keep your distance

3

As soon as I walked into Tyler's house, I wanted to turn and walk right out. The house was packed, the air smelling like sweat and booze and the music making my eardrums vibrate. 

"Why did I agree to come?" I walked over to Bea and Jade, shaking my head already. 

"I'm surprised you came," Jade admitted. She glanced around, trying to spot more familiar faces. 

Bea cocked her head to the side, eyeing me with confusion. "Did you Uber?" 

I nodded, scanning the room to try to spot Evan. "Long story—I'll fill you in later." 

Bea pulled both mine and jade's arms as she dragged us into the kitchen. "Let's get out drink on, bitches." 

I scrunched my nose as the strong smell of liquor flooded my senses. I shook my head when Bea held a drink out for me to take. "You know I don't drink." 

Bea sighed. "You're not DD tonight." 

I shook my head again. "No—thanks." 

Luckily for me, my knight in shining armour cut in. "You look lovely—as always." Evan wrapped his arms around me from behind, leaning down to kiss my cheek. "You showed up." 

I smiled instantly. "I did." 

"Oh, God!" Bea's face scrunched in distaste as she practically cried out. "I need something way stronger if I need to watch this adorably nauseating lovey-dovey stuff." 

Jade winked at me, laughing as she left with Bea to find more drinks. 

Evan rested his head on my shoulder, still hugging me from behind. "You never replied to my text earlier. Everything okay?" 

I turned around to face him. I had completely forgotten to tell Evan I was with Zac. They were both on the soccer team so they knew each other—but I didn't think they were friends. I had never seen them talk before. 

"About that—" I sighed as I pulled him to the side so we weren't standing in the middle of the kitchen. "I told you about the kid I have to tutor." 

Evan nodded. "Oh, yeah. I didn't know that was starting today." 

I gnawed on my bottom lip. "Neither did I. It's just—" 

Evan tilted his head, his eyes soft. "What is it, babe?" 

I frowned a little, tugging on my fingers. "The kid I have to tutor—it's Zac." 

Evan blinked, his lips falling in a straight line. "Zac Miller?" 

I nodded sheepishly. 

Evan exhaled sharply. "Great." He glanced away from me. "So—you were at the library?" 

I shook my head softly but he wasn't looking at me. "No—we were—well, we were at his house." 

I already gathered that Evan was not going to like the idea of me tutoring Zac Miller. I wasn't going to lie to him, I just felt anxious telling him. I didn't want him to be mad about it. 

Evan ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "You should have told me earlier, Jasmine." 

I reached up, cupping one side of his face so he would look at me. "I'm sorry. It happened really fast. None of it was planned—or wanted. I just forgot to text you." 

Evan met my eyes, exhaling through his nose. I could tell he was miffed but trying to remain calm. After a moment, he nodded. "Okay, just—" 

"What is it?" 

Evan clenched his jaw for a moment, glancing around elsewhere as he tried to gather his thoughts. He leaned down, closer to me. "Zac isn't a good guy. He's—just not someone you want to get close to, Jas. He's manipulative and good at hurting people." 

My eyebrows pulled together. 

I didn't assume Zac was a good guy myself but I didn't expect to hear this. 

"What are you talking about?" 

"It's nothing," Evan shook his head, brushing the topic off. "Just—don't spend too much time with him. Okay?" 

"Okay." I stared at Evan unsurely, not understanding what he was trying to warn me of. It sounded like there was much more to Evan disliking Zac that he was telling me. 

"Evan—my man!" Evan's friends came over, pulling Evan away from me as they shared bro-hugs. 

"Jazzy Snazzy." Lucas quirked an eyebrow, smirking. "Surprise seeing you here. You hardly come to the parties." 

I forced a small smile. "Looks like I'm breaking out of my shell, Lucas." 

Lucas cocked his head to the side. "Want me to get you a drink?" 

"No, thank you." I looked past him, trying desperately to spot Bea or Jade in the crowd. I adored Evan who was the sweetest thing—but I wasn't exactly fond of his friends. They were just—pricks, kind of. 

"Come on—lighten up, princess. It's a party." Lucas laughed, shaking his head lightly. 

I glanced at him for a moment, licking my lips. "I'm fine sober." 

"Leave her be." Jack lightly nudged Lucas, shaking his head at him. "You know Jazzy doesn't like the grown up stuff." He snorted. 

I narrowed my eyes at Jack, unamused. He was grinning triumphantly—as if he had said the smartest thing in the world.

"Leave her alone, you asshole." Bea shoved her way between the boys, grabbing my arm. 

Thank God. 

"Bea! Our feisty babe." Lucas swung an arm around her shoulders. Bea was quick to shove him away, glaring at him. 

"Go play in traffic, Lucas." She rolled her eyes and she pulled me away from my boyfriend and his friends. 

"Ouch, mami." Lucas feigned a look of hurt, placing a hand over his chest. "That one hurt."

"Someone must be on their period." Jack chuckled quietly to himself. 

Bea spun around, glaring Jack dead in the idea. "Why don't you go sleep with your cousin again, you fucker." 

Bea didn't wait for a response, pulling me further away from them. 

It wasn't new, seeing Bea snap at the boys. She wasn't fond of most of the boys on the soccer team—especially not Lucas or Jack. Evan was one of the only exceptions. 

I exhaled sharply. "Maybe you should stop drinking." 

Bea scoffed. "I need another drink." I followed her to the kitchen, watching in concern as she poured herself more alcohol. I wouldn't be surprise if she punched someone by the end of the night. 

"His friends are assholes." 

I shrugged lightly. "They're—drunk." 

Bea stared at me in disbelief, her eyes squinted. "Why are you defending them? You know they are pricks." 

I sighed tiredly. "I know. I deal with them for Evan—who is neither an asshole or a prick." 

Bea downed her drink in one chug. "Let's go dance." 

I was entirely out of my comfort zone as I allowed Bea to drag me into the living room—that had been turned into the make-shift dance floor. I joined her, dancing between the crowd with sweaty bodies grinding all around me. I hated it and didn't want to do this—but Bea was agitated and it would help diminish her bubbling irritation. 

"Woah." I stumbled on my feet, almost falling. A pair of arms caught me, helping me find my footing. 

I spun around to see Zac. His features were soft, his eyes warmer. 

I blinked. Between the crowded room, standing in the middle of dancing bodies, I was pressed close to Zac's body. 

Zac was still gently holding onto my arm. "Bloom." 

"Miller." I was slightly—dazed as I stared back at him. 

A grin tugged on his lips. "Maybe nerds can have a life." 

I rolled my eyes but a laugh escaped my throat. "So I've heard." 

Zac smiled faintly. His eyes were soft, something I hadn't seen. I liked it a lot better. Zac leaned his head down, closer to my ear so I could hear him over the loud music. "What do you say we get out of this crowd?"

"Please." I glanced at Bea who was now dancing with Jade. I let Zac take my hand and guide me through the crowd, gladly leaving the sweating, grinding bodies behind me. We walked into the kitchen where it was much less crammed. 

He picked up to beers from the cooler, holding one out for me. 

I shook my head. 

Zac's eyebrows raised. "You don't drink?" 

"No." I leaned against the island. 

Zac placed the second beer down, opening one for himself. I was surprised that he didn't make a "nerd" or "loosen up" comment. 

I watched him sip on his beer. "I'm not surprised you're here." 

He leaned against the counter across from me. He met my gaze and lifted an eyebrow. "Obviously. You—on the other hand, don't seem like the party type." 

I looked at hands, pulling on my fingers slightly. "You're not wrong." 

I knew how to have fun—I just didn't think parties were the only way. I didn't like people assuming I'm some freakish anchorite because I don't like partying or drinking. I didn't like not having control over my body or my mind. I don't believe you need alcohol to have fun. 

Parties now consisted of smoking and drinking—so I tend to sit them out. I would typically show up to pick up my drunk friends or to be designated driver. 

"Why'd you come tonight?" Zac peered at me curiously. 

I shrugged softly. "I don't know—honestly. I was told I should come have fun." 

Amusement glinted in Zac's eyes. "Are you—having fun?" 

I smiled a little. "It's not the worst experience I've had at a party." 

I was curious and confused as to why Zac was here talking to me—instead of someone else. He knew everyone. Surely he had cooler, more popular, better looking people to socialize with. 

Although, right now I didn't mind talking to him. He was much calmer and laid-back than he had been earlier. He just seemed at ease. 

"Hey, babe." An arm swung around my shoulders. I looked up to see Evan who was glaring at Zac. "What are you doing here?" 

By here, he meant with Zac. 

I could feel the tension in the air. I forced a smile. "We were just talking." 

Evan's eyes were cold and dark when he stared at Zac. I didn't realize how badly he disliked him. It worried me—I had to spend time with Zac to tutor him and clearly, Zac's mere existence bothered Evan. 

"I was looking for you." Evan spoke to me but didn't look away from Zac. 

Zac leaned against the counter nonchalantly, slowly sipping on his beer. His eyes remained amused, a small smirk laying on his face. He could see Evan's annoyance and he was enjoying it. 

"She was dancing." Zac spoke up, his tone light and airy. 

Evan's hold me slightly tightened. I noticed his jaw twitch. 

"I was with Bea." I added quickly. My body felt stiff. I think I may have been holding my breath. 

I grew more and more anxious. The tension in the atmosphere around these two was scary. 

When Evan hadn't looked at me, I reached up and cupped one side of his face and lowered his head so he would look at me. "Where have you been? Are you having fun?" 

I smiled tenderly, looking at him with warm eyes that were telling him to breath and calm down. 

Evan finally exhaled, his eyes softening as he looked at me. He smiled faintly—it was strained. "Yeah—just missed you." He leaned down to kiss my cheek. 

Zac pushed himself off the counter and walked away—not saying anything or giving me a single glance. 

When Zac disappeared, Evan sighed and looked at me with seriousness. "I thought I told you to keep your distance from him, Jas." 

"We were just talking, Ev. He saw me and we started talking for a minute—it's okay. Why are you so worried?"

There had to be more reason why Evan hated Zac so much. There had to be. 

Evan ran a hand down his face, dodging my gaze. He looked anywhere he could to not meet my gaze. "I just don't like him. I don't want you being around him." 

My eyebrows pulled together as I tried to understand—all of this. I could see they don't get along, they don't like each other but—the way Evan reacts when he sees or talks about Zac, tells me this hatred roots far deeper than he's letting on. 

"I can handle myself," I mumbled quietly. "He's not going to—harm me, in any way." 

"I know." Evan heaved out a heavy breath. "I'm going to go find the boys. I'll see you later, yeah?" 

I blinked. "I think—I'm going to head home. Jade's sober and they're going to get an Uber so they don't need me." 

Evan frowned, looking down at me and tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Are you sure?" 

"Yeah—I'm tired." 

Evan leaned down, planting a slow kiss on my lips. "I'll see you tomorrow?" 

I smiled, nodding. 

Evan disappeared to find his friends and I pulled out my phone to get myself an Uber. I walked out of the house, finally stepping into fresh air that didn't smell like body fluids and stale beer. I texted Bea and Jade to let them know I was leaving—they would see the texts eventually. 

"What are you doing out here?" 

I spun around, nearly surprised out of my skin. It was Zac. 

I blinked. He had left so abruptly earlier—but I knew it was to get away from Evan. "Oh—I'm going home." 

Zac stuffed his hands in his pant's pockets, tilting his head to the side. "You're standing here. It doesn't look like you're going home." 

I rolled my eyes. "My car is still at the school so I'm waiting on my Uber." 

Zac nodded as he walked down the front steps, coming towards me. "Come on." 

"Where?" 

"I'll drive you home." 

"What?" I stared at him—he had already walked past me and towards his car. 

"Get in the car, Bloom." He glanced at me over his shoulder, his face impassive again. "I'm driving you home. Cancel the Uber." 

My eyebrows pulled together. 

Bossy, much. 

"You drank—" I sputtered, following behind him seeing as he wasn't going to stop walking. "You're not driving." 

I didn't want him to drive me home—but I sure as hell wasn't going to let him drive himself either. 

Zac sighed deeply, turning to face me. "I had a few sips—I'm a heavyweight. I'm sober." 

"I don't care." I shook my head firmly, staring him down. "You drank so you're not driving. That's all there is to it." 

Zac rolled his eyes, leaning against the side of his car. "What do you suggest we do then, Bloom?" 

I held out the palm of my hand. 

Zac's eyebrows pulled together. "You want me to let you drive my baby?"

I couldn't help laughing, gaping at him. Of course he was in love with his car. "Well—yes. You're not driving so if you'd like to get home, yes." 

Zac paused for a long moment, debating. Finally, he tossed me the car keys which I caught easily. 

I grinned as I got into the car and started driving. 

Zac leaned back in the passenger seat, turning his body towards me. He peered at me with thoughtful eyes. 

I glanced at him and knew he lied. He was indeed tipsy—maybe more. 

"Jasmine—" he tilted his head to the side. His voice was gentle. "Like the princess, tea, or flower?" 

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, a smile growing on my face. "The flower. Why do you—why do you call me Bloom?" 

Zac shrugged lightly, looking out the window. "I assumed it was the flower. Blooming—as flowers do." 

I inhaled sharply. I was—flattered, I think. Confused. I didn't think Zac was someone who would put thought into a nickname. It—kind of made my heart tug. 

It was—just more thoughtful than I would have imagined Zac to be. 

Zac looked at me again. He licked his lips. "Why did you get named after a flower?" 

He peered at me with warm eyes—filled with curiosity and intrigue. I had never seen that from him before. 

I looked at him for a second before looking back at the road. I smiled faintly. 

"Uh—jasmines were my mom's favourite flowers." I exhaled sharply, keeping my eyes trained on the road. "They were my, the flower he got on all her birthdays and other holidays. She loved them—so when I was born, I got the name." 

When Zac hadn't said anything in a minute, I glanced at him. He looked at me in thought, his features soft. 

"What?" I laughed airily, sheepish. I felt oddly pathetic having told him much more than I needed to. 

Just—nobody had ever asked me about my name like he did. 

"Nothing." He shook his head delicately. He watched me intently. "You—you said all of that in past tense." 

A sad smiled rested on my lips. I didn't take my eyes off the road. "She—she passed away a few years ago. I was thirteen." 

"What happened?" Zac's voice was gentle.

"Lung cancer." I told him honestly. "She used to smoke—when she was in high school. She stopped a long time before she was even pregnant with me but she—she still got cancer." 

Zac paused for a moment. "Is that why you don't drink—or like parties?" 

I nodded slowly, taking my time before answering. "I don't judge but—I don't see how people purposely ruin their bodies by drinking or smoking." 

Zac didn't say anything. I heard a soft sigh leave his lips. The rest of the short car ride, we didn't talk. 

Unlike earlier today, the silence this time was oddly comfortable. 

I pulled into his driveway and got out of the car, going to the passenger side to help his drunk-self out. 

Zac let me pull him out of the car. He leaned into my side as we walked up to the veranda. "What are we doing at my house, Bloom?" He sighed. "I was supposed to get you home."

"You're the one who's drunk. I called an Uber already—to pick me up from here. No fighting me on this one." 

Zac laughed as he plopped down on the veranda steps. "Let me wait for it with you. Although—" he pointed at me, his eyes slightly squinted. "I don't agree. You should not be getting into some creeps car in the middle of the night." 

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the fuzzy feeling in my stomach that was caused by his concern. "I got into your car—at school today. Didn't I?" 

Zac looked at me flatly. "I'm not some random creep." He grumbled. 

We sat in silence for a few minutes—both of us looking at the dark but star-filled sky. 

"You're dating Evan." He spoke after a while. His voice was flat, monotone. 

I nodded, not looking at him. "I am." 

He nodded curtly, pausing. "Why?" 

I laughed breathily. "What do you mean—why? He's a good guy—I like him." 

Zac looked at me, his head tilting. "You don't—" he paused. "Love him?" 

I met his gaze, not responding for a minute. "I—we haven't been dating for long. Love... happens over time." 

Evan and I met in math class during sophomore year. He was terrible at algebra and asked me to explain some things to him—which led to us becoming friends. 

I knew who he was before that. Everyone knows who the guys on the soccer team are. 

We had been good friends for a few months before he asked me out. It was unexpected. We were—just parts of different social circles. We were so unlike one other, I didn't see it coming. 

Zac exhaled, looking back up at the sky. He didn't say anything else and I couldn't read the look on his face. 

A few minutes later my Uber pulled up.

I stood up and turned to look at Zac. "Well—goodnight, Zac."

He offered me a faint smile. "Goodnight, Bloom."

I started walking down the driveway when he stopped me. "Hey, Bloom." I turned to look at him. "I'm sorry—about your mom." 

I smiled. "Thank you." 

Then, I got into the Uber and left.