Healing (Zalex)

Chapter 12

As the three listen intently to Zack, realisation sink into each one of them.
Zack's statement struck fear into Rian Alex's and Jack's hearts. It was as if the words were confirmation of their worst fears. As they sat together in silence, trying to figure out what their next step would be, it felt as if the walls were closing in on them.

"What if we collectively moved?" Rian suggested after a while.

"I'm not going to live my life on the run" Zack grumbled as he shrunk down in Alex's lap hiding his face in Alex's neck.

"How dangerous is Mark?" Rian asked "I know he attacked Jack out of nowhere but... You seem nervous about the thought of him" Rian said. "Do you know him?"

Zack sighed as he moved his face away "his an ex boyfriend, we stayed close friends" Zack explained. "He admired my dad, said he had no family which was true" Zack explained. "He became close with dad. Mark started to abuse me during our relationship and I broke it off with him... He sexually assaulted me a couple of times" Zack said shrugging "cut him off entirely and now I guess he's found me again" Zack mumbled.

Zack's story of sexual abuse sent a chill down Alex's spine. He couldn't imagine how traumatic that must've been for Zack, and the fact that Mark had sought him out again was disturbing.

Alex tightened his hold on Zack and pulled him close, cradling him in his arms. "We'll do whatever it takes to ensure your safety" Alex stated firmly, determined to do whatever it took to protect Zack.

"Is there anyone else that might have some vendetta against you?" Rian questioned.

"So many" Zack responded. "I wasn't- the place I grew up wasn't the best" he said.

***

Zack's thoughts raced back to when he was just a boy. At the age of 12, Zack was a bright and curious kid. He loved the novelty of things and was always looking for a new adventure.

One day, he was walking home from school when he came across an unattended store and he couldn't resist the temptation. He decided to rob the store and steal its valuables. When he left, he took the stolen goods back home and kept them hidden. Every other month became every other week, before it became every day that he'd rob a random store for goods. He never got caught, but he knew if he kept going he'd get caught.

***

"What do you mean?" Rian asked as he looked Zack up and down.

"When I was twelve I robbed a store for the first time, it got to a point it was daily, but it was to keep myself afloat, I was starved by my parents" Zack said shrugging "Nicole often snuck food up for Me" he added.

"Tell us about Nicole" jack requested.

Zack smiled as he cuddled Alex holding Alex's hand protectively, as he delved deep into the stories and random facts about his twin sister, about the trouble she'd get into it, the way they both played bass and wrote some music together.

As the night progressed, Rian continued probing into Zack's past, seeking more insights. "You mentioned there are many who might hold a grudge. Can you elaborate on any specific incidents or individuals that could pose a threat now?"

Zack hesitated, memories of a troubled upbringing surfacing. "Well, aside from my petty thefts as a kid, there were others who didn't take kindly to my existence. I grew up in a neighborhood where survival often meant stepping on others."

Rian's eyes reflected understanding, and he nodded, encouraging Zack to share more if he felt comfortable.

***

Zack's mind drifted back to the days of youthful transgressions. The thrill of those stolen moments, the rush of adrenaline—choices born out of desperation.

"I knew it was wrong," Zack confessed, "but it was the only way I could survive. My parents neglected me, and hunger became a constant companion."

Rian's expression softened with empathy. "You did what you had to do, Zack. Survival instincts kick in, especially in difficult circumstances."

Zack nodded appreciatively, grateful for the understanding.

***

As the group delved deeper into Zack's past, Jack shifted the focus to a brighter aspect. "Show us a song you and Nicole wrote?."

Zack's eyes lit up with warmth as he shared some of his favourite lines of the lyrics himself and his twin wrote.