Light Bulb

Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

“Can you please change?” Zack called from below as I walk down the stairs after getting dressed for lectures. “You never liked wearing dresses, why wear one now?” I look down on my dress and thought about it, Zack was right, I didn’t like wearing dresses, just a few days ago I was about to have a row with Albert about getting me to wear a dress for the tea party.

“It’s pretty, is it not?” I questioned with an innocent tone, hoping this conversation won’t be going to what I hope is not. “It’s new, don’t you like it?”

“Yes, it’s pretty and you look beautiful in it but I don’t approve of it. You can wear that later when I take you out. Please change.”

“No, I don’t want to. It’s pretty and I love it and I’m going to wear it. Don’t fight me about it, please? It’s late, I won’t have time to go through my closet for another outfit. How about you drop me off at school and fetch then we can go out, we can bring the girls and go sightseeing.” I could tell he wanted to fight to maybe put me by my hair back up to my room and force me to change but that’s not what he did, instead what he did shock me.

He nodded his band and let out his hand for me to take which I did without hesitation and got into the car. The ride was actually less threatening then I thought it would be, he told me stories about back home. Seems as if they were all doing well with me away, they still went on with their life only without me in the picture, what was I expecting? That they would all break down without me?

“So I’ll see you later?” I asked when he parks the car on the side, he nodded and reach me to plant a kiss on my cheeks, I look at him with a small smile on my face, “there’s something about you, something different. Natasha say’s it’s because you miss me, I guess the move is actually worth something.”

“Go on now, don’t want you to be late.” He shooed me out farther, I gave him one last smile and was off. Maybe because of my fear for him, I’m not able to see through the clouds of fear of him.

I walk to class as usual, but with a bit more confidence and excitement, why wouldn’t I be?  I sat on my usual chair and took out a paper to doodle on while waiting for the lecturer or Haden to come, whoever came first.

I felt someone staring at me, as if trying to pierce a hole through me, but I tried not to look, “you really look pretty.” The person complimented, I turned to see Haden looking at me mesmerized, “you, not the dress but the dress looks good as well. Would you mind if I sit next to you?” I shook my head and concentrated back on the paper I was doodling on.

“The lecturer is going to ask us to group up, I heard them say this semester will be a lot of group works, is it alright if I count you in as a teammate?” I look at him, again trying to read him, “What is he trying to do?”

“You don’t talk much, why is that? I’m sure a lady as beautiful as you have a sweet voice, so where are you from? Definitely you’re not from here, it’s a small town everyone knows everybody, but I don’t know you.”

I look at him, stared into his eyes, craving to read something, even a little but nothing. I frowned and look back down on my paper and stayed quiet. I shouldn’t be involved with him, Zack would have my head or his maybe both and as much as I hate my head, I have a feeling the Haden might love him and would like to stay alive.

Haden didn’t bother to talk to me after that, the class went as normal. He was right about the teaming and we both teamed up together for the whole course, I just hope that Zack wouldn’t find out about it, but just in case that he did, I started to find for an excuse to tell and all I got was that, ‘the school chooses our partners’.

“Here, let me walk you,” he grab my papers before I could and waited for me to walk to his side, ready to leave but I couldn’t, Zack was picking me up.

“Maybe some other time.” I grab my papers and walk away but he followed.

“Why? Is there something that I should know about?”

“Nothing of your concern, sorry I have to go.”

“Maybe I’d want to be of your concern.” He yelled out as I walked away from him. Somehow the words brought the smile within my lips to arise.

When I reached the parking area, I was feeling fear, this was only because I did something wrong. I hope the Zack wouldn’t know of anything, how would he? It’s like he is from here, it’s as if any of us were from here, but that didn’t stop from feeling guilt towards Zack and pain for Haden, I like him and I can never do something about it but keep it in.

I see Zack leaning on the car door with his back towards me. I walk up to him slowly with fear, “hey there stranger?” I greeted with a smile, he turned to see me and smile as well. He walked up to me and pulled me in for a hug.

The hug actually felt warm, he let go and took my hand to walk me to my door- something he  has stopped doing since forever. I manage a smile for his kindness, but inside all I can do is wonder, “what’s going on?” I was scared to trust him so much, just like I did before as if it might all happen again, him being nice then maybe in a blink of an eye the true monster in him might come out just like hulk.

I didn’t know where he would take me, I don’t think he even know where he’s taking me since we were both new to the place. On the quite drive, Zack spoke a few words like telling me that we would be going back home first to fetch the girl, which gave me a relief- I was scared to be alone with him.

Zack tried grabbing my hand while he drove causing me to jump from my seat, my action made him frown and I actually felt sorry for him, but he didn’t try after to hold my hand again, we just drove silently with him and his thoughts and me with mine.

By the time we reach home, the girls we all dressed up waiting out the front door talking among themselves, Zack stopped the car side them and I rolled out the with, “how much for the night?” I asked jokingly with a mischievous smile making them all laugh before hopping into the car.

“Where to?” Zack asked, but we all kept silent, we didn’t actually know the place so I suggested just driving along till we find something nice to do. Both me and Zack kept out voice to ourselves while the girls behind gossip about almost everything.

The pass thirty minutes felt like forever, there was nothing about this place so Zack finally gave up driving when his stomach made noises and drove us to the nearest restaurant, by the time Zack park the car both Amoral and Quinn’s tummy rumbles causing all of us to laugh as we made out in the car.

We all ordered our dish, but after that I didn’t know what else to do or say, I just sat there and watch my girls as they told stories of back home. I could feel Zack burning a hole into my head, I stole a glance at him, but he was already looking at me so I look away and started making conversations till my food was placed in front of me.

How many times do I have to ask myself, “why?”  why was I even scared of Zack, ever seen they came here, he’s been nothing but nice and me being nothing but a snotty bitch- which by the way I have always been all along, therefore no shocker there then. I choke on my chips, thanks to my thought. Zack handed me his drink for me to drink and I took it willingly, “thank you.” I murmured with a smile, “my hero.” I complimented making him smile but he didn’t take away his hands from my back which I just realize was there since he handed me his drink. I bet the old Zack would have just left me there to choke to death, but this Zack didn’t he actually cared or maybe he has been caring and I am just starting to see it, like the cloud that was once there making my sight blur was gone and I could see clearly now but should I trust this? That’s the number one question.

The ride back came a little more comforting than when the ride to the restaurant, I let Zack hold my hand because I felt less fear of him. We steal glances like little kids, but it didn’t make the butterflies in my tummy flutter, I just didn’t feel anything for him. It’s as if the only emotional feel I can bring myself to feel for him is fear, I didn’t even feel calm with him just emotionless, how has it come to this?

Maybe I can sleep a little better tonight, but who am I kidding? Zack walks me up to my room and I left it with only a murmured, ‘Goodnight’.