Cut Off

Chapter 11

A week later, as we are making out, Zach pulls back and I frown.

I look at him for a reason why and he pulls out the notebook I was working on before he got here. He must have sat on it.

What's this? he types out on his phone.

A notebook.

No really? I mean, what's it for?

Us.

Huh?

Open the cover.

He does so and looks at the picture I was drawing.

Oh my god. Sky, this is amazing.

I'm not finished yet.

Still. Why did you do this?

So we can save our conversations all in one place. I obviously still suck at sign language.

You're not that bad.

Yes, I am. Anyway, I thought if we keep it all together, we can look back at it later. All the good conversations.

That's a good idea.

Then he puts his phone away and flips to the next page in the notebook.

This what you had in mind? he writes.

Yes.

Good. Though we don't need this if I'm going to kiss you.

Indeed.

Then we go back to where we left off. His lips on mine, him on top of me.

After a minute, I get a text. I look at it and it's from Emily.

Emily: Stop leaving your window open when Zach is over.

Me: I thought you were at lunch with Josh.

Emily: He had to cancel. His parents needed him.

Me: Well, stop spying on me.

Emily: Just close your curtains and I wouldn't be able to.

I sigh and go shut the curtains. I see Emily through her window and she is smirking at me.

Me: Better?

Emily: Better.

She sends another text but I ignore it. I go back to my bed where Zach is looking at me. He grabs our notebook and starts writing.

What?

Emily is spying again. Told me to shut my window.

He chuckles silently.

Well, she didn't have to look.

That's what I said.

Can we go back to that now?

No.

Why?

I need to shower.

Can I join you?

No.

He pouts. I laugh at him.

Stop it. My parents and brother are still here. What would they do if they came in and found us in the shower together?

Kill me.

Exactly. And I happen to like you alive.

Whatever.