Zoey 101: You Must Of Had A Broken Heart ☑

Chapter 36

We sped off through the back field, toward the woods. My heart pounded against my chest. I gripped him tighter as we entered the woods and the terrain became bumpier - I could feel the seat give with each divot and root, still too scared to enjoy the experience.

Eventually, I became accustomed to the uneven ride and loosened my death grip. I still kept my arms snugly around him, knowing that one unexpected bounce and I’d be airborne. I focused on the trees streaking by and the sun fighting through the tops of the evergreens. It was brighter in the woods than I expected, probably because most of the trees were bare, preparing for winter - despite the unseasonably warm day.

Chase eventually slowed and crawled to a stop. He shut off the bike and took off his helmet. I sat up and attempted to do the same. I couldn’t figure out how to take it off, so I climbed off the bike and asked him to help me. My legs trembled beneath me.

“Well?” he asked, after removing the helmet from my head.

I shrugged. “Not bad.”

“What?” he questioned. “You loved it, admit it.”

“Not really.”

He shook his head and smiled.

“This is nice.” I nodded toward the glistening clearing with the sunlight dancing along the swaying overgrown blades and the brook along the bottom of a small hill, bubbling over rocks before disappearing into the woods.

“I’ve taken some amazing pictures out here.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen your pictures. Well, except for the newspaper and the one you submitted for the calendar.”

“I can show you when we get back if you want.”

“Sure.”

We walked to the brook and sat at its edge, mesmerized by the water rippling over the stones.

“My mom showed up at the game the other night,” I blurted, staring into the water. I wasn’t prepared to say that, and honestly, I thought I was past it until I inadvertently found my thoughts drifting there again.

“You must have been happy to see her.”

I let out an uneasy laugh. “I don’t know about that.”

Chase remained quiet, waiting for me to continue.

“It was awkward,” I confessed.

“I’m sorry,” Chase replied, not knowing what else to say. I shrugged dismissively, afraid to reveal more.

He casually took my hand, making my heart trip. We sat in silence, caught up in the glistening flow of the water.

“I’m still trying to figure out what my mother’s up to,” he finally said. “Or it’s possible she could actually like you.”

“Thanks,” I shot back sarcastically.

“You know what I mean,” he offered, trying to make me feel better. “It’s not like you talked to her very much last night. She’s never been this… accepting of anyone before. She’s really hard to please.”

“I can see that,” I recognized with a slight nod. “Speaking of which, you were so different at the Baez’ house. It was a little strange.”

“How?”

“You seemed… older. You talked more proper and were almost stiff,” I shared, hoping I didn’t offend him. I looked over at him to see his eyes moving, considering my words.

“I guess I never thought about it, but you’re probably right. It’s most likely from years of having to go to those things – they’re rubbing off on me. That sucks.”