Zora

Chapter Twenty-One

Placing book after book on the shelf was boring, but it was work. Spencer hated reorganizing all the books people never respected enough to put back where they found it, as if it was some big hassle. But putting books away helped him get his mind off Zora. He couldn't help but worry about her all weekend. When he saw her in school, he noticed the bruise under her eye was covered with makeup, but she still limped softly as she headed to class and tensed up whenever someone was too close. He was thankful her friends were by her side all day, keeping her safe.

But he couldn't help but worry about where he stood with her. He cared about Zora, and if she didn't want to be in a relationship with him, he could live with that. What upset him was the idea that they wouldn't be friends anymore because of his confession. After getting to know her over a few weeks, he knew she was an irreplaceable friend, and the idea of her hating him hurt more than any romantic rejection.

"Excuse me," Zora's familiar voice spoke from the bookstore's entrance.

Spencer tensed as he peeked his head around the corner. There she stood, still dressed in her dance clothes, glistening in sweat. He assumed that the fact that she was there was a good thing, but he had no idea if that was true or not.

"Is Spencer here?" As Zora glanced around the store, she locked eyes with Spencer. He quickly jumped back behind the shelf and continued to shelve the books.

Zora peeked her head around the shelf with a smile. "Hello."

Dropping his book in shock, he quickly bent down to pick it up. Zora leaned down to grab the book as well, but when he stood up, his head knocked into her nose, causing her to squeal softly. "Shit, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed. Lowering her hands from her nose, Spencer inspected it softly to make sure it wasn't broken. "Does it hurt?"

Blushing madly at the caring caress of Spencer's touch, Zora managed to softly shake her head. The moment his hands dropped to his side, she wished he would hold her. His touch was comforting, because he showed nothing but care.

"Good," Spencer sighed in relief. "I was worried. I-Is everything okay, though?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?"

"Well...it looks like you ran here straight from dance practice," he replied, gesturing to her attire of black tights and shorts with an off the shoulder purple sweater and black character shoes. "If you weren't in a rush, I would have assumed you'd put on a different pair of shoes."

Smiling in embarrassment, Zora shuffled on her feet as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Oh," she giggled. "No. I just wanted to make sure I caught you before the end of your shift."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Promise, it's just..." She took a step closer to him, leaning in to whisper, "I wanted to apologize for what happened over the weekend. I was being stupid and immature-"

"By saying no to a date?"

"For running away-"

"I don't care that you ran away. I really don't." The two leaned their shoulders up against the wall and stared into the other's eyes. "You have every right to turn me down. If you don't want to go on a date with me, you don't have to. You don't need to apologize or explain yourself. Just say no, and I will stop and never ask again."

"But I want to." Zora bit her bottom lip and glanced down at the floor. "I want to go out with you, but I'm not ready. I don't need a boyfriend right now. I need a friend that I know I can count on. I'm afraid to act on impulse, because you mean so much to me, and if we break up, I'll lose you, and I don't want to lose you."

"Hey," Spencer cooed. He cupped Zora's cheek and rubbed his thumb under her eye. He could see just how scared she was. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of being ridiculed. Fear of his feelings being nothing more than a sick joke. He understood why she was terrified, and he wanted to comfort her. He had to let her know he would not let her down. Not now. Not ever. "I'm here."

"I know, but-"

"No buts. I'm here. I've got you, and I'm not leaving you. You're stuck with me for life," he smirked, causing her to laugh. "Did you know your eyes twinkle every time you laugh or smile? They light up the whole room."

"You're embarrassing me," she blushed.

"You love it," he teased before kissing her cheek. "I'm here for you," he whispered in her ear. "Go out and date other people if you want or wait for us. I'll wait if you want me to."

"I can't ask that."

"I don't mind. I meant it when I said I liked you, Zora. I understand you're scared to give us a try. You said you wanted to, but now isn't the time. I can wait if you need me to, because I want to. Right now, there is no one else I would rather date," he stated.

"Right now?" she questioned, tilting her head to the side.

"You might find someone else you want to be with, and I might find someone else I want to be with. No one said that if we date we have to be together forever. I don't know you well enough to want that yet. I only know that I like you romantically and that you're one of my best friends. Feelings change all the time, but I can assure you that if you were mine, I would never make you doubt how I feel about you," he promised.

With nothing more than a smile as a reply, Zora felt content. She was thankful for Spencer's dedication and commitment, but she felt horrible for asking him to wait. She found it to be selfish on her end. But for once, she didn't care about being selfish. "If you meet someone you like more than me, do not be afraid to go after her. But...how rude would it be if I asked for you to wait?"

"It wouldn't be rude. There is nothing wrong with waiting. It will give us time to grow as people and become better friends. If that's what you need right now, I don't mind waiting. Take all the time you need."

"Thank you," she sighed in relief. Pulling away from Spencer, she pointed toward the door. "I should...probably head home. I need to get ready."

"Ready for what?"

"Tyler's party." She gasped. "Why don't you come with me? It's only a small get together, but he said I could invite you and Terrance. What do you say?"

Without being able to say no to Zora, Spencer reluctantly nodded. "I'll try to swing by after work-"

"Or I can give you the rest of the night off so you can spend time with your girlfriend," Katrina happily called out.

Spencer paled, and Zora blushed. They didn't think anyone could hear them. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Of course she isn't," Katrina said before dramatically winking.

Rolling his eyes, he faced Zora with a smile. "I'll pick you both up at seven?"

"Perfect."