Just A Thought

25

ZACHARY

I honestly don't know what to do. I didn't believe when Madelin said what she said. But then, when Valeri told me that she cheated...

I don't know.

I've never imagined Valeri being like that. I've never thought she would do that.

Until now.

I needed to get some air, so I went outside. And now I'm here sitting on the stairs behind the house.

She admitted.

As much as I don't want to believe it, she admitted she has done it.

I'm deep in my thoughts when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Zach." I immediately recognize my best friend's voice.

Alex sits down beside me and hugs me.

"I can't believe it." I admit.

"I know. Me neither." He says quietly.

"I've known her since forever. I never thought she was capable of doing that."

"I know. It's okay. I'll text Madelin to find her and drive her home. Come on, let's go." Alex helps me up and we walk around the house until we get to the car. We get in and Alex drives us home.

We are quiet the whole ride until we pull on the driveway. We walk up the stairs without saying anything.

I get upstairs to my room and take a quick shower. When I'm done, I go back downstairs.

Alex is in the kitchen talking to someone on the phone. He looks stressed out.

"What's wrong?"

He quickly looks at me but focuses back on the phone. "Should I come get her?... no?... okay... thanks." He puts the phone on the table.

"What happened?"

"Uhh... nothing. Madelin found Valeri on a random bench in the middle of nowhere and she's bringing her home."

"Oh."

"Yeah, she's blacked out."

I nod.

"Are you okay with her being here?"

"Yeah I mean it's her house, not mine." I reassuringly smile at him.

We both sit down and wait.

MADELIN

The shit went down. Although I feel like I fucked up, Zach finally found out the truth. We all did.

I don't know what to say. It's not what I expected. Valeri lied about it.

And it's unfair to Zach. He's a really good person and I thought he finally got someone who deserved him, but now...

A text interrupts my thoughts.

Alex: can you look for Valeri? I know she lied to you, but can you maybe bring her home?