They wanted simple love.

Chapter 8 February 20th

Zoe sat on the edge of her bed tears streaming down her face, she just couldn't understand it all. It was too much, just six days ago she had been at a beautiful hotel celebrating valentines with her amazing boyfriend, and now she sat on the edge of her bed crying her eyes out, how had it come to this. An hour previously she had walked through her front door for the first time in over a week to find her dad, mum, Joe and Louise. She'd been confused.

'Hi Zo darling, your probably wondering why we are all here, but just come sit down and hear us out.' Zoe's mum said, Zoe sat in the spare seat

'We are worried about you'

'Why' Zoe cut in 'what's up?'

'Well since you've been with Alfie we have barely seen you, this is the first time you have been home in over a week, you haven't called in that time, it's too much too soon.'

'Im slightly confused by this, I am in love with Alfie, I am happy with Alfie, I can work from anywhere so I don't have to be home, Louise what is your problem? Alfie's your friend too, and you Joe.' Zoe replied holding back tears

'Zoe your so fragile you and Alfie spending all of this time together if it doesn't work you'll be heart broken, you can't go back to that place again. I need my best friend.' Louise replied

'So your jealous Louise'

'No...'

'Yes you are, I've spent all of time with Alfie recently, and I admit I should of called you but you are a grown woman, I don't need all of you to tell me how to feel, what to do. Yes I was heartbroken from my last breakup but I survived and I honestly believe that me and Alfie are forever. I don't want to go back to that place, so I won't let myself. How about instead of ambushing you are happy for me.'

'We are just worried Zoe, your putting everything into this and you might loose everything too.'

'For gods sake guys I'm 23 I can make my own decisions.' Zoe got up from the table she could feel the panic rising, she didn't want to have a panic attack but when did anyone ever want one.

Zoe called Alfie

'Zoe, are you crying baby, are you having a panic attack?'

'Alfie' throughout deep breaths Zoe tried to talk 'can you come and get me please, just come and I'll explain'

'Of course I will baby, I'll be a few hours but I will be there as soon as I can'

'I love you'

'I love you too' Alfie replied, he felt sick after hearing Zoe like that. Zoe sat on her bed and cried.

3 hours later Alfie's taxi pulled up outside Zoe's house. She had text him whilst he was on the train telling him to ring when he was outside so she could let him in. During the time she was waiting for him, her mum, dad, Joe and Louise had tried to talk to her, but she didn't want them too. Alfie called her phone, and she was at the door instantly. She ran to him

'Thank you Alfie.'

'Its cold out her Zo, lets go inside and you can explain.'

'Quietly, mum just went back to her house and Joe and Louise are watching a movie in the front room with dad. i don't want them to know your here.' They crept upstairs to Zoe's room.

'Right missy tell me what happened.' Alfie got into her bed and she got under the duvet beside him and rested her head on his chest and told him the story.

'Zoe. I love you, and let me tell you something, everyday I worry about letting you down, breaking your heart without even realising, dragging you back to that place you were in before so you cannot cope. It's not just a worry your family has because I have it too, I can totally understand their point' Zoe went to interrupt but Alfie placed a finger to her lips 'No Zoe, listen please. As much as I agree with them and their worries I do not agree with the way they told you, about how Louise knows me and I'd count her as one of my best friends and she is worrying that I won't treat you right, that I don't love you enough makes me very angry. I would like you to text them all and tell them to meet us tomorrow evening at your favourite restaurant. Somewhere neutral.'

Zoe just kissed him, it said it all.