Finding You

chapter 22

I could tell that he was trying not to get mad or show it. But his flashing eyes gave it away. His beautiful golden eyes show when his emotions get too much. I find the wolf within him enticing.

Somehow, I could feel an emotion. One that came from. Not of his anger, but his hurt and feeling of betrayal. And his last sentence, "I guess I can't trust you," was what changed my mind.

I walk into the room, my decision made. "Sorry, about that. It was nothing."

Savannah raises her brows. "Nothing? Is he abusing you? Did he hurt you? I'll stay by your side if that's happening. I won't-"

"No! He's not, he would never do that," I cut in, knowing he can hear everything that she says.

"Then tell me what's got you worked up," she says earnestly. She truly is worried. I can't have her worry about anything concerning Zay.

"It's really fine Sav. Don't worry about it."

"Amber, c'mon. I'm your best friend. We don't keep secrets."

I find it hard to keep the wall up, but I fight to stay strong. "I'll tell you if the time is right, but right now it's not. It's just some hard things right now but I'm working through them. Please don't hate me. Or Zay."

She responds to this statement by pushing me off of her bed playfully. Not expecting it, I fall hard. I rub my elbows in pain. "Ow?"

"I'll never hate you Amber," she calls from on the bed. "Zay on the other hand...Well, possibly. I'll wait Amber. If it's really that important I know you'll tell me. But if it is bothering you, you should talk to someone about it."

I stand and hug her gratefully. "Wait, I thought you liked Zay?"

"Eh, he's hot as fuck. But I feel like the moment you two noticed each other you've been inseparable. You've spent more time with him the past few days then we normally do during the week."

I think about it. In a way it's true but it's not like I forgot about her. "I'm here now, aren't I?"

She laughs. "Yeah, he is too. Lets go do the tv part of our homework."

After searching for any more emotional or physical bruises, Savannah leads the way out of her room.

Zay is still in the hall. I hope he listened and knows I didn't squeak. I give a small smile and he looks at me. Just looks. I can't tell what he's thinking.

My discerning is cut off by my best friend. Savannah sees Zay and obviously is mad. She grabs him by the front of his shirt, taking him by surprise.

"You, are an ass. You're getting really close to being a dick along with Austin. For whatever reason she won't tell me what's going on, but trust me, I'll find out."

I silently laugh. I'm sure she will. She passes him and together we walk into her living room. I take my place in the middle of her couch. It's made of the softest material, but neither Savannah or I know what it's called. Zay and Savannah sit on either side of me.

The tv remote is wedged in between the couch cushions, where we last hid it. Savannah grabs it now from its hiding place. Her little brother Connor always takes it, and it ends up in odd places like the fridge or in their car.

"So, you gonna watch a show?" Zay asks as she presses the power button on the remote.

"No, I'm turning on the tv to watch the commercials." She acting extra sarcastic towards him but I don't really feel like dealing with it.

He scratches the back of his neck. "Um.."

"No shit I'm gonna watch a show."

He glances at her and then me. "I think I have some stuff I need to do. I'll see you guys around."

I guess he doesn't feel like dealing with it either. He gets up and regards me for a moment. I can't figure out what's on his mind. "Do you have my number?" he asks.

I pull out my phone to check. "No, I don't."

He takes it and adds his number to my contacts. "I'll text you," he promises.

"Ok, don't wanna keep you from the stuff you need to do," Savannah breaks in.

She ushers him outside, and he's gone. The room feels oddly cold when he leaves. It's unnerving how uncomfortable my body feels now.

"I actually like him. He lasted 0.9 seconds longer than the last guy I tried to irritate away," she states over the buzz of the tv.

"Next time, please be nice."

"Best friends do what best friends do. We keep it lively for each other." She sticks her tongue out at me. I do it back, but internally I agree.