Cough Syrup (Zach Dempsey)

Chapter 11

The next morning as we were eating breakfast I felt Tyler's eyes on me

"Do you have something to say to me?" I snapped

"How could you go out with him? He's a asshole ."

"How about you get your own life and friends, then we can compare."

"Alright guys enough it's too early for this." Dad said

"He started it."

"Well Perri sweetie I have to admit it surprised me a bit." Mom said

"What?"

"She went on a date with Montgomery." Tyler spoke up

"It wasn't a date."

"What happened to Zach?"

"Dad Zach and I broke up almost two weeks ago."

"And you're already dating?"

"Jesus Christ what did I just say? It wasn't a date." I snapped grabbing my keys and I left. Since it was Saturday I just drove around for awhile, and some how I ended up at Zach's house. Whenever I'd get into a fight with Tyler or my parents I'd come here and Zach would just hold me and let me vent.

I guess that's why I drove here, I can't lie anymore I really did miss Zach and I knew we needed to talk. Without fighting so I sat in my car trying to figure out what to say, when I heard a knock at my window. I looked to see a smiling Mrs. Dempsey, I smiled back and got out of the car

"I thought that was you. How are you sweetie? She asked giving me a hug

"I've been doing ok."

"I haven't seen you around in a while."

"Things have been pretty buys as of late." I said and she nodded

"Just don't be a stranger. You know you're always welcome here."

"Thanks Mrs. Dempsey."

" I'm on my way out but Zach and Zara are inside." She said I nodded and she headed to her car, as I slowly walked up to the front door.and rang the bell. I waited and the door opened then Zara jumped into my arms

"Perri I've missed you so much!" She said hugging me tight which I returned.

"Aw I've missed you too Zara." I said with a smile, I felt really bad because she and I have always been close and in cutting Zach off I did the same to her by accident

"Perri, Aubrey is over and we're gonna do make overs will you help us?"

"Zara who's-" I looked up to see Zach coming down the hall.

"Hi."

"Hey.....Uh Zara go play with your friend."

"But Perri's gonna come play too.."

"Z I need to talk to Zach for a bit, then I'll be right up."

"Alright." She said then ran upstairs

"Come in." He said letting me inside and we walked into the kitchen where I took a seat at the counter.

"Did you want something to drink?" He asked

"No I'm good." I said as he took the seat next to me

"Is everything ok?"

"No, everything is messed up, it's been messed up."

"Tell me about it.

"I  kinda had fight with my family this morning and I started driving around and I ended up here."

"You can always come here Perri for anything.'

"I know....I miss you Zach." I said feeling tear come to my eyes, he took my hand in his

"I miss you too P."

"I'm still mad at you though."

"Perri if I could go back and change things I would-"

"But you can't and this is where we are. You broke my heart Zach I just don't understand why."

"We had broke up when I missed our anniversary, and so I went out with the guys and they were ragging on me because you were the only girl I'd been with. They said I should explore my options some more."

"Because they have such great relationships Zach?" I teased

"I know, but Bryce wanted to set me up, and then Justin pointed out that Hannah was easy. I said no at first, then they bugged me some more about it then dared me so I did it." He said and I just shook my head

"Do your friends mean more to you than me?"

"No Perri are you crazy? You're my world I love you so much."

"Then why don't you act like it? I was there with everyday while your dad was sick and after where were they? When you sprained your ankle last year who was there taking care of you? Me. When your failing who's there helping you study? Me. Unlike them I'm always there for you good OR bad, but let them turn you into a douchebag."

" Justin is my best friend."

"And Hannah was mine. When I talked to Sheri, I told her that between the two of you I was more hurt and disappointed than anything because I know you guys are better than that." I said and he held his head down

"Why did you say anything about Hannah when she gave you that letter? Why did you throw it away?"

"I didn't!"

"What she said-"

"I know but I didn't throw it away, maybe that's what she saw but I still have it.' He said and I looked at in surprised

"You still have it?"

"Yeah come on.." He said taking my hand, we went up to his room and I watched as he went threw his drawers in his desk

"Here." He said showing me a folded piece of paper

"Why? How?"

"I was scared, she wrote some really heavy stuff on here. I didn't know what to do with it, I messed up I don't know how many times I can say it. Maybe if I gave this to a teacher or her parents she would still be here, that's the guilt I live with everyday." He said and I could see the tears in his eyes, I quickly walked over and pulled him into a hug

"I'm sorry." He cried and I kissed his cheek

"I know, I know...."