Choosing Sides

Zack pulled up to Alfred’s just before 6 P.M. A typically pretty casual setting, Zack opted for a pair of dark washed blue jeans, white Nike low top loafers and a fitted white pocket tee. He had just enough product in his hair to let you know that he cared about his looks but not enough to make it appear that he was trying. The boy’s style is naturally pretty casual, but he has taken a greater interest senior year. Not like Taylor, Hannah, or Ashley gave him much of an option. Finally starting to mature and fill out, there’s certainly been extra pairs of eyes glancing in his direction.

Knowing the girls, he’s probably the first one here. The curious young man made his way towards the door to reserve their usual table. Zack opens the swinging glass door earning the chime of the bell. Alfred’s was a pretty old school diner that has a lot of its original charm. Not to mention one of the best burgers and milkshake in town. Somewhat known as a high school hang out spot, it usually has a pretty low-key vibe and is a favorite of Zack and the girls. Doing a double take as he opens the door, it is far from its low-key regulars and is absolutely slammed. He’s never seen it this busy before and as he peers around, notices that it’s basically half of his senior class. Hurrying to his normal spot, he lets out a sigh of relief seeing Chloe has already laid claim to the table. “About time, Zack!” the feisty redhead all but has to shout to be heard over the crowd. “I’m tired of fending off the vultures.” Zack just gave her a proud smile and slid in the booth across from the already fed up the girl. In full honesty, the aggressive redhead is probably more threatening than the boy himself. Chloe dressed in her typical soccer hoody and practice shorts, with her bright redhead tied up. She had toned legs which was about all you could comment on of her body being that’s all she allowed anyone to see. Shortly after Paris squeezed through the crowd and catapulted over the backside of the booth and landed next to a startled Chloe. Paris had her entrancing blue hair pulled back into a lose pony tail, nearly matching the color of her blue tank top. Rounded off with tight khaki shorts that highlight her curves. “So why are all these behemoth’s all over the place?” Paris asked in disgust.

“Beats me.” Zack responds in pure bewilderment. “I think I remember Ashley asking about inviting a couple people.” Instantly both girls lock eyes with a shared disappointment in the rare moment that Zack could be so thick.

“A couple friends being two of the most popular girls, in Heather and Victoria. Shit half of the kids here are probably paparazzi.” Paris joked while seeing who the hell actually is there. “Well, you’re definitely buying for letting out our little hideaway.” With a bitter expression, he slowly nods his head knowing that it’s only fair. The bell of the opening door chimes once more, which at this point can barely be heard. Even in all of its busyness, the chatter calms momentarily with many heads turning to see the new arrivals.

In walks three of the top Azure Rocks High’s beauties. Heather naturally leading the trio, had a daring black tube top showing enough to need an ambulance on standby. Followed by a tight blue skirt and modest black heels. Victoria, the voluptuous blonde beauty had a red and white sundress on that while not as heart stopping as Heather, hinted at the beauty that lies beneath. Finally, Ashley had a baby blue, sleeveless romper that plunged down to her mid sculpted stomach. With her perfect tan legs highlighted, it fit her build like a dream. Her wavy light blonde hair tucked behind one ear which was as cute as it was sexy. Even Zack gulped at the sight of the three girls. Hell, even Alfred was probably back there sweating, the reason not being the grill for this one time. They did their best to act modest, but it wasn’t lost on them the dropped jaws that they received. The three made their way to their waiting table. Ashley scooting in first next to Zack followed by Victoria. Heather filled in next to Paris, who even had to do her best to stay calm in the gorgeous cheerleader’s presence. The six of them all looked around the table with interest. The only one having a relationship with the rest being Ashley. She was also suddenly nervous as no one was currently speaking up. “So, Zack, Paris, Chloe, this is…”

“I believe we all know of each other Ashley. We don’t need the pleasantries.” Heather responded studying each of the strangers at the table.

“Heather! Don’t be an ass!” Victoria snapped back slightly defending Ashley. “Hi Chloe. Hello Paris.’ The more polite girl continued, “Hey Zack.” The blonde followed up with a slightly different tone and increasing smile.

Zack clearly knowing who Victoria is from years of birthdays and such at Ashley’s. “Hey Vicky.” He tried to say back smoothly with a curled lip. He slightly leaned his head to the side giving her a slight nod. Chloe had to hold back from gagging.

The table once again going slightly quiet which was easy to do in this loud environment. Nearly all had at least some interest in the mutual new faces. All except Chloe. Chloe felt slightly duped at this awkward interaction and didn’t care to be around anyone other than her close friends.

With the tension still rising, Heather piped up, “So someone needs to speak up before I get bored and spike the milkshake machine.” Never knowing if she’s joking or not, the group was rescued by Alfred himself.

“Here’s my favorite troublemakers. This flash mob couldn’t be your doings, could it?” While also spotting a couple new faces. “I’m not sure if I should throw you a cut of the profits or aprons to take care of this dinner rush.” Alfred a large, jovial man gave a friendly smile to all. He was a large part of the draw to this hidden gem of a diner.

The tension seemingly broken, they all joked back and placed their orders. 30 minutes later the six were admittedly getting along with Chloe and Victoria connecting on sports media. Heather shockingly commenting positively on Paris’s choice of hair color and slightly punk style. Zack and Victoria both having a strong interest in literature. Ashley was now much more at ease. The only tension not yet to be broke, was Heather and Zack communicating directly.

Taking a deep breath Zack did his best to beat the smoldering girl to the punch. “So, Heather… Any good cheerleading stories we should know about Ashley?”

While less bold than Heather was hoping for, she still smiled while thinking of anything worth sharing. “I may have some trade bait. What do you have to offer Bishop?” Heather responded with a slight emphasize on his name. Now feeling that there was a slight opening, he smiled back while thinking deeply.

Ashley was now watching this mutual friendship blow up in her face. Looking in terror at the possibility of her two biggest teasers being allied against her never crossed her mind. She butted in louder than she meant to. “Victoria! What breaking stories do you have for the newspaper?”

The attention all but turned to a caught off guard Victoria. Except Zack and Heather who still shared a lasting glance. Heather, being impressed that he isn’t crumpling as most. Zack, having a curiosity of what the ravish brunette’s angle could be. Regardless of the angle, this interaction was far from over.

Over the next few moments, the table was finally fully relaxed and enjoying themselves. This was certainly helped by the fact that their food had come. The jokes and laughter all but muted the noise around them. Even Chloe was admittedly having a good time.

The bell chimed and the door opened once again. This time the entering parties weren’t as easy on the eyes. In walks Brandon Cole, Trent Thornton, Scott Coburn, and the other football orcs that follow them. Followed by Madison and possibly some of her theatre friends.

Most at the table being suddenly alarmed before Zack actually chimed in, “Who the hell invited them!?” The once broken tension suddenly returning as they each tried to figure out how the rival athletes made their way there.

“I invited Bran.” A chillingly calm Victoria added without even looking up from the salad that she was enjoying.

“You did what!?” The entire table broke out in unison.

“Vicky… You are the dumbest fucking smart person, I’ve ever met.” Heather responded at a rare loss of words only able to shake her head in frustration.

“You invited the football players! What the fuc… Wait did you say Bran?!” Ashley glared over at her now nearly irate.

Victoria quickly grew defensive at what she viewed as a suddenly ganged up attack. “Umm yeah, Brandon Cole. Just because you threw him to the curb doesn’t mean I have to hate him.” The defensive girl now growing emboldened. “He was always nice to me. We had a couple classes today and he was kind and open to doing some interviews for the newspaper.”

Heather dropped her forehead into her hands, nearly embarrassed for by Victoria’s ignorance. “Hey sweetheart? You’re sure the two of you are talking about the same kind of interview?” She said while raising her eyebrows.

A confused Victoria suddenly growing wide eyed before giving a scowling glare at Heather. Heather mimicking a “Bow Chicca Wow Wow” on her part.

Kevin Jackson was sitting on the other side of the diner when he saw the recent invaders walk in. Knowing that nothing good could come out of this, he acted with a quickness. Doing his best to figure out a solution, he spotted his football counterpart, his cousin Trent. The tension of the competing teams should be enough, but the boys also had a personal rival that often times had them at odds. “What the fuck Trent?”

Trent smirked back at Kevin, “Did the walking yawn just speak to me? The basketball team doesn’t own this place.”

“Drop the shit, Trent. We can hate each other all we want but that doesn’t mean that Alfred deserves this. I’ll talk to my guys, and you can talk to yours. Nothing goes down in Alfred’s. This is mutual turf.” Trent contemplated not liking Kevin to think that he has the upper hand. He begrudgingly gave a shrug and slightly nodded at Kevin.

“You control your wannabe’s, and we’ll behave… for Alfred’s sake.”

While Kevin seemed to stifle the battle for the time being, Zack was still steaming in his booth staring down the rude unwanted guests. Ashley gave him a gentle bump with her knee and softly squeezed his hand before letting go just as quickly. Upon seeing her worried but caring expression, he did his best to lower his guard.

There was certainly still a thickness in the air but over time, most of the rambunctious seniors ignored it. Heather capitalizing on the opportunity, finally turned her focus to Zack. “So, Zack, did you join the basketball team because you enjoy the smell of pine, or was it to get a better look at the cheerleaders?”

A forward, almost crude question that had many shocked faces glaring back at Heather. Zack on the other hand, did his best to stifle the laughter. “who says I have to choose? I actually figured the fresh pine smell was to mask that of the cheerleaders.” The once worried expressions now dropped at his response. Heather grinned slightly, knowing she’s made no mistake in meeting the estranged blue-eyed boy.

The banter continued with the tables eventually mingling a bit. Victoria excused herself to visit with a few other friends she spotted. Ashley doing her best to hold it, not wanting to miss anything, had to go to the bathroom.

Seeing her brief window, Madison gave one more glance to her brute of a brother to make sure he was distracted. She saw the opening next to Zack and knew it was now or never. Madison hastily made her way to the small six top and squeezed into the booth scooting far enough over that she smooshed Zack against the wall in a playful manner. She turned towards him with a slight wink. Madison was correct that she snuck past a distracted Brandon. Trent may not be as aloof.

Ashley returned just as quickly, surprised to see that she lost her spot.

Madison has never been one to waste an opportunity. She slowly inched her way back closer towards Zack. The now aware boy knew he needed to act quickly before being bested as he was in English. Zack gently placed his right hand on the girl’s smooth left thigh. As she started to twitch at the reaction, he applied just enough pressure to try and distract her nerves. Only Heather’s voice brought her out of her current haze.

“Fancy seeing you here Cole. You sure your trolls of Mordor aren’t going to come looking for you?” Only a couple catching the reference from the popular girl, one being Zack who was shocked that Heather of all people would take to break from crushing boys’ souls to be entertained by fantasy movies.

“As long as I’m more than 30 feet away, those creatine necks don’t have enough cardio to make the trip.” Madison returned with a chuckle. Madison clearly preferred the basketball team clique (with one in particular) but was barely allowed out of Brandon’s sight. Taking advantage of the distracted table, Madison slightly moved her hand under Zack’s brushing it off her leg and continuing until her hand was on his upper thigh. ‘Two can play this game Zackary!’

Suddenly feeling the sensation from earlier return, Zack being aware that the score is 2-1. ‘Damn she’s good.’ This is where the theatre skills kicked in showing that this would be far from a fair fight. She continued with such casual conversation while her left hand moved across the boy’s increasingly tightening jeans finding the prize she was searching for. Never once breaking eye contact with the rest of the girls at the table. “Jackpot!” as her small hand found Zack’s hardening rod. She squeezed on it even now finding it difficult to fight off any expressions. “Why does it feel so big?!”

Madison was a pretty inexperienced girl herself, more from circumstance than desire. But something about the reactions she got from Zack earlier today and the thrill of the crowded environment, she couldn’t help herself. Praying that the dark colored tights she had on were enough to disguise just how hot and wet she currently was. Continuing to grope Zack’s thick prick while knowing her brother was only a few booths away.

Zack was currently looking out the window focusing on anything and everything to distract himself.

“…right Bishop?” “Zack?” “ZACK!”

Multiple girls joined before he snapped to noticing the resting hand now stopped momentarily which he already wished would start again. “If we just wanted to reserve your spot we could have brought the cpr dummy.” Paris chimed trying to read why he was so distant.

“That’s a shame, he’s cuter too.” Chloe tacked on.” The mostly quiet girl catching Heather’s attention. ‘Maybe the ginger has some spunk too?’

Zack slightly shook his head while running his fingers through his hair. He then smoothly ran his elbows across his thighs removing the exploring hand much to a disappointed Madison. Ashley slightly seeing the movement out of the corner of her eye but not sure if she saw what she thinks she saw. Many different thoughts running through her mind none the less, as she tries to put the pieces together.

Zack doing his best to plaster on his best smile and fully refocusing on the five stunning girls. “Maybe if you were talking about something interesting, I’d pay better attention.”

“Shame.” Heather responds with a disappointed look. “These four were arguing about what order they were going to rip your clothes off… But it had a short shelf life.”

“Three!” Paris sharply corrected before the other girls tried to mumble and defend themselves from being drawn off guard into Heather’s teasing too. Now all six were howling in laughter.

Brandon enjoying the rough housing and joking with his friends couldn’t keep his attention from being torn away at times. Even passing interactions with the sensational Victoria couldn’t keep his attention away from a certain table. Brandon himself, wasn’t sure of his motives with Victoria. She was certainly hot, but was he truly interested or deep down hoping to make Ashley jealous. Maybe it was just having attention shown to him from a desirable girl that most would kill for. Victoria’s intent wasn’t very clear as well. This time he glances at his childhood friend having a great time with five beautiful women all laughing and smiling. Five beautiful women that included his sister. His sister! Brandon all but pushed his way out of his booth even as Victoria was mid-sentence. He hastily made his way to the table. “Hey Madison, I just got a text from dad we’ve got to go right now.”

Certainly not having the acting chops of his sister, his less than believable delivery wasn’t lost on several at the table. “I’ll get a ride from Ashley.” She defended.

“I actually rode with Heather” the blonde sheepishly responded. Brandon suddenly coming out of his defender mode forgetting that the gorgeous blonde was nearly right in front of him. Leveling back quite a bit, fortunately before Brandon and Zack had an opportunity to interact. “Well… I’m going to go start the car so you can say your goodbyes, but we seriously need to leave in 5 minutes before we get grounded.” Brandon gave a top 5 most awkward nod to the table before making his way to the door. The rest of his posse following soon after.

Madison doing her best to breath slowly and keep from slinging shit everywhere. She **** a smile and said her goodbyes in defeat. “Later Zacky.” she said in a raspy drawn-out tone. Accompanied with a parting squeeze of his impressive bulge. A red Ashley got up to let her out and gave her a parting hug as well. Pretty soon the diner was nearly cleared out. Now reminding them all of how late it has gotten. They called over the barely standing Alfred who looked he had just survived a war. Zack covered the entire bill which Heather nearly fought him on. He then helped Alfred carry their dishes back to the kitchen. Not lost on any of the girls but in slightly different ways. Coming back to the table still rubbing his freshly washed hands, the friendly young man looked to each girl.

“Are we ready?” Each nodded and stood collecting their purses. Heather sauntered up to a caught off guard Zack.

“You may not be as dull as I once thought.” (Which in Heather Language is quite the admirable compliment). “I’m having people over this Friday. You three should come.” With that she locked eyes again briefly and pushed open the front door.

“I think she doesn’t… hate me?” Zack questions out loud to a satisfied Ashley.

“You did well enough you goof!”

Zack and Ashley exit next with a final wave to Alfred. Zack bumping her lightly into the door frame earning him a kick from behind. Chloe and Paris closely behind.

Slightly surprised, many teens still gathered in the parking lot, making their way towards the cars.

“I feel silly.” Ashley suddenly admitted slightly muffled, not as confident as she wished. Zack merely raised a brow at the cute, flustered girl. “I’ve put this off for so long and actually at some point was even terrified of it. I don’t even know why really.” She looked down briefly, gaining the courage to continue. “I didn’t mean to doubt any of you all but after tonight I see that I should have brought everyone together a long time ago. I’m actually really happy.” She finished now regaining her confidence and standing a little taller.

Zack touched by her confession, could only show his happiness for her with a big grin. With locked eyes, he brought his hand up, resting on her right shoulder. “I had fun short stuff. I think we all did. Senior year is going to be a new start for all of us.”

*SPLASH*

With no more warning than a split-second look of terror on Ashley’s face, Zack was suddenly drenched. Trying to play back the last couple moments, he finally deduced that he was hit square in the chest with a water balloon. A water balloon that was filled with blue dye. For a moment, he only heard background noise and laughter as he tried to collect himself. He finally looked up at three distant boys in the bed of a truck, surrounded by a large group of peers. In the middle of the three, appeared to be the culprit, Brandon Cole.

The smug football players burst into laughter. The suddenly enrage Kevin stepped forward. “What the fuck!?” “Damn it Trent!” he tried his best from charging forward into the mob.

Trent looked back at his enrage cousin with a shrug of his shoulders and a shit eating grin. “What? We aren’t in Alfred’s anymore…” He followed this by chucking several balloons in Kevin’s direction.

The crowd strangely dividing by those laughing and amused by the prank and those horrified. The third party, in the middle, being the unable to choose sides / not really giving a fuck.

Zack decides enough is enough and puts plans into action. He simply starts laughing. Some begin to awkwardly laugh with him, while others are caught off guard and can only study the strange boy.

Finally, “I’m just surprised that Brandon Cole actually hit his target for once.” Many football players confused and mumbling before growing in anger. Zack’s laughter continues before adding “Then again he does do a hell of a lot better at throwing to the other team.”

Some mouths dropped, some growled, many burst into laughter. Many starting to make their move close to the smart-ass young man. Thankfully many basketball players led by Kevin Jackson, quickly made their way up to Zack as well. Jake Hayes stepped up next to his side as well.

Out of the corner of Zack’s eye, he saw the third suspect in the truck bed with Brandon and Trent. It was Scott Coburn. It wasn’t lost on Zack that he never did see Scott pick up a water balloon or even have dye on his hands.

With the crowd growing more restless, and the bitter rivals getting closer a surprising face made his way through the crowd.

Clark Bishop shoved his way through, nearly coming face to face with Brandon, stopping the quarterback in his tracks. Brandon tried to stare him down but quickly learned that he met his match.

Clark for his part hating all of this. He had no intention of even being there, but with the whispers and knowing both teams would be there, it was easy to figure out how it would end. Not trusting the rest of the jackasses to handle themselves, he sat in the corner just in case.

“If you’re looking for a fight Cole, you’ll find it.” He dared with a threatening smirk. “Just remember how many complaints that the football team already has for bullying. Do you not see enough witnesses? You’ll be suspended for several games for starter. Hell, basketball season isn’t for a few months. We might have to apologize and have a car wash charity event at best. It’s your move.”

Brandon now seething with anger. He quickly glances at a divided audience. Surely, he can’t back down to the basketball players, but the no-nonsense Clark makes sense. He tightens up once again before taking a short step back. A small gesture that isn’t lost on many.

Clark actually defending Zack to some degree had the blue-eyed young man’s head spinning. A classmate standing up to her brother had another’s jolting with possibility.

‘Okay tall, dark, and broody.’ Madison pondered. ‘What do they put in the water at the Bishop households?’

With a final study of the scene, Zack looked at all of his fellow students. On his nearby right, he saw Ashley looking at him with sorrow and relief. She was glad that he didn’t take it any further. Not far from her was Heather surprisingly. Hearing some mumbling support, Chloe and Paris were behind him pleading with him to come back to the cars. Closer to the middle, was Madison who none the less had locked eyes with him, mouthing “I’m so sorry.” Next catching him off guard was a face that he wasn’t even aware was there, Scarlett.

The most surprising position was Victoria standing not far from the prime suspect truck itself. She had a dazed, confused look on her face but stood her ground, nonetheless. In an eerie quietness, the large crowd broke fearing cops weren’t far from.

Zack still mortified, all but forget how to move. Ashley wanted to help him, but no words would come out. It was Chloe who finally pulled him away from the scene.

Zack burst through the front door. Startling a relaxed Daniel and Monica getting increasingly comfortable on the couch. He quietly stormed through the den towards his room. Hard to see in the dim lighting, the angry boy seemed to have a stain all over his shirt. As quick as he blew through, he now returned, beelining towards the backyard with his basketball tucked tightly in arm.

Monica sat up worried. Daniel giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek, before slowly gathering himself off the couch. “I’ve got this one.”