This Love, This Game

I sighed and leaned back into my chair. With trembling fingers, I ran my hand through my hair, nails digging into my scalp. What time was it? A quick glance at the clock revealed that it was quarter to five. I mentally cussed. What the hell happened? I swear it was two a second ago. Screaming internally, I sat up abruptly, back pushing off the seat and buried my head in my hands using my elbows as supports. I closed my eyes, thinking about what awaited me at home. I didn’t want to go home, not now anyway. It was too early.

“Sweetie, we’re closing,” a voice interrupted my reverie. I glanced up at the unwelcomed intruder – the school librarian.

“Alright thank you,” I forced a smile.

She nodded, her greying hair bouncing slightly. With a smile, she walked off disappearing into the countless shelves loaded with books. I sighed and started gathering up my books and notes. So much for avoiding home. I stood up and stretched, back clicking in the process. It was then that I noticed that I was the only one left in the library.

With a lame tug, I slung my backpack onto my shoulder and groaned under its weight. Stupid thing was heavy. Glancing one last time around the deserted library, I slowly made my way to the door - wishing I could stay here longer. Maybe I could stop by Haven’s? I shook that idea away. No, her parents were home for once. I had no choice but to go home.

Reluctantly, I pushed open the library door and walked into the empty corridor. Dying sunlight seeped in from the windows, clashing with the fluorescent, artificial lighting. This place was eerie without the hustle and bustle of students. Slightly creeped out, I hurried along, wanting nothing but to get out of here but at the same tie wishing I could stay.

I had made it halfway to the door when I was knocked over backwards, falling onto my ass. I sat there on the floor, wind knocked out of me, for who knows how long, wondering how on earth I had ended up here. A dull ache had spread across my left butt cheek. Great, a bruise.

“Oh fuck!”

Upon hearing the voice, I glanced up and gasped. He was standing before me. My green-eyed angel from two weeks ago. What was he doing here! It finally dawned on me that he was the one that had knocked me over.

“Amelia?”

Zack extended his left hand and I gratefully accepted it. As soon as our skin touched, a jolt of electricity surged between us. I didn’t have enough time to contemplate it as Zack forcefully tugged me to my feet with such force that my body collided with his. He steadied us, holding me in his arm, our bodies closely pressed together. His grip was firm and heat emanated from his body, sending shivers down my spine. His scent, an intoxicating mixture of cigarette smoke, leather and was that chocolate, overwhelmed my senses. I inhaled deeply, wanting to savour his scent.

Zack shifted. I glanced up at him and bit my lip, forgetting how close we were. He was looking down at me with those intense green-eyes, a smirk evident on his face. His lips were mere inches from mine, all I had to do was reach up and close the gap. I suddenly felt hot, really hot, as an unknown feeling washed over me. My body tingled and blood pounded in my ears. I had the sudden desire to close the distance, to kiss him. I desperately wanted to know what he tasted like. I wanted him to kiss me, to push me up against the lockers, to have his body pressed up against mine – just like in those movie scenes. I swallowed. All I had to do was close the gap.

“Amelia?” Zack’s hand had slid down my back and was now dangerously close to my ass.

“Um, thank you,” I squeaked, cheeks on fire as I hastily stumbled out of his embrace.

“No problem babe,” he chuckled and winked. My stomach knotted and that desire to kiss him surged to life once more.

“I, uh, um,” I stuttered, unable to look away from him. “I need to go.”

I scurried off, afraid that I would give in to my desires, but didn’t get far. Zack stopped me, grabbing my bare arm. Once again, I felt that jolt of electricity. Did he feel it too? No! It must just be me. I stiffened. I didn’t want to turn around, I didn’t want to get lost in those piercing green eyes. I knew I wouldn’t be able to control myself.

“Why the hurry?”

I had no choice but to turn around and face him.

“I, uh…”

He laughed, amusement lighting up his eyes. “Oh babe, come on I’ll take you home.”

I nodded, not trusting my voice. He fucking called me babe! I stood there, glued to my spot not trusting my legs to support me. He called me babe! I screamed internally. I wanted to dance, to cry, to laugh! He fucking called me babe!

Zack nudged my arm lightly and I snapped out of my thoughts, once again blushing. He raised an eyebrow, and motioned for me to follow him. With unsteady steps, I followed – lost in thoughts.

“I didn’t know you had a car,” I uttered five minutes later as we neared a modest-looking Ford Fiesta. I stopped in front of the passenger door, waiting for him to unlock it while admiring the bright blue of the car. Zack shook his head laughing and unlocked it, choosing to ignore my statement.

“Your chariot awaits princess,” Zack bowed, a smirk plastered on his face as he held open the passenger door.

“T-thank you,” I blushed and climbed in. I grimaced at the state of his car: empty beer bottles were scattered along the floor and back seat. Jackets and wires were strewn about, mingling with the bottles, and unknown wrappers and other assortments. Cigarette buds had clogged one of the cup holders, leaving a stale stench. Disgusted, I kept my hands folded on my lap. I did not want to touch anything in this car. Who knew what kind of diseases were lurking in here.

Oblivious to my disgust, Zack climbed in and started the car, well not before he lit a cigarette. I watched as his lips curled over the cigarette, the metal rings lightly tapping against it. A small smile crept over his lips as he inhaled and then exhaled, blowing a cloud of smoke into the car. I was fascinated. Truthfully I have never smoked, never had a drink but watching Zack – seeing him smile so blissfully - had me wanting to try.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.”

Zack reversed his car and sped out the parking lot, tyres squealing as he basically drifted around the corner. Fear clenched my heart. I was beginning to regret this.

“So, what were you doing there so late?” he asked two minutes later, turning to face me, taking his eyes off the road for far too long.

“Um, avoiding home,” I replied nervously. Why was I telling him this? He raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Instead, he chose to accelerate, the engine churning and whining as he refused to change gears. Yep, I was most definitely regretting this. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palm. Silently, I prayed for him to slow down. Oh, God, why didn’t I strap myself in.

“What about you?” I asked after a couple of seconds of awkward silence and silent praying. My voice trembling slightly.

“Detention,” He muttered, scowling; his foot pressing the accelerator pedal further in.

“For what?” My eyebrows shot up. By now my legs were firmly pressed against the floor, rigid. If he were to break abruptly, I was sure to break my legs.

“Mr. Larson caught me smoking in the bathroom.” He shrugged as if this wasn’t the first time this happened. It probably wasn’t.

“Oh. That sucks,” I said rather lamely. Sighing with relief when he finally changed gears.

The car was plunged once more into awkward silence. Zack’s eyes returned to the road. I cussed mentally. Why did I have to make things so awkward? Perfect Amelia strikes again.

“So, why are you avoiding home?”

I jumped a little, not expecting him to talk, let alone as that. “My mother.”

“Oh,” he was quiet for a moment. “You know, you could always swing by my house. The ‘rents are barely home anyway.”

I gawked at him. Was he fucking serious? He turned those intense eyes on me as a mean to show that he was serious. Fuck. My inner fangirl surged to life.

“Y-yeah, that’d be great.” I avoided his gaze, choosing to look down at my hands instead. Had they always been this white?

Just then Zack’s phone let out a shrill ring. Taking a hand off the steering wheel, he fished the phone out and answered it. He didn’t bother slowing down.

“The fuck you want?” I wasn’t sure if he was annoyed or if that is how he usually answered the phone.

Silence.

“Nothing, why?”

Pause. He shot me a quick look.

“Sure. See you soon.”

He hung up and threw his phone onto the dashboard. By now, we were almost to my house. Zack stopped at a stop sign but instead of turning left, like one needs to, to get to my house, he turned right. Was he lost? Then again, he had only been to my house that one time.

“You do know my house is the other way, right?”

“No shit, but we’re not going there.”

I tensed. I thought he was taking me home. Panic quickly rose. My chest began to tighten and my breathing slowly became erratic. I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to this! I knew it!
Zack must’ve seen the shock on my face for he quickly added, “We’re going out.”

“Huh?” Way to sound smart Amelia. Zack paid no attention to my bright remark. Instead he continued driving, turning right at the next stop street.

“That was a friend of mine. He wants to go out and since you’re trying to avoid home, you might as well join,” he offered as an explanation.

I was dumbfounded. Why was he being so nice? Not that I minded but I barely knew him. A tiny voice in the back of my head told me this was a bad idea and deep down I knew it was. But I was never one to listen to my instincts, so why start now? Besides, it meant that I could avoid my mother and my sister for a couple more hours.

“Okay.” My reply came out softer than I meant it to.

Zack raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. What had I just agreed to? I gulped. I was going to regret this.

Notes

A'ight here you go. A little filler before some drama.

C.H. Sullivan

Title Cred: Hollywood Undead - Levitate