Zack goes for a run

Zack woke early the next morning and went for a jog. He spent almost two hours before sunrise running up and down the paved road that connected all of the cabins. As he ran, Chloe and Ashley’s words kept replaying in his head. He tried to admit to himself that Heather was just playing with him, and that he’d just get hurt if he pressed things. However, instead of trying to refocus on the task of asking Victoria out, all he managed to do was think about Heather more. For some reason, the way she picked on him, and the way he picked back, felt right. Approaching the communal beach area, he figured it was a good time to catch his breath.

As he looked out at the water, he stared at the cabin where the two women were currently sleeping. An image of Victoria asleep in her pajamas popped into Zack’s head. It was quickly replaced by a similar image of Heather. After his visions bounced back a few times, he realized he had company.

“Hey Roscoe,” Zack greeted the dog sitting at his feet.

“Woof!” the dog replied as he put his head on Zack’s knee.

“I’m sorry boy, but Heather didn’t come running with me today,” he informed the canine.

As if he could understand the strange human’s words, Roscoe began whining and looking real sad.

“Hey boy! You found my dog,” Mr. Johnson said while standing on his deck.

“Actually, he found me, sir,” Zack admitted.

“He probably went out looking for that pretty girlfriend of yours. He took rather quickly to her yesterday, HAHAHA!” the man laughed.

“Oh, Heather’s not my girlfriend, she’s a friend from school,” the teen stated.

“Could have fooled me, boy. The way you was pickin’ on her and all got me thinkin’ you wanna change that, though. Well, have a good day son, and thanks for keeping Roscoe out of trouble. ROSCOE, COME!”

Zack watched as the "old" man and his dog disappeared into the house. With that he was up and running back towards the cabin. He couldn’t help but take that whole conversation as a sign of what to do.

As Zack reached the cabin, there were a few signs of life inside. Kurt was eating a bowl of some kids’ cereal in the dining room, Chloe was making coffee and Brandon and Ashley were snuggling on the couch.

“Where’s Heather?” he demanded.

“She’s taking a shower. Why?” Ashley answered from the couch.

Zack walked to the fridge and took out a bottle of water. Tossing the cap in the sink, he proceeded to drain the bottle. He tossed the empty in the trash and took another one. He drank half of it and poured the rest on himself.

“Morning everyone,” Heather’s voice rang out. “Anyone seen Za…”

Before she could finish, Zack closed the distance between them, pushed the brunette to the wall and mashed his lips to hers.