The next few weeks flew by. Zak and I had barely spoken, while Ryan and I had spent quite a bit of time together. Ryan was true to his word, and has yet to pressure me for anything more. I found myself actually growing fond of Ryan. Still nothing like what I felt for Zak, but it was there and slowly growing.Even Kelsey had been on good behavior, coming back to sit with us at our table. I actually started to feel like I fit in with their group, getting more and more comfortable each day. Kelsey and I had even shared a few civil conversations. I could never see myself being friends with her, but I could play nice as long as she could.Zak would shoot death glares my way at lunch, seeing me with Ryan, but he never said anything about it. After a couple weeks of trying to ignore him, he stopped coming to lunch altogether. I couldn’t help but feel a bit guilt

I woke up late the next morning from lack of sleep and quickly got ready, ignoring my dad as he demanded something for breakfast. I ran most of the way to school, only slowing down when I realized I would actually make it before the bell. I opened the door to the classroom quickly but stopped dead in my tracks. Zak was seated at his old desk right next to mine. What was he up to? He smiled like he used to when he saw me, making my heart beat erratically, but I ignored it. He opened his mouth to say something as I approached but I cut him off. "What are you doing?" I hissed as I took my seat."I was going to say good morning but I can see you're in a mood." I forced back a smile, struggling to keep my angry face on. I really have missed our playful banter, or perhaps it was just Zak in general that I missed. Either way, it was his idea to stop talking in t

I follow his gaze as my eyes adjust to the darkness and gasp. We were standing in a cave full of beautiful crystals, all shimmering in different colors. There's a small pool of water leading into the cave and the sun shining through the waterfall makes every surface of the cave dance. It was so breathtakingly beautiful that I had no words. “I figured you might like it.”  “Like it?” I laugh, still in amazement that something could be so beautiful. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” His hand slides down my arm slowly and clasps my hand. The one movement brought all of my attention back to him. “Listen,” Again with the neck rub. I wondered what was making him so nervous. “I wanted to talk to you.” “To tell me your secrets.” I teased, but I was dying to kn

I was engulfed in darkness when I hit the murky water before I finally emerged at the surface. I wiped my eyes, hoping I didn’t smear my makeup too much. My eyes finally adjusted to my surroundings just as soon as I saw a figure in his boxers swinging on the rope straight for me. I gasped as he hit the water next to me, splashing water over my head. I didn’t get a good look at who it was, but I did see black ink on his right shoulder. Zak emerged from the water shaking the water from his hair with a devious grin. “What are you doing?” I hissed. Was he trying to start a fight with Ryan? “Swimming.” He said and dragged his hand across the surface of the water, drenching my face once again. “Stop it! I’m serious Zak!” I say and wipe the water from my face. As I open my eyes, he hits me again with warm water straight

“El?” Dad's rough voice calls out.  I slam the car door shut, resisting the urge to look back as I walk towards the house. Dad meets me out on the front lawn. Zak’s car stayed put and I desperately willed him to leave. “Why the fuck is your room packed up?” He demands, coming face to face with me. “Are you planning on leaving?” “Let’s talk about this inside.” I try to grab his arm but he shoves me off. I hear Zak exit the car and I curse silently under my breath. This wasn’t good. “Who’s this? Your boyfriend?” Dad takes a step toward Zak. “Is there a problem?” Zak asks, looking between me and my father. “No. I got this, Zak. Please go.” I plead. “She’s right, son. You s