I was walking and excitement soared through me at the thought of seeing Axel. We had been together for two weeks and things were incredible. So good that I understood why people dated. It was worth it, like Hannah said.

Being with Axel made me happy. I loved his company and I loved the way we couldn't stop touching each other. Our hands always went to each other's and my head often found itself lying on Axel's shoulder. We were just so connected and even though I had once thrived on being independent, I loved this change.

Smiling, I opened the doors to go outside. Axel and I were just going to go on a stroll. We were trying to keep our relationship a secret, so we would only spent time together at times where nearly no one was around.

I walked to our usual spot and looked for Axel. Frowning, I saw that Axel wasn't there. There was no trace of him and my eyebrows furrowed. Axel was supposed to be here before me.

I turned around and tried to look for him. But suddenly, on a tree meters away, I saw the letter Z spray painted onto the trunk of it. Curiosity filled me as I walked over to it, knowing Axel was behind this.

When I reached the tree, I suddenly heard music playing. It was I'm Yours by Jason Mrez and I smiled, knowing I had told Axel I loved the song. Walking behind the tree, I grinned as I saw Axel.

He grinned back when he saw me and my eyes brightened up as I saw a bouquet of roses in his hands. I started to walk towards him, but he put up a hand to stop me, and then he pointed to the ground.

My eyes flew wide as I saw a bunch of rose petals on the ground. My jaw then proceeded to drop as I saw the petals spelled out prom. Blushing, I looked at Axel who smiled.

"Zoey, would you go to prom with me?" he asked.

Shyly, I nodded and Axel grinned. He walked over to me and hugged me, and I hugged him back. I couldn't believe I had a prom date. I couldn't believe how happy I was. Closing my eyes, I hoped this would last long.

*****

My heart was racing as I thought of prom. Thinking of Axel, I blushed as I entered my house, unable to help it. It was so weird yet so wonderful how things had changed.

Right before I could go upstairs, I heard Mom call me. In too good of a mood, I continued to smile as I went to the kitchen.

Upon seeing me, Mom's eyebrows rose. She looked suspicious, but with the thought of prom, I barely noticed it. I just wanted to stay ecstatic.

"You're in a good mood," Mom commented.

"I am," I said, grinning. "I'm in a fantastic mood."

Mom stared at me for a moment and I stared back. I thought about how she didn't like Axel and how I hated that. No matter what my parents came first, so I wanted my boyfriend and my parents to get along. Somehow, I had to get Mom and Dad to understand that Axel wasn't the horrible person they thought he was.

"Why are you in this fantastic mood? Mom asked.

Honesty was the best policy, I knew. I was tired of hiding Axel. Tired of being afraid of my parents finding out about him. So, I decided to be honest.

"Axel asked me to go to prom," I said softly. "And I said yes."

Mom's eyes went wide with horror and I blushed. I prepared myself for her comebacks, but suddenly, Luke entered the room. He was wearing an enormous grin as he looked at me.

"You are!" Luke exclaimed. "I'm so proud of you Zoey. Axel will be good to you."

I smiled at my brother, thankful he was on my side. At moments like this, I knew I would never ask for another brother.

"Luke, don't encourage her," Mom suddenly snapped. "Your sister shouldn't think what she's doing is right."

"Mom..." Luke said uneasily. "Don't-"

"Luke, it's okay," I said gently. "Let me talk to Mom."

Luke stared at me for a moment, seeming to ask if I needed backup. I shook my head and he nodded, understanding. I couldn't help but smile as he left, knowing that deep beneath his childish, boyish side, he was a really good person.

Realizing I really needed to talk to Mom about everything, I turned back to face her. I grew serious, hoping she'd know that I really meant what I was about to say.

"I like Axel," I told her. "I really like him. And I know you think he's a horrible guy and that he'll break my heart, but I trust him. He's really kind and funny and he's genuinely a good guy. I know I made the right decision of falling for him and I wish you could just be happy for me."

I noticed guilt flashed before Mom's eyes, but it was quickly concealed. Her eyes darkened and I internally groaned, knowing that nothing I'd say would register to her.

"I told you guys are great liars," Mom said angrily. "Axel could possibly be putting up an act. He just wants your body or something from you, and that's why he acting this way. High school boys aren't trustworthy."

"You dated dad in high school," I shot back, annoyed. "Are you saying he wasn't trustworthy."

"He cheated on me. He slept with another girl on prom night."

I froze, stunned. My eyes went wide with horror and I didn't know what to say. I couldn't believe it. I didn't believe my dad would do such a thing.

"Dad... Dad wouldn't," I said, still stunned.

"But he did." Mom looked sad. "He was going through a lot at the time so I forgave him, but he broke my heart. Shattered it, and I don't want that happening to you."

I understood where she was coming from. Hearing her story made me sad as I knew Mom must have been crushed. But even then, I knew I couldn't just fall back to her arms and forget about Axel.

"I'm sorry about that," I said, eyes softening. "But that doesn't mean all guys are the same. Axel would never hurt me. I know that."

Mom shook her head, looking defeated. "I knew you would say that."

She then turned around and left, leaving me staring after her. It hurt me to see her sad, but I couldn't do anything. Axel brought so much happiness to me and I couldn't just give up on him. Not when I truly did trust him.