Angel

Chapter 16

ANOTHER WARNING FOR SLIGHTLY MATURE CONTENT

Zack and I made our way through the zig-zag formation of trees. I felt like a kid again, running through those woods.

The air smelt like pine trees and flowers that I couldn't make out the identity of.

I was running from Zack because he was trying to tickle me.

"Zack, stop it!" I said, trying to hid the hint of laughter in my voice.

"Nope! I'm gonna catch you!"

I was getting out of breath, so I gave up and stopped abruptly. He collided with me, wrapping his arms around me.

He started tickling me on my neck right away. I was giggling like a little baby. Zack had the biggest smile on his face.

"Okay! Okay!" I screamed. My stomach hurt from giggling so much. I fought at his grasp. He finally let go after several moments.

Then I started playfully hitting him. "You asshat."

"Ow! You're stronger than you look, Nessa! Meany!"

"You were being mean first!"

"I am not mean!"

"Yes you are," I said in a sing-song voice. I started to walk back towards the ceremony's holding place. I didn't want people to think I went missing again.

***

During our entire journey, Zack kept taking pictures of me with his shitty disposable camera.

He said I had more beauty than the wildlife and scenery did. That boy must be blind.

He would put the camera in my face and go, "Say cheese!" He was so sweet and annoying at the same time. And I loved it. His whole personality was perfect to me.

By the time we got back, almost everyone was gone. Unlike most weddings, Julie and Dad were still here.

Normally the newly weds would leave for their honeymoon. Thanks to my brothers and I, that wasn't the case for Julie and Dad.

Ashley and her crew said they would finish cleaning up, so me, Zack, Matt, Charlie, Grandpa, Dad and Julie all packed into Dad's precious mini-van.

We blared the hits radio station all the way to dinner. We ate at an old-time diner. It wasn't that fancy, but it fit my family just right.

I had to admit, I really enjoyed the day. Emily and Johnna didn't even bother me anymore, and Zack had proven his point with Brad.

It almost seemed as if I had a real family again. We were only missing Mom.

Speaking of Mom, Dad told me I would get to visit her when we got back Monday.

Apparently I would get one hour visits with her monthly. That's all juveniles were allowed in this town.

I was totally okay with it. Even though I loved her, I didn't really want to see Mom much. She had almost killed me not even a month ago.

Her anger issues were completely taking over her body, and I don't think there is much of a cure for that anymore.

***

When we arrived back at Grandpa's house, we all immediately went to bed. It had been a very eventful, tiring day.

I came out of the bathroom, finished taking a shower. Zack was waiting for me in the bed.