Meanwhile, at the lake...

Gavin and Chloe had gone for a walk around the lake. It was Chloe’s idea to make a complete lap around it and Gavin thought it could be distracting to tag along, he wanted to sort out his mind about Heather.

He couldn’t help but feel envious of Zack, who was dragged by Heather to accompany her to the woods. He knew that he didn’t have any claim whatsoever over the brunette cheerleader, he didn’t even told Zack about his feelings for her yet.

”At least he has Victoria on his mind. I’m sure he won’t even think of Heather.” He tried to calm himself.

His internal struggle was one of the reasons that he tagged along with Chloe on her walk. His friend was sensible and kind enough to listen without making fun of him and just maybe, give some advice on what he should do about his situation.

“Tired yet?” Chloe asked in a teasing tone. She was walking a few feet ahead of him.

“Nope, I was just thinking,” Gavin answered with a smile. “Maybe you can help me make sense about it.”

“Hmm, sounds serious,” Chloe said, stopping and taking a sip of the water bottle she brought. “We’re almost halfway, let’s rest here for a bit.”

Gavin nodded gratefully and then they sat on the lake’s edge. He was silent for a while as Chloe caught her breath.

“So?” She asked, curiously.

“Oh, alright, here it goes,” Gavin paused to take a deep breath. “It’s like this, I think I have a crush on Heather, let’s discuss.”

Chloe blinked a few times, surprised. “Crush? On Heather?”

Gavin nodded. “Yeah, I know it’s a little complicated.”

“Complicated?” Chloe shot back. “Gavin, complicated doesn’t even scratch the surface. Couldn’t you have picked a quieter, sweeter girl?”

Gavin frowned. “Wow, if you talk like that I’ll think that you don’t like Heather, Chloe.”

The redhead looked sheepishly at her friend. “Sorry,” She apologized. “I do like Heather, she is a very good friend. But I also don’t think that she’s the girl for you, Gavin.”

“Why not? It could work, we both like video games.” Gavin argued.

Chloe gave him a sympathetic smile. “It isn’t enough, Gavin.” She said. “At everything else you two are totally opposite.”

Gavin become silent, an expression of deep thought o his face as he idly scratched his chin.

“I didn’t mean to shoot you down, Gavin.” Chloe put a hand on his arm and squeezed briefly. “It’s just that you’re one of my closest friends after Zack and I don’t wanna see you hurt.”

“Do you really think she would hurt me?” Gavin asked, looking at Chloe skeptically.

Chloe bit her bottom lip briefly before speaking. “Well, if I had to bet, I’d say yes.”

“I see,” Gavin lowered his head and became silent.

Chloe respected his lack of words and shut her mouth as well, she hated seeing her closest friends upset. But in that case, she had to be honest so he wouldn’t get even more hurt in the future. No, Heather wasn’t the best girl for someone like Gavin.

Suddenly, Gavin stood up and looked at his friend. “Thanks for the advice Chloe. But now I wanna think for a while.” He thanked her, earning a smile from the soccer player. “I’m heading to the woods.”

“Okay,” Chloe jumped to her feet as well. “Be careful, don’t wander too deep.”

Gavin smiled and nodded. He began to walk in the direction of the path that led to the forest. Chloe observed her friend for a few seconds and then turned around, resuming her own walk around Silver Lake.