Penitent - on hold

Chapter 2

I was contemplating whether I should set my birthday party for this or the next weekend, but after a long conversation I've had with my mom, I decided to go earlier with it and celebrate this weekend already. Regardless my real birthday will be the next day.

Considering the fact that today's already Thursday, I asked Carissa and Brooklyn for help with making the party thing come true. I knew I didn't even have to ask for their help. They were already there, waiting for me to give them their assignments. That's how I made a decision that Carissa will be charged for decorations, while Brooklyn has to send as many invitations to as much people as she can. She knows almost everybody in this school, so I don't doubt she won't do her part of the job. 

On the other side, guys were charged for the drinks and similar things. They always were, so I knew I could count on them.

While thinking about the guys, the particular one stayed in my mind. He was sitting right next to me, but his mind was somewhere else. I didn't know where, but the moment he walked in the school's cafeteria, along with his friends, he just wasn't there. I didn't want to force him to tell me what's wrong, but he kind of makes me worried right now. That's why I made a decision to ask him what is it after the bell rings.

As if on cue, the bell does ring and everyone slowly starts picking their stuff up and leaving the cafeteria afterwards. Zach was very quick in leaving our table, but that didn't stop me from not forgetting any of my stuff I've had with me, while following his long steps behind.

Unexpectedly, he stopped on the spot, which resulted in my front part of the body crashing against his back. I hear him sigh, as he turned around to face me. I shook my head and looked up, making eye-contact with my very handsome best friend. I could tell he wants me to leave him alone.

''Sal, why are you following me?'' 

The good thing is he called me by my nickname. If he didn't, I'd know it was that bad.

''I wanted to follow you to your next class.'' I try with the little white lie, but he knew better.

''Lying doesn't suit you, Sal.''

I sigh, ''Okay, I just wanted to check up on you. You don't seem okay.''

He stares at me for some time, like he was in a debate with himself whether or not he should tell the truth. A few seconds pass, before he answers, ''You're right. I'm not.''

My eyebrows furrow, ''Does it have something with me?''

He quickly shakes his head, ''No.''

''Then what is it?''

He doesn't give up, ''Go to your class, Sal. You're going to be late.''

''Zach, you're more important to me, than some class is.'' I tell him and mean it, ''Let's go outside, yeah? We can talk about it there.''

I could see how he wanted to reject the offer but decided against it. Instead, he turned around and started walking down the hall, not even looking behind to see if I was following him or not. I was, of course, but he had way too long legs, so I really couldn't walk right beside him. 

The sunlight hit me right in my face, as we both exited the school building, as we walked to the nearest bench beside it. It was very warm today, but hearing the news yesterday how the rain is going to fall the next day makes me sulk like a little child.

Zach was the first one to sit down, immediately taking a box of cigarettes with him. He was kind of sad, kind of angry, so there was no surprise why he had to take one. I sat down beside him but didn't want to say anything. Maybe I was too scared that I will persuade him too much and that he will end up saying absolutely nothing. I wanted to give him time, so I did.