Zacky ~ I Don't Believe In Fairytales ~ Vengeance {Book 5}

Zacky ch6

I yawned reaching for the phone. Daniel turned over freeing my arm so I could answer it. "Hello?" my voice was groggy from sleep. I sat up with only the light from the alarm clock giving me guidance.

"Cheyenne Bourget?" I heard a female voice ask firmly. My heart pounded against my chest. Who would be calling at two in the morning?

"Yes." I said with a mix of hesitation and curiosity. I bit at my nail listening as the phone changed hands. Most people just called me Chey.

"Miss Bourget are you aware of the plans Stacy made concerning her daughter Stephanie?" The new masculine voice asked quietly.

"What?" This was all very confusing. I felt Daniel's hand rub against my back as I frowned.

"So you are not aware that you were named Stephanie's legal guardian in the event an accident should occur preventing both her natural parents from taking care of her. That will cause some issues with her sister but we'll deal with that later. As of now Steph, they like to call her, is in child protective services."

A million this were running through my mind at once.. Stacy was hurt or worse and she had a baby she hadn't even told me about. That hurt.. Tears were now gathering in my eyes and slowly trailing down my cheeks. We had used to be like sisters until she chose Scott over our friendship. I knew he was no good but I couldn't convince her of that, no matter how hard I tried.

"If you'll get here asap we can get her out of there and into a suitable and safe environment. Your now going to have full guardianship of her." I couldn't think as the pain twisted inside my chest.

"Miss Bourget? Are you there? Please this small child needs you." his voice was pleading.

"Yes.. I'll be there I just need directions." I croaked the words as the worry and dread consumed me.

***

I rushed from the airport to get to the CPS building where I was lead to a short man with graying hair and a wrinkly face. He smiled as I approached him reaching a hand out. I was to nervous and worried.

"I'm Terry." I shook his hand as he lead me to the room were Steph was being held. I knew from his voice he was the man who had pleaded with me early this morning.

I could hear wailing from the other side of the door and realization finally hit me. I was going to be taking care of Stacy's child. "Chey." I whispered as the door opened and I walked in finding a small child curled in a ball on the floor crying her eyes out.

My instinct lead me to pick her up gently. Her arms wrapped around my neck as her tears covered her cheeks. She looked just like Stacy. My heart ached seeing this little girl in so much pain. "She won't stop crying." the lady watching her said frantically.

Steph quieted as I patted her back softly. "Is her mother.." I couldn't form the words I didn't want to hear.

"No, she is in ICU under constant watch. We need to speak alone." Terry said motioning for the lady to take Steph but she squeezed my neck tighter not wanting to let go.

"I'll only be a minute." I said softly handing Steph to the woman. To my surprise she nodded and stayed quiet.

We stepped out the door and I bit my nail watching him with apprehension. "Your friend, Stacy, is in Intensive care. Her ex-husband Scott attacked her in her home two days ago nearly killing her before he then killed himself."

"Dear god." My voice was a startled gasp.

"Steph was lucky to have been staying with Stacy's sister Gwen at the time but unfortunately as the law works Steph was taken into Child Protective Services." he breathed deeply before continuing. "If Stacy.. Lives she'll have full custody of Steph again but until then your her guardian."

"So there is a chance Stacy will live?" I asked with hope filling my words.

"Yes. But right now our concern is with Steph. There is some paperwork that needs filled out." I nodded following him back to Steph. She hugged me as we sat at a cluttered desk. It took a while but when the papers were finished they were filed and I left with Steph.

I hadn't had time to get a car seat but luckily they had used Steph's to take her, so after showing me how to install it we left. We were both silent in the car on the way to the hospital. It was like she knew I was taking her to see her mom but how could she understand any of this?

"It's nice to meet you, Steph." I said looking in the rear mirror at her. She was sleeping soundly, they said she wasn't sleeping well. It made my heart ache thinking she trusted me and had never even met me.

I sighed thinking these were the worst circumstances for us to meet. Poor baby. I felt tears fill my eyes as the hospital came into view.

***

Steph hugged my waist tightly as if I was a life saver maybe to her I was. I was taking her home to family. The doctor lead me down a long hallway. It was silent and empty.

The monitors in the rooms echoed in the halls making each step more dreadful. "This is it." I walked in the room filled with people who's backs were turned toward me. They didn't hear us.

"Thank you." she left me alone and I slowly walked toward the bed oblivious to the stares they gave me.

"Steph!" Gwen reached her arms out taking her from me and hugging her tightly. "Chey. It's good to see you."

I couldn't speak as I looked down at Stacy's bruised face, tubes came out of her arms and a hose was in her mouth. Her eyes were closed as she slept. Monitors were slowly beeping beside her. Her hand was held tightly in a man's hand as he put his hands together as if praying. He look beaten and worn out mentally.

"Zacky, Steph is here." He looked up quickly searching with red eyes. He had been crying and that tore at my heart. Terry had said Ex-husband.. Was this Stacy's boyfriend?

"Steph!" he hugged her tightly as fresh tears fell down his cheeks. He loved Steph as well as Stacy then.

"Dada." She was whimpering softly as he held her. I didn't know why but for there sake I hoped he was her father and Stacy made it through this.

"Chey, I'm glad you came. I was going crazy with Steph gone." Gwen said hugging me quickly. "This is Fallyn, Jimmy, Ali and Johnny. Matt, Britt, Syn, and Zacky." she pointed everyone out and they smiled forced smiles at me. "Guys, this is Cheyenne or Chey for short. She was Stacy's college roommate and best friend for a few years."

They nodded, everyone unable to speak, this wasn't the best time to meet. I grabbed Stacy's hand as everyone hugged Steph. The tall one, Jimmy had tears on his cheek. Looking down at Stacy I couldn't help the whimpers escaping from me.

***

"Gwen, Brie needs changed." Ali said handing the small baby to Gwen. Her nose scrunched up as she took her.

"Thanks Ali." she said taking her from the room. Syn followed with the diaper bag.

"Do you want to goto the lobby for coffee? Anyone?" Ali asked by the door. We all agreed following her down the hall to the elevator. Zacky was the only who stayed behind.

Jimmy pressed the lobby button and it closed. Steph snuggled against me as it made a creaking sound when it stopped.

We all grabbed warm coffee except for Britt. Ali carried mine since my arms were full and Matt got an extra for Syn. "Can we stop in the cafeteria?" Johnny asked pointing to the large room filled with doctors, nurses, and somber looking people.

I didn't want to go in there. "I'm going back upstairs." I said looking at them with a small smile.

After nodding Jimmy reached his arms out. "I'll get Steph something to eat with us." I nodded letting him grab her. She smiled as he kissed her cheek.

I made my way upstairs and to Stacy's door. My hand was an inch from the knob as I heard crying. I peeped in and saw Zacky crying softly. "God. Please.. Please don't take her from me." his voice was filled with agony as he pleaded.

I closed the door quietly and slid down the wall as tears fell from my eyes. I didn't know him but his pain broke my heart. This couldn't be happening!