Unconditional

Chapter 15

Joey

I looked over at Zhaen. She obviously wasn't feeling very well, mentally. I saw her smile disappear when we got to the music room. It was my mistake for even taking her there. We had so many memories in that room with Caleb. We have so many memories everywhere. But the music room was special, it was the only place we could get her to sing. She doesn't sing anywhere else. Not even at home.

I sigh and ruffle my hair, "I am such an idiot. Damn it." I whispered and Xios looked over at me. He tapped my shoulder and I looked up at him, "What's up man?"

"Are you ok?" He said. He looked worried but I just sighed and pointed to Zhaen.

"She's sleeping over there probably thinking about Caleb. They were like really good fucking friends. They have known each other since middle school man, they are inseparable and here we are. Separating them. I fucked up when I took her to the music room. I shouldn't have done that and now she's more hurt."

"Hm? But she said she was fine earlier. Are you sure?" Xios said. He is an idiot. Clearly when a girl says she's ok after she puts on a forced smile? She isn't ok.

"Yeah, I mean, it's not like I've known her ever since she was 15 or anything." I said as I rolled my eyes, "Sorry man, let's just get through class ok?" I said as I put my head down. I am such an ass hole. Sorry Zhaen. I just want what's best for you.

"Zhaen! Wait for me!" I yelled as I ran up to her. I smiled and couldn't wait to talk to her. The school's Halloween Dance is coming up and I wanted to ask her. I have liked her since I've known her but she has been through a lot so I don't bother talking to her about it.

"Joey?? Hey! I thought you went home already." She giggled as she moved her hair behind her ear. Her beautiful long, brown hair. The way it blows in the wind. And the way it twirls in her fingers when she plays with it. It's amazing. Her dark blue eyes that go with everything. God she can strike a man down with one glance. I love her so much. 

"Joey? Are you ok? Do you have a fever because your face is red!!" Zhaen said and she sounded worried. God, even her voice is enticing. 

"I-I'm fine. Zhaen, actually, I wanted to ask you a question." I said and she looked at me with a smile.

"Y-Yeah?" She said as she stepped a little closer to me.

"W-Well, I was wondering if y-you would...uhm..."

"Yo! Joey! Zhaen! What's up!" I heard someone yell from behind us. I saw Zhaen was still looking at me, but I looked past her and saw Caleb. He ran up to us and smiled at me. He then tapped Zhaen's shoulder, "Hey, it's so not cool to ignore me." He said.

"Sorry, Joey was just about to ask me something." She said as she looked back to me, "What did you wanna ask JoJo?" She said. She calls me JoJo and it's my most favorite name in the world. But I only let her call me that. If anyone else calls me that, then I won't respond.

"N-Nothing. So, what's up Caleb?" I said and Zhaen looked away. A little saddened.

"Oh...ok..." She said as she stepped back and put her hands behind her back. Standing there and looking hurt. Who the hell hurt her!?

"Soooo?" Caleb started, "Are you going to the Halloween dance?" 

Zhaen shook her head and I didn't realize it, but she was sitting there quietly crying to herself. She dropped to the ground and cried in her hands.

"Woah! Zhaen!" I said as I knelt besides her. Caleb doing the same.

"Hey, girlie, why are you crying?!" Caleb said and Zhaen lifted her head. She still tried to smile it through.

"I-I wanted to go...but I wanted my crush to ask me..." She cried as she put her head back down. So she liked someone, no wonder she's upset. I'm upset that I didn't ask. But would she have turned me down?

"Why don't you ask him than?" Caleb said and she just shook her head, "No, he is always with someone else. I am too embarrassed to ask him. He would turn me down anyways. There's nothing he could possibly like about me anyways."

"Th-That can't be true! You're so bea-" I started but stopped. I looked at her and see she was looking at me. 

"I-I'm what? JoJo?" She said.

"You're just so nice. So calm and collective. Ya know?" I said as I rubbed the back of my neck nervous.

"Heh. Nice. Is that the only reason for someone to like me...because I'm nice....calm...."

"Zhaen." I said. I think I just hurt her more. Shit. I am so not good at this.

"Well," Caleb said as he got up, "How about you go to the dance with me than. I don't see why your crush wouldn't like you. You are so beautiful. Your beautiful chocolate brown hair reflects the sun when it shines. Your dark blue eyes that match the ocean on a bright and sunny day. They can pierce anyone's soul and still see the beauty." Caleb said as he offered his hand to her.

"What do you say? Zhaen McCallister, will you be my date to the Halloween Dance?" 

There was silence as Zhaen took his hand and he pulled her up into a hug. He smiled and hugged her tightly, "Don't worry about what other people think Zhaen, I will always be here for you. I will be here to take you to the movies when you are sad. Here to escort you to dances when no one else will. I vow to make sure you are always happy, when no one else will. Ok?"

Zhaen nodded as she sobbed into his shoulder and gripped his T-Shirt. On that day, I lost my chance to make her my own. I never knew, that I was the reason she was hurting so bad. I had never seen her as hurt before that day. I should've done something. As her best friend at the time, it was my responsibility and I was too embarrassed and nervous to do anything.

I am so sorry Zhaen.