Chapter 6

Lena quietly walked into the noisy room. She sat on a stool as Zac continued to beat a harsh rhythm. His hair was wet with sweat and his cheeks flushed showing the energy he was putting into the music. The song finished and plunged the pair into silence. Lena watched as Zac ran the back of his hand across his forehead. Suddenly Zac stood up and pulled a CD case off a large stack of loose CDs. He tossed it to Lena.

“What is this,” she asked after examining the copy of “Closer” autographed by Josh Groban.

“It’s for Lacie. I got in a fight with her old copy and it lost. That’s to replace it.” He sat back down behind his drums. After several moments Zac started a soft beat.

“Why are you doing this,” Lena nearly burst out.

“I figured it was the least I—”

“Not the CD Zac. Why are you doing this to Lacie? She’s really upset.” She stopped waiting for a response. “You could at least talk to her.”

“I did talk to her. It’s not my fault she didn’t like what I had to say.” His beat remained steady as he reminded himself that this was the way things had to be.

Lena hung her head in defeat and said, in a nearly inaudible voice meant for only her to hear, “Lacie’s not the only hurt in this, you know.” Lena immediately perked up. She had heard it. Zac’s beat had faltered. It was almost imperceptible and Zac was back like nothing had happened, but it was the only encouragement Lena needed to continue speaking. “It’s true. And it makes it all the harder to try and console her heart when mine is in twice as many pieces. And that much harder to lie to her with every word I say. And the worst hurt comes from knowing that it’s all my fault—”

Zac threw his drumsticks. “It is not your fault. I kissed you! I was the one who broke my promise!” Zac’s tone of hatred turned into one of arrogance. “Besides, no one ever said you couldn’t tell her. I asked you not to, but since it was weighing on you heart so…” Zac waved an arm as an end to the sentence.

Tears quickly filled Lena’s eyes and Zac could no longer be cold towards her. “Listen. None of this is your fault. I am taking full responsibility, because it is wholly my fault. I chose my path and now I have to deal with the consequences. I’m sorry that my choices led me to hurt two of the best people I will ever know, but it’s what I must face. On top of all that I can’t be “just friends” with either of you. It’s not fair to anyone. So please and understand why I say that we can’t go past this room.” Lena continued to look at him for a moment before giving a slow nod. She then stood up and walked out of the room without another word.

Zac stood up and walked over to his bed where his guitar laid and picked it up beginning to play the song he had worked so hard on a couple of weeks ago.

I was happy
With where I was.
My life was going well.
I enjoyed your company
But she was just as beautiful.
And now I’m

Ripped in two and
I crossed the line.
Running for cover because
I made you lie.
I made you lie.

I’ve been with her for awhile
And you seemed so happy.
How was I to know
The feelings that you harbored
Were just as true as mine?
And now I’m

Ripped in two and
I crossed the line.
Running for cover because
I made you lie.
I made you lie.

I didn’t see my feelings
Until it was too late.
I couldn’t control my mouth
So I kissed you in the library
And now I’m feeling

Ripped in two and
I crossed the line.
Running for cover because
I made you lie.
I made you lie.