Checking his watch, he realised that he had to leave. Zac didn't really want to. What he wanted was to be there when Luke woke up.
None the less, he did have plans that afternoon, so he left and headed around to Cherry's house.
"Hi Zac," she greeted.
"Hey. Ya ready?"
"Yep."
He grinned at her and they started walking.
"So, what was so important that you couldn't talk to me on the phone about?" she asked after awhile.
"Well..." he paused. "Well, ok, I was wondering..."
Zac was interrupted by a group of guys in a car that drove pass and yelled 'faggot' out the window. Zac gave a low growl and turned his head. Cherry gave him a sympathetic look.
"Why can't they leave you alone?" she asked, putting her arm around his waist.
"It's because some of their little friends ended up in juvie because they beat up me and Luke, and they can't handle that."
"I'm sure Luke is going to be fine -"
"It's been six freaking months! And he's still in a coma! Damn it, Cherry, he's gotta wake up. He's my best friend."
Cherry hugged him closer.
"Luke is going to be fine. I'm sure -"
"And, of course, on top of being in a coma, he's got AIDS, which are probably depleting his chances of waking up too."
"Zac -"
"It's not -"
"What was it you wanted to ask me?" Cherry asked in a desperate attempt to change the subject. "That important thing that you couldn't ask over the phone?"
Zac was quiet for a moment, frowned, cooled down and then said:
"Right, well, we're going to be doing a short tour before Ike and Belinda's wedding. I wanted to know if you'd like to come."
Cherry's eyes lit up.
"Oh, I'd love to! I'd really love to Zac," then she faltered. "I'm not sure if I could though. I'll have to check..."
Zac nodded.
"Of course, of course," he said, kissing her lightly. "I hope you can."
"Me, too."