7 Minutes • Jachary

Nine • Daniel Seavey

This is actually before Zach wakes up in Daniel's POV, and I feel like I don't really have to explain this, as you may have already figured it out, but just in case to clear up any confusion. There's also ONE chapter left after this (: ♥️

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Waking up, I automatically glance over to the nightstand to check the time, but there's empty space.

That's when I realize that I'm in Zach's room.

Sitting up, I observe the cream coloured walls and the simple closet with a few clothes littered on the ground. The gentle morning light seeps through the curtain window, casting upon the linoleum floor, and everything seems so peaceful and nice.

Stretching a bit, my muscles pop and I carefully descend back to the ground. I make sure Zach is okay, and he's sound asleep, which makes me smile.

In the middle of the night he rolled out of bed, and after the sudden thud, it made me super concerned, unsure if I should get an ice pack or tell his parents. However, Zach was unbothered, only half awake, and I practically dragged him to the lower bunk to prevent any further damage to his body as well as brain cells, because he can't afford to lose any more.

After going out of the room, I close the door and wonder if I can make my escape. I know Zach's mom wanted a talk, whatever that means, but already meeting Jack's family, I just feel like a nuisance. Not too long ago Zach and I were arguing and somehow became closer - it's weird how life turns out.

Where are my shoes? I wonder, before remembering that they're back in Zach's room.

I don't trust myself to scale down that tree again, but I need someone to lock the door behind me. Before I consider my options, the doorbell rings. Freezing in mid step, I don't see anyone nearby.

I look through the peephole, and see to my relief that it's just Jack. After opening the screen door and latch, he greets with a smile, stepping in and shoving his hands in his pockets.

"How was your night?" he inquires.

"Oh, it was okay. Good sleep."

"Is Zach's family up yet?"

"Uh, not yet. I was just about to leave."

Jack nods his head, and I sense a presence and look behind me.

There's a man who I'm guessing is Zach's dad, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a red cap on.

"Hey, Jack!"

"Hey Josh, how's life?" Jack steps into the house decidedly, and the man gives a wink.

"Zach's upstairs if you're wondering."

"Oh. But I actually came to see you guys."

Mr. Herron chuckles, gesturing his hand to the living room area. "Well, we all welcome you. How's your family? Kristin and Darren doing good?"

"Oh yeah, they're both at work right now. Sydnie's home for the week, so she's spending time with my sisters."

I awkwardly stand there, then dutifully follow behind Jack as they go into the kitchen area.

"I don't think I've met you before." Zach's father turns to me, but carries a chill vibe, encouraging me to speak.

"I'm Daniel, just a friend of Zach's."

"Hm. I've heard a bit of you. Last night you and Zach found something quite amusing."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I quickly say. "I wasn't thinking."