The evening had finally ascended, and I was back in the comfort of my own bedroom. Everything around me felt like a rollercoaster. I was either jolted upwards or dragged down. There was no middle ground. So many emotions and thoughts were zooming into my mind like a race car.

The revisions books spiralled out on my bed, showcased a reminder that my exams were round the corner. I had to hold on to the thread of completing my exams, only then I would be able to leave everything behind.

A light knock on my door captured my attention, to which my mum walked in. At first she beamed me with a wide smile, but that was cut short as she looked at my situation.

"Sweety, are you not ready?" She asked in a confused tone.

"Ready? Ready for what?" I tilted my head to the side.

I realised my mother was dressed for an occasion. She styled out a dark green maxi dress, which had a ruffled top and short cinched sleeves. Her faded brown hair, was loosely curled.

"The Carters are coming round-"

"What?!" I jolted upright. "What for? It's Monday."

"We haven't had a get together in a while, plus it'll be nice to have everyone round. Get ready, they'll be here." My mum waved her hands around my room, trying to get me to make a move.

Instead of complying, I just sat on the edge of my bed, lost in my own train of thought.

"Is everything okay?" My mother soulful voice asked, she sat herself beside me, soothing the back of my hand.

I had the urge to tell my mum everything, but part of me didn't want to worry her.

"It's just revision." I forced myself to smile.

My mothers eyes softened, it was her way of making sure I was okay. I nodded my head as a response. She sent me a small peck on the back of my hand, and left me in my room.

I forced myself off the bed and trawled through the stacks of clothes I had. There was no energy within me to make an effort. I pulled out my best looking hoodie and blue mom jeans.

I just had to survive the next few hours, with Zac's presence in my house. I knew I needed someone to pull me through it all, so I sent a quick text inviting Ruby over.

After making a start to make myself presentable, my heart was thumping irregular beats, not knowing what events would take place.

***

While we were aimlessly sitting around, waiting for the Carters to arrive, Ava leaned closer towards me.

"Out of all days, they just had to come on a Monday," Ava whispered under her breath.

I rolled my eyes and nudged her with my elbow, Ruby tried to hold back her snickering. Just as I was about to respond to Ava, the doorbell chimed.

My posture was changed quite rigid, I felt restless, not knowing how to feel or react to seeing Zac. My mother and father welcomed them in, a wave of chatter and laughter echoed throughout the room.

The parents were elated seeing other, but inside I was seething and cringing, wishing I could run away from it all. Lexi came in after, like always her head was bowed down, like she didn't want to be there.

For a split second she lifted her head and gave a subtle smile towards Ava. Both Ruby and I jerked our heads, we did a double take, making sure what we witnessed was correct.

Soon after I felt the presence of Zac in the room, as I turned my head to find him, I was brought to a sudden hold. My stomach was churning into many twists, I clutched tighter onto Ruby.

There to the side of Zac, was Melissa.

"I hope you don't mind," Mary spoke over the chatter. "Zac wanted to bring Melissa over."

"Of course not." My mother welcomed Melissa in a hug.

My ability to speak or even think straight was yanked away from me, all I saw was a flurry of rage. If only my mother knew.

"What the hell is she doing here," Ruby muttered under her breath.

All I could do was shake my head in a confusing manner. I closely watched Melissa as she stood side by side with Zac, how she plastered on a fake smile, acting all sweet and innocent. My nostrils flared like an enraged bull, I was ready to charge towards her.

After all the welcoming concluded, my mother announced for everyone to get seated in the dining room. As everyone made there way, Ruby tugged me, holding me back.

She waited for everyone to leave the room, she then turned to me. "Look, I know it's the shittiest thing seeing them two, but remember, this is your house, don't let them make you feel uncomfortable."

"You're right," I sighed. "I'm not going to let them make me feel like that."

"That's the spirit," Ruby chimed. "Lets go in there, you be the boss woman that you are and show Zac what he's missing."

My mouth fell open at Ruby's words, but I couldn't help but let a slight chuckle. I quickly pulled her in for a hug, showing my gratitude and happiness that she was my best friend.

We then proceeded to join the rest. I straightened my posture, so that I radiated confident energy. I wasn't going to let Melissa or Zac undermine me in my own home.

***

We were well underway with dinner. My mother laid out an array of mouth-watering food. Ranging from roast pieces of spicy chicken, Mac n cheese, fruit and salad.

For most of it, my dad and Brian were in their own world, talking away like their life depended on it. My mum and Mary chittered away, gossiping about what's happening in the community within the town.

The rest of us pretty much sat in silence. Ruby and I exchanged a few words, but it felt like we couldn't talk freely with the endless amount of ears ready to spike up and listen to us.

Every so often, I would dart my eyes in front of me, only to see Zac's deep green entrancing pupils glued on to me. Melissa would often make conversation to him, but it was like he blocked everything out and only focused on me.

I tried to barricade the butterflies in my stomach, but they were too strong for me, they forever floated around making me feel hot and flustered.

I obtained the little confidence I had in me, and gave the same energy towards Zac. I bored into his captivating eyes, and slowly brought my fork up to my mouth. Elegantly placing it into my mouth, taking a bite of my food, and then slowly dragging the fork back out.

Zac's jaw was visible clenched and I managed to make him wriggle in his seat. I could feel the tension that radiated of him and all I could do was smirk and wink.

"Melissa what subjects are you doing?" My mum asked, this enabled me to snap my attention elsewhere, ignoring Zac.

"I do English, sociology and art," she replied in an innocent tone.

"Art? Are you in the same class as Hannah and Ruby?" My mums interest peaked.

"Yes, we are," she chuckled.

The corner of my lips lifted in disgust. If only they all knew how much of a pain she was to be in the same class.

I was on the brink of telling everyone what she was truly like, but I knew I couldn't make a scene. My mind wondered at the different ways I could have excused myself from the table.

I studied everyone and realised they were done with their food.

"I'll clear up the dishes and bring dessert," I offered, ejecting up from my seat.

"Ava hunny, help your sister."

"No it's okay mum, I'll sort it," I quickly replied, before Ava could get up.

I purposely took my time taking all the dishes back to the kitchen. Once it was all done and the dessert was the only thing to bring, I pondered in the kitchen for a while.

I internally groaned at myself, for how I acted at the table in front of Zac. I didn't think of the consequence if anyone had seen me.

Why did I do such a foolish thing?

Whilst my head was floating around in my own thoughts, I felt a warm and familiar presence behind me. My eyes shot open and I felt my body tense up.

Warily, I turned around to find Zac.

"I came to bring the last few bits." He nudged his head towards the glasses.

I nodded my head and huffed. Just as I brought my hand forward to pick up the bowl that contained tiramisu, Zac placed his hand on top.

I froze on the spot. His warm touch felt like a bolt of electricity shooting through my veins. It was like all the moments we had been so close, whizzed into my brain.

I sucked in my breath, annoyed at the fact that I liked the way he made me feel. But with all my might and power, I jerked my hand away.

"What the hell are you doing?" I abruptly asked in a low tone, making sure we didn't spark attention from the other room.

"Shit sorry, I was going to help you," Zac responded, taking his hand away.

"Thanks, but I don't need help." I picked the bowl up and glided past him.

Before I could get any further, he zoomed in front of me, blocking my way. Tilting my head to the side, I narrowed my eyes in a way of telling him to move.

"I know what you were doing earlier," he said in a dangerously low tone. The way his voice exited his mouth rumbled my insides, it was like I was going to melt with the way he sounded.

"And what was I doing?" I confidently replied.

I didn't give him the chance to respond, I swiftly walked around him and left him in his own thoughts.

One by one, I placed the plates in front of each individual and put a scoop full of the tiramisu. When I came round to putting out a plate for Melissa, I made the mistake of shifting my eyes in the direction of Zac. His dangerous green pupils felt like they were burning into me.

My heart was hammering against my chest, I internally groaned, I couldn't bring myself to look away. What I failed to realise was, the serving spoon that contained the tiramisu, was hovered quite high above Melissa's plate. All of a sudden, it fell, creating a slight splatter onto Melissa's face and clothes.

"What the hell!" She screeched, ejecting out of her seat like a lightening bolt.

I came back to my senses and when I noticed what I had done, I tired to suppress my laughter. White specks of cream were splattered across Melissa, like I had a paint brushed and flicked her with white paint.

"You did this on purpose," she hollered in a vicious tone.

"No I didn't," I protested trying to hold back my laughter.

Everyone sat in silence, stunned at what scenes were unfolding in front of them.

"Melissa, I'm sure Hannah didn't-"

"Zac, take me home," Melissa snapped as she interrupted my mother.

A blaze of anger flooded me, I was ready to drag her by the hair for even snapping like that and interrupting my mother. My mother cleared her throat and as I turned to face her, she shook her head as a way of telling me to leave it.

"Zac? I'm tired, I want to go home," repeated Melissa, still trying to get the remains of cream off her clothes.

Without saying a word, Zac dragged his feet wavering for Melissa to follow. Just as she turned on her heels, she gave me one last glare and marched over to the exit.

As soon as the door shut, Ruby, Ava, Lexi and I, all bursted out laughing. It was like we all had the same hatred towards Melissa and she accidentally got what she deserved.

All the adults in the room tried their hardest to be mature, but a few chuckles here and there left their mouth.

The rest of the evening carried on smoothly. We all felt relaxed, chatting away and having our dessert. But, I couldn't help but keep my focus on Zac.

Why was I still thinking about him

He was with Melissa and I had to deal with it. All I could do was put my focus on my exams, this was starting to prove a little harder than expected.

After getting over one hurdle of our presentation, I was presented with another hurdle. It was beginning to look tricky to get to the finishing line...

A/N

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