One Last Chance - Z.Dempsey

ONE.

CHAPTER ONE

"So Clay just text me. His mom said that the trials start tomorrow, the Baker's rejected the districts final offer" I sighed sitting up higher on the bed.

"Shit. I thought there weren't gonna be any trials" Jess said walking into her room with a bottle of water for us each "Are you nervous?"

"Yeah. Really nervous. I don't know what they're gonna ask or what I am gonna say. You're lucky you don't have too"

"I know. I've been thinking about that a lot. I know they want me to come forward and say it was me in the tape. But I just don't think I'm completely ready yet" She sat next to me putting her head on my shoulder.

"Hey" I grabbed her hand "You don't have to if you don't want to"

"I know. You're the best. But... onto another subject. How are you and Zach?"

I groaned loudly "We are ok, it's slightly awkward at times but I had a feeling it would be for a while. He keeps looking at me with these puppy dog eyes and it's making me regret turning him down"

"Why did you turn him down," She asked lifting her head.

"I guess I'm just not ready for a relationship yet. This whole year has been crazy with Hannah, moving to Zachs and falling out with Monty, I just need a chill year to figure myself out you know?"

"Yeah, I get it. I love you, Tasha"

"Love you too Jess. Are you ready to start back tomorrow?"

Jess, Alex, and I had all had time off school. For obvious reasons. We all agreed that we would go back together so we weren't doing it alone.

"Yeah, I think so. I'll be fine knowing I'm with you and Alex though"

I smiled bringing her in for a hug.

...

"Fuck. I'm so nervous" I shook my hands looking out of the car at the school.

"Hey, don't be. I'll stay with you as much as I can and if I can't you have Jess and Alex" Zach grabbed my hands to stop them moving.

"I just don't want to see him"

"I know. You got this, ok? You're Natasha De La Cruz! Don't let him get to you"

I laughed bringing him into a quick hug. We both got out of the car walking to the entrance of the school.

"Ready?" Zach opened the doors.

"Ready" We started walking through the corridor eventually spotting Jess and Alex ahead of us.

"I'll take that" Zach said as he took Alex's bag.

"I can carry my books" Alex replied limping with his cane.

"Well clearly you can't, so let me help, don't be a dick. And welcome back" Zach smiled.

I walked towards Jess who had a lolly in her both "Bit early for sweets isn't it?"

"Oh Natasha, it is never too early-" Jess trailed off not finishing her sentence. I followed her eye line to where Bryce, Monty, and some other jocks were walking.

"Oh, shit" I grabbed Jess's hand.

"Hey, let's go," Zach said starting to walk "Do you have Mr. Wood first period?" He asked Alex.

"Yeah, hey I can't turn that fast" Alex struggled.

"What are you running from Zach?" Jess asked the boy who was trying to leave quickly.