“Emma come on, get up!” Adam said. It was Saturday today and Zack would be here in 2 hours to start on the 3rd day of the project.
“No” I said.
“Why not?” Adam asked.
“Because I don't wanna do the stupid project” I moaned.
“Emma, you've managed to to two days of it already, you're stronger than you think, just get today out of the way and you can have tomorrow to yourself” Adam said. I sat up and looked at him.
“It's hard you know?” I said.
“I know Em. But you can do it” He replied.
“Thanks Ads” I smiled. He left the room so I could get up and dressed. I put on black skinny jeans and a red and black long sleeved top, I then went into the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I then went downstairs and sat next to Adam on the sofa and watched The Jungle Book with him.
“You looking forward to today?” Dad asked as the film finished.
“Yeah, its gonna be so much fun!” I said sarcastically.
“This is good for you Em, you're finally talking to someone who isn't family. I'm proud” Dad said.
“Thanks Dad” I smiled. There was a knock at the door.
“That's probably Zack. I'll get it.” I said and went to the door.
“Hey Emma” Zack said.
“Hi” I replied and let him in. He took his shoes off and we went upstairs. I got my pencil case and sat down next to him.
“Did you read the play?” I asked.
“Yeah, so we gonna do opinions on it” He asked.
“Yeah.” I handed him a pen and we interviewed each other about it. When we were done we went downstairs to get something to eat.
“Hey Zack” Adam said as we walked into the kitchen.
“Hey” Zack replied. I got us both a cheese sandwich and an orange juice and we sat down at the table with Adam.
“So how's the project going” Adam asked.
“It's great!” Zack said. Well that was enthusiastic.
“Yeah, its coming along really good” I smiled. We all ate in silence and me and Zack wnet back upstairs.
“So what now?” I asked.
“We could go out?” He suggested.
“What?” I asked, a little shocked.
“Let's go out” He replied.
“Oh uh, um”
“Relax Em, come on.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the front door. I guess I didn't really have a choice, I slipped my shoes on and Adam and Dad came round the corner.
“Oh, are you going out?” Dad asked.
“I guess” I replied
“Right, well have fun!” Adam said as we left.
“So where are we going?” I asked, pulling my sleeves down so they covered my hands.
“Just to the park” Zack shrugged. We got to the park and sat down on the swings.
“So what did you drag me out of the house for?” I asked.
“Just wanted to get outside” He replied.
“Cool, so what now?” I asked.
“What was that on your wrist the other day?” He asked. I froze then thought quickly. I pulled out the wrist with no scars on and held it up.
“Nothing, see?” I smiled.
“No, Em. The other one.” He said.
“Oh, just marker Adam drew on me” I said.
“Then why didn't you show me?” He asked.
“Because I didn't” I said. He looked away from me and sighed.
“I know what it was Em” He said.
“What then?” I said bluntly.
“You self harm. Your blades were in the box I picked up. I can tell” He said.
“No I don't Zack. Now stay the hell out of my life okay? Let's just get this project over with and never speak to each other again.” I shouted and walked off. He ran up behind me and grabbed my scarred wrist. I flinched at the pain.
“Like I said, I wont give up, you can trust me” He said.
“No Zack.” I replied standing my ground. He took a step forward.
“Why not?” He asked, looking into my eyes. I wanted to look away, but for some reason, I just couldn't.
“Because I can't” I replied weakly. He took another step forward.
“I wont leave you, give me a chance.” He said.
“No Zack” I said and ripped my eyes away from his. He put a hand on my cheek and I looked back up at him.
“I promise I wont hurt you” He said and leaned forward, if I knew what he was about to do, I would've stepped back, but before I knew it, his lips were on mine. Surprisingly, I kissed back and wrapped my arms around his neck. I then realised what was going on and pulled back. A massive grin spread across Zack's face and I had to fight the smile.
“Zack, that can't-” He pecked me on the lips.
“I don't know what's happened to you in the past or what you're going through, but I wanna be here for you, I wont leave you” He said.
“I can't” I said. He leaned down and kissed me again, it felt like fireworks were going off in my stomach. He pulled back and smirked, he somehow knew what I just felt.
“Fine, but can we start by just being friends? And don't think I'm telling you anything about my life just yet” I said. I couldn't believe those words just left my mouth. He leaned down to kiss me again, but I put my hand on his mouth and pushed his head back.
“We're friends, Zack” I said.
“Oh yeah.” He smiled, he walked back into the park and he laced his hand with mine. I was okay with this, it felt... right? We talked for a little while longer then walked back to mine.
“Race you back to my house!” I shouted as I ran off. He ran after me and started tickling me as we ran, causing me to laugh. I ran even faster and flew through my front door and collapsed onto the stairs in a fit of giggles. Mum, Dad and Adam came out into the hallway and looked shocked when they saw me on the stairs and Zack leant against the wall laughing and out of breath.
“What's so funny?” Adam asked.
“We had a race, and he tickled me” I laughed. They look even more shocked at the fact I let him touch me.
“Well, I'm glad you're having fun” Mum said and they all disappeared back into the kitchen. Me and Zack went upstairs and I closed the door behind us. We collapsed onto the bed and got our breath back.
“Why did they act weird when they saw you laughing?” Zack asked.
“That my friend, is a story for another day” I said, he just nodded and turned to look at me. I looked back at him. He suddenly leaned in and licked my cheek.
“Eww! What was that for?” I laughed.
“Because you needed a wash” He laughed.
“Zack you're so gross!” I shouted.
“No I'm not, you're the one who needed a wash” He said.
“Its still eww” I replied.
“I'm hungry” Zack moaned. I checked the time, it was only 4.
“Wait here” I said and went downstairs.
“Hey Mum, can Zack stay for tea?” I asked.
“Uh yeah” She said.
“Well Em, this is uh, well, wow” Dad said.
“You wanted me to be his friend, so I am” I said.
“How did it happen?” Adam asked.
“He uh” I thought for a moment on weather I should tell the the truth or not. “He kissed me” I smiled.
“I'm sorry, what?!” Mum asked.
“You heard me”
“so your anxiety is fake” Mum said.
“Shut up Mum seriously” I said and she did.
“Well uh, you two have fun, I'll call you down when dinner's ready” Dad said. I went back upstairs and sat down next to Zack.
“Fancy staying for tea?” I asked. He nodded.
“Your English accent is so strong” He said.
“Well, I haven't been in America long” I said.
“I love the English accent. I think its hot” Zack said. “Especially on you”
“Hold your horses, we're just friends, remember?” I asked.
“Doesn't mean I can't compliment you” He said.
“Well in that case, thanks” I said, He smiled at me.
“So what's for dinner?” Zack asked.
“A good old fashioned roast dinner” I said.
“Never had one cooked by someone English, it best me good” He said.
“You'll love it” I said. We layed back down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
“Do you really self harm Ems?” He asked.
“Do we really have to have this conversation now?” I asked.
“Yeah”
“Okay, I'll tell you when I get to trust you a bit more if you answer 2 questions for me” I said.
“Deal.”
“Why do you want to be my friend and why do you care so much about weather I self harm or not?” I asked.
“Okay, first one, you're different to the other girls. You're not into all that Justin Beiber, or make up, or anything like that. You're just so down to earth and real. And second one, because my brother used to do it, and I know how it affects someone” He said.
“Zack, I didn't know. Is he okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, I helped him through it. He's perfectly fine now” Zack said.
“Wow” I replied.
“So, Emma, what brings you to America?” He asked.
“Dad's job, he worked 3 hours away from us back home so we only saw him once or twice a week, and as soon as he got the offer to move out here, he said yes. I was happy about it anyway, got away from all the bullying, you know?” I said.
“You were bullied?” He asked, in shock.
“Yeah” I replied.
“Why? I mean, look at you. You're the most beautiful girl in the school. Who could hate you?” He asked.
“Zack, I'm not-” He cut me off.
“Did you not hear what all the boys were saying about you on your first day? I mean, you even turned Alex Gaskarth's head. The only other girl who can do that is Lisa. You had everyone's heads turning, you were all everyone was talking about, so don't sit there and tell me you're not beautiful because you are.” He said. I had a tear in my eye, and I felt it fall down my cheek. Zack wiped it away and left his hand on my cheek longer then needed, I closed my eyes and hoped for the moment to last.
“You really think so?” I whispered as I opened my eyes.
“I know so” He whispered back. I smiled at him.
“Thanks Zack, for not giving up” I said. I could get used to having him around. I mentally kicked myself for saying that, but I wanted a friend for once and when he leaves, I'll just have to find a way to deal with it, because I'm ready to take the risk of being his friend. Zachary Merrick could be the one to save me.

Notes

Yeah, I know, mostly dialogue. The next chapter should be a little different though, so keep your eyes peeled for the drama.
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- AllTimeSloth x