Maddie woke up the next morning to hear Zack talking to someone, she couldn’t hear anyone replying, and it took her a few minutes to work out that he was on the phone.
“Look, just tell me what happened, she’s really upset and confused…
What do you mean can’t tell me, Matt what’s going on?!” There was a long pause; She could hear Zack was getting angry; it made her even sadder to think she was causing him so much trouble.
“Well you can’t just leave her like this, it’s not fair. I will find out what’s going on sooner or later so you better get your act together. Bye.” He slammed the phone down and let out an angry sigh. She then heard footsteps coming towards her door, so she shut her eyes and pretended to be asleep, so he wouldn’t know she’d heard the conversation. He knocked softly before waiting a few seconds and opening the door softly.
“Mads, you awake?” he asked. She opened her eyes again, before replying
“Yes, I am now.”
“Sorry, I woke you up!” he said as he came and sat on the end of the bed. “Do you want to do something today? You probably don’t want to be alone so we could go to the beach or something? Only if you want to you know I just thought it’d be nice…” She smiled.
“I’d love that.”
“Great! You get up and we’ll have breakfast.” He looked at the clock; it read 11:30. “Well, we’ll have brunch. It’s good to see you looking more cheerful.” They stared at each other for a few seconds until he got up and left her to get changed, he’d given her one of his shirts, as she hadn’t brought anything. Maddie was surprised, she felt really happy. After last night she didn’t think she’d be like this for a long time, but there was something about Zacky, he just made her feel safe. Every time she looked into those green eyes she forgot about everything else. Now she felt confused, ‘what about Matt? But Matt doesn’t like you’ she reminded herself; she should just let herself have fun with Zack.
She got changed and brushed her teeth, and then went into the kitchen. Zack had gotten out a box of cereal,
“Sorry about this, I wasn’t planning on having company.” He said bashfully.
“Haha, it’s ok. I love cereal more than normal food anyway. It’s perfect.” She smiled widely at him, he looked a little taken aback at first but soon smiled back, looking genuinely delighted at her response. They ate, chatting about random things, getting to know each other better. Maddie felt very at ease with him, she knew he would never hurt her. After they’d finished, he took their bowls to the sink, and they got their stuff ready to leave. They got in his car, and he pulled out of the driveway.
“So, the beach?” he asked,
“The beach is great” she replied. “It’s one of the first places I went when I moved here, the sea breeze will clear my head.”
“It’s my favourite place in the whole world. You don’t get beaches like it anywhere in the world but here.” He said. It only took them a few minutes to get there, he parked and came round to open the passenger door for her. She blushed; he was being so gentlemanly. He then took her hand and they walked onto the sand; she immediately took her shoes off, he looked at her, shrugged, and did the same. Maddie had been quiet for a few minutes when Zack asked her,
“Are you alright? You seem a bit down again.”
“I was just thinking; the night after I met Matt I saw him here, he tried to teach me how to surf.” She smiled wryly. “That was the first time we kissed.” Before she knew what was happening he had pulled her into a hug.
“I’m sorry Maddie, I knew he meant a lot to you.” She inhaled into his shoulder, he smelled really good and that put her at ease a bit.
“No, I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to look after me, I must be such a burden.” He laughed,
“Not at all, I love spending time with you!”
“You’re not just lying to make me feel better?” she said,
“Of course not stupid.” He said, laughing again.
“Thanks Zacky, really. You’re too good to me.”
“Anytime babe.” He said grinning.
“I’m going to get a drink, do you want one?” she asked. He shook his head. She went to get a bottle of water, on her way back she saw Zack talking to a guy in a wetsuit, holding a surfboard. For one moment she thought it was Matt, her heart started beating fast and she felt like she was going to vomit, but, as she got closer she saw the black hair and recognized it as Brian. She calmed down and started walking faster, wanting to say hi. As she got closer she could pick up on a bit of their conversation. She heard the words ‘Matt’ and ‘Michelle’ mentioned a few times, which made her nervous. Brian suddenly looked and saw her standing there, he smiled, but it looked sad somehow.
“Hey Maddie, how are you?” he asked pityingly. He had clearly heard about her and Matt.
“I’m not too bad thanks.” She replied. Brian then made his excuses and left hastily, saying goodbye to them both. Zack looked confused, angry and sad at the same time. “What’s wrong Zack?” she asked, concerned.
“Um nothing. Honestly.” He replied. “I’m not feeling well, do you mind if I go home?” he asked sheepishly.
“Of course not, I can walk from here. Are you sure you’re ok? When can I see you next?”
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll come to yours in the afternoon if you want.”
“That’ll be good, hope you feel better.”
“Bye.” He said shortly before walking to his car quickly. Maddie thought it was odd, his reaction, but he did look pale so he could’ve been ill. She just couldn’t shake the mention of Matt and Michelle, and the sad look in Brian’s eyes. Had something happened between them? Is that why Matt had left her? For Michelle? Now she felt really confused. As she walked back to her apartment she couldn’t get this out of her head. She would have to call Val, and have some girl time.

Notes

Super speedy new chapter, I spent all my frees today writing it.

It's twice as long as the last one @mrsmshadz that was for you ;)

Thank you to my commenters and favourite people
@mrsmshadz
@DaniVengeance
@TheGoon
And to my 12 subscribers! means a lot.