My Tutor is Zack Merrick?

Chapter 18

Zack

We got back to my house, everyone went inside. The dogs were really happy to see us, Shiloh got on the floor and played with them. I walked to the kitchen and started looking in the pantry, trying to find stuff to make pasta. Alex came in and laughed a little.

"Do you know what you're doing?" he asked. I shrugged.

"I'm trying to find the stuff to make spaghetti, just can't find the sauce."

"That's cause it's right here, silly. Rian and I were going to make it today." I nodded at him.

"Hey, Alex. I want to apologize for not being around much. I know you guys are probably tired of filling me in on everything." I started rambling, he shook his head and cut me off.

"I get it, I know it's not the same situation. But you remember I was the same with Lisa for a while. It's ok." he smiled at me.

"Here's the thing. I know it's not the same situation, but she just-." I sighed and shook my head at myself, "Nevermind, forget I said anything."

"I understand. I know Rian said not to get too attached, but it's hard. I see how you look at her. But I see how she looks at you. Just give her time." he patted my back, "Now, cooking time."

"You get started on that, I'm gonna make sure she starts her homework." I walked into the dining room, Shiloh was staring at her paper.

"Do I have to?" I nodded at her question.

"I know you don't want to, but you have to."

"I don't get it." she sighed and put her head in her hands. I sat next to her and looked at the paper, I don't get this either. I pulled out my phone and looked up an equation, it led to an answer key with the work on it. I showed Shiloh and helped her with a problem. Soon, she understood it, I went back to the kitchen. Alex and Rian were cooking.

"Zack, taste this for me." Rian handed me a spoon with spaghetti sauce on it." I tasted it, pretty good.

"I like it. Maybe more basil?" he nodded and turned back to the pot. I sat on the counter and watched them. I looked over at Shiloh, she was still doing her work. I watched as her brown hair fell into her face, her putting it behind her ear. When she's focusing on something, I notice she bites the tip of her tongue a bit. It's honestly really cute.

"Earth to Zachary." Alex snapped in my face. I shook my head and looked at him.

"What's up?"

"Dinner's ready. Let's go." I got off the counter and helped them take dinner into the dining room. I sat between Shiloh and Rian. She seemed really nervous.

"What's wrong, hun?" I whispered to her.

"Jack found out my birthday is tomorrow." her leg was bouncing. I put my hand on hers and rubbed it with my thumb.

"It's ok, I'll make sure they don't go overboard." she nodded and started eating.

"Sooooo, it's Shiloh's birthday tomorrow!!! What are we gonna do? Wait, do you have to go to school?" Jack was rambling on excitedly. Shiloh nodded, keeping her head low.

"She does have school, but after that we can hang out with her."

"Well, let's make a plan then." Alex offered.

We agreed that we were going to take her out and then go to the dog park and just spend time together. Jack and I planned on taking her to a concert, but it's a surprise. We finished eating and all sat together on the couch watching tv and playing games.