CHAPTER 9

After a while I stopped playing 'Halo 3' and just went with good old Pokémon on my 3ds. I was laying on my bed while playing and looked over to see the time.

1:08 a.m.

It was already Saturday.

I went back to my game continuing my grinding. I wasn't going to fight the next gym leader without everyone on my team at least level 35. I just want to be sure they are all strong and that I have a perfect chance at winning.

I was laying down holding my ds above my head praying to god I wouldn't drop it on my face. I was listening to music with my headphones from my computer with the only light coming from it. As I laid there I felt my phone vibrate and took off my headphones looking over at it.

"Who would be calling me this late at night?"

I picked up my phone and looked at the name to see who it was calling.

It was Zach.

To be honest I wasn't that surprised. I accepted the call and closed my 3ds.

"Yes, Zach?"

"Hey Jess. I've got a slight problem."

He sounded drunk as his words slurred and played around in different tones. And from the background noise I knew he was at one of those parties they did after they won a game.

"Did you get drunk again after a game?"

"Maybe?"

He hiccupped after saying that. I sighed as I tried to hold back a smile.

"Alright, do you need me to come and get you?"

"Yes please."

I laughed a little at how he was sounding like a two year old getting asked if they wanted ice cream.

"Okay I'll come get you."

"Really? You're such a lifesaver Jess. And that's why you're my friend."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going to end the call, okay?"

"No! Wait! Don't go yet!"

I laughed as I got some shoes on and grabbed my keys.

"I'll see you soon, okay? And I kind of need to end the call to do that."

"But I don't want to!"

I laughed again. He's so funny when he's drunk. He's like a little kid.

"I'm hanging up now. I'll see you soon."

"Okay. Bye Jess."

"Bye Zach."

After saying that I hung up the phone and grabbed a light jacket to throw on over my tank top. I was only wearing that with some sweatpants. My hair was up and I wasn't wearing any makeup.

As I got into my car I put the keys into the ignition and started it while closing the door. This wasn't the first time that this has happened so I knew where to go. This would probably be the fifth time he's asked me to come get him. Other times he'd just stay there or go home with Emma and do 'that'. I didn't really mind it though since the house was like 15 minutes away. The only thing that made it take a while was when Zach wouldn't let up and actually go with me even though he called me.

But what can I say? He's drunk.

I got to the house and had to park a block away with all of the cars parked here for the party. By now the music was quieter and people were just starting to die down.

I walked up to the front door and knocked on it not wanting to ring the bell. A few seconds later Noah came to the door with two cheerleaders hanging off of him. One was blonde and the other was a brunette. He had his arms around them as they held onto him and in one hand was a beer. I could already smell the alcohol coming off of them.

"Hey! Jessica, right?"

He was rocking side to side and the blonde one of the girls giggled as he did.

"How do you know my name?"

"Uh, cause Zach won't stop talking about you? Plus you're the school freak. Who doesn't know ya? You comin' in?"

His words slurred together more than Zach's did. I bet he's more drunk. The other girl giggled and rubbed up on him, making me want to throw up.

"Oh Noah, why would you invite her in? She's the school freak for a reason. She'd kill the vibe."

The other girl snickered after she said that. I rolled my eyes and folded my arms.

"You're right Kriss. She wouldn't last a second here anyway."

After he said the name I realized who the girls were. They were some of the cheerleaders. Not as important as Sabrina and Tasha but definitely still part of the clique. I looked past him into the dimly lit house as if to try and find Zach myself when I saw two couples sucking each other's faces and a guy passed out on the floor with a few other people still drinking and chatting.

Zach wasn't in sight.

"Okay, not to seem rude but I just came for Zach. He called me."

As I looked back I noticed Noah staring directly at my chest and I quickly got my jacket and wrapped it tighter around me. Noah groaned and turned around looking into the house.

"Zach! Your girl's here!"

I felt a chill run down my spine as he said that hoping no one was really paying attention to him. Then again everyone wouldn't care to pay attention. I sighed feeling my heart racing against my chest. I was scared Emma and her sidekicks would be here. With that in mind I hoped no one would talk about this. I hope no one remembers this night and that they all get drunk enough to forget this.

After a minute or so Zach came stumbling past Noah and up to me. Being in the drunk state he was in he fell down onto me almost making me lose balance.

"Whoa there buddy! How much did you drink?"

He groaned before answering.

"Two... five... twelve drinks? I don't know. I lost count after that."

I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath of air and lifted him up a bit off of me. I looked back at Noah and sighed.

"I'll be going now."

I started to leave when I heard one of the girls yell, "Don't forget to use protection!" They all laughed as they walked back in like fools.

I winced a bit. Of course there's the possibility that those two say something. More specifically say something to their leader Emma. I shook my head and ignored their words knowing they were just drunk as I shouldered Zach to my car. I mean, they had to be joking. They all know he's with Emma and wouldn't dare to cheat on her.

When we got to my car I carefully set him down into the passenger's seat and buckled him up.

"Hey Jess."

"Hi Zach. Now don't throw up in my car, got it?"

He laughed. "Uh-huh."

I smiled as I walked to the drivers side and got in starting the car.

"You know Zach, you should be more careful."

"So what? I'm young and the best player in the world!"

I shook my head at his weird words trying my best not to laugh. No use encouraging him.

We drove to my house in silence and I kept an eye on him as we did. When we got to my house I walked over to the passenger side and helped Zach out and helped him into my house. Once inside I closed the door and locked it before setting Zach down on my couch in the living room.

"Alright. How are you feeling?"

"Horny."

I scoffed.

"Then why didn't you go with Emma? She is your girlfriend."

Zach laughed as if it was what I said.

"What's so funny?"

"Your house smells like vanilla."

I rolled my eyes and leaned down to look him in the eye.

"Well you smell like alcohol. Go take a shower."

He groaned as he slowly got up. I watched him as he shuffled over to the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Once I heard the shower start I walked over and past it to my room. When I got in there and took off my sweater. I planned to sleep once I knew Zach was okay. I mean, it was almost two by now. I fell to my bed and sighed as I did.

"I'm glad mom isn't here."

I rolled over and looked up to the ceiling feeling tired. I covered my eyes with my arm and shifted on my bed.

"I'm just going to close my eyes for one second. Nothing more," I whispered, not caring that my lights were still. Zach wouldn't bother me after his showerso I wouldn't have to worry about anything. I bet he would just get back to the couch and pass out.

Without fighting it I fell asleep not caring about anything.