Sparks Fly

Thursday afternoon I arrived home from school to find Mum and Don dancing together and kissing in the kitchen. Tess and I are very much used to seeing our parents public displays of affection towards each other so this was nothing new to me. 
"We are celebrating Zoey" Don announces to me as I try to push past them to get to the fridge.
"What are we celebrating today Mr and Mrs Lothario?" I ask, it feels that we are always celebrating really.
"I've asked your mother to re-marry me" Don enthuses 
"Say no Mum, it's not too late" Yells Tess as she comes barging in the front door "Actually, say yes so Zoey and I can be Bridesmaids again but this time we can drink the champaign"
"Ofcourse I said yes girls, Don is my soulmate" Our mother swoons and Tess makes vomit noises.
I'm just glad everyone's in good mood coz it makes what I'm going to ask a little bit easier for them to digest.
"Angus and I are going out somewhere fancy tomorrow night so I may need to buy I nice dress for the occasion" I ask
"And shoes" adds in Tess
Don stops dancing, reaches into his pocket, pulls out his credit car and says with a smile "Go nuts".
"Thank you, Thank You, Thank you" I scream, hugging him, as step dads go, Don is the best. 
"As long as you get you're homework done tonight and over the weekend I don't see a problem with taking one night off" He tells me
"There's one more thing I need to ask too" I say nervously, "Angus wants to know if I can stay over on Friday night too, I'll come home early Saturday and do my chores and and study hard" I promise them.
Don and Ruth exchange looks.
"We like Angus honey" explains Mum, "but we don't want you getting distracted, you're so close to the finish line with school and university is just around the corner and We don't want you falling behind"
"I won't, I wouldn't, I promise, I'm still me and I'm still going to study and get good grades and go to university next year, I can still do all of that and see Angus, he understands that my studies are important" I plead with them
"Does he though?" asks Don
"what do you mean?, ofcouse he does" I reply, trying to choke back tears, this conversation is not going in the direction I thought it would
"I just mean, he didn't go to university so he may not understand the amount of work it's going to take to get in" Don continues and I can feel the tears running freely down my cheek.
"Why is it ok for Tess to have a boyfriend and not get the 'you're going to get distracted' lecture, why am I the only one who can't just be a normal, teenage girl?" I wail at them
"You don't think we had this talk with Tess? We did but we also know Declan is heading to university to study law next year so we know he's keeping Tess on track" Don fights back
"I won't get distracted, I promise" I plead with them again
"Sex is a distraction Zoey" My mother yells at me and we both blush.
"I'm not having sex Mother!" I yell back
"Well maybe not now you're not but why else would a 22 year old man ask his 18 year old girlfriend to sleep over, come on Zoey, I know you're naive at times but really?" She says, trying to drive home her point that distractions for Zoey mean having sex with Angus.
"He's not like that at all, he just wants to spend some alone time with me because all the time we do spend together right now features my twin sister, no offence Tess" How do I get out of this conversation?
"None taken Zoey and for the record Mum and Don how about you trust your daughters judgement for once, Zoey says he's a good guy and I believe he is too, he's not a player, he's decent person and so what if he didn't go to university, he owns a fucking gym and his family is loaded so he doesn't need a degree, he's doing what he loves" Tess comes in swinging as usual, on my side, "Come on Zoey, let's go buy you a really sexy dress that will look great on Angus' floor after he's deflowered the golden Green girl" ok, I probably could of done without her teasing our parents that I'm going to lose my virginity Friday night but still she has my back.
We storm out and up to the train station.
"We are going to the shopping district Zoey, we are buying you the hottest free, one that will make Angus be eating out of the palm of your hand" Tess announces loudly, other passengers start to look at us but we don't care. I throw my arms around her and hug her tightly
"I love you Teresa Green"
"I love you too Zoey Green"

Delicate

On Wednesday afternoon I walked into the gym and for the first time ever I actually wanted to be there, I think it was both parts of that I had Cassie and Declan there now and I also I felt I was starting to get better, I can now run at a fast pace on the treadmill and I don't complain (as much) when we do squats. I pre-warned Declan and Cassie that there is to be no mention of Angus being my boyfriend, that we are to be professional at all times and they understood. 
Angus was leaning over the desk telling Annabelle a funny story and she was in fits of laughter, "You're 4pm is here Gus" she's trying to tell him but she's struggling to get the words out through her own laughter. Angus turns around and looks over the group, stops when his eyes meet mine and gives me a wink, I blush a little and look away.
"Tess and Zoey can you two start warming up, I'm going to take the others to my office first" He asks
"The office of bland" Tess teases, "how exciting for them, c'mon Zo"

Tess and I start warming up and then jump on treadmills about 15 minutes later the others join us.
"Oh wow, I half expected to come out and find you two just standing there gossiping but you proved me wrong, loving that self discipline" He says proudly and we laugh. Our routine today included treadmills as well as lifting weights, squats and crunches. It was actually fun because Declan, being athletic, could easily keep up with us but poor Cassie struggled a bit.

When we were done we showered at the gym, us three girls were absolutely buzzing when we hit the stalls. 
"How boring is that office Cassie?" Tess calls out over the shower stalls
"You guys made it sound like there was nothing in there but I saw a photo of Zoey and Angus framed on the desk so it's not completely undecorated"
"what????" Tess and I cry out in unison
We shut our showers off, get dressed and meet Cassie out near the sinks
"Are you sure it was of Zoey and not of his Grandma?" Tess questions Cassie
"Unless his Grandma is 18 and looks like Zo, haha" Cassie says, describing the picture in detail, it was from our day at The Sand Bar.
"Is it up there for everyone to see?" I ask, a bit of panic rising inside me, I don't want Angus to get into trouble because of me
"No, it's next to his laptop, I only saw it because I went that side to sign my contract" Cassie explains.
When we come out from the shower block we find Declan and Angus in deep conversation about the Llama's, our town's soccer team.
"They've had too many injuries this season to have any chance of wining the cup" Declan tells Angus
"Yeah but they could come back, remember how they were doing poorly 2 years back abut put in the extra training and came second"
Sports, yuck!

We walk to Angus' apartment as the cold evening air is just setting in, I forgot to pack a coat this morning as it was warm when I left home, Angus takes off his own jacket and puts it around me, it smells like him, that scent of aftershave and mild sweat. 
"Thank you" I whisper to him, he pulls me towards him and kisses my the side of my forehead.
"Now, when I said 'Im cooking' I really meant 'Im ordering in' just so you all know" Angus informs us
"You can't cook can you Angus?" Tess teases him
"Honestly....No, I'm skilled at many things but cooking is not one of them" He explains
"So Mister Perfect has flaws, dump him now Zoey, if he can't cook he's no good to us" Tess cries out
"I'm far from perfect, I've got skeletons in my closet like everyone else" Angus insists
"you're still perfect to me" I assure him

Angus gives the group a tour of his apartment and I notice in his room, on the bedside table there another photo of us framed. I can hear Declan in the loungeroom, getting excited about the size of the TV so I join them "I imagine watching the game on this would be next level?" He asks like a kid on Christmas who has just discovered the presents
"Finally, someone who I can watch the matches with, next Sunday we are on" Angus matches his excitement while us girls exchange looks.

Dinner was amazing, it was garlic butter chicken and veggies. 
"Im a great cook" Angus says after we've finished and we all agree, he can "cook" for us any time. At 8pm Cassie lets us know that she has her town car coming to collect us.
"Do you wanna stay the night?" Angus whispers and I am very tempted to say yes but I remember that I have no spare clothes there
"Another time?" I ask
"Ofcourse" he replies "I'll get you a drawer to keep your things in and some other things, just to make it feel like home. Don and Ruth will be alright with you staying right? I just figured after Friday night and talking with Ruth that they know I don't have bad intentions for their good girl"
"I think they will be ok, Tess stays at Declan's some nights and they don't have a problem with it so they should be ok. Friday night I could stay over if that's ok?"
"I'd love that, I'll take you on a date, somewhere special" He promises
The town car arrives, I kiss him goodbye and go to remove his jacket
"Keep that on baby, you'll be freezing otherwise"He warns me, kissing me on the cheek.

Starlight

Tuesday at lunch Tess tells me that we are all heading to Cassandra Goth's house after school to work on our Simplish essays that are due in Friday. I hate going to Cassie's house, it gives me creeps.  Cassie lives in a spacious, three bedroom home in Willow Creek. The house is so ancient  it even has its own  title "Ophelia Villa" and I believe strongly that it's haunted by Cassandra's ancestors, I've often heard conversations between spirits there when no one else has been around. Tess thinks it's Cassie's younger brother, Alexander, playing tricks but you can't fake what I heard there. I vowed that I was never going back there but there I was boarding a bus to Willow Creek on Tuesday afternoon with Tess, Declan, Sam and Cassie.

Cassie's mother, Bella Goth greets us at the door, "I've set out a plate of cookies in the formal dinning room" she announces, Tess and I exchange looks knowing there's no way that Bella baked those cookies herself, she would of had the maid or the live in chef bake them but would never let that slip.

The Goth's are aristocrats, "Old Money" as my mother Ruth tells it and one of the most wealthiest families not only in Willow Creek but throughout the whole state. Cassandra is in no way snobby though, she's probably one of the most down-to-earth people you'd ever meet. She keeps her shoulder length black hair in two pigtails and dresses mainly in dark t-shirts and mini skirts, she's stylish without much effort.

We settle in at the dinning table and open our folders and then it starts, the debrief about our school day.
"Mr Landgraab gave that speech again today" Declan says
"The one about how 'This is the most important year of your life year 12' and that we 'shouldn't waste a minute of it' he loves giving that speech" Tess asks, bursting into fits of laughter.
"Yep, that's the one but he also threw in a second verse today and it went like this, 'the decisions you make this year will effect your futures for years to come' " Declan adds
"Oh no pressure or anything" I say sarcastically and we all laugh.

We get it, year 12 is one of our biggest years in our lives, it's our last year of high school, next year we will either go off to university or enter the work force but the way our teachers and parents talk you would think it's the be all and end all.

"Our Step Dad has been putting the pressure on at home too" I explain "It's like if we haven't completed our homework by 8pm then we will automatically fail and have to work at Chez Llama until we die"
"Doesn't He work at Chez Llama though?" Cassie asks
"He now owns Chez Llama, he bought it about 5 years ago when the old owners retired" Tess explains.
"Well even so, he shouldn't be telling you that these are your only options, go to university or become a waitress at one of the finest restaurants in Forgotten Hollow" Sam says, sounding slightly offended. Sam attends Brighton High School on a sporting scholarship, he's an awesome soccer player but he has to work extremely hard to keep his grades up, if he was to fall below a "B" grade he could lose his scholarship. 
"Daddy wants me to study business at University, so I can follow in the family footsteps" Cassie says with gloom in her tone.
"What do you want to do?" I ask her
"Fashion" she announces, "What about you?"
"Don and My mother want me to study medicine but I want to study Veterinary, I love animals" I tell her
"What about you Tess?" Cassie asks
"I'm going to study drama and become a famous actress and no man, not even Don Lothario, is going to tell me I can't" Tess announces with strong conviction. 
Tess has always wanted to be an actress, she talks of "moving to Del Sol Valley and getting discovered just walking down the street".
"And what about you Declan? What are you going to do? Play soccer with Sam for the Llamas or..." I ask, Declan doesn't talk much really so I've never heard him talk about future plans.
"Im going to study law" He tells us
"Well that will come in handy for when Tess needs to sue the paparazzi for stalking her" I tell him and everyone laughs. 

Tess announces to the group that Declan is joining our personal training sessions, "so I no longer have to feel like a third wheel with Zoey and her sexy boyfriend"
"ZOEY!!!! You didn't even mention you and Angus were together, like it was pretty obvious on Friday night that it was going to happen but as your best friends we do deserves to be updated about major life decisions" Cassie says as she's hugging me.
"Sorry, I didn't think it would really interest anyone" I apologise 
"Are you kidding?"Cassie squeals "We have had to sit through Tess and Declan's love fest for the past 3 years and no offence to them but I am in major need of living vicariously through a hot romance because lets face it, Sam here is never going to cotton on that I'm into him"
Sam, head buried deep in his folder, writing his essay, looks up at the mention of his name, "What?" he asks us....he hasn't heard a word
Cassie looks at me "See? Nothing!"

By the end of our study session it was decided that Cassie would also be joining our training group in the hopes that "She could find a muscly clad hot twenty something that would look good on her arm at the year 12 formal".

I rang Angus on the bus ride home to inform him that Cassie would also be joining our group
"Sounds good babe, I'll cook dinner for the group after tomorrows session, that way I can get to know everyone a bit better" He offers and I accept, Im so excited for Angus to get to know my friends

22

Monday afternoon as Tess and I board the train to San Myshuno, we both receive a text from Angus

Come to my office when you arrive

We look at each other puzzled.
"Maybe he's realised that he's made a big mistake in asking me to be his girlfriend and he's going to end it?" I panic 
"As if, he's probably just remembered we owe him an extra half hour today" Tess laughs, "Not everything is about Zogus" 
"Zogus?"
"Yeah, that's your couple name now, I'm going to trademark it"
We both laugh

On Saturday night, after dinner Angus left and Tess took the opportunity to get all the gory details out of me...which really wasn't too hard because I was dying to tell her everything.
"He kissed you or you kissed him" She asked
"He asked to kiss me but I didn't answer him, I just went for it" I explain
"Is he a good kisser?" 
"Yes, but I've really got nothing to compare it to. Oh shit, what if I'm a bad kisser and he was just too polite to tell me?" Im working myself up
"Chill out, he wouldn't have asked you to be his girlfriend if you were a shitty kisser" Tess assures me.

"Are you going to spend this whole relationship questioning and overthinking everything he does?" Tess enquires when we arrive at the gym.
"It's what I do" I remind her. 
We say hi to Annabelle who is working at the desk, check in and make our way down the back of the gym to Angus' office. Tess knocks and we hear him call out "come in".
Once inside we take a seat each, seats that were not there on Friday evening but are now the only new addition to the bland space.
"I said to decorate Angus, not add more furniture" Tess laughs and I try to stifle my own giggle
"I didn't  had a lot of time over the weekend to contact awn interior decorator" he joins in on her joke, good, he's not offended
"Well maybe if you hadn't been so busy making out with my sister you would of had the time" Tess continued, enjoying the banter but I just blush
"It was totally worth it" Angus explains, "But that's kind of why I've asked you both in here this afternoon, before we start our session"
I can feel my heart sink into my stomach, he's going to end it and he's going to still make me do his stupid workout session, great!
"We have a professional code here at the gym" he continues, "We don't allow our trainers to fraternise with clients. Don't worry Zoey, Im not ending this" I swear he can read my mind "but when I'm at work I'm just your trainer ok?"
I nod my head, phew, thats just all he wanted
"Then why am I in here too, granted, this save Zoey time having to tell me later all about what you two discussed inside the office of boringville" Tells wails
"Because you have no filter Tess" Angus explains and the three of us all laugh.

Our session today was probably the most intense yet. We did the extra half hour of our usual training and then we were forced to join Angus for his Monday evening boxercise class. Ive decided that I hate boxing, when am I ever going to have punch someone anyway? Tess, on the other hand, loves it, she says it makes her feel like Buffy.

After class we grab our bags and get ready to head to the train station we get to the door and hear Angus telling Annabelle that he's heading off. Once we are outside he calls out to us, "Where are you two going?"
"To the train station" we say in unison
"Ah no, it's not to safe to catch the train after dark, I'm taking you home" he explains
"It's too far..." I start to protest but Tess cuts me off, "Shut up Zoey, the train smells and now we get to ride in style"

Our journey home is filled with a lot of chatter, mainly coming from Tess.
"Declan wants to know if he can join our group for personal training" she asks Angus
"Yeah that's cool, have him come in with you on Wednesday and I'll do him up a contract" he replies
"Are we on a contract too?" I ask, I know I signed something but I didn't read it.
"Yeah babe, for the next 12 months, you're mine 3 times a week" He informs me
"3 times a week hey Angus? That's more action than you've had in the last 2 years" Tess shouts from the back, I turn around to shoot her a look of "that was private information" but she's not done yet "and more action Zoey has seen in her whole 18 years" she laughs like her jokes are hilarious and I just stare out the window, trying to fight back tears and then I feel Angus' hand squeeze my leg. "There's nothing to be ashamed of Zoey, I like that you're a virgin, kinda takes the pressure off" He assures me "and Tess Im not ashamed that I haven't slept with anyone in two years, it's less drama. My friend Caleb has had this friends with benefits thing going on with this girl for the past, he's made it so clear that he's only after sex but still she goes off at him for not calling, not taking her out on dates, for sleeping with other women and he gets himself worked up too, asking where she's been, who she's with, it's always just drama. I tell him all the time that he needs to just commit to her but he says he doesn't want to be tied to just one woman at 22. I didn't want that life for myself, I wanted to wait for a girl who I knew I could fall in love with" He says, looking over at me and I blush
"Ugh Angus, you're such a sap" Tess cries out and we all laugh

Wildest Dreams

In the harsh light of day the weight of the night before is setting in.  My mouth is super dry, my head is pounding and I'm having flashbacks, hot flashbacks but it's hard to concentrate on them with the pain. 
I can here a conversation going on, I guess Angus finally got that FaceTime call from his sister. I can hear his end clearly but her replies come through muffled. I focus in on what he is saying and I realise they're talking about me.
"No Immie, Im not going to give you her name"
muffled reply
"you know exactly why, you'd look her up on simstergram and stalk her profile, trust me, you'll  meet her when the time is right, I just don't need my big sister scaring her off"
I get up and move closer to the door, I've never been the kind who listens in on private conversation but considering Im the subject matter I can't stop.
"Look Immie, it's more than likely that she's going to wake up and pretend nothing happened again, just like she did on Thursday."
"Give her time Gus, If she's as sweet as you say she is I'm sure she's worth the effort" Imogen assure him.
Am I worth the effort?

Angus ends his call and I can now hear a blender stopping and starting. Time to venture out of the room. He's standing in his kitchen dressed only in shorts and it's freezing.
"Morning" he says in an upbeat tone, "Did I wake you?"
"No, my hangover woke me, I swear Im never drinking again" I pledge 
"Famous last words Miss Green, we've all been there"
"Ah Im sure you never have Mister McKennzie, given that you don't consume carbs"
"I use to be quite a heavy drinker"
"Oh, sorry"
Change the subject Zoey
"what are you concocting in the blender?"
"The worlds best hang over cure"
And he's going to make me drink it!
"Are you not cold, it's freezing Angus"
"I went for a run earlier, sorry, is it making you uncomfortable? I'll go put a shirt on"
Don't think Zoey, just act on impulse, you can do this.
"No, don't" I plead, reaching my hand out to touch his rock hard abs and I don't know which one of us is more shocked. My fingers move slowly up his torso, sweep across his neck and make the way to his mouth, I let my thumb play with his bottom lip and he kisses it softly. He pulls me in closer and brings his lips to mine, I'm anticipating his kiss but he just opens his mouth and asks "Is there a chance that you're still drunk?" 
I shake my head, no
He kisses me, lifting me up off the ground.

"Do you have to be home at a certain time today" Angus enquires.
"No but I do have homework I need to do at some stage this weekend so I will need to get our bags from your office" I reply
"You mean those bags" He asks, pointing to the corner where he's carefully placed both my school bag and Tess' too. 
"What do you have planned Angus?"
"I was thinking we could drive up the coast to Sulani, I know it's winter but there some great spots to grab lunch on the Island"
"How do you get to the Island  though?"
"Ferryboat from New Crest" He informs me
"Im in"

I check my phone in the car and I'm surprised to see that I only had 2 missed calls, one from home and the other from Tess. That's very unlike Tess, usually she would just keep calling until I picked up, her record was 35 calls in the space of an hour. I call home first and my mother answers. 
"Hi Zoey"
"Hi Mum"
"I called before to see if you'll be home for dinner tonight and if Angus would be joining you?"
"How did you know I was with Angus?" I asked, thinking Tess must of ratted me out
"Oh, He called us last night, said you had passed out drunk on his couch and he had put you in his sisters bed. Lovely boy he is, we had a long chat too"
I shoot Angus a look and he just smiles, keeping his eyes on the road.
"So, Im not in trouble?" I ask mum
"Why would you be in trouble, we know you're safe and not lying in a ditch somewhere, plus you're our good girl, we know we don't need to worry about you, unlike Tess"
When I hang up the phone my head is filled with so many questions, like what did they chat about.
"We talked about you Zoey, how you're going to University next year and you're hoping to study medicine" Angus informs me, like he's reading my thoughts, "I didn't know you wanted to become a doctor?" he continues
"My parents want me to become a doctor and don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind studying medicine, my marks are high enough to get in too but I wouldn't mind becoming a vet either, I love animals, especially dogs" I explain
"You should do what makes you happy Zoey"
I wish it was that simple though.

The ferry ride from New Crest to Sulani takes about 40 minutes, the water is choppy and the wind is blowing a gail but Angus holds onto me tightly the whole way.
"This place is beautiful" I say when we arrive, the water is crystal clear and the sand is pure white.
"Yeah it is, I come up here a lot in Summer, we have a house on the beach and locals are so accommodating"
"I need to ask a question and I apologise is advance if it comes out rude but you're 22, how do you own so much property, it's like you hit the motherlode" I ask and he laughs
"Immie was a world renowned scientist. she invented a cloning machine, among other things, made Billions from it, retired at 32 and now travels the world, she comes home in the warmer months, helps me out with the gym but mostly she leaves me in charge of making the big decisions, I've got creative control over everything" He explains.

We walk to The Sand Bar, a small bar with a food stall out front. We put our orders in and find a wicker cane lounge to sit on.
"Ok Zoey, I think it's my turn to ask the personal question" he says, I can hear the reservation in his voice but still he pushes on, "You've talked to me non stop about your relationship with Tess and I've met your Mother and Step Father, who you also seem to be really close to but you've not once mentioned your actual father"
It was a painful subject, a wound that had never healed. I can feel the hot tears welling up in my eyes.
"Oh fuck, Zo, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up, it's none of my business, forget I've asked. Shit, I wanted to have the best first date with you and now I've ruined it and made you cry." He comforts me, wiping my tears away with a napkin
"It's ok" I assure him, "I cry when I'm angry, I'm not angry at you or that you asked, please don't think that. I'm angry because our father abandoned us, left my mother with nothing, alone to raise to two children on her own. Tess and I were only 10 and he just didn't come home, he moved to Oasis Spings with his girlfriend, Eliza Pancakes and they started a new family together, we never heard from him again"
"Im so sorry Zoey, what a prick, you're poor mother and you girls" He exclaims, shocked
"There were some pretty dark times, bills went unpaid and our power was shut off a few times but Ruth got us through it, she took a job as the hostess at Chez Llama and worked really hard to make sure we had everything we needed. That's where she met Don too, he was head chef. They married about a year later and we moved to Brindleton Bay." I explain
"Imogen tells me that Don Lothario was a bit of a playboy in his younger days at Riverview High. Your mother has done a great job taming him" He laughs and I do too
"You wouldn't even know he once had a wild side, he's so devoted to Mum and is more of father to Tess and I than our biological father ever was"

On the drive home from New Crest I receive a call from Tess. 
"Where are you? Im bored and have no-one to talk to" she cries
"I'm about an hour away, I'll be there soon, I promise. I just remembered, I forgot to call you back too, I'm the worst sister in the whole world" I laugh
"You so are Zoey, You get a boyfriend and forget all about me, the real love of your life. Nah, it's all good, I called Angus, I knew you were safe" she assures me.
BOYFRIEND? What? I hadn't thought about that label, it was all too new, I hadn't even had a chance to debrief with Tess. I can feel my breathing starting to become more rapid
"I gotta go...see you soon T"
"I'm pulling over Zoey, just hold on" Angus cries, anticipating my oncoming panic attack.
As soon as the car has safely come to a stop I jump out. The cool evening air hitting my hot cheeks. The attack takes about a minute or two to pass but the shame and embarrassment sticks around.
"Im going to kill your sister" He announces 
"It's not her fault, she just has no filter sometimes and get excited" I explain
"I was going to ask you, I just couldn't find the right moment today" He rambles
"Ask me what?" Now Im confused
"To be my Girlfriend, to make this offical, I know it's sudden but I'm not the type to be out there dating multiple girls all at once. I want to be committed to just one girl, to you Zoey, I want you to be my girl?" He asks, sheepishly 
"I've never been a Girlfriend before though" I explain
"It's not like applying for a job at the barista house Zoey, you don't really need previous experience"
"I know Angus but look at me? Normal girls get excited about moments like this, I have a panic attack"
He takes me by the hands and looks me deep in the eye
"Zoey Green, would you do me the honour of becoming my Girlfriend"
Don't overthink it Zoey
"Yes, Angus McKennzie" 
He picks me up, spins me around and plants a kiss on me.

King of my Heart

On Friday afternoon we convinced Angus to cut our session down to half hour, he agreed under the condition that we did an hour and half session Monday. I have the feeling Im going to regret this arrangement come Monday but today Im grateful for the shorter session.
"And why exactly are we cutting our time short today girls?" Angus asks, looking suspicious 
"We are going to the Stargazer Lounge to celebrate Declan's 18th" Tess explains
"Well I suppose I we better push ourselves today girls, to make up for the amount of sugary cocktails I know you two will consume tonight" He laughs and points in my direction "Especially this one"

We hadn't spoken about what happened on Wednesday night, the night of the blizzard, I didn't bring anything up because I only remembered parts of the night and those memories made me cringe and Angus didn't bring it up at all the next day, he left as soon as the streets were cleared.

"You should join us Angus, Declan won't mind and you will get to met our friends" Tess asks, "Plus, you know the Stargazer Lounge is known for its romantic aura vibe, you could come along and protect Zoey from getting hit on by some undesirable douchebag"
I shoot her a death stare but she takes no notice of me, she's scheming up a plan.
"I'll consider it, I've got some things to do at home tonight, nothing too big, I'm expecting a FaceTime call from Imogen sometime over the weekend, she's not good with remembering that we are in different time zones so when she says she'll call Friday night it could happen anytime tonight or tomorrow morning" He explains, "But you can leave your school bags in my office? It will be locked so they'll be safe in there and I'll get them back to you on Saturday" 

Angus' office is at he back of the gym, just a small room containing a desk, chair and a laptop, no photo's in frames, no motivational posters on the walls. As rooms go, it's somewhat boring. Tess, never one to shy away from pointing something out "Remind me to get the details of your interior decorator Angus, I just love what you've failed to do with the space" We all laugh.

The Stargazer Lounge is located just across from Skye Fitness, on top of some of the most expensive apartments in San Myshuno, it features an undercover bar, karaoke and even a massive heated pool. Tess made me wear my swim suit under my dress, I thought she was crazy though considering how cold it is tonight but when we arrive the pool crammed with people.
Tess spots our group sitting in the back, Declan and Sam are doing shots, while Mika and Cassandra are sipping on vodka sodas. The girls greet us both with hug, Declan kisses Tess on the cheek and Sam just waves. 

Tess sends Declan to the bar with our drink orders, she explains to the group that she could go up to the bar herself but her heels are really only for decoration, she can barely walk in them. I, on the other hand wore sensible, knee high flat boots, dressed for warmth and comfort, not decoration. 
Declan returns with 2 cosmopolitans and tells us he ordered food for the table. We settle in for the night, laughing and talking about our weekend plans, what we plan to study at university and where we are holidaying during Winter break. The drinks are flowing, everyone's having fun and then Sam suggests we should go swimming, I look over at the pool which is still crowded. Everyone starts stripping off down to their swim suits and running towards the pool. 
"You coming in Zoey?" asks Cassandra
"Too many people Cass, Im gonna sit this one out"
she nods understandingly, all my friends know I don't like crowds.
I don't want to stay sitting at our table alone though, that just screams "loser", so I get up and take a seat at the bar. The mixologist approaches me and asks "what will it be miss?"
Before I can even answer I hear a familiar voice behind me "she'll have a cosmo and I'll have a light beer"
"Beer has carbs Angus" I tease him without even turning around.
"I'm making a rare exception tonight" He explains, taking the seat next to me. He smells amazing and looks divine. 

"Why are you not swimming Miss Green?" he enquires
"Ah, did you see how many people are in that pool right now?" 
"And here I was thinking that the girl may not know how to swim"
"Are you joking? I live in Brindleton Bay, we spend every day of Summer in the lake"
Our drinks arrive, I try to pay but he won't let me.
"Ok, but Im getting the next round" I tell him firmly "Otherwise you'll have expectation that you'll be getting laid tonight, I know how these things play out, I've seen it in all the Frat House, boys club movies, you by the girl drinks and she sleeps with you" I laugh at my little joke. 
"Do you really think I'm that kind of guy? The type that goes around picking up girls in bars and sleeping around?" He asks, clearly insulted.
"I'm sorry Angus, shit, I was trying to be witty and I just say the wrong thing. You're right, I don't know what kind of guy you are and I shouldn't just assume based off of movie stereotypes"
He turns to face me, pulling my bar stool closer to his and says "Zoey I don't sleep with a woman unless I'm in a committed relationship with her and it's been 2 years since Steph so..."
"Steph? She's the one who cheated on you with your best friend?"
"Yep"
"what an idiot she must be then"
He looks at me and smiles, "And whys that Zoey"
"Because you're hot" I reply
"And you're drunk Miss Green"
"Yeah but I'll be sober in the morning and you'll still be hot so there's that"
"And you'll go back to avoiding talking to me so there's also that"
"I like you Angus and I know I'm speaking with the help of liquid courage right now but I want you to know I am attracted to you, like a lot" I confess but he's looking past me, I turn around to see what's caught his attention and I see it's Tess, wrapped in towel and smiling to herself, she heard everything I just said, great, now these two will spend the whole Monday training session making fun of me.
"Zoey, Declan wants me to stay at his tonight, being his birthday and all, he wants to have some private "Celebration" time, if you get what I mean" Tess says
"So I'm catching the train back to Brindleton Bay alone?" I reply
"You could stay at Cassie house?"
"The Goth House? No way, that place is haunted, I'd rather take my chances on the train with the murderers"
"You can stay at place, you can sleep in Immie's room" Angus offers
Tess locks eyes with me and says "Zoey and I need to have a private conversation", she grabs me by the hand and leads me to an empty table
"Zoey you don't have to do anything you don't want to do OK? If you stay at his house it doesn't mean you owe him anything. Don't let him pressure you to do anything that you don't want to do"
"I won't, I don't think he would either"
"I love you Z"
"Love you too T"

Tess walks me back to the bar where Angus is sitting, staring at his beer.
"Zoey is going to stay at your place tonight but if you do anything to hurt her, anything at all, I will punch you in your pretty boy face, you got that buddy?" Tess threatens
"I'd never do anything to hurt Zoey" he promises.
Tess hugs me goodbye and leaves with Declan.
We sit in silence for about a minute until he speaks
"I mean it Zoey, I'd never do anything to hurt you, I remember everyday what it felt like to have my trust broken"
"I know you would hurt me Angus, if I thought you would then I would never have agreed to come back to your place.Do you have edible snacks and netflix at your apartment? Or do we need to make a pit stop?"
"I have Netflix and carrot sticks"
"pit stop needed and we will need vodka too"
"Zoey?" he asks
"yeah?"
"Can I kiss you?"
I don't answer him, instead I lean over, place my palm on his check and move my lips in to meet with his. My first kiss, it feels like time is standing still, I can feel my heart rate is racing, don't overthink this Zoey, just go with it.
"I wasn't expecting that to happen tonight" he says after we pull away. 

We step out into the night, the air is chilly. He takes my hand and leads us, first to the mini mart for snacks and then on to his apartment.  Angus lives in a huge, two story penthouse  apartment overlooking the river. He gives me a private tour, showing me the backyard oasis and the swimming pool on the deck.
"No crowds here" I muse, he laughs, wraps his arms around my waist and whispers in my ear
"We could take a dip?"
"Tempting as that sounds it's freezing out here and there was talk of Netflix before"
He leads me to the lounge room and hands me the remote, "You pick the movie and I'll get the snacks ready"
This is the last thing I remember before waking up, alone, in a strange bedroom in the middle of the night with a pounding headache

Enchanted

I woke up well before my alarm went off, every muscle in my body felt like it was being pulled apart. How do people do this exercise thing and just love it? This is torture and now this trainer guy wants us to do personal training 3 times a week, ugh kill me now. Stupid Angus with his stupid pretty face making it impossible to say no to. Stupid Tess for roping me into this stupid pack, I swear she just wanted to see me suffer while convincing me "It's for the greater good, think of how fit we will be come Summer". Stupid Summer, I can't hide under layers when it's boiling hot. Curse everything!!!
I reach for my phone to shut off my alarm and I notice I've got a text message from a number that I don't know.

See you at 4pm, looking forward to it

Clearly it's been sent to me by accident because, lets face it, I very rarely make plans with anyone and if I I do then I spend all week trying to think up ways to get out of them, Im just going to reply and tell them they have the wrong number.

This is Angus BTW, Your personal Trainer

Great, Mister perfect is a morning person who sends early morning messages reminding his victims he hasn't forgotten he scheduled more torture. 

Upstairs I can hear Tess dancing around the kitchen as she makes her breakfast. Tess is also a morning person, it's extremely annoying when you're a night owl like myself and you get woken up by the sound of her singing out of key. 
The dancing has stopped and has been replaced the sound by her shoes stomping down the stairs

"Zoey, wake up, we are leaving in 30 minutes" she bellows down the hall "and pack your gym clothes, we have training after school and I don't wanna have to make a trip home and then back into the city, it's easier to go from school" 

"Im up, going to shower now" I reply, while I still lay there knowing she won't leave without me

My door flies open suddenly and she's now invading my space with her perkiness.

"you're not up at all, get up!!! Did you see Angus' texted us, I'm so excited to start personal training, arn't you?"
Why must she be so happy all the time?
"Im sore Tess, all over, maybe I shouldn't go today, I'll start PT on Friday" Please Tess, please hear my plea, don't make me go back there but no, she doesn't listen to a word I've said, instead she's shoving my gym clothes into my school bag.

Im up, Im showered, Im ready for school and it only took 40 minutes. 
We attend a very elite private school in the heart of Forgotten Hollow. I love going to school here, Tess and I share a great group of friends and Im a straight A student. 

Tess' Boyfriend Declan meets us the the school gate, just like he has done every day since he and Tess started dating in year 9, he kisses her on the cheek and greets me with a wave.

"Our personal trainer has a thing for Zoey, I know it, Im never wrong about these things" Tess greets him every morning with useless information that he pretends to take an interest in.
"Way to go Zoey" He enthuses, as if he really cares
"He doesn't have thing for me, he was just being friendly to get us to sign up for his stupid torture sessions and now we have to go back there again this afternoon so he can whip us into shape" I moan
"Tess we have school captain meetings after school today, did you forget?" Declan reminds her.
"Oh shit, I did forget, sorry Zoey, you're facing the torture chamber alone today, don't worry, you'll be fine though" she said, not looking one bit apologetic, she's almost laughing, "You should see Zo in front of this guy Declan, she goes bright red and he just keeps staring at her, he's so into her" 

That afternoon I board the train alone to San Myshuno, arriving at the gym just before 4. As Im checking in at the reception desk Angus comes running up to me. 
"No Tess today?" he asks and Im left wondering if he's somewhat disappointed that he's realised he's going to be stuck attempting to make conversation with the socially recluse twin
"She forgot she had a meeting to attend today so Im sorry but it's just me this afternoon, did you wanna cancel?" I struggle to get my words out through bouts of shyness creeping in.
Please say yes, we can cancel and wait until Tess returns.
"That's ok, her loss is your gain because now you get me 100% to yourself for a whole hour. How are you feeling after yesterday's session?" 
"If I can be honest with you, Im hurting a lot, everywhere"I reply, in the hopes he will send me home to rest. 
"I thought you would be sore today but you put in an amazing effort last night, you should be proud of yourself, Im really proud of you, Ive had a lot of women run away mid class and never come bak but not you, you stuck it out, that shows you've got stamina" He flashes me that million dollar smile and I feel my face going bright red, "Ok, lets get started, I'll take things nice and slow with you today, due to the recovery pain you're in"

He leads me to the treadmill and starts me on a low setting, just as promised. 
"We're going to be working pretty closely together a lot so what do you say we work on kicking this shyness to the curb too? Lets get you to be a strong, confident woman"
The redness is creeping back into my cheeks, why does he care if I'm shy and not confident?
"We can try but I can't make any promises, I'm socially awkward, Tess is the social butterfly, she loves going to parties and to clubs whereas I'd much rather sit at home binge watching Grey's Anatomy" Why am I volunteering information about being a wallflower? He's going to think I'm such a loser.
"McDreamy and McSteamy are the way to any girls heart" he laughs "I love a good binge watch myself"
"You watch Grey's Anatomy?" I ask, shocked, Ive never met a guy who likes Grey's, but to be fair I don't really talk to many boys, just Declan and only because he's always hanging around Tess. 
"I live with my older sister and she's somewhat obsessed with it, she rewatches it every Summer and we only have one TV in the apartment so I'm also forced to watch it too" He laughs, "Do you like movies?" 
"I love movies, it's one of the only times I enjoy leaving the house, when something new comes out. I sometimes think I just go for the popcorn though" I reply "what about you?"
"I also love going to the movies but I don't go for the popcorn" He explains "I usually bring my own snack, I don't do carbs, Im just really careful about what I put in my body" He winks at me like I'm in on some secret joke. Is he flirting with me? Is this what flirting is? No way, he's just being cocky, I'm sure of it, Who would flirt with a sweaty introvert who just admitted to carboloading as an excuse to see a movie?
Ive got a plan, if I just stop talking then he will stop talking and I can just stop overthinking everything. I blame Tess, she got into my head with this whole "He likes you" bullshit that she carried on with. I wish Tess was here so the focus wasn't all on me. Why did she have to be popular and be voted in as School Captain? Why couldn't she just think of what coming here alone would do to me. 
My plan is working, he's not even trying to talk to me, he's typing something on his phone. Good, just stay focused on your phone buddy, no more chatty chats to Zoey.
My plan lasted all of 3 minutes, he looks up from his phone and asks "Your surname is Green right"
"umm, yeah"
"and it's Zoey, spelt with just an E or EY?"
"EY, why?"
"Im just searching for you on simstergram, oh yeah, there you are. Following and I expect a follow back"
"Do you also expect interesting content too because you will be sadly disappointed" I throw in my own wink at the end and he just laughs. 

As I'm about to leave I see that it's started to snow, it wasn't even forecast to snow today, it's been unseasonably warm since the middle of last week so I didn't even consider to bring a jacket. The train station is a 10 minute walk from the gym and the another 15 minute walk to my house. Im going to freeze if I go out there without cover. Best to wait inside and call Don to come pick me up. I pull out my phone and start typing in my home number, hoping that he's home, when I hear Angus behind me.
"Oh wow, it's snowing.How are you getting home Zoey?"
"I was going to catch the train but I didn't bring a coat so Im just going to call my step dad and ask if he can come get me"
"From Brindleton Bay? That's crazy, I'll take you home"
"Oh no, you don't have to, that's well out of your way"
"How do you know Im not already going that way?"
"I just assumed you lived in San Myshuno when you mentioned you live in an apartment"
"ah, umm, yeah I do but really it's no trouble, you were my last client for the day anyway and I'll just be going home to an empty house, my Sister is travelling at the moment, so I really don't mind and it would give you someone to talk to on the way home, although Im sure Im no substitute for Tess"
"Tess could talk under water, I swear." I laugh "well as long as you're sure it's no trouble. I'll call Don though and tell him we are having a guest for dinner, can't have you driving me all the way to Brindleton Bay and back in the snow on an empty stomach"
He smiles "Thanks Zoey, you're a sweetheart"
Here comes the blushing again

The traffic leaving the city is congested with everyone finishing work at 5 and heading back to the suburbs and the snow storm is picking up.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we get a blizzard tonight" Angus muses
"I would love that, Tess and I have a tradition of watching movies and getting drunk in our basement on nights of a blizzard because school get cancelled for the next day"
"That's awesome. You two are really close hey?"
"Yeah, she's not just my twin sister, she's also my best friend. She pushes me out of my comfort zone all the time, which can be annoying but she's always got my back whenever someone pushes me around"
"she pushed you into coming to the gym didn't she?"
"Is it that obvious that I don't want to be there?"
He laughs, "Ah yes but I think you'll slowly warm up to it. I hated it at first too but I had a lot of weight that needed to come off, not like you, little miss petite"
"Are you seriously trying to convince me that you didn't always have washboard abs?"
He looks at me, raising an eyebrow "Have you been checking me out Miss Green?"
SHIT!!! I've somehow stumbled into unknown territory, flirting, I can feel my breathing becoming more rapid, I'm going to have a panic attack, which is not unknown territory but Im trapped in a car with a virtual stranger.
"Oh fuck, Zoey, shit, I can't pull over, just deep breaths hun, in and hold it then out" He's trying to not get panicked himself as he's trying to calm me down and it's working.
A few moments of silence pass until he asks me "Does that happen often?"
"unfortunately yes" I tell him, embarrassed. "I just get overwhelmed with some social interactions"
"like flirting?"
"Yeah, I don't  flirt, ever"
He looks over at me again and says with a smile "We're gonna work on that"

We arrive at my house just as the storm starts to get worse. We make a mad dash to the front door where we are greeted by Tess, who is obviously amused with the whole situation.
She yells out to our Mother Ruth and Don "Zoey brought a boy home"
I could kill her, I really could, she has no tact but Angus just laughs like he's in on her joke and I just roll my eyes. 
Don ventures out from the kitchen to greet today's unexpected dinner guest, he use to Tess bringing Declan for dinner but this is a first, Zoey with a boy. 
Don reaches out to shake hands with Angus, "Hey, Im Don, Zoey and Teresa's step father, their mother is around here somewhere" He turns around to yell out to mum
"Ruthie, come meet Zoey's friend" he turns back to Angus "Sorry, I didn't catch your name"
"Angus, Angus McKennzie"
Tess and I exchange looks, we didn't know his surname until now either.
"McKennzie? You're not Imogen McKennzie's younger brother are you"
Angus smiles, "Yes, how do you know Immie?"
"We were high school sweethearts back in the day, I use to help her babysit you, you've certainly grown, granted you were only around 2 or 3 back then" Don explains
"Oh look out, old Donny boys got his throw back thursday voice on" Tess muses and I laugh. We love Don but he does like to go on, a lot, about "back when I was in high school"
"Girls, stop picking on Don, he's cooked us a lovely roast for dinner" My mother says as she enters the room. "Hi Angus, welcome to the mad house, these two like to stir their step father non stop"
"He loves it" Tess and I say in unison. 
"What's Imogen up to these days anyway? I imagine she's still travelling the world and  breaking hearts" he laughs to himself
"well it's funny you say that, she's on a jungle adventure in Selvadorada right now but she'll be back in a few months. We own the gym together and coming into summer we get an influx of new sign ups so I'll need her help real soon"
Tess and I again exchange looks, He owns the gym?

After dinner, Tess and I do the washing up and Don goes outside to look how much snow has fallen, he comes back inside and informs us that the streets are covered in a thick blanket of whiteness. "You're not going to be able to get home tonight Angus and I highly doubt there will be any work or school tomorrow so it looks like you girls have a playmate for drunken shenanigans, best go make him up a bed in the basement"
"Im sure he wouldn't mind bunking in with Zoey if he had to" Tess teases and I shoot her a dirty look. 
"Come along Angus, you can help us mix cocktails" Tess says, taking charge.

We've never had an intruder join us on Blizzard night and Tess is finding it all too exciting.
"Full warning, the more drunk Zoey gets, the less awkward she becomes" she informs Angus, I throw a cushion at her to try and get her to shut up and Angus sits there grinning at us.
We pick out "He's just not that into you" to watch and set our drinking rules. I can feel I'm getting tipsy midway through the movie, "She's such a light weight" Tess announces to Angus.
"No I'm not, you just made my drinks really strong for your own amusement" I protest
Tess and Angus exchange looks and just burst out laughing, I knew it!

"So Angus, don't you have to call your wife and tell her you're not coming home? That you're staying with your mistresses tonight" Tess asks, not so subtle 
"I'm 22 Tess, I have no wife"
"Girlfriend then?" she presses on, I know where she's leading us to and Im sure he does too.
"No girlfriend either" he explains and we exchange looks, "very much single and have been for 2 years now"
"Why did you break up?" there's never a question Tess doesn't feel she can't ask, no matter how personal
"She cheated on me, for months, with my best friend"
"Aww Angus, that's heartbreaking, isn't that heartbreaking Zoey?" 
"What a bitch " I interject and they both look at me shocked, ok I may be a bit more than tipsy
"Zoey, you should give Angus a hug to heal his broken heart"
"Ok" I reply "But only if you let me feel your abs"
Angus looks at Tess "Is she drunk?"
Tess nods, laughing "I told you, less awkward, she can't overthink when she's drunk"
"Stop talking about me as if Im not here" I shout as I run my palm over the bumps on Angus' torso, while looking him in the eye.
"sorry Zo" he whispers in my ear.

We reach the end of the movie and the bottle of vodka, which isn't surprising when Tess is the mixologist.
"That's Zoey's favourite movie" Tess informs Angus
"It's pretty good but I think they need to do a sequel and call it "He is into you but can't tell if you're into him" what do you think Zoey?" Angus asks
"I'd watch the shit out of that" I reply
Angus and Tess both burst out laughing, I've clearly missed the joke and I just don't care, Im having too much fun.
"Angus you are welcomed to join us again for blizzard night, you're too much fun and Tess, he's so pretty too"My speech is becoming slurry 
"Well  Angus, I think she just answered your question without even realising it was directed at her" Tess muses
"Stop talking about me like Im not here" I shout, yet again
"Sorry Zo" they both say in unison.