Seize the Day

19. Zacky
You’re the Closest to Heaven That I’ll Ever Be


It took us about an hour to find something better than a stingy diner, we pulled into a cracker barrel then I helped her out of the car and walked hand in hand inside. I sat across from her, they gave us the last booth by the wall, it wasn’t busy but it wasn’t dead either. We both got coffee and looked at our menus. I had chosen a normal breakfast – bacon, eggs, toast and potatoes; Bailey had chosen french toast, cheesy eggs and sausage. She was embarrassed when her meal came out and looked like a lot more than she realized she had ordered.
We got to know each other while we ate even though over these past few weeks I’ve gotta tell you it’s like I already had known her my entire life. Being with her was natural, like she’s always been with me.

“Shit, it’s my mom. Excuse me.” I said pointing to my phone she waved me off and continued to eat. I sipped my coffee as I spoke to my mom, she hadn’t been feeling good all week but was actually getting her energy back now.

“Okay, I have to go.” I said. “Love you mom. I’ll see you soon, I’m on my way back to California.” Bailey’s eyes met mine. “Yeah, I’m okay. It went well. I have to go, I’m being rude mom. Yes, I’ll wear my seatbelt…. Yes mom. Yes mom. Okay. Bye.”

“She know you had to come get me?” Bailey asked.

“Yeah, she knows about you.” I nodded chuckling at her look of shock, I reached over the table and grabbed her hand. “I told you, fuck them.”

“What does she think?” She asked shoving a slice of french toast onto my plate.

“She thinks you’re beautiful, but who wouldn’t?” I smiled taking a bite of the french toast, I
had my eye on a sausage and decided to foxily sneak my fork over to steal one.

“Do you guys need anything?” The waitress asked giving us our bill, filling our coffees again.

“No, thank you.” I smiled. I got my money out of my wallet, telling her to keep the change. Her smile got bigger and she walked away happily.

“Oh my god.” I heard someone gasp from behind us. I ignored it, I didn’t really care what could possibly be unfolding behind us. God himself could be behind us and my eyes would’ve never left Bailey.

“Zack… that girl is pointing at you.” Bailey said moving her hand from mine. I frowned and turned slightly to see two women now standing right beside me almost holding each other.
Fan girls.

“I’m sorry. We don’t mean to intrude on your breakfast with your girlfriend… I just.. we just saw your band on headbanger’s ball…”The one stuttered, she was so nervous it was cute.
Good kids.

“Did you? That’s awesome!” I smiled. “It’s okay, we were finishing up. We’re on our way back to California now.”

“You’re so beautiful.” The other girl said to Bailey. “You’re so lucky.”
Bailey’s face was bright red now, I held her hand again and gave her a reassuring smile.
Fans were our family, they weren’t weird. They weren’t awkward. Sure, they stutter and say weird things but wouldn’t you if you met your idol? Of course you would. I owe everything in the world to them because if it wasn’t for the fans I would just be Zacky Baker – all these good looks gone to no use.

“Here, I’ll give you both an autograph… then my girlfriend and I have to get going. Okay? Thank you guys for listening, I really appreciate it. You guys are so awesome.” I said signing a few things they had handed me, I gave them each a hug and a picture before bailey grabbed my arm and we walked outside to my car.

“You’re so nice to them, don’t you miss your privacy?” Bailey asked, to which I replied with a shrug.

“I mean there are some that go overboard… but I mean, it’s harmless. They’re just in love with the music.” I said starting my car. “Wait, I forgot something.” I leaned over the center console and kissed her then brushed the hair that had fallen into her face away, smiling at her before sitting back in my seat.

“I could get used to that.” She laughed. “Now, let’s find some good music – I’m about sick of being in this car Zack. Sorry.”

“It’s okay, me too. My back hurts.” I laughed as she put on some Metallica.

“You know, it’s gonna be all over the internet now – I’m sure they got a picture of you… it’s gonna be allllll over.”

“What is?” She asked looking at me, her big blue eyes full of wonder. She was absolutely beautiful, it’s just a shame she didn’t realize it.

“You’re gonna be known as Bailey Doe, my girlfriend.”

“Oh.” She nodded.

“You’re not mad, are you?”

“No.” She said instantly. “Just weird is all… you’re a celebrity and that never really occurred to me… you’re just Zack to me.” She laughed. “I mean, you’ve been internet-less while you were at my house… you’re normal to me.”

“I’m a real boy!” I said putting my hands in the air excitedly, she laughed and punched my arm. “I’m just glad I didn’t have to load hay or anything, that would’ve been awful.”

“Oh, never the first time you come to visit… but next time – you’re free game.” She said honestly. “Pa will put you to work.”

“Gotta learn anyways, if I have to learn to ride with you – I’m gonna have to learn it all.” I nodded. “Maybe one day I’ll own my own farm. Vengeance Stables. No… Vengeance Homestead… no.. Zacky’s … no… Give me a while I’ll think of something.”
She couldn’t stop laughing, grabbing my hand again. I didn’t wanna go to california, I wanted to stay in this car – at that old hotel… I wanted this time we had to be forever – uninterrupted.

“So is that what I am then, your girlfriend?” She asked a while later.

“I don’t know, are you?” I asked chewing on my sunglasses.

“Nah.” She smiled.

“What?!”

“Maybe when you ask me correctly, then and only then.” She smiled deviously.

“Can I still kiss you and hold you?” I said kissing her hand.

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

I waited about 10 minutes before turning over to look at her, we were both singing a duet song by evanescence. I was surprised how good she was at singing but she immediately got selfconscious and stopped.

“Don’t stop, you’re beautiful.” I said continuing the song. “Hey, how about now? Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Nope.” She smiled.

I sighed, but smiled. I haven’t been this happy in a long time, it was weird but amazing.

If you would ask me what my perfect girl would be, I would’ve never described someone like Bailey until I met her. I mean, she’s wearing cowboy boots and shorts…

God must’ve shook his head when he made her, but Boy… I bet he smiled.

Notes