Chapter Seven

Emily followed Zach as weaved his way through the science center. She could see into the classrooms as each door was a glassed entryway, most were filled with students which made her stomach spin even more. Instead of focusing on the attention she would get arriving at her first class as the new student, Em concentrated on the guy walking two steps ahead of her.

What did I do to this guy that would make him act this way? We don't even know each other. 

He is either stuck-up, shy, or not freakin' interested in talking to me. 

Good thing he's taking me to this class because the science department is a maze of classrooms, labs, and teacher's offices. 

At the end of one of the halls, Zach stopped and opened the door for her to enter.

Emily noted the classroom was quiet when they entered. Everyone turned to watch them, well, mainly her. There were only about fifteen other kids, but it felt like hundreds when all eyes were on you.

The teacher glanced up from his desk, which was situated in front of the room. He was an older man, slightly balding with thinning gray hair. He had on a blue plaid shirt and an anxious expression, similar to how Emily felt.

"Hey, Mr. Warner," Zach called out the teacher.

Wow, he does know how to speak after all! Emily was surprised when she heard Zach politely address their teacher.

"This is Emily. She's new this year." Zach pointed to her by his side. "I was showing her where the classroom was; that's why we're a little late." Zach sat down, leaving Emily in the front alone.

"Ah, Ms. Emily. Welcome to West Lakes and honors microbiology," Mr. Warner addressed her in a faint English accent. "Grab a seat anywhere and we'll all get started."

Emily glanced around the room, pinpointing where Zach was located. Of course, there wasn't an empty seat beside him, how convenient. She walked over to the next aisle beside Zach's and sat next to a girl with long blonde hair.

"Hi, I'm Paige," the girl whispered over to Emily as she got situated in her seat. "Let me know if I can help out. I went to West Lakes all my life, so I basically know everyone and everything about this school."

Emily smiled back at her. "Thanks, I will." It was nice to see some people who wanted to help and not feel obligated like Zach did.

Mr. Warner rambled for about half-hour regarding what the class would be doing and what he expected from the labs. Emily only listened for about the first five minutes. She was too preoccupied watching the other students. Okay, Zach in particular, wondering what was going on in that head. She felt a tap on her arm. It was Paige.

"Mr. Warner said we could ask questions or quietly talk."

'Wow! I must have zoned out. I don't remember anything he said.'

"So, have you known Zach very long?" Paige positioned herself in the seat so her concentration was on Emily.

"Uh, no, not really. We sort of were in the office at the same time this morning." Emily was wondering if Paige had something going on with Zach or maybe wanted to.

"I was lost on my way here, and two girls, Madison and Alex, stopped to help me. They knew Zach had this class, so he showed me where it was."

Like okay, end of the story. No great love story is going on here.

Paige still didn't appear satisfied but let it drop. "Madison Bennet and Alexandra Klaus have been good friends with Zach since he started here back in middle school.

Those four have been inseparable since. Have you met Danny Hernandez yet?"

Emily tried to think who that might be. "Is he the other boy that hangs around them? The tall, dark one?"

"Yeah, kinda weird. Most of the guys that hang around them are extremely gorgeous. Don't ya think?" Paige had a dreamy expression on her face.

"Yeah, I guess so. Um, are they all like together?" Emily tried to emphasize together without showing any interest.

"Nope, not really. Just all good friends from what I know." Paige looked like she was sure of herself.

"Not to sound as if I know him or anything, but does Zach always act so, um...rude?" Emily tried to find out if he was usually like that or if it was just her.

Paige's mouth hung open as her eyes bugged out of their sockets. "No, not at all. Why would you ask that?"

Play it cool, Em.

"I don't know. He was a little stand-offish."

He couldn't even say hello in the office or speak one word walking here. Sounds full of himself to me. 

"Zach is like one of only a few boys in this school who isn't like that," Paige sounded a little on the defensive. "Now, his brother Jacob is the complete opposite."

"Jacob?" Emily questioned. She knew who he was but felt a need to find out more about these two.

Paige gave her a half-smile. "Oh, you would know Jacob if you met or saw him. I think everyone that is anyone has gone out with him at least once." She sounded a little infatuated as she tried to describe him. "He sort of looks like Zach." She scrunched up her nose as if in deep thought of trying to find the right words. "But, he's more of an animal. Yeah, that would describe him. He's athletic, funny, gorgeous, and has a perfect body. He has blond hair, well, sort of, and these deep intense gray eyes. His face is one you can’t take your eyes off." Paige looked smitten, and her voice trailed off as she spoke of Jacob.

Okay. Obsessing much. 

"Have you gone out with him?" Emily asked curiously.

Paige gaped at her like it was rude of her to ask. Like, didn't Emily know who she was? "We went out once. Like I said, Jacob doesn't like more than one date with anyone." She spoke as though she was trying to convince herself of something. "I don't think he's ever been serious about any girl." She sounded as though she was questioning his motives.

"Have you ever gone out with Zach, if you don't mind me prying?" Emily hoped she wasn't digging up any old relationship feelings. She didn't know why she was so curious about this guy, who made it so apparent that he didn't think twice about her.

Paige's appearance was solemn. She slowly shook her head. "Zach and I never officially went out. He doesn't date anyone. He sort of hangs out with a group, like Danny, Alex, and Madison." She made a sneered expression when she said the girls' names, maybe a hint of jealousy. Paige recovered relatively quickly and gave Emily a fake smile. "Jacob and Zach are complete opposites, especially when it comes to girls. Zach doesn't want any, and Jacob wants them all." Paige had a confused and unhappy look as they both turned to checkout Zach.

Emily saw he was staring straight ahead.

What was he thinking, and why wasn't he talking to anyone?

I'll have to talk to Alex and Madison later. Maybe they can give me better insight into the mysterious Zach.

She tried to push Zach out of her mind and focus on something besides the guy seated in the next row.