"Hi, I'm here to take Kelsey to her prom." Zac explained.
The man eyed Zac, then looked past him and towards his motorbike. He did not look at all happy.
"Kelsey!" he called. "Some guy is here."
"Dad." Kelsey complained, coming into the hallway.
"Hi Kel," Zac greeted. "Umm, I didn't know, how you would feel about flowers..."
A small grew on Kelsey's face as she received them.
"Oh, wow, thanks. Gee, they like, didn't get wrecked on the trip here."
Zac grinned.
"Ahh, well, that's because I stuck 'em in a box in a bag on my bike."
"It's like, really very sweet of you. My like, ex never bought me like, anything."
She linked arms with him and Zac looked back at her dad.
"Don't worry, I'll bring her back without a concussion."
Somehow that didn't seem to comfort him much. Kelsey giggled.
"Wow, she's beautiful." She said, gazing at the bike. "Wait, this is a like, limited edition, USA-exclusive Harley. Wow, it like, must have cost like, a fortune."
Zac smiled.
"Hear that Lizzie? Kel likes you." He said, patting the handlebars.
Kelsey giggled.
"I figure, if you wanna make a spectacle, then by gosh, lets make a spectacle." Zac grinned.
"Awesome."
She swung herself on the bike behind Zac and wrapped her arms around him, making Zac feel a little uncomfortable. This was the first time since Cassie that he had let anyone get this close, physically. Well, aside from hugs from family members anyway.
"You'll have to give me directions." Zac informed her.
"Ok."
They started off, and arrived at the hall a few minutes later. And, just as Kelsey had wanted, she had made a spectacle of herself. Zac couldn't help but grin as he watched her lap up all the attention. She reminded him a little bit of Babsie (which was scary on its own) with her attention seeking and love of flashy entrances.
And he was right. Zac had told Peta he thought it would be entertaining, and he was right. He hadn't enjoyed himself so much in ages.
Later that evening, Zac dropped Kelsey off (without a concussion, as promised).
"Wow, I like, had a really great time tonight Zac." She said.
"Well, that's good."
"Thanks for taking me."
"You're welcome."
There was silence for a moment.
"I'd better be -"
"Will I ever see you again?" Kelsey asked suddenly, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Umm, umm, I don't know." Zac replied nervously.
The warning bells were going off in his head. He had to get away. He had to leave. Right now. Visions of Cassie flashed through his mind. He had to get away.
"I hope so." She replied softly.
On that, Kelsey leaned over to him and pressed her lips against his. And maybe for a moment he responded. It had been so long since he had kissed and been kissed...
But the bells were ringing loud, clear and persistently. He pushed her away forcefully, nearly pushing her over, and got back on his bike.
"Did I do something wrong?" Kelsey asked, shouting over the engine.
But if there was ever a reply, she never heard it. She only watched in confusion as he zoomed off down the street.