Huntington Avenue | ✓ [PV REWRITE]

Part I: Chapter 21

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Chapter 21 | ❝ He cares.. ❞

Monday, October 8th, 2018 - 2:58 p.m.

ZACH CLUTCHED ONTO the straps of his backpack, which was adorned over his back, as he walked down the crowded hallways. His slightly oversized sweatshirt was loose on his skin, causing a bit of a chill to overcome his senses. It was a rather chilled, gloomy day for the usually warm autumn season in Kitty Hawk.

Due to the teenager's senses being overtaken by the sudden cold from the double doors in front of him being wide open, he failed to notice the racing steps of two fern green Converse shoes following behind him. The blonde wanted to get his attention, but she did not want to startle him either. Instead, she followed him and gently tapped Zach on the shoulder.

When Zach suddenly whirled around, Kelsey instantly made her presence known. "Hey, Zach!" she greeted him. "Sorry if I startled you, I just wanted to ask you about something."

"Hey, Kelsey! It's no problem. What is it?" he asked in reply.

Kelsey rocked back and forth on her heels, almost as if she was anxious. "I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come to Moonriver with me and just....hang out?" she requested kindly. "I know it's last minute, but I'd love to hear about the consultation if you want to talk about it."

The boy's eyes across from her seemed to light up at the suggestion. "I'd love to! I just need to let my mom know and she'll be here any minute, so I guess I'll tell her now."

"I can come with you if you want," Kelsey offered with a bright smile.

Zach nodded at the idea. "I'd actually really like that. Thanks."

"No problem!"

The two friends then used their opportunity of crossed paths to exit the school building side by side. Zach found himself in a better mood simply by her presence. Kelsey was a very valid friend to him, and it was a friendship he did not want to jeopardize. There was simply something about her which intrigued him.

Like usual, Mrs. West's vehicle was parked at the end of the sidewalk while she and her youngest daughter waited for Zach every school day. When his mother saw him with Kelsey, she smiled, gesturing for the two of them to come over.

"Hello, you two!" she exclaimed when Zach and Kelsey arrived at her car.

"Hi, Mom!" Zach replied at the same time Kelsey said, "Hi, Mrs. West!"

The back window rolled down to reveal Hayleigh, who had a beaming grin on her face. "Hi, Zach and Kelsey!"

"Hello, Hayleigh! How are you?" Kelsey replied to the enthusiastic little girl in the back seat.