sweet caroline

CHAPTER FIVE.

—PRESENT

jack doesn't know how he found out,
but he knew zach worked at a local
diner. he didn't question his knowledge
and simply walked into debbies dinner,
taking a seat by the window.

" hey, i'm zach. what can i get you to
dri- ."

zach started his sentence, scribbling
something into his notepad and then
finally taking a look at the customer.

curly hair and light brown eyes,
jack avery.

" baby boy just can't get enough of
me, can he? "

zach chuckled, although jack nodded
innocently. closing the menu in front
of him.

" i guess not. i just wanted to find a
quiet place to do my homework. "

zach smiled to the boy, knowing this
was just an excuse. he knew jack
wanted to see him.

" so, what can i get you? "

" just a coffee, please ."

the waiter nodded and dashed off to
the back, getting his order and bring
the hot mug to him.

jack stayed at the diner until closing
time, and he noticed a lot within that
time period. a big thing seemed to be
how zach acted. he acted differently
while at work. he would always smile
and laugh when he was around his co-
workers. rather than simply grunt and
stare around like he hated everything
around him, as he did in school.

it made jacks heart warm, really. seeing
the cold boy in a new light.

"  alright jack, we're closed. "

the curly haired brunet nodded as he
put his notebooks and worksheets back
into his bag, slinging the backpack over
his shoulder and getting up from the
booth.

" you seem so happy when you work ."

jack smiled when zach held the door
open for him. it was the little things
that made jack's heart race. zach had
the boy wrapped around his finger, and
that was quite obvious.

" i can't be mean to the customers or
else i'll get fired ."

" it's still nice to see you happy ."

the naïve boy smiled, thinking about
the happy smile that once was
plastered on zachs face.

the two walked until they were
standing by zachs motorcycle, both
having their cold hands shoved in
their pockets.

" do you wanna come to my friends party
in a few days ?"

step one: keep him close. earn his trust.

" sure !"

oh how naïve the boy was. sounding so
happy to go to a party that would end him.
he thought that going with zach would
mean protection. but really it meant so,
so much more.

zach looked around the parking lot,
noticing no other cars but his own and
no cars driving on the street.

" how are you getting home ?"

jack shrugged, having a small smile on
his face.

" i'm just gonna walk. my house isn't that
far ."

but zach shook it head. it was only six
but it was almost pitch black. who knows
what may lerk in the shadows of the night.

and if anyone were to kill the boy,
it could only be zach.