The Pain Thief

Chapter 12

THE SECRET'S OUT

 When Zoe came to, she was lying on her back, staring at the dark sky. She could still hear music, but it all seemed so far away from her. She was aware of a large number of people around her, but she couldn't remember what happened or why she was staring up. 

She felt someone move beside her and turned her neck to see Jack waking up, groaning as he began to move. 

"You're awake," said someone over her. 

She groaned and forced her eyes to focus, resting finally on Mr. Z. She was about to ask him what happened, when he interrupted, saying, "The two of you got over-heated. You both fainted."

The way he said over-heated made Zoe think he meant something else. He touched her and Jack's forehead briefly and suddenly the memories came back to her. That enormous power had drained both of them of their strength, causing them to pass out. 

Zoe wanted to immediately ask him what had happened, but became aware of the other people standing around them. She blinked a few times, the Brown family coming into focus. All four of them looked really nervous and scared. 

Jack looked over to her, silently asking her if she was ok. She gave him a small smile and looked back over to Mr. Z, who was watching her intently. 

Mr. Z helped her sit up while Mr. Brown helped Jack sit. His mom immediately gave him a tight hug that he was too weak to return. "I'm ok mom," he said quietly. 

Zoe looked down, feeling sad as she watched them. She missed having someone hold her and worry about her. 

Mrs. Brown pulled back and looked over them both. "What happened?"

They shared a look before Zoe answered, "Must've been too hot or something. What happened after we passed out?"

Sarah, who was looking extremely relieved, said, "I was over with my friends when one of them saw Jack fall. Then you went down and we went over to see what happened. I didn't know what was wrong..." she gulped and Zoe could tell that she had been incredibly worried. "Mr. Z came over and has us bring you both outside. It's been like ten minutes."

Zoe was happy that they hadn't been out for long, but she couldn't shake her unease. 

"You two should walk around a bit. I think it'll help clear your heads," said Mr. Z knowingly. 

He helped Zoe stand again while Mr. Brown helped Jack. 

"I'm glad you're alright Young Zoe," said Mr. Z. 

She gave him a small smile. "I'll get the car," he said. "You wait here with Jack."

He walked off slowly. 

"Are you sure you're all right?" asked Mrs. Brown worriedly. 

"We're fine mom," said Jack with a tired smile. "I need to talk with Zoe for a second before we go. Is that ok?"

His mom didn't look too happy about leaving him, but she consented, bringing along the rest of the family. 

Jack took Zoe a little ways away where none of the party-goers could see them. "What was that?" he whispered. 

She shook her head. "Mr. Z knows something, but we can't talk to him now. Maybe I can find something out, though he'll probably want to explain it to both of us at the same time." She looked him in the eyes, feeling disconcerted at how tired they looked. "Let me know when you can get away and we'll talk."

He smiled slightly and sighed. "And we were having such a good time too."

She chuckled. "Just our luck huh?" Zoe looked to her left and right making sure no one was there. "Let me heal you. If anything it'll help your family calm down."

Jack looked a little panicked and held his hands up. "No Zoe, you're weak too. You shouldn't be giving me any more of your power."

Zoe looked at him with a glare and raised her eyebrow accusingly. "You know I heal faster than you and I am not going to watch you stumble back over to your family with those worried looks on their faces."

He seemed taken aback. "Stand close to me," she commanded angrily. 

Jack just looked at her and she rolled her eyes, stepping forward so they were only about an inch apart. "I don't want anyone to see me glowing," she said quietly. 

"O-oh uh right. Of course," he said. 

Zoe wasn't looking at his face, keeping her eyes trained on his chest, but she'd bet anything that both of them were turning red again. She closed her eyes briefly before opening them again, now glowing a soft silver. She placed her palm on Jack's chest, also glowing silver. Her energy began to fill her hand, moving from her body to his. 

Zoe could feel the drain on her energy as she poured her power into him, but wanted to make sure he was alright. It wasn't until she had given him enough to support him for a while that she pulled away and removed her hand. 

Her legs felt weak, but she felt strong arms around her, holding her up. Jack held her like that for a few minutes while she caught her bearings. His voice was muffled by her hair, but she heard him say, "You know we care about you Zoe. I couldn't stand it if I lost you."

She smiled into his shoulder. "Thanks Jack. It's the same for me."

Jack pulled back, holding onto her shoulders to make sure she wouldn't fall over. She shivered, having apparently lost her shroud. "I'm alright Jack. C'mon, I'm sure everyone is worried."

They separated, Jack leading her over to where the cars were parked. They didn't know however that Sarah had hidden herself in the bushes where they had been standing, and had seen everything, including the glowing eyes and hand. 

How did she do that? thought Sarah as she stood up from the bushes. She walked over to the car to see that Jack was miraculously feeling much better while Zoe was stumbling a little more. I guess I'll just have to find out.