Used2 - A Zach Dempsey Story

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"Ahgh Fuck!" I shouted as my scream echoed throughout the empty basketball courts. I stayed after school for a couple hours to practice for the game and to partially get Hannah off my mind. I went for another shoot and missed yet again.

"Fuck this" I rattled in anger, walking up to my bag and picking it up getting ready to stomp out the arena yet a subtle voice stopped me.

"You'll never get better if you don't try hard enough" my head shot to the direction of the boys team leader. Zach Dempsey. I smiled and shook my head, brushing past him towards the exit doors but before I could make it, two large arms wrapped around my waist picking me up and placing me at front of them.

"Let me help you" he whispered lightly in my ear. I cleared my throat to ease the awkwardness yet it only made it worse,

"o-okay" I stuttered. He suddenly let go of my wait and trailed his hand to mine. Clasping it steadily and leading me to the centre of the court.

"I've seen you play basketball, you're quite good. So what's all this about?" He questioned looking into my eyes. I breathed in then shortly replied.

"It's all this Hannah Baker stuff has been on my mind..." the second the words left my mouth his posture stiffened and he looked uncomfortable.

"Yeah yeah I understand. I mean you where her friend. I was her friend. Kinda..." he trailed off. I cleared my throat once again an began to speak,

"So you gonna teach me how to shoot some hoops or not?" He laughed and shook his head walking behind me and grabbing me by the waist until the space between my back and his chest was not existent.

My heart was literally beating 10000bpm and I was scared he could sense it,
"Just relax.." his soft touch relaxed me and I started to listen to his teachings.

"Right so the best way to shoot is to aim for one of the corners in the middle square. Once you with within that, then there's no doubt that you will get your shot. Like this..." his hands overlapped mine and he guided his way with the ball, shooting perfectly first time.

"Wow" I said shocked. He chucked again and shot a couple more hoops before we where told to leave. We gathered our things and walked out of the court, the silence was almost deafening until he soon spoke up,

"Today was fun. We should got out again sometime. Or I mean we don't have too, I just thought that maybe you would like? Wait no that sounds weird it's just I really-" I giggled at his choice of words and pecked him on the check ever so slightly to make him shutup.

"Was I um, rambling?" He questioned, cheeks a deep crimson red. I nodded and he looked away. I smiled to myself and answered his question,

"Yes Mr. Dempsey I would love to go out with you again" he smiled to me and pulled me in for a hug,
"Well I best get going now, my sister has this weird parents evening thing that I just have to attend" I laughed at his actions and pulled away.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" I questioned, my words laced with curiosity,

"Umm yeah, I'll message you my number on Instagram and we'll arrange a date...?" He smiled while scratching the back of his neck.

Giggling at his shyness and lack of confidence, I spoke,
"Yeah that sounds cool, I'll see you later." He waved bye and we took our separate ways. Just as I was turning the corner, my name echoed through the street,

"Yo Kelsey, you looked real cute in your clothes today!" I looked down at myself guessing he was talking about my oversized lakers shirt, incredibly short Nike pros, Jordan's and Dylan's Liberty High jacket. Smiling, I shook my head and replied,

"Back at you handsome..."