Home For The Heart - Zachary Merrick

~22~

~Alyssa~
The six of us were standing in the hallways, chatting about weekend plans. Lisa was going with her family to stay the whole weekend in Baltimore and Alex was begging to go with.

"No!" I rolled my eyes and looked behind Rian. Max and her group were picking on Jonah, a boy in my grade.

We had gotten to know each other when we were partnered for a project and he was a pretty cool kid. I pushed past the guys and went up to Max, pushing her off.

"Hey, stop!" She glared at me. "What's your deal, Evans?" I walked up so we were inches apart. "Leave him alone. What did he do to you?" Jonah was a scrawny, shy kid.

"I need homework done." She shoved me out of the way and I landed to the floor, whacking my elbow. I groaned and Zack helped me up. Jack and Rian stood in front of Jonah.

"Go bother your own friends." She rolled her eyes and stormed off. Jonah hugged me instantly. "Thanks, Alyssa!" I smiled and pat his back.

"No problem. Just stay out of trouble." He walked off and waved to me. "Who was that?" I looked at Alex. "Friend of mine. We were partnered for a project and got to know each other."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Does he like you?" I shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe?" I couldn't tell. I glanced at Zack and he looked annoyed.

The final bell rang and we all started to walk towards the front doors, Zack hurrying his pace and walking ahead of us.

I caught up with him and pulled him aside, motioning for everyone to go ahead. "What's the problem?" He shrugged, acting as if he didn't know.

"Zack, I saw you were annoyed. You can tell me?" He took a deep breath, running his hands through his hair.

"My problem is I don't know how to handle my feelings! I'm tired of people teasing me about it and then saying things in front of me just to make me feel worse!"

I frowned slightly. "Zack," he cut me off. "I try to go every day, pushing down my feelings so they don't make me upset but it's so hard when I'm always around you! I want you but I can't have you!"

I pursed my lips. I didn't know what to say. He shoved his hands into his hoodie pocket and let out a harsh sigh.

When I finally had something to say, my phone started ringing. I answered it, hoping it was quick. "Hello?"

It was Mom, frantically telling me the news. I felt like I couldn't even believe what she was telling me. I gulped and looked at Zack when she hung up.

"What's the matter?" I put my phone in my pocket and tried to muster up the words to say.

"My Dad's out. He's coming to see us."