Aw yeah; my first Mike x Zoey fiction! :D

Hm...I really don't know what to say here, so...I guess I'll just start the story. ^^' I wanna apologize in advance for ANY OOC of the characters! I just need awhile to really get into their character before I can properly write them.

Disclaimer: ((because I haven't done it in awhile)) All the TD characters – including the new cast - belong to Teletoon – not me, okay?

It was a regular seeming summer afternoon.

The sun was in it's usual place in the sky, the air was warm but thankfully had a cooling breeze, and little kids were cheerfully laying in the street. The world seemed to be happy, although, in her room, hugging her knees to her chest, crying her eyes out, was a girl who, right now, was anything but happy.

In fact, she was the completer opposite of happy.

Her name was Zoey Roots, and....she was like this because her father forbid her from seeing her wonderful boyfriend, Mike, after some trouble caused at 晚餐 the night previous. But...it wasn't really Mike who did it. 你 see, Mike had a rare condition known as Multiple Personality Disorder, and his strongest personality, Vito, had really caused a mess.

But...Zoey didn't really blame Mike.

She knew he couldn't control his MPD very well, and, as far as anyone knew, wouldn't be able to. But...her father had a different mind set. He believed Mike should be in total control of his personalities, and, because he seemed in control, allowed Zoey to see him.

That was of course...until the night previous. Now he saw Mike as a time-bomb of sorts, and wouldn't have his daughter be near him ever again.

“This. Isn't. Fair.” Zoey sobbed silently. “I'm Twenty years-old for god sakes! I think I'm old enough to 日期 anyone I choose!” 你 see, Zoey's family was very poor, and, because of this, she had to take two years off from going to collage (she had just turned Twenty no less than three days prior) just to raise money for the expenses. (she was finally going to college this 年 thanks to her many hours working at the Movie theater) Despite her age; her father still treated her as if she was still a little girl. Because of this, he had a “My roof, my rules” policy. “Why can't be just let me be with Mike? He knows how much I 爱情 him...”

With this, Zoey then starts to weep again; thoughts of her and Zoey never seeing each other again fueling her misery.

We were both young; when I first saw you.
I close my eyes, and the flashback starts,
I'm standing there...
On a balcony in summer air.

Zoey then pulls herself together, snivels slightly, and looks over on night-stand right beside her bed.

On 说 miniature 表 was a digital clock, (which read 5:12 pm) a light-pink tube of flavored lip-gloss that was standing straight up, (“Bubble gum” was the flavor – if Zoey recalled) and a silver picture frame that had heats on the 最佳, 返回页首 two corners with the word: “Memories” printed in cursive letters in between the hearts. Inside; a picture of two people dressed in formal wear was exhibited proudly.

Zoey smiles, and reaches over for the picture. She then got out of her knee-hugging position and sat cross-legged on her bed. She then got the picture, and placed the picture neatly in her lap. The red-head then began to examine the picture of the two thoroughly – all the while a smile on her face.

The two people in the picture were a boy and a girl. The boy had spiked black hair, and was wearing a striking black tux with a red rose on the collar. The girl, however, had her pure red hair, which was usually in 小马 tails, tied in a crown-looking bun on the 最佳, 返回页首 of her head, a 金牌 项链 that her Grandmother had passed onto her, (she had died three 月 prior) and was wearing a stunning white strapless dress with a 金牌 stripe down the front – to Zoey, the whole thing looked 更多 like a long corset than a dress - that had the straps hanging loosely at the beginning of her elbows. The camera had, in her opinion, captured the greatest pose. The boy had his arm around the girl, and she was resting her head gently on his shoulder – both with an expression of pure joy illuminated 由 the stars in the background.

The boy and girl was Mike and her. Zoey smiles – remembering how the very night she broke up with her old boyfriend (a school jock and jerk named Lightning) was the night she fell for the gentle and kind person that was Mike Peters. ((A/N: The name sounded right for some reason... xP))

Zoey sighs dreamily, and hugs the picture to her chest – closing her eyes to momentarily re-live that night. She remembered it like it was only yesterday...

*flashback*

The room was aglow with lights, and, figuratively, joy.

All around; teenagers from the upcoming Junior class (but all still Sophomore's) of Grover High School were dressed up, and taking advantage of the end of the 年 party the school graciously held for the Sophomore. (the Freshmen already had their party, and the Junior and Senior's parties were gonna be in the 下一个 couple of days) The theme, that the students in the Sophomore class took a vote on, was Mid-evil times; so most of the outfits, food, and decorations looked like they were from the Eighteenth century. All throughout the decorated gym – kids, and even some teachers who were supervising the event, were dancing, laughing, and having a great time. It seemed everyone was enjoying the evening.

Everyone...except a certain red headed girl who was silently crying in the corner – eyes locked on the wooden floor of the gym.

The girls names was Zoey, and she was crying because...her 日期 had canceled on her at the last minute. Not 由 a phone call, E-mail, 或者 even text but physically 展示 up to the dance and looking her dead in the eyes – saying he had come with someone else.

In her head; Zoey wanted to scream and cuss-out the boy for even DARING to 显示 up and then just say he was with someone else. But...she didn't. Zoey just forced a smile, and 说 she understood. Once he had gone off to his little replacement date; Zoey quietly went off to a corner and sulked. She cursed herself in her mind for being so pathetic that a guy actually canceled their 日期 to a dance at the dance. She also cursed herself for not driving to the dance herself so that, just in case exactly what happened occurred, she could easily dive 首页 and cry into her 枕头 until that 下一个 morning. (her car – a old broken down white Chevy truck she got for practically a dime – was low on gas coupled with her low on cash, so she kindly asked her parents – who just so happened to be at a fancy 晚餐 party for the 下一个 two hours – and they agreed to drive her to and from the dance)

The lights then seem to dim, and a spot-light comes on. Zoey then decided to look up from the ground, and, thanks to the parting of some people, saw...them slow dancing under the spot-light.

The two people Zoey was referring to were Lighting – a tall African American boy with short black hair, (he was originally her 日期 to this thing– he acted really sweet, but just turned out to be a jerk in the end) and Anne Maria – a “new” student from Jersey (she came to the school at Freshman year, but everyone sill seems to refer to her as the new kid) with copper-tanned skin, huge fluffed-out black hair, and, to 最佳, 返回页首 it all off, a Jersey accent and body – like the people on Jersey 支撑, 海岸 had. (Zoey had no clue if Anne Maria came to the dance with someone 前一个 of Lighting 或者 not and didn't truthfully want to know) Lighting was wearing the custom black suit and tie, while Anne Maria was wearing a strap-less 青柠, 石灰 green dress that somehow complemented her curves. They were both staring deeply into the others eyes, and, 你 could almost tell, they were the only two people in the world at the moment.

Anger momentarily bubbled up in Zoey, but...she was somehow able to contain it. Besides, she didn't really feel like causing a scene in the midst of the entire student body over one guy – there were tons of them after all. She desperately wanted to think they both looked ugly – dancing under the spot-light, looking deeply into the others eyes - but...couldn't think that, not even about Anne Maria. The fact of it was; they just weren't ugly people. Lightning and Anne Maria were both attractive, and, if 你 really thought about it, a great couple, which...was another reason she was upset.

For, 你 see, Lighting didn't just break their date...he broke up with Zoey.

After about two months of solid dating, Lighting told Zoey it was over when she honestly thought things were going fine. But...in all fairness, it should have been suspected. Lighting had never been one to just be tied down to one person before, and Zoey should have known he wasn't gonna start just because he was dating her. Was being the proper term since they weren't anymore.

It all suddenly becomes to much for Zoey, and...she wants, no, needs to be alone.

So, with teary eyes, Zoey then got out of the corner, and started fighting her way against the crowd of teens – chocking out many “Excuse me”'s and “Sorry”'s to people she bumped into 或者 accidentally came in between as she walked through the crowded gym. She had no idea where she was headed, but...it felt good to not to be sulking in the corner – watching her ex and his new GF dance.

Soon, Zoey had gotten out of the gym, and went out the nearest door she saw.

Once Zoey stepped out; she realized the door had lead her to the schools miniature patio that had a 表 and a few chairs so people on lunch break could sit and eat with a few of their friends. (everyone 说 it reminded them of a balcony because of it's lay-out and look, but Zoey never quit saw the resemblance) Zoey sighs sadly, and decided to go farther out onto the “balcony”. She then leans against the railing, and looks up at the night sky.

Despite being so close to light; numerous stars were in the sky.

Zoey momentarily tried counting them, but...it was for nothing. She was too upset to try and talk herself into having a good time, not tonight anyway.

“I'll never 日期 a jock again.” Zoey mumbles; making a vow inside her head as well.

From this moment on, she thought, I will not 日期 anymore jocks! No matter how nice they seem, their all just gonna turn out to be like Lightning – heart-less meat-head ball players with a collective IQ of ten percent! Maybe even less! No, actually less!

As Zoey continues ranting in her head; a warm breeze blows through – temporarily pulling her out of the many thoughts running through her head.

The red head then realized how hot the air, not just the breeze, was and remembered that summer, it was May after all, had finally began. That meant longer days, shorter nights, and, most expectantly, a great rise in temperature from the winter months. Of course...summer meant really nothing to Zoey. She basically had zero 老友记 to hang out with, and it was practically decided that she'd be working for some money to put into her collage fund – which already had a fairly decent amount inside it – so any type of fun that could be had 由 herself during the week were canceled.

Zoey sighed, and looked up at the bright and shining stars. She then concluded that tonight was, hands down, the worst moment in her entire young life.

See the lights, see the party,
The ball gowns.
See 你 make your way through the crowd,and say hello.
Little did I know...

Zoey knew she didn't really belong there at the dance.

All the lights, the decorations, the “ball” gowns...it all wasn't really her thing. She was the kind of person better off at 首页 – staying as far away as she can from retched things like dances. But, thanks to her brilliant thinking, she was stuck there until her parents came to pick her up in two hours. Zoey started to, once again, curse herself, but then, she heard the door to the “balcony” open.

The red-head then turns, and...gets a slight blush 由 who she sees.

He was relatively tall, (somewhere around 5'6 或者 '7 probably) had tanned skin, spiked black hair, and...had beautiful brown eyes – which had widened in surprise when he turned his head and saw her. He was wearing a black suit, and, to Zoey, looked absolutely stunning on him.

Zoey, upon looking at his face, then realizes he was the new student in her History class, (he came to the school sometime last 月 – when her and Lighting were still dating...) but...she never actually took note of him before. She was sad she hadn't.

They both just stared at each other until he clears his throat, and says in a nervous tone; “Hello, or...hi. So...sorry if I disturbed 你 out here. I didn't think anyone else would be out here. I-if 你 want...I guess I c-could leave. Not that I want to, but..if 你 wanna be alone...I don't wanna bug you.” Zoey smiles at the nervousness, and...finds it quit adorable.

“It's fine.” Zoey reassures him. “And 你 don't have to leave. 你 couldn't make this evening any worse for me than it already is.” this causes his expression to lighten, and he smiles slightly.

“Alright then.” the boys replies. He then crosses over to where she was, and leans against the rail beside her. “So...why aren't 你 inside enjoying the party? I'm sure your boyfriend is getting worried about you...” a picture of Anne Maria and Lighting slow-dancing under the spot-light suddenly flashes through Zoey's mind, and she stares blankly at the ground.

“Well...more like ex-boyfriend actually.” Zoey corrects him. “We sorta broke up recently, and, don't worry, he's perfectly fine without me...”

“Oh.” the boys say sympathetically, a touch of joy in his voice. “Sorry to hear that. If 你 don't mind me asking, how recently have 你 guys been split? Two weeks? Last week? Yesterday maybe?” Zoey then drew a deep breath, and kept her eyes locked on the ground.

“More like a half-hour.” Zoey tells him. “Once I got to this thing; he just...said we're done. And...I honestly should have known. I mean, I'm me for crying out loud! Why would anyone even waste the time of 日 on me? Let alone try and 日期 me!” everything then seems to all fall on Zoey at that moment, and she can't help but bury her head in her hands and weep. “I'm such a loser!” Zoey sobbed out. The boy was silent, but slowly put an arm around her shoulder, and pulled her close to his side.

“Your not a loser.” he says very gently. “If that jerk couldn't see how special 你 are then...then he's missing out big time! And...if it makes 你 feel better, I've recently broke up with someone too.” Zoey is surprised 由 this. How could anyone break up with such a cute...sensitive boy like him? She then sniffles, and look at him with tear eyed disbelief.

“R-really?” she asked; pulling herself together. “But...why? I mean, 你 just seem so...so...kind and caring. Why would anyone want to break up with you?” the boy then got an almost...embarrassed look, and he starts to answer her. But, randomly, he starts gasping hard. Zoey gets a worried expression, and she puts a hand on his shoulder. “Oh my god, are 你 alright?! Are 你 having an asthma attack?! Do 你 need me to help 你 to the nurses office 或者 something?!” Zoey rambles in deep concern. The boy then looks at her with one eye squinted and the other eye open.

“You young wiper-snappers today with your language.” the boy grumbled in a voice that reminded Zoey of her grandfathers. “Back in my 日 we never used the word god! And we never wore such inappropriate clothes!” Zoey blinked in confusion. People in this 日 and age used the word god almost as often as any other word, and...what exactly was wrong with her clothes?

“...uh....I...I don't really follow you.” Zoey explains a bit awkwardly. The boy then gasps again, and looks at her with both embarrassment and apology.

“I'm...I'm so sorry!” the boy exclaims. “I didn't offend you...did I?”

Zoey blinks once again in confusion, but then shakes her head before replying; “No, I guess not. Although...I'd like to know what 你 meant 由 back in your 日 你 didn't wear such inappropriate clothes.” the boy frowns, and rubs the back of his neck in embarrassment.

“Well...I...uh...I don't really know what I meant 由 that.” the boy explains. Zoey keeps her confused expression, and the boy sighs sadly before continuing. “Look, I...I have a medical condition known as...Multiple Personality Disorder – M.P.D for short. It's a very rare disease, and...your one of the very few people who know about it. 你 see, one 分钟 I'm myself, but, the 下一个 minute, I could become one of three other personalities. The one 你 meet is Chester, a grumpy old man who complains about everything. Although....he's not that much of a problem. It's the other three – a Russian 体操运动员 named Svetlana, a Italian douche-bag named Vito, and a Australian adventurer Manitoba Smith – that cause me the worst trouble. Vito is always starting fights, Svetlana...well...I guess other then the fact that she's cocky she isn't so bad, and Manitoba Smith is just....Manitoba Smith.”

Zoey blinked. She'd never heard a story like that the one the boy 下一个 to her was telling, and...she was still debating whether it was fake 或者 true.

“Are...are 你 telling me the truth?” Zoey couldn't help but ask.

“Yes, I am.” he reassures her. “I would never lie about having a disease, because...I hate it. Every time I try and make a new friend...they...they instantly reject me the moment they find out I have M.P.D, so I'm basically alone. Besides, even if I did find someone who accepted me for my condition; they'd eventually get too confused and offended to hang out with me. Even my ex-girlfriend, Anne Maria, who originally fell in 爱情 with Vito, got tired of being around me. She just wanted Vito, but also had to have...me with him. For awhile, she tried to get Vito to be the twenty-four 小时 personality, but...I couldn't allow that to happen. Vito is just terrible, and...I'd hate to this he was the full time personality. So, after awhile of this, we broke up. And that's it. Look...sorry if I wasted your time. And, don't worry...I understand if 你 don't wanna talk 或者 even be near me ever again...”

Zoey gasped slightly – not even considering Anne Maria would 日期 Mike. As she began thinking on it, she remembered faintly that, when her and Lightning had been on a 日期 at the movies, they had passed Anne Maria and the boy (or, in this case, maybe Vito) making out on their way to some empty seats across the isle. At the time she didn't think anything of it at the time, but...now...she couldn't forget it.

Zoey then got a sympathetic look, and didn't think the boy deserved treatment like that.

“I'm...I'm sorry Anne Maria broke up with 你 just because she wanted Vito instead of the actual you. She's really missing out on an sweet person.” Zoey spoke up. He then smiled slightly at Zoey, and got a certain amount of shock in his eyes.

“You....you really think so?” the boy asks.

“Of course I do.” Zoey reassures him, getting a little smile as well. “I mean...you just seem so...so...not like the other guys in this school. Most of the guys here are major jerks with an IQ of ten. But you...you seem sweet and...pretty smart. Plus...your kinda cute.” Zoey blushed deeply at her last words – not knowing why she even 说 it.

Mike then smiles before replying; “Thanks, and...your pretty cute yourself.” a blush then appears on his cheeks and he gets a shy smile.

Zoey's blush deepened, and, almost impulsively, she giggled a little stupidly. The two then locked eyes, and, to Zoey, it seemed...they were in their own universe with only them in it. Then, out of no where, the song “Anywhere but Here” 由 Safety Suit was clearly heard playing from the gym – breaking the silence between the two. The boy smiles sheepishly, and offers Zoey his hand.

“May I...have this dance?” he asks; smiling widely to reveal a gap in between his front teeth. Zoey doesn't even think about it. She smiles widely back, and nods.

“Of course.” she replies. He smiles, and, in moments, the two are slow dancing in small circles on the balcony. Zoey was so 迷失 in the boys gorgeous brown eyes; she forgot all about Lighting. In fact...she basically pushed away everything. The loneliness she was always faced with, the loner attitude she was forced to develop because of everyone excluding her, and, just...all her problems. It felt good for Zoey to actually let all the ugliness she felt go, and she couldn't help but wish to always feel like this. Suddenly, as if in sync, the two needed to know what the others lips felt like.

Slowly, and at the same time, the two moved slightly closer to one another and set up for a kiss. Their lips were only centimeters apart, when...

“Picture for the lovely couple?” someone asks with a slight chuckle form behind them. The two then separated with deep blushes, and turned to see a raven haired kid with a black tux and a journalist hat in the doorway - holding a small silver digital camera, which was aimed right at the two who almost kissed. There was a momentary silence between the four until the boy spoke up.

“Sure, I-I guess, but...w-we're not a couple.” the boy explains awkwardly, blushing like mad. “We're just...friends...just friends, okay?”

The guy with the camera rolled his eyes before saying a bit sarcastically; “Yeah, of course 你 are. Now strike a pose, and give me a smile!” he then lifted the camera to his left eye, and, suddenly, the boy put his arm around Zoey – causing her to jump and blush slightly. She smiles, and rests her head lightly on his shoulder. The camera then flashes, and the guy lowers it to reveal a smile. “Beautiful! I'll have the pictures from tonight ran-out 由 Monday, so, if 你 want a copy of yours, bring three dollars to the computer lab then. Additional pictures are extra, and what not. I will now leave 你 two...“friends” to continue.” the boy then tips his hat slightly, and goes back into the school.

“Well...that was kind of random” Zoey giggled.

“You 说 it.” the boy agreed. He then blushes again, and turns to Zoey. “Hey...um, 你 know if you'd like we could...maybe...hang out with each other until the dance is over?” Zoey then realized...she had just almost kissed someone she didn't know the name of! In fact, she knew, deep down, that she should just say no to him. Get away while she had the chance. But...for one reason 或者 another...she just smiled.

“Sure, but, before we do, I need to ask 你 something.” Zoey tells him. The boy then gets a slightly concerned look, but nods.

“Anything.” he reassures her. Zoey then smiles, and replies.

“What's your name?” she asks with a sweet smile. The boy smiles back – once again revealing the gap in his teeth – and extends his hand to her.

“Mike. Mike Peters.” Mike replies. Zoey smiles widens. She always did like the name Mike.

“Zoey, Zoey Roots.” Zoey tells him, shaking his hand. Mike smile seems to widen as well. He then leads her back into the gym where, unfortunately, Lightning and Anne Maria are still dancing. Of course...Zoey doesn't take notice.

She was with Mike now, and, as they both begin dancing like they were spastic to a 随意 techno song, she thought that...maybe tonight wasn't so bad after all.

*End of Flashback*

That night had been roughly three years back.

And, for the rest of the dance, just as Mike promised, the tow hung out together. They danced, laughed, and just had an over-all good time with each other. Of course, when Zoey's parents saw her being escorted to the car 由 Mike instead of Lightning; they both had matching looks of confusion.

On the drive home, Zoey explained all of what happened, (purposely leaving out the part of her almost 接吻 Mike so she wouldn't get him 或者 herself in trouble) her parents were both shocked about Lightning dumping her like that and relieved that Zoey had a good friend to take car of her. Of course, little did Zoey 或者 her parent know...they would soon turn out to be 更多 than friends.

A few days after the dance; Mike and Zoey started to really get to know each other. They became fast friends, and, after about a 年 of tight friendship, the two officially started to date.

For awhile things in Zoey's life was great.

Both of their parents were okay with the other dating their child, and Zoey's parents seem to even like Mike despite his condition. Of course, that's only because you-know-who hadn't bothered to make an appearance. And, like so many other things, it didn't last forever.

Your see, it all went wrong only the night before; as mentioned previously. It started off as an ordinary 晚餐 或者 Zoey's family – Mike being included because his parents were working late shifts at their works. Everything had seemed so normal, but, then, 由 some stroke of incredible bad luck, Mike's 衬衫 got accidentally ripped off. He then forcibly turns into Vito, and, after a long night of yelling, fighting, and Vito being, well, Vito; Zoey's dad finally kicked him out. Mike, who eventually regained control, tried to explain himself, but the red heads father still kicked him out – telling him to never come near his house and daughter again.

Zoey tried to convince her dad Mike didn't truly mean what he said, but he wasn't in the mood for listening – not after the complete lack of control over his personalities Mike had just displayed.

The red head kept begging her dad to give Mike a 秒 chance, and, after awhile, he simply agreed they'd all discus the 下一个 day. (her dad worked third shift, so the only time he was really around was at dinner, strange times in the afternoon, and on every other weekend)

So, around eleven, Zoey went off to bed. The 下一个 morning, she got up, and, after a regular summer day, her dad came home. True to his word, he sat down with her on the couch, and they talked about what the events last night should lead to. Despite her best efforts, Zoey's dad still forbid her to see Mike. Zoey protested, saying it wasn't fair, and her father countered with while your under my roof, 你 live 由 my rules. The red head wanted to make a come back, but...couldn't.

She truthfully wanted to 移动 out, but, until she found a roommate her parents were comfortable with, she was stuck living with her parents. Zoey then went up to her room, locked the door, threw herself onto the bed, and cried for about sixteen minutes.

Then she looked at the picture, remembered the night she meet Mike, and...somehow...got renewed hope. As if, no matter what came in their way...Mike would still find a way to see her. Zoey had no idea just when 或者 how he'd do it, but...she had a feeling he would.

I mean, if people on TV shows can do things like that...so can't they?

That 你 were Romeo, 你 were throwing pebbles.
And my daddy 说 stay away from Juliet
I was crying on the staircase
Begging 你 please don't go, and I said...

“Zoey, dinner's ready!” the red heads mother called from the 厨房 unexpectedly.

It took a 分钟 for Zoey to register this, but, when she did, she quickly put the picture frame back on the night-stand and hurried down stairs.

Once her family was gathered at the table, they 说 grace, and began eating her moms wonderful cooking. (Zoey's mom - a pail and shapely women who has Zoey's red hair, but with 更多 length - was the cook at a four-star restaurant, so everything she made was great) After dinner, Zoey helped her mom wash dishes, and then went to the 长椅, 沙发 to accompany her father (a very muscular man with short, raven black hair) in a 犯罪现场调查 marathon. Of course, about five episodes in, her father let out a yawn, and 说 he needed to take a quick nap before work.

So, he went upstairs to the master bed-room, (their house was two levels) and, after Zoey's mom sat on the 长椅, 沙发 and switched the 显示 to something Zoey didn't particularly care for, the red head went to her room as well. Zoey made sure to be quiet on the stairs, as not to disturb her father, and, once she reached her room, shut her door for some privacy.

Since there was nothing else to do (the family only had one TV); Zoey decides to crack open a book – there were a few of them in the bottom tray of her nightstand.

The red head then sits cross-legged on the bed, reaches down, and selects a book at random. To her example of irony, the book she selected was the classic “Romeo and Juliet”. She chuckled slightly at the selected book, and opened to dog-eared page. (she had been 阅读 this book for quit sometime – ever since the beginning of this summer in fact) In second, she submerged in the perfect example of forbidden 爱情 that was the book Romeo and Juliet.

Of course...she wasn't at all thinking of Romeo nor Juliet. The whole time she read; Zoey imagined her and Mike. After all; to her, Mike was just like Romeo. He was sweet, romantic, and...wasn't allowed to see Juliet – or, her in this case. Zoey sighed sadly, and went back to 阅读 her book.

She had gotten through four 更多 pages of the centuries old-book when, suddenly, small clinks were heard coming from Zoey's window.

The red head looked up form her book, and swore she hears her name being called at a low volume. She then sat the book aside, and slid off the bed. Zoey the crossed over to the window, and opens it. Zoey pokes her head out into the cool night air, and, in the shadows of her house, just out of the light from her window, was Mike – hands cuffed around his mouth, calling Zoey's name quietly.

“Mike!” Zoey quietly, but happily, called out to him. “You came back!”

“Of course I did!” Mike calls back quietly – cuffing his mouth with his hands. “I know 你 father doesn't want me to see you, but...I couldn't just abandon 你 like that. I 爱情 你 Zoey! Your my everything, and...I can't possibly imagine my existence without you.” 说 red head couldn't help but tear up with joy. That had to be the sweetest thing anyone has ever told her.

“Mike...I 爱情 你 to!” Zoey replied, wiping the tears form her eyes. “And...I can't see life without 你 either.” Mike smiles, and the two stared loving at each other form afar.

Both of them were wanting to be in the embrace of one another, but had to settle for just staring.

It was awhile of then staring at each other before Mike cleared his throat, and asked a bit pleadingly; “Hey, is it okay if I come in? I really wanna see 你 face-to-face.”

Zoey got a concerned look – suddenly remembering her parents were both upstairs and down stairs. She momentarily thought about asking him to climb through the window, but...if she did; Svetlana would undoubtedly make an appearance - she was always summoned 由 any physical trial Mike faced.

“Sure, but, first...let me make sure the coast is clear.” Zoey whispered to the boy below.

Mike nodded, and Zoey quickly scurried to her door, and quietly opened it. She then tip-toed down the hall, and peaked over the railing of the stairs. Zoey saw that her mother was engrossed in a certain TV show, and she could hear soft sores coming from her fathers room – signaling he was asleep.
Zoey then realized it would basically be impossible for Mike to just come in because of her mother in the living room. Zoey frowned and then quietly ran back to her room, and poked her head out the window once 更多 – happy to see Mike still residing in the shadows.

“It's not 安全 for 你 to come in.” Zoey explains sadly. Zoey faintly sees Mike frown, and a feeling of sadness was lodged deep within her stomach.

“So...there's no way I can see you?” Mike asks a bit sadly.

Zoey then thought about it, and replies; “Well....I could always just meet 你 outside 由 the front door. I could just tell my mom I'm going to take a walk, and promise to be careful and back at eleven.” Mike smiles with a touch of concern, and replies.

“Zoey...are 你 sure 你 wanna risk getting in trouble to see me? ” Mike asks; his voice 展示 how clearly touched he was. “Because...if 你 truly don't want to...you don't have to.” The red head smiles. She'd honestly do much for Mike, so sneaking out was nothing.

“Of course I would Mike.” Zoey reassures him. “Now go around front, and I'll be there in a few minutes!” Mike nods, and does as Zoey instructed. The red head then comes back inside, shuts the window, and slips out of her sandals. She then slips into her nearby sneakers, (the sandals didn't provide good support, and, if her and Mike decided to go for a walk, she'd be curing herself for wearing them) and quietly walks out of her room so she wouldn't wake her father.

Aside from the slight pain that was coming from her shoes rubbing against her bare heels; (she was too excited to see Mike she neglected to put on a pair of socks) Zoey was still, as the old expression goes, walking on air. Her and Mike were gonna spend an entire evening...alone...just them.

Zoey was just about to reach the stair-case when...a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

“I told 你 once, stay away from my daughter!” the angered voice of Zoey's father roared from downstairs. “My little girl doesn't need a out of control punk like 你 messing up her life! Now, I'm giving 你 one last chance, get out!” fear suddenly shoots through Zoey like a lightning strike through the ink-black sky. The red-head then rushes to the stair-case, and, just as she had heard, her father was standing in the door-way – glaring at a very scared looking Mike at the beginning of the porch.

“P-please sir, let me explain...” Zoey heard Mike beg – making guilt swell up inside her like a water balloon on a hot summers day.

“I don't wanna hear it! I've always had a bad feeling about you, but last night was the last straw!” Zoey's dad barked with a certain venom in his voice. “I'm gonna say this one last time; stay away from my daughter and get the hell off my property!” to Zoey's horror; she saw Mine slowly begin to inch away. The red head suddenly panics, and starts to bolt down the stairs.

“Mike!” Zoey called out, hopping the spiky-haired teen would hear her pleads.

Alas...her efforts were for not.

Poor Mike was so terrified 由 Zoey's dad; he didn't even notice Zoey had been calling him from the steps. Zoey watched in despair as Mike gets further and further away from the door. Soon, Mike had officially gone, and her father shut the door. But...Zoey didn't notice. For her vision was blurred with tears, and she was still begging for Mike to stay – even though he had left.

“Please Mike,” Zoey whimpered out. “Don't go...” as Zoey continued begging, her father just stood 由 the front door – shacking his head in what seemed to be disappointment.

“I'm shocked at 你 Zoe.” her dad stated, using her nick name he gave her as a little kid and continued his head-shake of disappointment as he spoke. “I specifically 说 你 couldn't see him anymore, and...I truly thought 你 understood at the time. But, when I saw him in the shadows when I passed the window on the way downstairs, I guess I must not have gotten through to 你 after all.” tears continued to stream down Zoey's face, and...she suddenly couldn't stand her father.

“He came on his own dad!” Zoey snapped in defense for her loveable boyfriend. “And...and it's unfair your forbidding me to see him! We 爱情 each other dad...don't 你 remember what it was like when 你 fell in 爱情 with mom?” here dad then got a offended look, but his over all expression softened.

“Of course I remember Zoe.” her father explains with a sudden gentle touch to his voice. “You and your mother were the best things that happened to me. But, 你 have to understand, I'm only thinking about your well-being. I know 你 two are, as 你 say, “in love”, but...I honestly don't think he's in your best interests. I mean, what if he suddenly turns into that Italian guy personality of his – Vito, was his name? - and hurts you? Possibly both physically and mentally?” Zoey had to admit...she actually never even thought of that possibility. Would Vito hurt her if he appeared at random? The red head quickly thought it over, and decided no, Mike was too in control to let that happen.

“That would never happen, because Mike would him stop before he could even touch me.” Zoey explained, lowering her tone slightly. “Mike is a good guy, dad! Can't 你 just trust me on this?” Zoey's father started at her for a moment, then sighed sadly.

“I wish I could. I honestly do.” her father began, his expression hardening slightly. “But...after tonight...my trust in 你 is, at the moment, broken.” Zoey's dad then brought his right index finger to his lips, and stared blankly at the floor. After a moment, he then looked back at her, and brought his index finger away from his lips. “Grounded. One week. That means no internet, no phone, and, other than going to and from work, no car.” Zoey's mouth then dropped in shock. The last time she remembered being grounded was at age thirteen when she lied about going to the 图书馆 so she could sneak into the new PG-13 horror film at the multiplex. (she was caught 由 her parents, who were going to pick her up at the library, when she was walking out of the theater ironically enough)

“But...but dad-” Zoey began, trying to convince her father she was to old for grounding – even though she still technically lived under his roof.

“No buts, bed.” her father 说 calmly but sternly, pointing a finger toward her room. Zoey was then suddenly to drained to argue. She just hung her head in shame, and slunk back to her room. Once there, she then shut the door,kicked off her shoes and sat on her bed. The red-head didn't really wanna sleep, (it was, after all, only 8:00) but...dreams was the only way she'd see Mike. Zoey thought about 阅读 更多 of Romeo and Juliet, but...it would just make her depressed.

So, after a moment of sitting on her 床, 床上 with a bit of a blank look in her eyes, she goes to the beginning of her bed. Zoey then crawled under the sheets, turned out the light 由 her night-stand, and laid her head down on the pillow.

She had just about fallen asleep when... Bing!

Her phone – which was lying on the night-stand – let out a noise, signaling she had gotten a text. Zoey then sat up, and rubbed her eyes. She then picked up her phone, and opened it. She then viewed the text, and, once she saw who sent it, she immediately sobered up.

Naturally, Mike sent it, and the message read:

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Sorry about earlier. :( Didn't know if it was 安全 to call. U okay?

Zoey couldn't help but smile slightly, and thanked the heavens her father forgot take her phone away.

Even though the red head really wanted to hear Mike's voice; a simple text defiantly would do. Then, without truly thinking, she quickly opened her phones 嘿 board, and began typing.

Romeo take me, somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the Prince, and I'll be the princess.
It's a 爱情 story, baby just say yes.

After she finished her message, Zoey impulsively read back over to see if it was presentable enough to send. Deciding it was, Zoey then sent this message:

To: Mike
From: Zoey
Yeah...I guess. Dad grounded me 4 1 week. Not even supposed to be typing this, lol. R u okay? He seemed pretty mad at you...

There was a momentary pause, but then Zoey's phone bings, and she reads Mike's text.

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Yeah, I'm okay. And ur dad was just being protective of u. Sucks about the grounded thing. It's all my fault after all... I just really wanted to see u...

Zoey frowned slightly before quickly typing out a message, and re-reading it before it was sent.

To: Mike
From: Zoey
Don't be sorry. I was really glad u came. :) And it's not all ur fault. I should have just had u come through my window, but...I didn't know if that would trigger Svetlana. If anyone is sorry it's me. Also, were u coping Romeo & Juliet when u threw pebbles at my window, lol.

There was, yet again, another pause between texts, but, thankfully for Zoey, the time it took to get the text became noticeably shorter than the first time.

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Please don't talk about urself like that. :( Ur a great girl Zoe, and I truthfully never would have thought about the whole Svetlana being triggered thing. And, lol, I sssooo was. XD I just wish we had a secret meeting place like R & J where we could be alone...

Zoey chuckled slightly at the thought, and then started typing.

To Mike
From: Zoey
Thanks, and, yeah, I wish we had one those too. :) If 你 ever find 1...please take me there with u. It'd be nice to be alone together...

Zoey then sent the message, and sighed sadly. Her and Mike's conversation was making her want to be with him 更多 and more, and...she just missed him. Of course, before Zoey had any real time to think about this, because, in no time, Mike had texted back.

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Of course Zoe. :) And, yeah, being alone together for a change would be nice. Who knows....maybe we could find a place to be alone. Do u know any places in 或者 out of town we could meet up @?

Zoey then thought about it, and, as quickly as she could, texted Mike back. There was no barely any time between texts, and the texts seemed to almost go into conversation.

To: Mike
From: Zoey
Not really. Well...none that my parents wouldn't find out about anyway. Although, we could always try meeting here again.

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Sure. But...where exactly?

To: Mike
From: Zoey
How about the garden in the back of my house? No one would see us, and u could always come when my moms @ work and dads sleeping. :)

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Sounds like a plan! When's the best time 2 come over?

To: Mike
From: Zoey
Lets say...around 7:10 am? My mom leaves @ 7, and my dad gets up an 小时 after she leaves, so we'd have almost 1 whole 小时 to ourselves! :) Plus, I don't need to be at work until 8:50; so we have plenty of time! Does it work 4 u?

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Sounds gr8. :) Yeah, I g2 work around 8:50 as well, so it's no trouble. Oh...g2g. Parents have been calling my for the past 10 mins. C u tomorrow?

To: Mike
From: Zoey
K. I'll be waiting for you. :) And I g2g 床, 床上 anyway. Don't wanna get u in further trouble if dad suddenly comes to check on me. Night Mike!

To: Zoey
From: Mike
OK. Sweet dreams Zoe. :)

After the last text; Zoey then shut her phone and sighed in contentment. She then placed her phone back on the side table, laid back down on the bed, and fell asleep – her dreams filled with 图片 of her and Mike living the perfect 爱情 story 由 running away to live a life together where he'd be her Prince and she'd be his Princess.

It was the best sleep Zoey remembers having.

So I sneak out, to the garden to see you,
We keep quiet, cause we're dead if they knew.
So close your eyes,
Escape this town for a little while.

Zoey then slept through the night, and woke up with the alarm at 6 o'clock. (she purposely set it so she knew she'd be awake for Mike) Zoey quickly shut it off, and began with her morning routine.

Took a shower, changed clothes, did her hair, etc.

She then downstairs, and greeted her mother – who was currently getting ready to leave. The two then talked for a bit, but then Zoey wound up getting her phone from her room and handing it over to her mother with no resistance. (she had been there when her father grounded her, and knew she still had her phone) Her mom the put her phone in her purse, and sighed sadly. She then went on to say that it wasn't all fair that her dad grounded her, but...a punishment was a punishment. Zoey 说 she understood and let it drop – to happy about seeing Mike soon to really even care about much else.

A half-hour later; her mom kissed her good-bye on the cheek, and left.

Zoey was happy at this, because she knew it was only one 更多 short half until she and Mike would met in the garden. Of course, with ten 更多 分钟 to go, her father decided to make an appearance, and walked into the 厨房 – blue house 涂层, 外套 wrapped firmly around his waist.

“Dad!” Zoey exclaims, trying to not sound to shocked to see him. “What...what are 你 doing up so early?” Zoey's dad gave her a confused look, but then shrugs.

“Just woke up a little earlier.” he explains. “By the way...did your mom get my note?” Zoey then nods, and her father nods as well. “Good.” Zoey's dad then fixes himself a cup of coffee, and sit at the 表 – where Zoey was sitting right across from him. The two then fall in a silence, and Zoey began to get 更多 restless with every passing second. Soon, the ten 分钟 were up, and Zoey knew she needed to get to the garden so Mike wouldn't be kept waiting.

“Um...dad, I'm gonna go take a walk.” Zoey states, standing up from the table.

Zoey's dad then raised an eyebrow in confusion, and says; “A walk? Hm...I guess if your back in time to go to work, it's okay.” Zoey then smiles, and nods.

“Of course dad, I promise I'll be back.” Zoey reassures him.

“Alright then,” her father says with a smile, “Be careful Zoe.” Zoey then nods, and gives him a quick good-bye hug. To make sure she didn't rise suspicion in her dad; Zoey then walks through the living room, and out the front door. Instead of heading down the road; Zoey, after quickly checking to see if her father was watching, then sneaks around to the back of her house. In no time; she is then silently walking through her family's well-kept garden.

“Mike?” Zoey whispered, slowly walking past rows of sprouting carrots she and her mother planted earlier that summer. The red head scanned the area, but...Mike was no where to be found.

“Zoey?” a faint voice war heard from somewhere close. Zoey then scanned the area, and, this time, upon closer inspection, she saw Mike hidden behind some 蓝莓 bushes. Once he confirmed it was her, he got a smile the stretched practically ear to ear – revealing his gap. “Zoey, I'm so glad to see you...I almost thought 你 weren't coming.” Zoey mirrors his smile, and cautiously walks over to the 蓝莓 衬套, 布什 Mike was at, and pulls him into a hug.

“I would never do that to you.” Zoey reassures him. Mike then returns the hug, and the two spend a couple of 分钟 just like that. Enjoying each others embrace. But, soon, Mike then separated himself from Zoey – which cause the red head to get a confused look.

“Zoey...I'm sorry about this whole mess” Mike says, looking down at the ground with a guilty twinkle in his eyes. “I wish I never had been born with this stupid condition! My life would be a lot less complicated, and...and I'd actually be good enough for you.” Zoey frowned. Mike always talked badly about himself, and...she didn't like it. He was such a sweet and sensitive boy, and, condition 或者 no condition, she'd still 爱情 him.

“Please don't talk about yourself like that.” Zoey begged, putting a had gently on Mike's right cheek. “I 爱情 you, okay? And...I don't blame 你 for what happened. It was something out of your control. Besides...if Vito ever did try and do anything to hurt me...I'm positive you'd be able to stop him.” Mike then finally returns his gaze to Zoey; a his lips slowly forming into a smile.

“You really think so?” Mike asks, as id he needed to be reassured.

“I know so.” Zoey tells him. The two then gaze deeply into each others eyes, and slowly began to 移动 into a kiss. In the back of Zoey's mind; she knew her and Mike had to be as quiet as they possibly could. Because, if her dad were hear them, they'd be, in the turn of phrase, dead. Of course...the only thing she was really focused on was the 吻乐队（Kiss） with Mike.

They both seemed to close their eyes at the same time, and waited for their lips to met – causing them to escape the whole town all together for just a little while, and be in a place with only them.

There lips were almost together when....

'Cause 你 were Romeo, I was a Scarlet letter,
And my daddy 说 stay away from Juliet.
But 你 were everything to me.
I was begging 你 please don't go, and I said...

“Zoey!” her fathers enraged voice suddenly appears – causing the two's eyes to fly open, and gasp. And, in an instant, her father had separated the two – pushing Zoey behind him maybe to protect her from Mike. 或者 just keep them apart. Probably just both.

“Dad...what are 你 doing here?!” Zoey asked in pure shock. Her father wasn't supposed to be here....

“I was coming to give 你 you're cell phone just in case something happened on your walk.” her father explains, never letting his glaring eyes leave Mike. “But, then, I swore I heard some people talking from behind house, and, because I knew 你 left, I decided to check on things. Glad I did. He was about to do something he was gonna regret.” Zoey just stood there.

She honestly had no idea what to say.

The possibility of her father ever seeing them in the garden never even occurred to her. What started as a romantic meeting with Mike as her loving Romeo turned her father catching them, and personally making Zoey feel as if she were the girl from the famous book; “The Scarlet letter”.

“Look...sir, I know what I did showed how out of control my personalities are. For that I am sorry, but...I promise I'm 更多 in control now.” Mike speaks up. “I've been taking extra therapy classes, and I now believe I'm in control of myself and my persona’s as ever. So...please...give me another chance.” a silence then fell upon the area. Zoey's father was just staring judgmentally at Mike, and poor Mike just stood there terrified. Finally, after having a pause of consideration, Zoey's father speaks.

“I appreciate the apology,” he began; still glaring at Mike. “But it's not accepted. My daughter's safety means 更多 to me than life itself, and I won't let 你 put it in jeopardy. Now get out of here, and stay away from my daughter!” Mike then nods ever so slightly, and turns around. As he started off toward the road; Zoey felt as if...a part of her had been taken out and was leaving with Mike. He meant everything to Zoey, and she didn't want him to leave.

“Mike....please don't go!” Zoey begged, just as she had the first time. But, like the first time, Mike either didn't hear her 或者 just ignored her pleads. Soon, Mike was far out of sight, and Zoey's father was, once again, giving her a lecture about trust and what not.

“Why do 你 keep bringing him around Zoey?” her father asks in a mixture of concern and anger. Zoey didn't reply. She just turned her gaze to the dusty ground, and kept it there. After a moment, her father sighs heavily and continues. “Look, Zoe, I'm only trying to keep 你 safe. That guy is just bad news all the way around! I know he may seem like the only one who 你 爱情 in the world right now, but, trust me, there are plenty of 鱼 in the sea. So...why don't 你 let this one off the hook, and cast out again? 你 may find someone 你 really like.” Zoey's hand twisted into clenched fists at her sides. Was her father really asking to forget the best thing that ever happened to her, and 移动 on?!

“No.” Zoey says in a barely audible whisper. “Because none of them will understand me like he does.” a silence then fell the two.

“....I see.” her father suddenly spoke up. “Well, give it some time to heal. You'll 移动 on someday – trust me.” Zoey's father then turns around, and starts heading back to the house while Zoey just watches him. He was about halfway back before he turned around again. “By the way, your grounded for an extra week.” Zoey just shrugs what he says off, and absent absentmindedly back to the house.

She really wanted to protest against his ruling, but...it was no use. His mind wouldn't be changing his mind soon – she knew from 前一个 times.

Besides...all she could even think about was when her and Mike would meet again.

Romeo take me, somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the Prince, an I'll be the Princess.
It's a 爱情 story, baby just say yes.

Once Zoey was back in the house; she marched straight to her room.

She couldn't really do anything else anyway. Zoey then shut her door, and laid out on her bed. She sighs heavily, and stares at the ceiling.

All she could even think about was what had just happened. How her and Mike almost kissed before her dad separated them, and how it was all her fault the two were caught in the first place. She was the one who begged Mike to take her somewhere they could be alone. She was the one so blinded 由 waiting for Mike and her to run off together to even consider the dangers of their meeting.

“Why was I so stupid?” Zoey asked herself; tears swelling up in her eyes. “What was I even thinking? That this was all a fairytale, and that Mike and I would end up as Prince and Princess of our own kingdom? Yeah...like that would happen...” with this; Zoey begins to fully cry into them.

Yes, it was all her fault for this. And, unlike, the people in countless 爱情 stories she often read, she knew it wasn't gonna end up with them together.

And, Zoey actually began to consider....maybe she did need to find someone knew like her father said.

Romeo save me, they try to tell me how to feel.
This 爱情 is difficult, but it's real.
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a 爱情 story baby just say yes...

“Wait....what am I saying?!” Zoey asks, pulling herself together. She then realizes what she's saying, and....turns her attention to the picture on the nightstand.

The red head then takes it off he nightstand, and places it on her lap – tracing her fingers over Mike's image. “Oh Mike...I know 你 can't hear me, but...I wish you'd come and save me. They're actually trying to tell me how I feel. I know our 爱情 is a difficult one, but....we both know it's real.” She then sighs, and remembers how terrified Mike had looked earlier.

She hated when Mike looked scared; mostly because she viewed him as a strong person.

“I know your afraid, but...please don't be. I know we'll get through this together.” Zoey then smiles, and hugs the picture tightly to her chest. Who knows, Zoey thought, maybe our life is a 爱情 story. That is...if Mike and I ever get back together, and only time would have that answer.

Even though Zoey knew dreaming wasn't practical; she hoped the answer would be yes.

I got tired of waiting.
Wondering if 你 were ever coming around.
My faith in 你 was fading...
When I met 你 on the outskirts of town; I said...

And so, Zoey went to work, and had an ordinary res of the day.

The 下一个 two weeks were torture for Zoey. Mike didn't contact her, and...she once again started to doubt him. Then again; there's really no way for him to see her. Coming to the house was too risky, her phone was taken away, and her dad always answered the land-line. Despite this, Zoey tried to keep her faith in Mike, and...told herself that she'd her form him again soon.

Thankfully her grounding finally ended, and since she was on her best behavior, (or her only behavior really...) her father gave her cell phone back. Of course...there was only one thing she wanted to do – text mike, and “talk” to him once again.

So, the night she got her phone back, she excused herself after dinner, and went straight to her room. She then laid across her bed, and texted Mike this quick text.

To: Mike
From: Zoey
嘿 Mike! Just got my phone back, and I'm really excited to hear from u.

The red head then sent the text, and sighs in relief.

“I can't wait till he replies.” Zoey sighs a bit dreamily. She then stared at her phone, and waited. Zoey just sat there in breathless anticipation...........for one whole hour. “I'm sure he's just busy 或者 something...” Zoey tries to convince herself. The red head then stays up for exactly three 更多 hours, and Mike never replies. So, with teary eyes, Zoey places the phone on the side table, and falls into a tear-induced sleep.

For the 下一个 four days; Zoey repeated the night.

After dinner, she'd go to her room, text Mike, (sometimes twice) and wait for absurd amounts of time before finally just going to 床, 床上 with teary eyes. The routine was taking it's tole on Zoey's heart, and...she was getting tired of waiting for Mike to come around.

“Maybe he never really loved me to begin with...” Zoey thinks out loud as she continues to stare at the phone in the palm of her hands. The red head then put her phone back on the nightstand, and hugs her knees to her chest. She tried to tell herself Mike did 爱情 her, but...it was no use. Her faith in him was to faded, and, even if he did come around, Zoey had no idea how she'd react. It was either gonna be cussing him for having the nerve to 显示 up after snubbing her like he did, 或者 melting into his arms like 浓情巧克力 on a warm summers day.

Zoey spent the 下一个 few 分钟 with her knees to her stomach – listening to the quiet that surrounded her. Or, at least, she was, until....

Bing! Her cellphone signaled that she receive a new text message.

Zoey's eyes widened, and she was dumb-struck for a moment. She then got out of her position, grabbed her phone form the side table, and opened it. To her great relief, the one who texted her was Mike. She then opened the text, and read it to herself.

To: Zoey
From: Mike
Sorry about not replying all week. It's a really long story, and I will explain it all later. Please meet me @ that park just outside of town tomorrow after work. I have something important to ask u there.

Zoey blinked in surprise.

She even re-read the text, and...she still was confused. Why did Mike contact her now, after four days of nothing? And why did they need to go to the park on the outskirts of town just to ask her a question? What was that important it needed to be asked that far out of the way? Or...could he have other intentions? Ones that would be quit unforgivable and unforgettable.

Thoughts raced through Zoey's head, but...she decided to ignore them. She still had trust for Mike, (granted, it was fragile) and she knew he wasn't gonna do anything to hurt her. With that reassurance, Zoey then lies down and goes straight to sleep.

So, that 下一个 day, Zoey gets up, gets ready, and, when the time comes, goes to work. Nothing out of the ordinary. But, as soon as her shift at the 多工, 多路复用 ends, Zoey calls her dad, and lies that she's going to catch a movie there before coming home. Her father says not to be out to late, and Zoey says she won't be – feeling slightly guiltily for lying to him.

So, instead of seeing a movie at the 多工, 多路复用 like she lead her father to believe, Zoey drives down the street, and turns onto the free-way. In minutes, she's pulling up in the parking lot of the park. In 说 parking lot was Mike's black Corvette, (Vito was to thank for that one. Mike was going to return it to the lot Vito bought it from, but wound up growing rather fond of it) and a green mini 面包车, 范 that had a pine air-freshener hanging from the rear-view mirror.

“Okay...no need to be nervous.” Zoey told herself as she pulled into the 太空 下一个 to Mike's car. With a deep breath, Zoey then killed the engine, and stepped out into the dusty parking lot.

As she shut her door, the owner of the green mini 面包车, 范 – a women with long red hair accompanied 由 a tanned skinned red-headed little girl and a tanned skinned raven haired little boy – opened hers. Zoey saw the young girl wave to her, and Zoey couldn't help but wave back. Kids were just so cute to her. She then ventured into the park, and saw it was deserted. The 摇摆, 秋千 sat remained still, the slides had no one sliding on them, and the monkey bars lacked anyone climbing on them.

Of course, once she scanned the area, she faintly saw someone sitting on the bench in the far end of the park. She gulped slightly, and walked over to the benches. As she did, it was clear that someone was defiantly sitting on the bench.

“Mike?” she asked as she slowly approaching the back of the bench. Even before he turned his head, Zoey knew it was Mike. His hair was quit the give away.

“Hey Zoe.” Mike says, smiling and revealing his gap. “I'm glad 你 came today.” he then patted the empty 太空 beside him. “Sit with me?” Zoey couldn't help but smile, and nod before going around the bench - obediently sitting 下一个 to Mike. Upon closer looking, Zoey notices Mike looks worn out – as if he had either not been sleeping 或者 was under extreme stress of some kind.

“You look tired” Zoey observed – concern in her voice. Mike chuckles slightly, and nods.

“Yeah...I know. It's been pretty crazy lately.” it was now Zoey's turn to nod in agreement. Mike smiles tiredly, and turns his gaze forward. Zoey does the same, and sees that, from where the bench was, the whole town was visible. The two then sat in silence; enjoying the peace of the moment. But, surprisingly, Zoey feels Mike gently lay his hand on 最佳, 返回页首 of hers. She smiles, and moves closed to Mike. Without even thinking, Zoey then puts her head on Mike's shoulder. Mike then slyly puts his arm around Zoey's pail shoulder, and the two watch as the sun slowly starts to descend.

The moment was so magical that Zoey almost forgot about being upset with Mike. Then again...she could never truly be upset with him.

Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone.
I've been waiting, for you, but 你 never come.
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think.
He knelt to the ground, and pulled out a ring and said:

“...I really missed 你 Zoey.” Mike speaks up after a long period of silence.

“I missed 你 to Mike” Zoey replies, suddenly remembering the hours of waiting she spent for Mike – hoping he'd reply back soon. “But...I'm confused. If 你 missed me...why didn't 你 text me back? I was really worried about you...” silence followed Zoey's words.

“You...you were?” Mike asks after a pause, a surprised tone to his voice.

“Of course Mike.” Zoey reassures him. “I was worried, and...I'll be honest; I started to have my doubts. When 你 didn't reply back....I thought 你 honestly didn't 爱情 my anymore.”

“Zoey...how could 你 think that?” Mike asks in shock and a little offense.

“I...I don't know.” Zoey replies; tears forming in her eyes. “I just felt so...so...alone. Plus, my father kept telling me I needed to 移动 on. And....for a time...I really believed him. I kept telling myself he was wrong, but...I just...don't know...” Zoey then let her sentence drop. There was really nothing else to say. She already revealed her doubts to Mike.

“But...Zoey...I truly do 爱情 you.” Mike insists – a pleading and desperate tone to his voice. “Please..you have to believe me...”

“I really want to Mike,” Zoey begins, a few tears sliding down her cheeks. “But...but I can't. I waited for you, and 你 never came. I mean....is this in my head? Am I actually right, 或者 am I 表演 crazy? I just...don't know what to think.” Zoey then waited for Mike's reply, but....he just kept quiet.

“Zoey...you just need to trust me...” Mike tries, sounding as if it's last resort.

The red head then sighs heavily before saying; “Mike...I do trust you, but.....I need straight answers. What's going on? Why didn't I hear form 你 for four days after I sent 你 a text?” Mike didn't answer. He just shoved his hands into his pockets, and kept his gaze ahead. Silence grew between the two, and, soon, Zoey sighed heavily once more. “Okay...I can take a hint Mike. I'll just go” with that, the red head then stood up, and begins walking away from the bench.

“Wait!” Mike exclaims, springing up, and grabbing Zoey's arm. “Zoey...please...don't leave yet.” Mike then took a secondary pause, looked her in the eyes, and inhaled deeply before continuing. “Zoey....before 你 leave...let me ask 你 something.” the red head blinked in surprise.

“Okay,” Zoey says a little skeptical. “What do 你 wanna ask?” Mike's cheek then tinted red against his tan skin, and beads of sweat were visibly seen on his fore-head. He then began stuttering, as if he knew what he wanted to say, but couldn't form the right words. �