Chapter 12

Zak and I sat in the forest for the rest of the afternoon. Not really saying anything. Not really thinking anything, just sitting there.

“We should probably start heading back,” I commented, noticing that the sun had already gone down and the sky was a dark blue. I glanced over at Zak for the first time in several hours.

“Yeah,” Zak replied before standing up and stretching his arms. I stood up too, noticing that my left ankle was hurting a little more then it had been earlier and that the muscles were tight. I took a few steps before catching my foot on something and started to fall forward, again, toward a prickly bush. I let out a shriek of surprise.

I could feel Zak’s arms go around my waist as he tried to catch me, but failed. I ended up dragging both of us into the prickly bush.

We hit the ground with a soft umf and several branches breaking and just laid there in silence.

“Ouch,” I stated out of no where as casually as someone would say yes or no. Seconds latter we both burst into fits of laughter as we sat up, trying to get out of the bush. We both walked, or hobbled for me, away with only a few scratches.

“Come on,” I laughed, starting back toward the houses. I had only gotten a couple feet before I started to fall sideways. Zak rushed forward and caught me, holding me against his side with his arm around my shoulders. “Thanks,” I said softly.

“No problem,” Zak said, “But, if you don’t mind me asking, how many times have you fallen over today?” He asked the second part with a lopsided smile on his lips as he looked down at me. “Three times?”

“Four,” I replied, looking down at the ground, “I tripped over a root on my way out here.” Watching my feet, I noticed that we were walking. It was then that I realized that Zak still had his arm around my shoulders, supporting me. I looked out through the many tree trunks to see a large dark mass weaving through the trees. I shrunk against Zak’s side, my eyes wide, my fingers clinging to Zak’s sweatshirt.

“It’s just Brady,” Zak explained, following my line of sight. My fingers loosened a little but didn’t let go of his sweatshirt completely and I didn’t move away from where I was. We continued home like that.

“Grams,” I called into the house as we entered through the back door, “We’re home.”

“We’re in the family room,” grandma answered.

Zak and I entered the family to find that my grandma had some of her friends over. About seven old women sat around the family room on the couches, and they were all staring at Zak and me. Zak and I made out way into the room, Zak’s arm still around my shoulder as he was helping me keep my balance.

“What’s going on?” I asked as Zak and I sat down on the floor next to each other. Zak had removed his arm from my shoulders and was scratching Brady behind the ears. I started to pull off my shoes and rub my ankle as my grandma explained all the “old lady gossip” to me.

“You should get ice on that,” Zak suggested, nodding at my ankle.

“I could say the same thing for your eye,” I joked softly, so only he could hear. He rolled his eyes at me. I moved to get up and get some ice from the kitchen.

“You stay,” Zak touching my arm lightly before standing up, “I’ll get it,” He started out of the room before turning around and asking everyone in the room, “Anyone else want anything?” There was a chorus on no’s, that’s-all-right dear’s and no-thank-you’s from the old ladies. Zak nodded once before turning and leaving the room.

“He seems like a nice boy,” the lady sitting next to my grandma commented almost as soon as Zak was out of the room. I nodded in agreement staring at nothing unparticular. “How long have you two been an item?” the lady asked out of no where. My eyes widened and I turned my head in her direction.

“What?” I croaked out.

“How long have you and Zak been…”

“No I heard you,” I cut in, “Zak and I aren’t dating, we’re just friends. I mean I’ve only lived here for a week. I just dumped my boyfriend in California, how could I have a new one already. Why are you being so nosey?”

“Kalli, dear, maybe you should send Zak home and go relax for awhile,” grandma suggested.

“No!” I practically yelled before quieting down, “Zak can’t go home!”

“What? Why can’t he go home?” grandma asked.

“Grams, you can’t be serious,” I cried softly, my eyes wide, “Can he just stay here for awhile?” My grandma stared at me for a second. “Just for a little while. Please!” I was practically begging.

“Oh, why not,” grandma gave in. “There’s a cot in your closet that he can use.”

“Thank you grams,” I said, getting up and giving her a hug before dropping back down onto the floor.

Zak came back a few minutes later with a bag of ice and two Pepsi’s. He sat down next to me before handing me one of the Pepsi’s and the bag of ice.

“Thanks,” I said setting the ice on my ankle. I took a sip out of the Pepsi, watching the old ladies over the rim of the can. Why are they staring at me? I mean, I can’t be that interesting! After several minutes of silence, I stood up, grabbing the sleeve of Zak’s sweatshirt and pulled him up. “We’re going to go for a walk or something,” I informed Grandma, “Call my cell phone when you want us back,” I said, giving Grandma a look that said ‘call me when the old hags are gone.’

“Okay dear,” Grandma said, nodding, “Don’t be gone passed dark.” My grandma didn’t really care if I was out passed dark. It was just one of our little secrets that meant she got the message.

“Bye,” I called, dragging Zak toward the front door. “Why does everybody think I’m a slut?” I asked myself under my breath as we closed the door behind us.

“Not everybody does,” Zak assured as we made our way across the yard. I glanced over at him to find him staring up the street.

“Yeah right, I’ve been hearing it for about two years, I’m used to it,” I replied.

“Not everyone things that,” Zak repeated.

“Right,” I said, “And that guy from the store, your dad, the old hags and the red head all think I’m a perfect little angel.” Zak glanced down at his feet as we walked mumbling something that I couldn’t quiet hear. “What?”

“Huh? Nothing,” Zak answered as we kept walking down the street.

“What do you wanna do?” I asked, glancing over at him.

“Come on,” Zak said, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward his car, that was parked in his driveway.

“What are we doing?” I laughed following him.

“You’ll see,” Zak replied, holding the door open, for me to slide across to the passenger seat, before getting in.