School came back full force. All the teachers seemed to team up and assign loads of homework for the students. I barely had time for anything other than homework, and I spent all my days cooped up in my room, finishing each assignment one by one. 

I was in the middle of finishing my history worksheet when my phone rang. 

"Hello?" I asked, not bothering to look at the called ID. 

"Hey, Zoey, it's Drew. Do you know where Mel is? I asked her to meet me at the mall around now, but she's not here." Drew asked me. Why was he asking me where Mel was? Were they going on a date? And then it hit me. Of course he would be asking me where Mel was. All the guys that drop at Mel's feet ask me where she is. I knew it. He was just getting close to me so he could have an advantage of winning Mel over. 

"No. I don't know where she is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pile of homework that need to be completed." I said, trying not to show that I was angry. Then I hung up. 

I let out a breath of air. I've been in my room for too long. I need to go outside and get some air. Stupid Zoey. Getting mad for no reason. I scolded myself. I should be used to the fact that guys use me to get close to Mel. I was so stupid for thinking that Drew would actually like me. 

I grabbed my drawing supplies, my keys, and my phone, and ran outside to get some fresh air. I ended up at the nearby park, and was instantly reminded of the time Drew brought me here. 

Flashback: 

"Race you to the playground!" Drew shouted with an evil glint in his eye. Oh hail no. I wasn't going to let him win this race. 

"You're on." I said with a determined voice. Both of us started running towards the playground set, scaring a few small children along the way. Then all of a sudden, Drew starts charging towards me. So of course, I try to run away, because I knew he was going to do something to make me lose the race. My stupid little legs were too weak, because he easily caught up and made sure I couldn't escape. I slumped down, knowing I was defeated. Then he tickled me. The stupid idiot tickled me. And I couldn't even run away. I was stuck, squirming around like a worm. 

When all that was over, we sat down on one of the benches, and he watched me draw. I drew the playground scene, with all the little children running around with wide grins on their faces. There was a small wind that made it the perfect whether. The trees swayed in the wind, dancing along with the wind. It was a beautiful day. 

End of Flashback

I realize that I have a smile on my face. I quickly take it off and sit down to draw the little creek near the edge of the park. I loved watching the fish swim around. It was so peaceful here and I could just sit in silence with my thoughts. Drew had been calling me nonstop ever since I hung up on him, but I just turned off my phone and enjoyed Mother Nature. This is why I couldn't wait to get out of high school and leave for college. Where I could be free and independent. 

When I felt that I had enough time alone, I stood up and started packing up. I was about to get ready to walk home when I heard someone walk up behind me. I turn around slowly, a little scared. 

What I see isn't a monster. It's not a zombie either. I see Melanie. How did she find me here? This place was different from my usual spot that I went to when I was mad. 

I awkwardly wave to her, not knowing what to say. She looked a little mad, but at the same time concerned. And I didn't know what to do. 

"Why are you here, Z?" She started out asking softly. I shrug my shoulders in return, not wanting to tell her that I was mad because of her. I didn't even know why I was so mad. It's not like I like Drew. Or do you?  I hear myself ask. No. No, I don't. I won't allow myself to fall for him, when all he wants is Mel. Then why are you so jealous? Jealous? I'm not jealous. He can go do whatever he wants. I don't care. But a part of me didn't believe myself. 

"Look, I know you're mad at me. Because I get all this attention. But Z, you have to understand that I don't want all that attention. You're my best friend, and I only want to spend time with you. I don't care about all those guys that are dropping at my feet. And I know that you are angry at the fact that some guys get close to you, so they can have an advantage to getting to know me. I know that this causes you to lose trust in people. Because you don't know who you can trust anymore. I know how you feel Z. But I want you to know that I really do care about you because you are my best friend, and no one can get between our friendship." Mel finishes. I take a deep breath. 

"I know that you don't care about all the guys, and I know that you care about me, and I do care about you too, but sometimes I get jealous." I admit, hanging my head down. 

"Zoey, I don't-" Mel starts, but I interrupt her. 

"I know you don't mean to make me jealous of you, but today when Drew called me asking where you were, I just kind of snapped. I've had it happen to me so many times. When I think that a guy is actually being nice to me, it turns out that they just want you. They call me asking where you are, getting information from me, and taking advantage of me. Drew told me that you guys scheduled to meet at the mall, and I was jealous and hurt because you didn't care enough to invite me, too. So I assumed that you guys were on a date, or something." I was starting to ramble, but Mel stopped me. 

"Z, we weren't on a date. He just asked to talk to me about you." Mel said. 

"Me? Why?" I asked, really confused. 

"Z, do you think that you might be falling for Drew? I mean, you got jealous when he scheduled to meet with me." Mel replied. 

I thought about it. I couldn't be falling for him, could I? I told myself not to fall for anyone, not to trust anyone. Because I would just get hurt in the end. But with Drew, it was different. He made me feel comfortable, he made me feel secure. I felt like I could trust him. And he always made me happy. 

"I... I don't know, Mel. I think... I think I like Drew." I answered, looking up at Mel to see her reaction. 

She just smiles. 

"But, I'm scared. I'm scared that he will leave me just like my father did. Just like how everyone did in the past. I'm just going to end up getting hurt." I said. 

"Listen to me. He cares about you. I know he does. I can see that. He tries his best to make you happy, he tries his best to protect you. And I know that you're afraid of trusting him. But Zoey, you should give him a chance. I think that he deserves a chance. He's a really nice and caring guy, Zoey." Mel told me. I took in her words. It was true that Drew was really sweet to me. And I did seem to like him. So why not give him a chance? If he doesn't take the chance, then I know that he isn't right for me. 

"I think I will give him a chance. But I'll make it a challenge. To show that he does care about me, and will do anything to make me happy, he has to show me that he is worth it. And he has to make penguins fly. All within 1 month." I smile. It was hard, but I knew that Drew could do it. 

Mel smiles at me, her white teeth shining brightly. 

"I'll be his girlfriend when penguins fly." 

"And I accept your challenge." A new voice speaks out. I jump, shocked by the new voice. I whirl around, and see Drew himself. My face turns into a horrified expression, knowing that he heard me say that. 

"Why are you here?" I ask, almost panicking. I glance at Melanie, who has a guilty expression on her face. 

"Mel, what is going on." I ask her sternly, demanding answers. 

"Uhm, well. I told him to wait in the car, because he drove me here, but I guess he was interested and wanted to come...?" She trailed off. 

I switched my glare to Drew. 

"How much did you hear?" I asked. He puts his hands up in surrender. 

"Relax. I only heard your challenge. The one where I have to convince you that I'm worth it and I have to make penguins fly. And I'm here to tell you that I accept it. I will make you my girlfriend in 1 month. Just you wait, Zoey, just you wait." He grins at me, making my cheeks flush. 

He bends down to whisper in my ear, his cool breath sending shivers down my spine. 

"You'll be my girlfriend in 1 month, Zoey, so get ready." I smile. 

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