𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐭 || 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐧 [𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝]

21- Something More

Hayden, 18 years, 8 months, & 28 days old

"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked, handing Zach a bag of ice.

It was after the show, Cole was long gone. Zach was still recovering mentally and physically from his fight. I tried to help him as much as I could. We waited on the couch in the dressing room while everyone else helped pack the equipment back onto the tour buses.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little sore," Zach replied.

I was trying to cope with the incident too. I had no idea that Cole was going to show up at the concert tonight. I certainly didn't expect there to be a fight. I didn't think my ex-boyfriend was crazy enough to do this, but now I'm definitely scared of him.

"Man, I haven't seen Cole in years," Zach breathed. "He's so... different. I still can't believe you dated him."

"Me either," I laughed. "I totally wouldn't have if I knew this was going to happen. I don't like seeing my best friend with bruises all over his face."

Zach stayed quiet. "Can we talk about something? Something we haven't talked about yet?"

I nervously drew in a breath. "Sure."

"Cole said some things," Zach said anxiously, "and there's something that I can't stop thinking about."

I shifted in my seat. I had a feeling I knew what he was going to say.

"Does it have anything to do with when we were seven?" I laughed.

"You thought of it too?"

"I don't think I ever stopped thinking about it."

"It's sort of come up a lot recently, don't you think?"

"I guess. Why?"

"Cole accused you of cheating on him because you were in love with me. Hayden, we almost kissed. I don't want to be called your best friend if that's now what we are. Did that kiss mean anything to you?"

"What do you mean 'if that's not what we are'?" I asked.

Zach stuttered. "I meant what I said that day... when we were seven. I know I didn't exactly mean everything, but I do love you, Hayden, as your best friend. But we almost kissed. Are we best friends or something more?"

My heart leaped. I was speechless.

"I love you, Hayden, like really love you. I know I said I'd be your friend but it's too hard."

A sudden knock came from the door. Zach and I both sprung off the couch.

"We're ready to go," Jon exclaimed then walked away. I started to leave the room but Zach grabbed my arm from behind.

"We're eighteen. Remember what we promised?"

:::

a/n: a whole zayden chapter you're welcome