Typical // Z.H.

Eight

"When will they be here?" I asked Zach who stood beside me.

"Anytime now." He smiled down at me.

The band and I stand on the penthouse deck, waiting for their families and friends to arrive. They all wanted to have a get-together, and the parents wanted to meet me.

I had already told my mother that I wasn't coming home yet. I won't, I'm staying for Zach... and Milan.

The door swung open and out came everyone. An instant smile grew on my lips as I turned to Zach. I was nervous, but I was more excited.

"They're gonna love you, Val." He smiled at his approaching family.

I turned their way as they reached us. The small greetings in the family were traded, and finally Zach turned to me.

"Valorie... I'd like you to meet my mom, Myta. My dad, Josh. And my little sister and brother, Reese and Ryan." He turned to them. "And I'd like you guys to meet my friend, Valorie."

Mrs. Herron instantly wrapped me in a hug. "Oh, I'm so happy! My future daughter in-law." Then, she let go.

My eyes went wide, "Uh, we aren't together, Mrs. Herron."

"Yet." She smiled warmly.

After meeting the other families, we moved onto the girls. Zach and I approached Tate, Gabbie, and Christina.

"Girls, I'd like you to meet my new friend, Valorie Myers." Zach ran off after that sentence.

"Uh, hi." I waved.

"Hey!" They echoed.

Christina stepped forward while smirking. "How's Zachy-poo?"

"Zachy-what?" I coughed.

"Oh, come on." Tate laughed. "He's totally crushing on you. Zach never brings girls to the house... especially to live with him."

I chuckled, "We aren't anything, I promise."

"Yet." Gabbie cooed, just like Myta.

I tossed my head back and laughed, "Whatever you guys say-"

A tug on my sleeve interupted me. I looked down to see Isla, Jack's little sister, accompanied by Reese.

"Do you wanna come swim with us? We've all been given permission." Isla smiled warmly.

I smiled back, "I'd love to." I turned back to the girls. "Wanna swim with us?"

"Yes, we'd love to." Zach and the band appeared back beside us.

After everyone got changed, we all headed into the pool.

"Val! Catch!"

I turned just in time to catch a football, of course, thrown by Jack.

I sighed, "Funny, Jack." I tossed it back to him.

Then, I was lifted into the air. I squealed as I grasped onto the person who sat me on one shoulder.

"Zach!" I realised. "What are you doing?!"

"Oh, you know, just chillin'." He smirked up at me.

As I opened my mouth to speak, the click of a camera went off. I looked up and saw that Christina had taken a picture of us. I scrunched my nose in embarrassment.

"Aw, you're cute when you do that!" Sydney yelled at me.

I shook my head while laughing. "Knock it off!"

Zach laughed underneath me, "She isn't wrong!"

I flicked his ear, causing most to laugh around us. Then, I realised where I was at the moment.

"Zach." I looked at the clouds.

"Yes, Val?"

"What are you planning on doing with me at this very moment?" I exhaled deeply.

He shrugged, which almost caused me to fall. "Not sure. Where do you wanna go?"

"In the water." I answered in a 'duh' tone.

"If you insist." He said.

One moment, I was on his right shoulder in the air. The next, I was underwater. I swirled around and saw Zach underwater with me. He smiled evilly at me. I just shook my head and came up, as did he.

"You're an idiot." I breathed at the boy.

Zach shrugged, water dripping down his toned chest. "It works charms though, doesn't it?"

"No!" I groaned, unable to hide my smile.

"Yes!" He mocked me with a groan.

I narrowed my eyes playfully, "Whatever."

Zach's POV

After swimming and eating, everyone just sat around and talked. By now, it was sunset and the stereo was playing New Pop Mix.

"Zach." Corbyn approached. "The boys are over there, we want to talk with you."

I nodded and stood up from my seat beside Ryan. I followed Corbyn over to the rest of the band and took the seat beside Jack.

"Okay, buddy. We need to have a chat about your friend Valorie over there." Jack started.

I sighed heavily and looked over at him, "What about her?"

"We want her gone." Daniel whispered.

I could barely hear him, but I still did. And it hurt.

It hurt knowing my best friends don't support the idea of Valorie staying with us. She was like my sister.

She didn't want to go home when her parents called her, because she wanted to stay. The boys had allowed her, now they want her gone. Even Daniel admitted it.

"Why?" I asked.

Corbyn spoke up, "It's just a lot on us. Another girl in the house. Zach you ha-"

"No." I put my head in my hands. "That girl makes me happy, I can't lose her like..." I trailed off.

Jonah nodded, "I understand, Zach. And I also agree with you." He looked to the others. "You three may want her gone, but I don't."

Jonah stared at the ground after that, not daring to look up and risk embarrassment.

"Please, you guys!" I pleaded. "Let Val stay."

It was quiet in our little circle before Jack spoke up.

"Why are you so interested in her? She's nothing like her."

I sighed, "Exactly. She's different."

"You could say that again." Jonah smiled.

"Was that an insult?" I tilted my head at him.

He smiled up at me, "No."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "Okay?"

"Fine." Corbyn spoke, cutting Jonah's reply off. "She can stay. Three against two, majority wins."

"Corb-" Jack started.

"No, Jack." He cut him off too. "It's settled."

"She stays."