The Chemistry Test

11. adrenaline and photographs

Day Six

Zoe's P.O.V.

Right as I pulled into Zak's driveway he came rushing out the front door, clutching his cell phone and a black wallet.

I offered him a bright, eager smile with which he returned a simple nod of his head as he made his way over. 

As he reached for the door handle, I drew in a breath to greet him when he blurted, "Drive.  Fast."  Panic struck his irises.  "Now!"

My words stuttered as I fumbled to put my car into reverse.  "Uh-yeah, sure.  Okay."  My foot slammed on the accelerator once I'd pulled out of the driveway, sending the car down Raymond Avenue like a rocket. 

He let out an aggravated sigh and melted into the passenger's seat.  His fingers tugged at his bed-head. "Ugh."

"Did I-" I glanced over at him.  "Did I do something-"

"No."  He cut in. His eyes trailed up to mine before he heaved another sigh.  "It's not you."

"Are you okay?" 

He fell silent for a few moments as he stared at the dashboard.  I tried my hardest to keep my eyes on the road, but I couldn't help peeking over at him. I figured I'd wait for him to elaborate; otherwise I'd change the subject to avoid awkward tension. 

"It's my dad."  He muttered. "He's mad.  Dunno what his deal is."

"Were you causing mischief?" I teased, attempting to lighten the situation. 

The corners of Zak's lips hinted at a smile.  "If going out to coffee counts as mischief, then I guess so."

"Oh, no.  If he's mad at you because of me-"

"It's not you!"

An animal flashed across the road and I slammed my foot on the breaks.

The car wheels screeched as I swerved to avoid it, the world beyond my windshield warping into a massive blur.  Blue skies, pine trees, and the gravelly Oregon roads blended together like a Van Gogh painting, everything nonsensically, chaotically transfigured.

And for a moment, everything stopped.  My heartbeat echoed from inside my chest, blood pulsing in my eardrums, goosebumps covering every inch of my skin.  My breath caught in my chest as Zak's arms grasped around me, the two of us hurling into my side of the car.  It was Zak's voice that shattered the tension.

"Willow!"

The car spun in circles until it veered off the road into the dirt. A cloud of dust rose from the tires as we came to a stop.

Zak's eyes trailed up to mine, the both of us panting in shock. 

"Are you hurt?"  He gasped, bringing his hand to the side of my face.  He ran his thumb across my cheek, locking his eyes on mine.

I gulped and shook my head. "N-no. I-I'm so sorry. I-It came out of nowhere-"

He pulled me against his chest, our heartbeats thudding bass drums against our chests. I unbuckled my seat belt and embraced him, tears clouding my vision. I pressed my cheek into his shoulder and squinted my eyes shut, more droplets racing from my eyes. 

"It's okay."  He whispered hoarsely, lips grazing the edge of my ear. "We're okay. Shh...it's okay." His fingers combed through my hair.

"I'm so sorry, Zak."

He pulled away just slightly enough to press his forehead against mine.  Bringing his hand to cup my cheek once again, he whispered breathlessly, "You don't understand,"  His eyes flickered between mine like candlelight, "How happy I am that you're okay."