One Last Chance - Z.Dempsey

THREE.

CHAPTER THREE

"Barry emailed me last night right he said it was Bryce's idea, that Bryce asked you yesterday" Zach's mom stated. W the three of us were stood around the island in the kitchen.

"Asked me what?" He replied considering he hadn't spoken to Bryce in a while.

"If we wanted to use their lawyer. I'm not gonna let you take the stand without some guidance, either of you" I looked at Zach awkwardly obviously not wanted to tell her that I definitely will not be using their lawyer. "This type of thing can ruin your life, even if the are innocent"

"I know, it's just- we can find our own lawyer. It's fine"

"This is the kind of thing your father used to handle. At times like these we need to benefit from our associates" She took out her phone to call someone. Zach's head sunk at the mention of his father so I squeezed his hand underneath the table to let him know I was there, getting a small smile in return.

I was about to say something when Zach's phone started to ring "Who is it?" I asked before leaning over his shoulder to see that it was Alex.

"It's Bryce, actually. He probably wants to get some throws in before practice" He said glancing at me and then turning to his mom.

"Oh well we should go then" I said smiling, Zach and I both moved to put on our jackets.

"Okay, honey. Wait, Zach make sure you say thank you to Bryce"

"Of course, mom" He placed a kiss on her cheek and we headed to the front of the house to get our bags "Hey" he grabbed my arm to get me to face him "Don't worry, we will not be using his lawyer" I smiled nodding before opening the door and making my way to his car.

"Who's testifying today?"

"It's Courtney, I think" I closed the passenger door and put my seatbelt on "I wonder if she'll tell some little white lies on the stand"

We picked up Alex on the way in so I hopped into the back. "Hello Alex, how are you this fine morning"

"As happy as one can be before impending doom" He smiled sarcastically from the front.

Zach rolled his eyes while driving "Always so happy in the mornings Alex"

Once we finally parked up Zach jumped out first taking both the boys backpacks on his back and then giving Alex a hand out the car with a grunt.

"Such a gentlemen. This doesn't mean I'm gonna put out or anything" Alex joked as I got out of the car.

"What? Not even a handy?" Zach asked making me snort loudly, shutting the door behind me.

"Well my hand doesn't really work anymore..."

"Alright" Zach smiled widely. All three of us turned to the front of the school to see Bryce stood right out the front starting to take a few steps towards us. "Hey let's take the side entrance today"

"But it's way further and I get tired" Alex said confused.

"Yeah well I can carry you" Zach started to grab onto Alex.

"Dude no, you're not - stop"

"Zach leave him alone" I laughed.

"The whole reason I called you was to avoid another scene. Like getting picked up by my dads cop car wasn't embarrassing enough" Alex said grumpy before starting to walk to the side entrance.

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad Alex" I said patting his arm. "What you looking at Zach?" I noticed him staring of to the side.

"Nothing" He smiled putting his hand on my lower back. I quickly turned my head to behind me to see Bryce there looking at us. I instantly moved closer to Zach putting my arm round his.

...

I was stood with Alex at his locker when Jess walked up to us "Hey guys"

"Hey Jess" I smiled hugging her.

"Hey, where were you this morning?" Alex asked putting his bag on.

"I was avoiding Chloe and well, everyone else"

"What's wrong" He asked.

"Someone's tryna keep me quiet"

"Is this about that doll thing again?" I asked her moving closer so we weren't talking as loud.

"What? What doll thing? What happened?" Alex was confused considering I was the only person Jess told.

"Come on. Not here"

...

"Wow, that is seriously messed up" Alex said after she explained what had happened with the doll. We were sat at a table just us three in the cafeteria.

"But that's not it, I got a note in my locker today saying 'keep your fucking mouth shut' like I don't know who this person is but they are watching me"

"Fuck Jess, are you okay?" I asked grabbing her hand.

"I'm fine, I just want to know who's doing this" She sighed.

"Somehow I don't see Bryce just walking into a sex shop" Alex said glancing at the boy on another table.

"What about Chloe?" Jess asked.

"I don't know. She's in smart classes but does stupid stuff" Alex said.

"Yeah like going out with Bryce. But I can't see it being her" I added on.

"It's gotta be someone" We all looked around the cafeteria at the students.

"Well... whoever it is. It will stop tomorrow if you just tell the truth" Alex said.

"How does that make sense?" I quizzed the boy.

"Well they are obviously doing it to protect Bryce" He stated like it was obvious "And if you tell the truth then there's nothing to protect anymore"

"Yeah, that sounds easy and simple. You don't get it Alex. Every time I look at him, it's like it's happening every time" She started.

"Like it's going to happen for the rest of my life" I added on looking down at my food.

"Well maybe this will make it stop" We both look at Alex incredulously.

"Well clearly I'm all alone in this" Jess says leaving the table.

"Jess"

"You will never understand it Alex" I said before leaving in the opposite direction.

"Natasha, stop"

I sighed turning back to him.

"I'm going to meet Clay. Come with me?" I smiled lightly before nodding and helping him stand up.

I was stood with the two boys in the corridor but was on my phone not listening to them. I glanced up to see Zach and Bryce walking together from the other end chatting. I stood up straight glaring at them. I was about to walk over to see what they were talking about but they both stopped smiling at each other. Zach turned to see me stood against a locker staring at him shocked, he was about to walk to towards me but I shook my head and walked the other way.

"Hey, Natasha. You alright?" Clay asked from behind me.

"Just let her go man" Alex said before asking Clay to see the tapes.