Ashley confronts Heather and talks to Zack

Heather got out of Zack’s room with tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

”Damn it, why can’t I have a little happiness for once?” She screamed inside her mind. ”Why can’t I attract a good guy for a change instead of the jerks?”

“Heather, is something wrong?” Ashley asked, walking over to her friend. “Why were you in Victoria and Zack’s room?”

Ashley was already fully dressed, Heather noticed. She let Ashley get to her and pull her over to the couch. Heather stared at the empty fireplace for a while, trying to jumble her thoughts together.

“I jumped on Zack,” She finally said, leaving Ashley puzzled. “And kissed him.”

The blonde groaned. “Heather, please tell me you didn’t really do that.”

Heather was confused as to why Ashley had made that plead. “But he pushed me away,” She said, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees as her chin came up on her hands. “Which I didn’t understand, we’re both single and he did confessed that he finds me sexy.”

Ashley put her left arm around Heather’s shoulders. “I think I know why he pushed you away.” She stated awkwardly, making Heather look at her.

“You do?” The brunette asked, puzzled.

The blonde nodded slowly. “It’s because he’s in love with Victoria, Heather.” Ashley told her gently. “And Victoria likes him back, she told me this morning that they kind of got together last night.”

At that revelation Heather’s lips trembled, her eyes watered and the tears finally flowed freely. Ashley gave a sympathetic smile and hugged her friend to her chest. “Shh, that’s alright, you didn’t know.”

“Why can’t I get a good guy for once, Ashley?” Heather cried into Ashley’s embrace. “I was pursuing my happiness so badly that I almost destroyed Victoria’s!”

“Like I said, you didn’t know.” Ashley tried to comfort her.

Heather’s mind flashed back to the promise she made to Zack about fighting against anyone for him. Even that couldn’t happen anymore. ”I can’t do this to Vicky.”

Ashley then leaned back to look at Heather. “Hey, you can’t beat yourself down this way, no harm came out of it, you hear me?” She said, seriously. “Now, why don’t you go take a shower to wash off the sweat of the hike and lie down for a bit?”

Heather wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Yeah, I think you may be right, Ashley.” She stood up shakily. “Thanks for being my friend.”

Ashley smiled. “You’re welcome, sweetie.” She said, planting a quick peck on Heather’s lips and watching as she turned around and went to her room.

Just as she heard Heather’s door closing, Ashley saw Zack stepping out of his room. He dejectedly walked over to her.

“How is she?” He asked, looking in the way of Heather’s room.

“She’ll be alright.” Ashley said and then grinned. “I suppose I have to commend you Zack. I know it must’ve been difficult to reject Heather because of Victoria.”

Zack half smiled. “You make it sound like it should be difficult to choose Victoria over Heather.” He said. “If she’s involved, then there’s not even a choice to be made.”

Ashley stood up. “You know, I’m sad for Heather but at the same time I’m dancing with joy for Victoria and you. You know for finding each other.” She crossed her arms. “It’s a welcome change for her, the guys she dated before were just… yuck!”

“Thanks.” He grinned. “Your approval, being her best friend, means a lot to me.”

“And don’t you forget it.” Ashley turned around. “Now let me check on Brandon, if I let him do it, he can sleep through the whole morning.”

“Tired him out, didn’t you?” Zack couldn’t resist the snide comment.

Ashley spun around quickly to face him. “Oh my god, you saw it!” She exclaimed, her mouth gaping in surprise.

Zack scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry about that, but we got here and your door was open. I think that’s why Heather attacked me to be honest.”

Ashley covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. “Oh gods! Now I can’t look at you.”

“That’s ok, Ash.” He tried to calm the blonde cheerleader. “Just make sure that the door’s closed next time, ok?”

Then Ashley raised her head and looked at him with wide blue eyes. “You saw me naked.” She deadpanned. “My best friend’s boyfriend saw me naked, oh my gosh.”

Zack laughed. “Technically, Victoria and I aren’t boyfriend and girlfriend officially yet, at least not until later.” He said. “And second, you don’t have anything to be ashamed of. It happens.”

After a couple seconds, Ashley giggled. “Well, at least we can have a laugh over it.” She smiled. “Now let me go wake up Brandon.”

He watched as she got into her room and then Heather exited hers with a few clothes and a towel in her hand. She looked at him, gave a brief smile and then entered the bathroom.

Now Zack doesn’t have anything important to do until lunch. Does he find something to do now? And what happens on the rest of the day?