Another week of school had zoomed past, and before I knew it, it was already Friday. This was the day I wasn't particularly looking forward to. Mum had informed Ava and I that the Carters were coming round for dinner.

It resulted Ava throwing a hissy fit and arguing with dad. I didn't like Zac, but the way she despised Lexi was on another level. She couldn't stand the girl. Even her name enabled Ava to bubble up with anger.

This was another evening to look 'presentable'. Ruby aided and saved me, as I wasn't happy with my choice of clothing.

I opted for a light lilac mini smock dress, that had tiers and ties. It had a crew neck and balloon sleeves, which were cinched at the wrists. It perfectly hid my figure, flowing nicely allowing my body to breath.

Keeping it simple, my hair was straightened and pushed back neatly. My makeup was kept simple, eyeliner and mascara dressed my eyes. A dab of blush added colour to my cheeks, and nude lips to finish the look.

Walking into the kitchen, I'm met with the warm, fresh aroma of spices. They tantalised my nose, causing me to salivate.

"Ah good you're here." My mum chimed. "Help me cut the salad."

I nodded at her instructions and proceeded to cut the cucumber into small chunks. Whilst deep in creating my salad, my fathers voice boomed from the hall way.

"Where do you think you're going?" He cautioned.

My mother and I looked at each other, brows furrowed in confusion. I dropped the knife on the counter, and go towards the hall way to check what was going on.

I saw my dad, with his arms folded, sternly looking at Ava, who looked like she was ready to go out.

"I'm not staying here if she's going to be here." Ava plainly said, avoiding eye contact.

I could see the anger start to spark in my dad, he was like a boiling kettle, ready to let the steam rupture from his ears.

"I told you to stop all this. You're not going anywhere." My dad let out in strict tone. Ava said nothing, but scowled her eyes.

"Dad, it's okay, I'll talk to her." I softly said, holding onto my dads shoulder.

Grunting in annoyance, my dad turned around and made his way into the kitchen, abruptly shutting the door, causing it slam.

"What do you think you're playing at?" I asked in a demanding tone, make sure I wasn't too loud for mum and dad to hear.

"What? I told you I'm not staying here with that bitch in my house."

"Ava! Stop being childish. Just suck it up. You're not going anywhere."

"Watch me." Ava hissed, turning away from me.

Just as she swung the door open, we were met with the Carter family outside, about to knock on the door. Both Ava and I froze in our spot, same with them, they froze staring at us.

"Um hello. Please come in." I said to cut the awkward silence. I pulled Ava to the side, holding her tightly, and opened the door wide enough for them to enter.

Mary was the first one to stride into the house, bring both Ava and I into a hug.

"It's good to see you girls again." She cheerfully said, getting out of the hug, sending us a wide chirpy smile. Brian then entered, giving us a nod and a welcoming smile.

"It's good to see you too." I subtly lied. "Mum and dad are in the kitchen."

Pointing towards the far end of the hallway, Mary and Brian go to greet our parents. Lexi and Zac dragged their feet soon after, both with sunken faces, they pass us to follow their parents.

The tension within our brightly lit hallway rose. The air was thick with awkwardness and you could almost cut the tension with a knife. From the corner of my eye, I noted Ava clenching her jaws down at the sight of Lexi. I stayed on to her arm, cautioning her with my eyes to not start anything stupid.

As Zac passed, he lifted his head to meet his eyes with mine. I narrowed mine, following him slowly. It felt like our eyes were locked to each other. It was almost like we were arguing yet no words or actions were shown.

I took a quick peak to his attire. He was dressed in a black shirt and dark maroon trousers. His light brown hair, neatly combed into place. I forced myself to snap out of detailing what he was wearing.

After Zac and Lexi were far gone into the kitchen, I shut the door to trap the cold air out. Yanking Ava closer so nobody could here my words.

"You've got to stay now. Suck it up and endure this evening with me." I bellowed in a stern tone.

I didn't allow for her to reply, softly pushing her to walk in front of me, to join the others. I mentally prepped myself for another awkward night. The invisible timer was ticking right in front of me, now I was waiting for the time of them departing our house.

***

It was like déjà vu struck, the evening unfolded exactly the same when we were at the Carter's. Awkward stares and the occasional death stare from Ava. Then going into the comfort of our living room, for my dad and Brian to go deep in conversation. Our mothers snickering away and us kids sitting in silence not knowing what to do with ourselves.

"You know I'm disappointed that we never got to try Ava's famous cheesecake." Mary pointed out.

I mutter shit under my breath, remembering that my mum had mentioned Ava making a cheesecake for the Carters. All week it was like getting blood out of a stone, trying to convince Ava to do a little baking for them.

Being the stuck up girl she is, she howled and screamed, not agreeing to bake. Eventually my mum and I gave up.

I cleared my throat and turned to Mary. "Well, Ava has actually been quite busy with her GCSE work, so she didn't have time to bake."

Slightly raising my brows, in anticipation, hoping that Mary had  believed me.

"Oh never mind." She chuckled. "There's always next time. Now you've got to show me your lovely artwork. I've been dying to see your talent."

I awkwardly let a slight laugh, and pushed myself up from the sofa. Entering my bedroom, I go towards my desk, which was situated on the far wall in front of me.

Various pieces of artwork scattered over the desk. Creating a flurry of images. I scanned my eyes over them, trying to decide the best one to show. Instead I picked up my small sketch book, which had a range of mandala drawings.

Hurrying down the stairs, when I entered the living room, Mary's eyes widened in excitement. She hurriedly takes the sketch book from my hand, and starts to flick through it.

Small gasps and wow's, escape from her mouth. She was in awe of my artwork. Lexi and Zac also peered closer to their mum to look through the book.

"Not bad." Zac mumbled, as he turned up to look at me, nodding in an approving way.

I rolled my eyes in such an obvious way to ensure he knew I couldn't care less what he thought or said.

"Hannah these are amazing. These designs are unique and beautiful. You have such an amazing talent." Mary gushed.

"Thank you." I simply, replied feeling proud of my work.

I sat back down next to Ava, who was still in a sour mood, twiddling her thumbs and staring at the floor. Lexi was pretty much the same, I didn't hear a single word come out from her mouth.

"Absolutely amazing." Mary exclaimed, handing me my book.

"Mrs Woodville, is it okay if I use the bathroom?" Zac asked, sounding oddly polite.

"Of course, use the one upstairs, second door on your left." My mum replied, then going back into deep conversation with Mary.

I eyed Zac's movement as he marched in a cocky way, through the kitchen and down the hall. The small voice in the back of my head, was nudging me. Something didn't feel right. The way he spoke, the way he walked past.

I used the excuse of putting my sketch book back, to leave the room. After quickly dragging my feet, I enter my room, to find Zac standing there, scanning his eyes around my room, whilst standing in the middle.

My suspicions were right. That small voice in my head was right.

"What the hell do you think you're doing in my room." I demanded, pulling him to face me.

"Nice room Hannah Montana-"

"Get out now!" I snapped, interrupting him.

"Relax, I've not done anything, just wanted to see your room." Zac cheekily responded, digging his hands into his trouser pockets and standing in a laid back way.

"You're invading my privacy, now get out." I repeated, ignoring his annoying presence.

For a moment we stood in silence, staring at one another. His green eyes, were bored into mine. His lips curved into a devious smirk.

"Your artwork is amazing." Zac said, motioning towards my desk. "Tomorrow, library, I haven't forgotten."

Just as he said that, he walked past me, sending a subtle wink and then exiting out of the room. Suddenly I let a large breath escape from my mouth.

What was that? I thought to myself. Zac was annoying yet kind of charming. I wanted to be angry with him, but for some reason I wasn't.

Quickly closing the door, I sealed my eyes shut leaning my back, holding onto my sketch book tight to my chest. Zac you arsehole. Why am I not raging with anger? Why do I feel oddly calm, yet slightly nervous.

Meeting him at the library, was impending and I didn't know what to expect. Although him remembering about the library offer, I had no hope of him showing up.

Or will he?

A/N

Okay so not a lot happened in this chapter, this is just a little filler before it gets better.

Also I have noticed that so far Ruby and Melissa seem to be popping in and out every now and again, but they will have bigger and better parts later in the story!

Tell me your thoughts on this chapter!

And don't forget to comment and share

Love _xxAMxx