When we first met (A Zatima Story)

Are you sure?

Zac had grown increasingly fond of Fatima over the last two months. They had been talking regularly, and he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her. There was something about her energy that he couldn't get enough of. She was smart, funny, beautiful, and had a kind soul. Despite her popularity and her family's status at Wilson High, Fatima was down-to-earth, something Zac deeply admired. But despite all of this, Zac wasn't sure if he wanted to take their relationship to the next level. A part of him hesitated—he still had questions, things about her past that she hadn't fully opened up about. And then there was Maya, the ex who still seemed to hover over every interaction Zac had with Fatima, whether in his mind or physically lurking around school.

Fatima, on the other hand, was more stand-offish than usual, especially since the whole Maya incident. She truly liked Zac, maybe more than she wanted to admit, but the thought of Maya randomly popping up and creating more drama kept her guard up. Fatima had been trying to stay out of trouble for her parents' sake. She didn't want to end up fighting Maya over Zac, no matter how much she liked him.

One day after school, Zac finally worked up the courage to ask her out—sort of.

"So, what are you doing this weekend?" Zac asked, leaning against the locker next to hers.

Fatima looked up, a little suspicious but curious. "Probably nothing. Why?"

"I want to take you out," Zac said, his voice casual, but the underlying tension was noticeable. He didn't want to make it awkward, but he was testing the waters.

Fatima raised an eyebrow. "Zac..."

Before she could finish, Zac cut her off, laughing a bit nervously. "I know, I know. Just as friends, okay? Nothing serious, no pressure."

Fatima laughed, a little relieved that he said it first. "Well, I'm glad you know. Friend date it is."

The weekend arrived quickly, and Zac was excited. He had planned the entire day as a surprise for Fatima but had told her to dress casual. She didn't press him too hard about where they were going, but her curiosity was definitely piqued.

At Fatima's house, her best friend Andi was lounging on her bed, watching her as she got ready.

"Girl, are you really gonna wear that on your date?" Andi asked, eyeing Fatima's outfit—a cute but simple pair of jeans and a crop top.

Fatima rolled her eyes. "First of all, it's not a date. I told you, we're just going as friends. He comes with too much drama."

Andi scoffed. "Girl, ain't nobody worried about Maya's messy ass but you."

"I am!" Fatima shot back. "If I get into one more fight, my parents said that's it for me. I can't afford another charge, Andi."

"Alright, alright," Andi said, throwing her hands up in surrender. "I get it. But just relax and have fun, okay?"

Fatima gave a small smile. "Thanks."

A few minutes later, Fatima's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a text from Zac. "He's outside," she said, grabbing her purse and heading for the door.

Andi called after her, smirking. "Have fun, girl, and don't get pregnant!"

Fatima paused at the door, shaking her head. "Bye, Andi. Go home."

Andi laughed. "Fine, fine."

Fatima opened the door to find Zac standing on the porch, looking as handsome as ever in a simple tee and jeans. He smiled when he saw her. "Hey, Fatima."

"Hey, Zac," she replied, stepping out onto the porch. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, let's go," Zac said, motioning toward his car.

"Wait," Fatima said, holding up a hand. "I've got to tell my parents I'm leaving."

Zac nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

Fatima leaned back inside the house, calling out, "Mama, Daddy, I'm leaving!"

From the kitchen, her father's voice boomed back, "Hold up a minute, young lady!"

Fatima groaned softly. "Oh lord..."

Mr. Wilson appeared in the hallway, his expression serious but teasing. "Listen, I don't want to hear about any kissing, hugging, making eye contact, or even laughing. And don't you dare even think about having sex, you hear me?"

Mrs. Wilson came up behind him, shaking her head. "Charles, really?"

Fatima rolled her eyes, though she was laughing. "Daddy, I get the no kissing and definitely the no sex, but the rest is too much. We're just friends!"

Her mother smiled warmly. "Be back by midnight, understood?"

Fatima nodded, and Zac joined in. "Yes, ma'am."

As they walked out of the house and toward Zac's car, Fatima could still hear her father grumbling behind her about boys and curfews. She shot a glance at Zac, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "You'd think I was going out with the president's son or something."

Zac chuckled as he opened the car door for her. "Well, technically, you're the principal's daughter, so close enough."

Fatima laughed, slipping into the passenger seat. "Touché."

Once they were both in the car, Zac started driving, the anticipation building. Fatima glanced over at him. "So, where are we going?"

Zac grinned but kept his eyes on the road. "It's a surprise. You'll see."

Fatima raised an eyebrow but didn't press him further. She liked surprises, and she trusted Zac enough to know he wouldn't take her somewhere boring. After a while, the car slowed down as they pulled into the parking lot of a quaint little café by the lake. The golden hour sunlight reflected off the water, creating a peaceful and romantic ambiance.

Fatima smiled as she took in the view. "Okay, I'll admit it... This is cute."

Zac smiled back. "I knew you'd like it. Let's grab some food and hang out by the water."

They spent the evening chatting, laughing, and sharing stories by the lake, the casual vibe putting Fatima at ease. There was no drama, no Maya, no tension—just them. It was the first time in weeks that Fatima felt completely comfortable around Zac, and she couldn't deny that there was more between them than just friendship.

As the sun began to set, casting warm hues of pink and orange across the sky, Fatima glanced at Zac, feeling a flutter in her chest. Maybe this "friend" date wasn't so bad after all.

i dropped this cause ion got nth to do