by Anthology
I hadn’t seen or heard from Amber all day, which was weird.
Me: Where r u?
Blondie: I’m out sick today.
Me: Everything okay?
Blondie: No, but I’ll meet you after school to talk.
Me: Screw school, I’ll come now.
Blondie: No, please. I’ll meet you in the park near the school after the final bell.
***
Zeke
I was shocked Zach didn’t bust my balls as he walked passed me. He was actually kind to me—total shock.
On my way to lunch I received a text message from Rachel.
Bestie: Mathlete practice is cancelled. Ms. Sheppard is out sick.
Great. My only chance to reconcile with her was gone. This day needs to be over—now.
Chapter 14
Zach
Amber was sitting on a park bench waiting for me. Ironically, it was the same one I banged Mindy on last week. “Hey, Amber.”
She slightly jumped when she heard my voice. Her eyes were red and swollen, like she’d been crying all day. I sat down beside her and wrapped my arm around her. “What’s going on?”
“My sister hates me.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say, I ruined something of hers.”
“Oh.” I was never the sensitive type, and comforting people was a little out of my comfort zone. But it bothered me to see how upset she was.
“I’m sure she’ll come around. I give Zeke shit all the time and we still manage.”
“But y’all are twins, you have an unspoken connection. She’s my older sister and I changed her entire world—accidently.”
“She’ll forgive you—give it time.”
“Thanks Zach. You’re not too bad at this comforting thing.”
“Anytime, let’s clean you up and grab a movie or something.”
“Don’t you have practice tonight?”
“Yeah, but this is more important. Chris can cover for me.”
***
Zeke
As I lay in my bed staring up at the ceiling, I wondered if Max was okay. I really hoped to see her earlier, but after yesterday I couldn’t blame her for not showing up.
Rachel begged me to come over tonight and I blew her off. Zach was out, and mom and dad went out on a date.
I heard an unfamiliar chirping sound come from my phone. I picked it up and saw the email symbol right at the top.
I hadn’t received an email in so long that I forgot what it sounded like.
Subject: Sorry
Zeke,
I know you must think I am the weirdest person on earth. I know you just wanted to comfort me yesterday during my time of need, but my judgment was so cloudy that I couldn’t handle it.
I felt something indescribable and because of that, I couldn’t face you today.
I understand if you no longer want to be my assistant anymore.
I’ll see you soon.
-Max
I sat there gripping the phone in my hand as tightly as possible. Were my feelings for her so strong that she felt them without me even saying one word about them? I decided to write her back since this was the only form of communication I had available with her.
Re: Sorry
Max,
All I wanted to do was lend you an ear and give you a shoulder to cry on. I’ve been in your shoes once before and believe me, it sucks!
Although I haven’t had many serious relationships, I know how a woman should be treated.
…delicately…
P.S I’m not going anywhere!
-Zeke
Never in a million years would I have ever had the courage to speak to a woman like this.
She was really bringing out the best in me, and that made me want her even more.
A few moments later, I had a new email.
Re: Sorry
Zeke,
Thanks for sticking by my side. You’re a good kid. If you were a little older, you’d be—perfect.
Anyway, see you tomorrow. We’ll have a lot of paperwork to sort through and new file folders to make.
P.S Never lose your shine, you’ll make someone very happy one day.
-Max
The more I read, the more I fell in love. What did she mean if I was older, I’d be perfect? Usually I’d brush something like that off, but I messaged her right back.
Max,
What did you mean by “if you were older, you’d be perfect?”
-Zeke
Several hours had passed and I figured I must have scared her off or maybe she had gotten sidetracked.
Until, I received another email after midnight.
Re: Sorry
Z,
Use your imagination.
-M
Re: Sorry
M,
I’ll be eighteen very soon...
-Z
Re: Sorry
Z,
Perfect…
-M
Chapter 15
Day 9
Zeke
I re-read those emails several times before I was awoken by my alarm blaring beside my head this morning.
After I took a quick shower, I admired myself in the mirror. I wasn’t as cut as Zach was, but I was still lean from using the weight set dad got me for Christmas.
It was pretty chilly outside, so I grabbed my gray button up sweater from the closest and launched my bag over my shoulder.
“Zeke honey, are you going to eat?” Mom yelled.
“No mom, I’ll grab a snack at school.”
I rushed out the door hoping to avoid Zach and Rachel on my way to school.
I made sure I wore a nice button up t-shirt and pressed my khaki’s. I wanted to look my best for Max today, although I wasn’t sure she’d even be here.
I went inside the old brick building and before I turned the dial on my locker, Rachel started yelling at me.
“Zeke, why are you ignoring my texts and calls? You’ve never been this distant and cold towards me before.”
“Rachel listen, you’re my best friend not my girlfriend. So quit with the yelling. I was busy okay? Can’t that be a good enough reason?”
“No, because I think you have a secret girlfriend you don’t want me to find out about.”
“So what if I do? That doesn’t give you the right to infiltrate every part of my life because I may be pursuing other avenues, Rachel. You’re supposed to be there for me when I need you, no matter who I’m dating.”
“Screw you, Zeke,” she said, pushing her way past me with tears in her eyes.
Usually I’d chase her down, but for some reason I couldn’t.
“What’s her deal?” John said.
John was Jacob’s younger brother. He was the complete opposite of him. Tall, thin, tattooed and he had very long dark hair.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“She seems jealous. Hope she doesn’t know about ‘you know who’.”
I glared at John, wanting to wring his neck for his comment. I was sure his brother blabbed because he wasn’t smart enough to figure that out on his own.
“Shut it, John.” I said walking past him.
“Wait, Zeke! Come on man, I have to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“There’s a party Friday night, at Saint Beck’s College. You should come out for a few drinks. Maybe it’ll help you loosen up and forget about your girl problems.”
“You know I’m not huge on parties.”
“That’s too bad. They’ll be tons of hot, drunk girls for the choosing.”
I didn’t want ‘tons of hot, drunk girls’, I wanted one hot girl.” But maybe a night out, a way to relieve this stress would do me some good.
***
Zach
I checked my voicemail this morning and coach gave me nothing but shit for bailing on practice yesterday. I couldn’t blame him, when I was out sick with the flu, I still showed up for practice last year. So he knew
my mind was elsewhere.
Amber and I hung out all night and it actually felt good. I made her laugh so hard at my corny jokes that she nearly peed herself. Which was good, it kept her mind of what happened with her sister, temporarily.
“Dude, you better be at practice tonight. Coach was so pissed that he sent us all home a half hour into practice last night,” said Chris.
“I know and I’ll be there tonight, keep your skirt on.”
“We all know you have a new girlfriend now, but don’t forget what we talked about.”
“Relax, I’ve got this all under control.”
“You better. Oh there’s a party Friday night at Saints, you should come.”
“I’m so there, thanks bro.”
***
Homeroom and first period flew by quickly today. Both teachers were out today, which was rare. Second period dragged ass and I zoned out until I heard the bell for lunch.
During lunch, it seemed like something was—off. When I entered the cafeteria, no one so much as even looked twice at me.
I grabbed my lunch and sat down at the table with my buddies. They were quiet, too.
“Okay, what’s going on?”
“People are talking, Zach. They think you’re gonna let the team down now that you have a new side piece,” said Craig.
“Seriously? I miss one fucking practice and now I’m the enemy? Screw this!” I said flipping over my lunch tray.
I’ll show them—assholes.
***
Zeke
I decided to skip lunch today and go for a walk on the outdoor track. Today was my Creative Writing class and I hoped Max would show up. I really wanted to see her, especially after our interesting email conversation last night.
As I made my second round, a familiar voice called out to me. “Zeke, why aren’t you at lunch?”
“Max? I mean Ms. Shep, what are you doing out here?”
“You first,” she said.
“I just have a lot of things on my mind. Feelings I need to suppress.”
“I see. Well I hope you get it all sorted out,” she said.
“I will.”
“Good, I’ll see you in class later.”
“I thought today was Language Arts?”
“It’ll be tomorrow instead.” I watched as she walked away. Part of me wanted to run after her and pull her into my arms and kiss her, but I couldn’t. It was—forbidden.
***
As soon as the ball rang for the end of my history class, I remained in my seat until everyone left. I knew I’d be face to face with Max again and I wanted to mentally prepare myself for it. I didn’t want to look like a love struck puppy.
“Mr. Cunningham, is everything okay?” asked Ms. Russell.
“Uh-yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, I’ll go now.”
I gathered my things, walked out the door, and finally headed to my Creative Writing class.
Max wasn’t in there yet, as usual. I sat down and pulled my notebook out and discovered the real note I wrote when Max gave us the assignment about forbidden love.
Dear Ms. Sheppard,
You have no idea who I am, but I know you. You are the most beautiful creature I have even seen in my life. I know that I could never actually be with you, because you’re my teacher. But I wanted you to know that I think I’m falling in love with you.
-ZC
I signed it as ZC because Zach and a few others had the same initials. So in the event I accidently turned this in, or if she ever saw it, I could cover my ass and pretend it wasn’t mine.
It did bring a smile to my face re-reading it, because I still felt the same. If anything, my feelings for her were stronger.
Max finally rushed into the class and looked—normal. No makeup, her hair was a bit wild and she wore a blouse with slacks on and no heels.
“Sorry I’m late; I had an emergency staff meeting. Anyway, today’s assignment will be fairly easy. Your assignment is about love and what it means to you. This will be due by the end of class.”
I looked over at my brother and for once, he actually looked interested in the assignment. Maybe this new girl would change him from an ass to someone less ass-like.
Love
By Zeke Cunningham
Love: To me it means a sacred, unspoken bond between your heart and another’s.
Sometimes the feeling is mutual, sometimes it’s forbidden.
Love is not something to give sparingly because it often leaves you feeling broken and alone.
Shattered. Betrayal. Lust. Three feelings that can also stem from love, three things I’d never make another feel.
***
Zach
Love is not my area of expertise, but to me, love is opening yourself up to something or someone new. Love is letting your guard down for a chance at happiness.
-Zach C.
***
Zeke
After our assignments were turned in, I stayed behind to talk to Max. I wanted to confess my true feelings to her, but my heart didn’t think it was the right time.
Before I could approach her, she told me to have a seat. “Zeke, I’m sorry for the emails I sent to you last night. I was highly intoxicated and vulnerable. I shouldn’t have let you see that side of me.”
“Max, stop. We all need someone; a friend, an ear. Yes, I’m your student and I get that, I really do. But that doesn’t stop the feelings I have for you and I know you have them, too.”
She looked at me but didn’t respond. So I politely excused myself and ran to the bathroom. The sudden urge to puke suddenly aroused.
Chapter 16
Day 10
Zeke
I never went back to see Max after I’d embarrassed myself in front of her yesterday. By her reaction, it confirmed that I was stepping way out of bounds. Thankfully, it was Friday and the party was tonight. I only had one goal—to get drunk.
***
Zach
Two words: Drunk. Sex. I’d never hung out with a girl this long without having sex with her. I invited Amber to come to the party tonight, but I wasn’t sure if she’d actually show. Either way, I was getting laid tonight.
“Z-man, you ready for tonight?” Chris asked.
“Of course.”
“Chad told me they’d have a few spots up for some ‘alone time’ with your girl.”
“Perfect.”
“Have you tapped that, yet?”
“No, but I will tonight, Chris.” I laughed.
I decided to skip the rest of my classes for the day, because I needed a haircut and a new outfit for tonight.
It sucked that I had to work so hard to get in Amber’s pants, but I know it will be worth it. On my way out the door, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.
Blondie: I see you’ve left the building. Guess I’ll see you later, tonight.
Jackpot…
***
Zeke
The more I thought about it, the better the idea of getting drunk tonight, sounded. Alcohol wouldn’t toy with my heart. Alcohol won’t silently judge me and make me feel stupid for opening my mouth.
Being in school today just wasn’t cutting it for me. I decided to skip the rest of my classes and head to the mall, then to get my hair cut. Even though I knew I’d most likely be alone tonight, I wanted to at least look my best.
After a quick stop at the mall, I went to Cal’s Classic Cuts.
“Hey, Cal,” I said as I walked through the glass door.
“Hey, wait a minute. Weren’t you just in here about an hour ago?”
“No.”
“Are you sure? Johnny, didn’t I just cut this kid’s hair?”
“Hell if I know, I haven’t had my glasses on,” he responded.
“Just kidding, have a seat, Zeke. Your brother was in here getting cleaned up for some party tonight. Are you going, too?”
“Actually, I am.”
I’d been coming here ever since I was a kid. Zach and I always had similar cuts and Cal always cut it
for us. Cal was a friend of our dad’s, and was a lot older now. Mid-sixties, gray hair surrounded the sides of his head, buzzed behind his ears and he was completely bald up top.
“Same cut as usual. Short on the sides and take an inch off the top.”
“You got it. So Zeke, do you have a girlfriend yet? Your brother was in here bragging about some blonde he had, so I figured you had someone, too.”
I hesitated answering him. Zach and I looked alike, but were two completely different individuals.
“Nope, no one for me.”
“Aw don’t be so down, son. I’m sure you’ll find someone and I bet she’ll be the total opposite of you.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Chapter 17
Zeke
I looked into the mirror to give myself a final once over before I headed to the party.
I put on a black turtle neck, blue jeans and my gray jacket. I had my jacket just in case I didn’t have a ride back later. It was supposed to be very chilly.
I told mom I was going to a friend’s house and walked out the door. Zach’s friend, Chris, was outside waiting for him and he came out right behind me
I walked down the street as quick as I could before they pulled up beside me. “Need a ride, bro?”
I looked at the old Toyota and laughed. Zach barely ever wanted to be seen with me, let alone let me ride anywhere with him. This had to be a joke.
“No thanks,” I declined.
“Zeke, get in the car. You can’t walk that far.”
I finally gave in and walked to the car. Before I could open the door, they sped off and then stopped.
I didn’t bother trying to chase after them and continued to walk.
“Get in, we were just messin’ around!” yelled Zach.
I ignored them until Zach hopped out of the car and ran in front of me. “Get in. I know you can’t stand me, but I can’t risk letting you get hurt.”
“Fine,” I huffed as I rolled my eyes at him.
***
Zach
I really wish Zeke would lighten the hell up. He’s always been such a stick in the mud.
After an hour drive, we finally arrived in front of Saints. There was a huge cross on a steeple in the middle of the lot, and there were people—everywhere.
My kind of party.
