Unconditionally by Katy Perry 🔝

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♔Zac's P.O.V♔

IT WAS another new day as I sauntered through the gates of Hartford High. A huge smile was plastered on my face, yet my insides screamed the complete opposite. Truth be told I was not alright. Heck, I hadn't had enough sleep after what happened at Lindsey's house.

I still couldn't believe that she didn't want anything to do with me. It almost felt like a dream when she had said those words to me. I could still remember, her indifferent eyes pushing me away from her all at once.

After having said all those words, I wanted to give up on her. I wanted to give up on us. But deep down, something was nagging me, telling me that perhaps I could try one more time. It was telling me that perhaps I still had the chance to win her back the right way.

But I was scared shitless. What if I failed again? Then what? Would it mean that I wouldn't have a chance with Lindsey? That my last chance would really be my last chance? Maybe I was overthinking this too much, or maybe this would be my reality after the stunt I was willing to pull just for her.

Good thing, no one recognised me as I walked, or everyone would go bonkers or would ask me if I've gone bonkers. Either way I was not doing this for the attention or for others, I was doing this for her. The girl of my dreams.

I dropped my bag off in an empty class and headed to the place I needed to position myself. I began to act natural, doing what I did and constantly checking over my shoudler to see if she would arrive. I wonder what was keeping her?

After a while, a few students began pointing fingers, some even saying snide remarks. Only then had I realised that she had arrived and the students' welcoming was not as pleasant as I thought it would be.

I continued to play my role, until I could feel her presence behind me. It took me all my strength not to turn around and just embrace her, keep her safe from the hurt the world constantly threw at her. I continued playing my role, and decided to spice things up that might catch her attention. After tons of mess, I finally got her attention.

"Hey. You do know that headphones are not allowed on the job, right?"

Yeah, I knew that rule quite well, but I just wanted to annoy her.

To make her more annoyed, I add more water and continue to mop the same spot. I will probably clean this up after.

"Excuse me. Will you at least look at me?"

I don't respond. Instead I wait for her to do what I wanted to. And she does. I feel her fragile hold on my arm as she turns me so that we faced each other. At first she seems confused, until her mops drops to the floor, as her hands fly to her mouth. I thought she would be surprised, but I'd never thought that she would be this surprised.

I couldn't stop the smile from taking over my lips after seeing her. God, how I missed seeing her other emotions, rather than her sadness and hurt.

"Zac, what are you---" I gently silent her by placing my index finger on her parted lips. She freezes up from the contact, but soon relaxes when I remove my finger.

I closed the distance between us and gently interlaced my hands in her. It fit perfectly. Like we were two puzzles that were meant to be pieced together. I looked down at her as she stared back up at me.

"Zac, what are you doing? Everyone else is watching," she whispered, which only made me bring our interlaced fingers to my lips as I placed a steady kiss on her hand.

"I don't care about anyone else," I gently cupped her cheek with my free hand, bringing her face closer to mine, "I only care about you; about us. And today, I'll show the world how much you truly matter to me."

"What do you m---"

She freezes as I slowly descend on knee. At this point my disguise has been taken off, and everyone can see that I was Zac Parker. That Zac Parker was going to propose to the janitor. I did not care. Lindsey was much more than a janitor to me. People just fail to see that. Hopefully I could shed some light and show them what she truly meant and will always mean to me.

"Lindsey," I began, "I don't know how to say this or where to start. I just want you to hear me out. Just this once." I pleaded as stared into her eyes and she stared back into mine. Understanding swarmed through hers, something I hadn't seen in a while now. She nods her head, indicating that I should continue.

"I know I haven't been in your good books lately. We constantly fought with each other and to top it off, I was mainly the root to all these problems." I stopped and took a deep breathe before I continued.

"I'm ashamed of myself. Ashamed that I couldn't see through you. That beneath you lied a wonderful gem waiting to be found. Heck, I feel so stupid for ever judging you. I was wrong for everything I did at the party. For not being able to accept you just for petty reasons. Fucking, petty reasons that weren't even relevant." I take another deep breathe before continuing.

"You know, after you left me alone at that party only then had I seen my mistake. I'd seen the wrong I did. I'd seen myself push away someone so precious to me. I realized that day that you were the one I needed most in life. You were the one, Lindsey,"
I rubbed my thumb over her hands, caressing it and loving the feel of her hand in mine.

"I've realized my mistake, and I'm truly sorry, Lindsey, to the bottom of my heart. One sorry is not enough to do it. And if it means thag I have to say sorry every day just for you to take me back, I will gladly oblige. I'm not asking that you take me back. All I ask is an apology to rid me of the guilt that I broke the heart of the woman I loved most."

My confession was over. I spilled my whole heart to her. It was up to her to decide what she really wanted. And whatever she'd decide, I would gladly accept it and support her with her decision.

Lindsey looks around at the crowd that seemed to be watching our every move. Lines appeared on her forehead, and I craved to run my fingerson them to smooth them out. She was in deep thought; I could see it. Perhaps this was not the best way to do it. I shouldn't have pulled this off. Heck, I'm so stupid.

"Zac, please stand up," she asks softly, looking down at me. I quickly stood up and eagerly awaited for her response.

Fuck, I thought, when I saw the glistening light that appeared due to the sudden tears in her eyes. I promises to never make ber cry after all this, but here I was breaking another one of my promises.

I shook my head as I looked at the ground, unable to meet her eyes. What have I done wrong now. She lets go of my hand and we stand therw in silence. I expect her to walk away, but she does the latter. I'm surprised when she wraps her arms around my hips and embraces me.

It felt too surreal. If I was dreaming, I hope this dream never ends. I gently wrap my arms around her as well, embracing her back. I missed having her in my arms for so long. My arms ached for her that I didn't mind staying in this position at all. I just needed her close to me. That all.

"Thanks for giving me a second chance, Lindsey," I whispered softly into her ears, making her look up at me.

"I'm happy that I gave all this another shot, but Zac I still need time. All this is so new and too sudden for me," She whispered to me, and I gently caressed her hair, placing a swift kiss on her forehead.

"Take all the time you need, Lindsey. I'll wait for an eternity just for you," I gently poked her nose. She smiled back and placed ber head on my chest once more. She's my world and my everything.

From the corner of my eye, I could spot Vicki and Monica giving the both of us glares of disapproval. I didn't care of the fact if they approved of our relationship or not. No one would change my mind about Lindsey. Not now, not ever.

We pull apart, but my hands are still rested on her waist. Letting go off her has become a very difficult thing now.

"Lindsey, will you do the honours of----"

"Zac, I told you that I wanted to take things slow. Now you're asking me to be your girlfriend." She gently smacked my chest, as she shook her head in disapproval.

"What? No, that's not where I was heading." I took her hand in mine and kissed it gently.

"I wanted to ask if you'd do me the honours of getting out of here. What were you thinking?" I wiggled my eyebrows at her playfully, making her cheeks turn pink from blushing immensely.

"You're no fun," she pouted, but I could see the smile tugging from the corner of her lips.

"So," I let go off her and offered her my hand, "shall we?"

"Of course, or should I write a note of approval to accept your offer?" She placed my hand in mine as she looked up at me with the smile I've been missing for so long.

I gently squeezed her hand, telling her that I would always be there for her. As I led her out the doors of the school, a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I felt alive, like I could breathe again. And that's all thanks to the wonderful woman by my side.

Through her I learnt beauty and good is interior and not exterior. All this time I pushed her away, scared that everyone around us would not accept our relationship simply because she was a janitor who dressed in rags.

And boy was I wrong. She taught me that it's not always about people's judgment, but it's also about your own heart. What you feel is right and what you feel is wrong.

As I listened to everyone else's opinions, I let her slip through my fingers and I only pushed myself more into the unknown, not knowing who to trust. I'm glad someone was right there to offer me some advice and I'm glad that I followed it.

Now that I've got her, I promise to keep her happy. Now one can tell me otherwise, because my love for her is unconditional.

___________♔THE END♔___________

Wow, that was sudden. Everyone, we've reached the end of LTO, again. I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful readers, #ftr or #rr that have supported me through the rewrite of this story. I appreciate it and love you all to bits❤❤

P.S. the story is not yet over. Bonus chapters will be posted. Don't miss out.