Love doesn't have to be hard

Chapter 5: Bonfire and Good Times

So, it's Friday, and tonight we are going to the bonfire and joining Landon for dinner before. I am just hoping Hardin doesn't know about it and show up.

I finished my last class and went to my room. I grab my jeans and a nice sweater. I go to the shower when I am finished showering. I dry my hair and curl it with waves. I apply a little makeup I borrowed from Steph.  

I go back to my room and put away my stuff. Zed will be here in a few minutes, and he asked me to wait in my room and allow him to knock on my door. 

I have my sweater and my purse. When someone knocks on my door. I walk over, and there stands Zed in a nice pair of blue jeans, a t-shirt, a jean jacket, and black sneakers. He has the sweetest smile on his face.

He handed me three lilies, and then I took his hand. He opens my car door for me, helps me, and then closes it. He walks around and gets in, and we drive to Landon's. When we pulled up, he was shocked at the size of the house. 

"Landon's dad is the chancellor?"

"No, Landon's mother's boyfriend is the chancellor. His name is Ken, and her name is Karen." We walk up to the door, and I ring the doorbell.

Landon opens the door and hugs me. "Hey, Tessa and Zed. It's great to see you both. This is my girlfriend Dakota, and Dakota, this is my best friend Tessa and her date Zed."

"Hey, man, nice to see you again and nice to meet you, Dakota," Zed said.

"It's so great to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you from Landon."

"Yes, thanks; great to meet you too. He talks about you all the time."

"Hello again, Tessa. So nice to see you, and who is this handsome fellow?"

"Hey, Karen, this is my date, Zed. Zed, this is Landon's mom Karen."

"Lovely to meet you this evening, Karen."

"And so polite as well. Well, come on in and take a seat at the table. Dinner is almost finished. Ken dear, dinner is almost ready, and our guests have arrived."

"Great, hey Tessa, nice to see you again. Hello, I'm Ken, and you are?"

"Zed Evans, nice to meet you." 

"Nice to meet you, Zed. So, are you all ready for the bonfire this evening?" 

"Yes, we are. Tessa and I have caught up on all our assignments that are due next week. Plus, I'm really excited to show Dakota the school campus." 

Karen brought the dinner out. She had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and rolls.

"Dinner looks and smells wonderful, Karen," Zed said shyly.

"Thank you so much." They started eating and were enjoying a light conversation. When the front door opened. Tessa and Landon knew the only person who would be showing up right now.  

"Landon, where are you?"

"Um, coming." He jumped up and ran to the entryway. 

"Hey, I need some help. Are you guys eating dinner?"

"Um, yes, and we have company. Can we talk later?"

Hardin heard Tessa's soft, sweet voice. "Is Tessa here?"

"Yes, with a date. So, let's just be nice, and I will call you tomorrow."

"She's here with Zed? She brought Zed to my dad's house?"

"Hardin, you have hurt her enough. Please don't cause problems tonight."

"I'm not going to cause any problems, but I am going to join you guys for dinner." He walked into the dining room, and Tessa's face was shocked when she saw him.