This Could Be Us

Chapter Eleven - Video Games & Pizza

I feel as though in every relationship, there are situations that you must go through which puts your relationship to the test. So far, Carter and I were enjoying the "honeymoon" stage of our relationship. I didn't play a fall sport and so after school I would hang out with Anna or work on homework until Carter finished with football practice. Spending time together during this time was a breeze. Plus with football only having Friday games, it left the rest of our weekend available. Then there was Homecoming which had proven to be an important milestone in our relationship, as we told each other "I love you" for the very first time.

Of course, all good things have to come to an end or at least hit some bumps in the road.

Basketball season started up about two weeks ago, and now the both of us are busy during the week. In another week, games will start up and our weekends will be full as well. The only time we really get to see each other these days is during school. It's not much, but I appreciate every moment of the time we do get.

Even though I do appreciate the time we spend together at school, it has been a rather hard adjustment for us both. Aside from that, Zach has reappeared in my life. 

After the trip to the doctor's office weeks ago, he has kept his distance and I haven't seen much of him, for unknown reasons. As of the past few days though, he has made it a point to walk past my locker a couple times each day to say hello and see how I am doing. I didn't mind the exchange of pleasantries, as long as he wasn't trying to pull any fast ones - like kissing me again.

Today was a different day than those that had passed. Zach had approached me at my locker this morning and we exchanged pleasantries as usual, but instead of leaving, he stayed planted next to my locker. 

"Did you have something else to say?" I asked, confused by his staying put.

"Actually, now that you mention it, yes!" He smiled. "So I was thinking..."

"That's never good." I said sarcastically.

"Ha ha ha. But really, hear me out." He replied. He turned his body so that he was now leaning on his left shoulder instead of leaning with his back against the locker, as he had been before.

"I'm listening," I informed as I looked for my Physics notebook.

"I wanted you to know that I completely respect your relationship with Carter. Even though you may not be with me, I am glad you are happy." He explained.

"Thank you for finally understanding. It will make things much less tense between the two of us." I commented, as I shut my locker.

"That being said, I would really like it if we could try and fix our friendship." As he spoke, I looked into his eyes and saw sincerity. This was something I had not been able to see in him in quite some time. It was nice to see that Zach had moved on from his anger and aggression.

"Well," I began, still not sure how Carter would feel about Zach being back in my life. "Okay, but no funny business! We are strictly friends, and you shall treat me as one of your 'bros' to avoid any intimate moments."

Zach laughed for a few moments before responding to my circumstances. "If that's what it will take to have you in my life again, then it shall be. Please don't refer to yourself as one of the bros ever again though. You sounded ridiculous."

"I felt ridiculous saying it, to be honest." I laughed.

Just then the warning bell rang, notifying everyone that first block would be starting in a couple of minutes.

"Well I should be getting to class," I said, starting to head down the hallway to my Physics classroom.

"Wait!" Zach called to me. "Let's hangout this Saturday. My place? We can play video games and eat pizza like old times!"