"Alright, Let's head back down. I'll get you home in no time flat!"
True to his word, Zach had you home in a matter of fifteen minutes. Apparently, he knew a couple of shortcuts back into town. Zach pulled up to the front of your house, and you quickly unbuckled your seat belt. You turned to Zach, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and bid him farewell.
"I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"Sounds good. I'll see ya then."
You turned and walked to your front door. Zach stayed, making sure that you made it inside okay before driving back to his own house. Your mother was in the kitchen getting started on dinner, and your father and brother were sitting in the living room watching television; or more accurately, your brother was watching television and your father was reading the paper. Your dad lowered the paper and looked over at you.
"Ah, it's so nice of you to join us... And just where were you...?" There was a hint of a smile on his face as he pretended to scold you.
"Oh, I, uh..."
"When do we get to meet him?" your mother called from the kitchen.
"I can ask him to dinner this weekend. I don't think he has a basketball game this Saturday..."
"Sounds good." Your father said.
Your brother, who had been mostly silent throughout this exchange, chose now to speak up.
"Eeeeeewwwww. You've got a boyfriendddd." He said through mock smooching noises.
"Get back here you little twerp!" You called after your brother, who had made a mad dash up the stairs and into the bedrooms. You chased after him, hoping to catch him but to no avail.
"You just better not embarrass me when he comes over. Got it!?"
"Copy that!"
"Kids! Dinner!"
You followed your brother down the stairs, wondering what Zach would think of your family when he meets them.