Don't Let Me Be Gone

Chapter 13

Braxton's P.O.V

The minute I heard the voice, I knew exactly who it was. The way he said her name and the way she ran into his arms the minute she heard him. Her dad. I had quickly taken my hand away from Zoella, hoping he wouldn't see. I've never had a real relationship, and... well... we're not even in a relationship. That's the scary part, what if he saw us holding hands and decides to ask me questions later? That's what always happens in the movies. I need to stop comparing my life to other things. This is reality.

I push the thoughts out of my head when I see Zoella's dad spin her around and hug her tight. I used to love hugs from my dad, they were the best. Zoe's mom, Caroline, shortly joins them in the hug.

"How are you feeling?" Her father asks.

"I've been better... but I'm a lot better now that you're here." She gives one last tight squeeze of a hug before letting go. I watch as the strong muscles of his arms contract when he lets go of her. He's strong, he could bash my face in at any moment.

"Good." He smiles and kiss her forehead softly. After that, he plants a small romantic kiss on his wife's lips. "We can't leave you out. Who is this?" He looks at me. The eyes that Zoella clearly resembles look at me.

"Dad this is-" Zoella starts, but he cuts her off. Clearly not the way I always interrupt her, I laugh silently to myself.

"I think the boy can introduce himself, Zoe." He smiles at me.

"Uh... I'm Zoella's neighbor, Braxton Hill." I hold out my hand for him to shake.

"Nate Foxx." He reaches out and grabs my hand. I do as my dad always told me, 'Squeeze another man's hand when you shake it,' and now I see why. I did as he said, but his grip was much tighter than mine. "Looks like you need to work on that handshake of yours son, we'll try again next time." He laughs. I give a simple nod and laugh nervously, not the best impression ever. Better luck next time Brax. I keep the rolling of my eyes to myself.

"Leave him alone dad." Zoella chuckles slightly.

"Hey, I'm going to go home and be with Gracie so you can spend time with your family, okay?" I smile while I allow her to do so. I don't want to be a bother.

"Are you sure? You can stay here," she says worriedly.

"I'm sure," I laugh slightly at how worried she is, she's so afraid to hurt my feelings... well sometimes she is. A lot of the time she's not afraid to speak her mind.

"Okay. Well... I'll text you later to come over," she smiles, "and bring Gracie." She finishes her sentence.

"Sounds good." I return her smiles and walk out of the house. I hear the door open shortly after I close it. I feel arms wrap around my neck as she pulls me into a hug. I smile at the warmth of her body against mine while I return the hug, not caring about the eighty degree weather. "Zoe, you don't have to hug me if it's too hard for you." I whisper in her ear. She doesn't say a word, but I can feel he smiling against my shoulder. She lets go, as do I, and kisses my cheek.

"I'll see you later." She smiles warmly while she makes her way back inside leaving me in awe. I thought I had it bad, she's the strongest person I know.

Zoella's P.O.V

I'm so glad that my dad is here. I've missed him so much. As I spend the whole day with him I feel so alive. I feel like my family is a whole again when he comes back. I opened up the presents he brought me. He'd gotten me a few souvenirs from Australia, Brazil, France, Britain, and Africa. I love what he does.