/*Great song above^^^^^^*/ 

Chapter 38:

Nadia's POV:

         Confessing to grandpa that I stopped Zack in the middle of the driveway, was hard on me that's why, as soon as I arrived home after leaving Zack in the apartment, I hurried to my room in order to avoid grandpa because I didn't want to lie on him when he would ask about my whereabouts, knowing that he already called the office and asked Sophia about me.

       Since the moment I left the apartment, I couldn't take Zack out of my mind, especially his voice, his touch and his smell, they were like drugs in my system, once I get just a little bit, I keep asking for more, which was the reason why I finally realized that my life wouldn't be the same without him. 

I wouldn't be able to breathe... 

        I could enter the house without being caught by grandpa but Ann saw me as I passed through the door and followed me to my room. It didn't need a genius to notice that she knew that I was hiding something. And how she always managed to blow my cover with one look only, was beyond my smartness. 

"Where have you been all day?" She asked the moment I opened the door. 

"Come on-in" I ushered her in. 

"So?" She sat at the edge of the bed, raising her eyebrow at me. 

"With Zack" I answered her honestly because Ann was important in my life and I knew that she would understand me. 

"Zack? Didn't he go to Canada?"

"I stopped him" 

"You finally woke up then" She smiled widely at me "I'm happy for you" 

"Was I that sad?" I wondered because she seemed as if the weight of the world fell off her shoulders. 

"Yes, you were lifeless" She nodded at me in agreement "When will you tell your grandpa?" 

"I don't know yet but tomorrow night, I've got to see Zack" I grinned at her like a lovesick fool "I need your help" 

"You want me to cover you up" Ann stood up and walked to the door "Just like the old days" 

        Although Ann worked for us, she was more than an employee to us, she was like my big sister, she advised me when it was needed, she took care of me whenever I needed help, and most importantly, she loved me and made sure to always take care of me... I really loved her. 

       After Ann left, I looked down at Zack's hoodie and laughed at myself for being so discreet in my addiction with his smell. I could see the twinkle in his eyes when he spotted me getting out of the bedroom wearing his hoodie. He probably felt cocky about it... 

      I went to my closet and got changed to one my pajamas because I had to catch up on work, knowing that I missed the entire day. Moreover, I always worked wearing something comfortable when I was home, it helped me work faster and be more productive. 

        Sophia already sent me everything I needed on email so all I had to do was focus for two hours to get things done. However, it was easier said than done because as soon as I turned on my laptop, my phone buzzed, signaling that I had a message. 

"Could you by any chance come here?" A low chuckle escaped my lips as I read Zack's message.

"Why? You missed me already?" I answered, opening my inbox in order to answer the emails I received and thankfully I only had fifteen.

"Well, since you brought it up, I actually did"

"Hum, we've got two days left" I replied not even sure if two days were enough for me to tell grandpa. 

         As I was checking my emails, I found one from mom saying: I am sorry, I know I've been a terrible mother to you and your brother since the tragedy but please I don't want to lose you just like I lost Daniel, please, I want to meet you, give me a chance. 

           I stared at my screen for couple minutes, thinking of what I was going to do and totally ignoring Zack's messages. I didn't know how to feel about my mother but within the lines of her email, I could feel desperation and guilt she felt, and it seemed genuine. 

       I was confused but I knew that running away from my problems wasn't going to solve them, just like it happened with Zack, so I decided to give my mother a chance, and who knew maybe we could work through our relationship. Just maybe. 

"Okay, when you're in town, call me" Was my reply to her email. 

      I was so lost in my thoughts about my meeting with mom that I forgot that Zack was still waiting for my reply, until my phone started ringing beside me, pulling me back to reality. I picked up after the second ring, meeting Zack's grumbling voice. 

Zack: Why aren't you answering. 

Me: Mom sent me an email, she wants to meet me. 

Zack: Oh! What did you answer her? 

Me: I gave her another chance.  Do you think I made the right choice? 

Zack: You know your relationship with her better than anyone so I can't tell you if it was good or bad. You can. 

Me: I know, I guess I can't delete her from my life. 

Zack: Even if she hurt you? Even if she left you when your tears hadn't even dried? 

       At that moment, I knew that we weren't talking about my mother anymore, we were talking about his father. Zack tried his best to act like he didn't even care about his dad but I knew he did, I could see in his eyes how much he missed him; he was just hurt, just like me, so I noted to myself to try to solve the issue between the Collins. 

Zack deserved to be happy...!!! 

Me: Look, blood can't turn into water, she might've hurt me and left me but deep down, I always missed her and I needed her in my life. No one will replace her in my life, I know dad wouldn't want us to be separated.

There was a pause before he spoke again. 

Zack: Then, I hope things get better between you two. Now that we've talked. We have to discuss some rules. 

Me: Rules? 

Zack: Yes, the most important one is to never ignore my texts or calls, because I thought that something happened. 

Me: Yes sir, any other orders. 

Zack: Tomorrow I will come take you at 6 pm, and no need to wear anything special, be casual. 

Me: Ouh, where are we going? 

Zack: I won't say a thing, and one more thing, you're staying with me. 

Me: It'll be a pleasure. By the way, I will send you some papers concerning the clothing line that we signed a contract with last week, and there are some documents that need revision from your statistics department since mine already did the job, we need confirmation. 

Zack: Damn, you make me want to kiss you when you're being professional. 

Me: Somethings have to be done correctly, once and for all, you're my husband but my partner at the same time. 

Zack: Yes mam; send me everything that I need to check, and I will start now, knowing that I have no distractions at the moment. 

Me: Okay, so goodbye, I'll send you everything you need. 

Zack: Wait, you forgot something. 

Me: What? 

Zack: I love you, never forget that and keep it on your mind. 

Me: I love you too. 

       As those words left my mouth, I hanged up the phone with the goofiest smile spread wide on my face. I worked until I could no longer open my eyes then I sent a message to Zack telling him that I was going to sleep, and he answered me with the best of wishes, of course with one of his naughty remarks. 

     The next day was spent in the office after literally ignoring grandpa because I couldn't bring myself to face him and tell him the truth. I had so many meetings and I couldn't even lift my  head off my computer. And that was all because I needed to leave the office when it hit 4:30.

       Leaving my office behind, I jumped in my car and headed back home. On the way, Lara surprisingly called and and told me that she was in town for few business meetings throughout the two weeks ahead and that Dillon and Col were also in town so we ended up setting a meeting the day after. 

I really missed hanging out with them... 

       As soon as I arrived home, grandpa called me. He was in the lounging room, watching TV, so he might've spotted me when I was about to climb the stairs. I lowered my head and headed to where he was seated and sat beside him. 

"How was work today?" He asked as soon as I sat beside him. 

"Tiring, I had meetings all day" I replied "How are you feeling today?" 

"I feel good after seeing you!" He patted my knee "I haven't seen you yesterday"   

'I stopped Zack from leaving and then I spent the entire day with him' I was about to say but I couldn't bring myself to say the truth. 

"I needed some time to breathe throughout the day and when I came back, I dealt with the piled work" I half lied on him without even meeting his eyes while I focused my eyes on the hem of the hoodie that suddenly became interesting. 

"Don''t force yourself in work, it's not worth your health" 

"I know" I said, standing up, ready to leave "I am getting out later, please don't wait for me for dinner" 

"I know, Ann already informed me that you'll be having a sleepover with Lara" He grinned at me and gestured at the stairs "Have fun honey" 

Only if you really knew grandpa... 

          I didn't think that confessing to grandpa that I stopped Zack from going to Canada would be frightening, I knew it would be hard but not that much; I decided to open my mouth and tell him everything but my tongue got twisted and I ended up fumbling with the end of the shirt nervously, not even knowing the reason behind my fear of grandpa's reaction. 

What if he got mad at me? What if something happened to him? 

         After the failure I faced, I headed to my room, took a bath then walked-in my closet to decide what to wear. Zack mentioned dressing up casual but I didn't know what to wear because I didn't know where he was going to take me. 

       He might've used the word casual but I still wanted to impress him, therefore I went for skinny sateen jeans, a floral Yin Yang cropped tank top with an off-white cropped cotton hoodie. As for my hair and makeup, I dried my hair and lifted it up in a twisted ponytail, I applied thin eyeliner and mascara to make my eyes pop even more, and applied Rimmel Kate nude lipstick because I wanted to look beautiful without exaggerating. 

       My phone vibrated, indicating that I had an incoming message. I retrieved my phone which was on the night stand and read Zack's message out loud 'I'll be there in five minutes' . I put my things in my leather pink Rhea backpack and rushed to my shoes section to find a shoes that could match my outfit. My Adidas originals Gazelle Suede Sneakers caught my attention right away, so I grabbed them right away and slipped my feet in them. 

       I threw my Mid length classic trench coat on my shoulder in case it rained, along with my backpack then ran out of the door after spraying my lady million perfume; I knew that Zack would be waiting for me outside. On my way out, Ann waved at me and said "Have fun" while I smiled at her like a goofy girl and blew a kiss on her. 

        I had to walk all the way to the gates because I didn't want anyone to see Zack taking me. The guard was confused when he saw me without my car but I just shrugged at him and asked him to open the gate for me. I looked left and right to look for Zack, who parked his car on the side of the road by my left. 

        Before I even reached his car, he stepped out of it and smiled at me widely. He looked deliciously handsome, wearing a Kiton plaid button shirt, denim jeans, and black leather hiking boots with a black leather jacket. He completed the look with a black cashmere Beanie and a black scarf. 

        Realizing that I was staring at him without walking, I strode to him and hugged him immediately. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him, burying his head in the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent. 

"Damn, I don't know how I could handle not holding you like this for weeks" He grumbled, kissing my skin. 

"I'm sorry" I whispered, feeling guilt wash over me. 

"I haven't said that to make you feel bad, it was supposed to be a compliment" He held my gaze for few seconds before he stated "Come on, let's go" 

"Where are you taking me?" I asked him but he just grinned at me devilishly "Aren't you going to tell me?" I added but he just ignored me, took my hand and leaded me the passenger's side.  

       Since the moment, he started driving, I kept asking him about where we were going to but I got nothing in return except low chuckles from him and tender soft kisses on my palm, probably to distract me from getting what I wanted. But I have to admit that his plan was working just fine, his kisses were doing wonders to my system. 

       The building we were approaching was familiar, we were inching towards our old high school. But we didn't stop there, we carried on till we stopped in front of the Cinema that I spent hours in it with Col and Lara back to my high school days. We even skipped some classes to be there. 

"Well, fantasy dinner wasn't even an option so I thought that watching a movie in the Cinema would be good" Zack clarified when he saw me staring at the entrance. 

"It's a good idea but we could just cuddle on the sofa and watch the movie" I grinned at him, mischievously "This place will be crowded" 

"Come on" He ignored me and jumped out of his car, ran around the car and opened the car's door for me. 

"Thank you" I smiled at him, accepting his outstretched hand. 

        We walked in, and instantly flashes from my past came rushing back to me but I just shrugged them off since I wanted to focus all my attention on Zack. The entire place that used to be crowded before was literally empty, beside the workers there, who were selling tickets and snacks. 

       Zack gave me no room to ask what was going on because he dragged me to the petty lady who was selling the tickets. He gave her a small paper and she instantly gestured at us to follow her. We walked for few seconds then reached a double door that I never noticed was there. We entered the room, only to find two comfortable-looking couches, facing the huge screen. 

"I have picked a movie for us, I hope you'll like it" He stated as soon as we sat on the couches. 

"What have you picked?" I turned in my seat and asked him. 

"A Turkish horror movie, subtitled" He answered, proudly "Uç Harfliler 2. Hablis" 

"Sounds interesting" 

        After that a young man brought us popcorn, chips and drinks, then the movie began. As much as I hated to admit it but the movie was a bit scary because they were talking about demons in Turkish and using some Arabic words that I hadn't even understood. Moreover, it was based on a true story.

          Throughout the entire movie, we went from sitting on two separate couches to cuddling on one only, as Zack said that I was seeking for comfort in his touch. I hit him lightly on his upper arm but I couldn't deny what he said because it was true. 

"How was it?" Zack asked, leading me out of the Cinema.

"It was honestly scary" I replied, lowering my head because I once told him that I never got scared of horror movies.

"Oh my god, my love is as normal as the other women" He threw his head back, laughing at me but I didn't mind what he said because he addressed me as love.

"Haha so funny, where are we going?" I questioned, quite excited since Zack's surprises blew my mind away.

"You'll see" He winked at me as we kept walking.

       I thought that we were probably heading to one of the restaurants behind the Cinema, since they could deliver delicious food and the staff was so friendly. However, my assumptions were false. since went back to the high school and we stood in front of its entrance.

"What are we doing here? Are we sneaking-in?" I asked excitedly because I had always wanted to see how the whole place looked like when it's empty it but Col refused to help me. 

"Why do we have to sneak while I have permission to enter?" He chuckled at my excitement then composed himself and said "I wanted to do this before but I never had a convenient reason to convince the principal" 

"Do you have it now?" 

"Yes I do" He grinned at me before talking to the doorman who opened the gates and ushered us in. 

      The entire place was empty and dark expect few street lamps. Zack nodded at the doorman who pushed some buttons, making the entire building come to life within seconds. Nothing changed, same yard, some entrance, same corridor, and same classes. 

       I started wondering what we were doing in a high school at night and totally alone. Moreover, my curiosity grew bigger when we kept walking until we reached the gym's door, and Zack suddenly stopped and looked at me seriously. 

"This is something I thought we had to do so that we can move on with out lives and look forward" He let go of my hand and gestured at my eyes "Close your eyes" 

"Okay" I did what I was asked to do and closed my eyes. 

"The heater is on so you may want to take your coat off" He suggested and I nodded my head at him in approval.

        I could feel his breathe against my skin when he was taking my coat off slowly, and it was giving me goosebumps all over my skin. Once I was only wearing my hoodie, he put his arm around my shoulder and leaded me to the gym, I knew we were inside because the double door had a special sound, and it was the same all throughout the years. 

"Open your eyes" He whispered in my ear huskily. 

        My jaw dropped on the floor as the sight in front of me; the gym was dimly lit with candles that outlined the corners of the gym and the table that laid comfortably in the middle of the gym; red petals were put delicately and marvelously on the floor, creating a path to lead us to the table, which held on the while fabric three heart shaped candles and a vase full of rose. 

Zack always seized to amaze me, that moment meant the world to me... 

"Wow, this is so romantic" I stated while we started walking to the table; when we reached it, he pulled a chair for