Kidnapped

Chapter 22

Zach pulled up to the hospital thirty minutes later. He saw his father waiting for him beside the hospital door. He sighed and turned the engine off. He grabbed his phone and wallet from the cup holder and opened the door. He shut the door and shivered as the wind began to pick up. He hadn't realized how cold it had been getting lately. He walked across the parking lot over to where his dad was standing. He gave his dad a hug and smiled. His dad led him inside the hospital and into the elevator. He pressed the button to go up to the third floor and turned to his son, "I'm sor-,". But Zach cut him off, "Don't tell me you're sorry, I don't anyone to tell me they're sorry," Zach said turning away from his dad, "it's my fault that she's gone,". He sniffed and placed his head against the elevator wall. He felt his father place a hand on his shoulder. "Fine I won't tell you I'm sorry, but I am going to tell you that it isn't your fault," his father said patting his back. "Yes it is," Zach said turning around to face his dad, "I was supposed to protect her,". His father opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by the ding of the elevator, signaling them they were on the third floor. Zach followed his father off of the elevator and down a hallway. His father paused in front of a doorway and turned around to face Zach. "Now they know nothing of what happened to Alexia, your mother and I decided to leave that to you to tell them," he said turning the doorknob. With a nod, Zach walked into the room. He saw two beds, right next to each other, with two women sitting in them. One he recognize as Steph, although she was much skinnier than when he had last saw her, and the other was undoubtingly Alexia's mother. He saw that both women were awake and very much alert. Steph pointed to Zach with a huge smile on her face. He walked over to her and bent over to give her a hug. She wrapped her frail arms around him and breathed a sigh of relief. He stood up and smiled. Steph licked her lips and in a very weak voice said, "This is Alexia's mother, Tina,". Steph pointed weakly over to the woman in the bed. Zach walked over to Alexia's mom and smiled, "I'm Zach, it is so nice to finally meet you, ". She looked up at him and smiled, "Are you the one who has been dating my daughter?". Zach blushed, although they had never officially stated they were dating, Zach had always seen it as if they were. Steph snickered and mumbled a yes. Alexia's mother became very excited and sat up to grab his hand. "How is she, can I see her?" she asked excitedly. "Um well, there's something I need to tell you guys, " Zach said slowly. Zach sat down on the edge of Steph's bed and placed his head in the palms of his hands. He told them the story of the police showing up at his house, and how they said Alexia was to be arrested. He told them how he realized after they had left that they weren't actually police. Their eyes never left Zach as he explained the story. Steph had tears trickling down her face by the end of it, and Alexia's mother was crying into her hospital pillow. He hadn't realized it, but he was crying too.

*Thomas makes me so mad!!! I can't believe how frail Tina and Steph are. If Zach doesn't find Alexia fast, she'll end up just like them. So what did you guys think of this chapter? Did you think this was how Zach was going to meet Tina? Next chapter is going to be in Alexia's perspective so we can learn what is going on with Thomas and her. Keep an eye out in the next week for the update!

Until the next chapter,
Emily