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

Zacky ch 8

Too late, I thought as I realized when the nurse asked if Zacky could stay for tests, some of them where a little embarrassing, she was trying to save me from this.. She helped pull my hospital gown down exposing my back, making my cheeks warm considerably as she put a stethoscope to my back gently. "Now take a deep breath Stacy." She said as I tried not to look at Zacky as I took a deep breath.

"Now release." I breathed out and couldn't control the urge to look at Zacky.. he was looking straight into my eyes with a worried expression. I smiled and he smiled too sticking his hand out. I took it and he gently tightened his grip standing closer to me. After everything why he would care was still a mystery to me. My heart did some massive pounding against my chest as his gaze stayed locked with mine.

"Good. Everything is looking good considering all you went through." She said smiling. "I'm not saying your in perfect health because you went through a great trauma but as far as I can see there's no reason you shouldn't be able to go home." I watched her put her things away in a bag and put it by the door. 

"I can go home?" I asked a hushed whisper, my voice was still scratchy. I couldn't help the rush of excitement that made my heart start pounding. I missed everyone and most importantly I missed Steph! I was worried about her to the point of madness. She was probably scared and alone.. 

"Well first I have to talk to the doctor but my guess would be he'll let you go sometime today." She said leaving us alone again. I watched her close the door and breathed a sigh of relief as Zacky pulled my gown up to cover my back. 

"It's alright." Zacky said hugging me tightly.. I realized suddenly I was crying. His voice was soft and gentle but strong and understanding at the same time. Why was he making me feel these things? 

We were starting fresh and trying to be friends but that didn't mean he was interested in anything with any permanence.. I bit my lip to keep from asking him why he even cared.. 

"Oh god, I'd thought I'd lost you!" He burst out, his eyes searching mine as tears gathered in his eyes. I'd never seen him this unsettled in the all the time I'd known him. "I should have protected you!" He said through clenched teeth with a dead serious expression.. he blamed himself for this..

"Zacky!" I practically screamed pushing him back so he would look at me. "THIS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT! YOU WOULD NEVER HAVE LET THIS HAPPEN-" He cut me off in desperation. 

"IF I HAD BEEN THERE-" I held up a hand to stop him from saying anymore. His eyes were filled with self hatred as his jaw tightened but he let me speak. My heart was beating quicker as I gripped his hands tightly.

"WE CAN'T LIVE BY IF'S ZACKY! THIS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT! STOP THINKING YOU COULD HAVE PREVENTED ANY OF THIS!" I broke off into a fit of coughs. "Just be happy that we're all alright." He held a cup of water to my lips and took a sip and then a few steadying breaths. 

'I WISH IT HAD BEEN ME!" He said roughly wiping at his eyes. 

"DON'T SAY THAT! HE WOULD HAVE KILLED YOU! AND.. and.. I wouldn't have been able to live with that.. I LOVE YOU!" I pulled him forward lifting my lips to meet his as sparks flew while he held me in his arms. 

"I love you too. God I love you so much!" He hugged me against him as the doctor walked into the room..

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Chey's POV

Daniel called to tell me he would meet me at the airport at noon. So I was waiting there at eleven forty five. I missed him so much! Steph laughed as Jimmy swirled her in the air like a plane. I wasn't sure what it was but when she was with this bunch of yahoos she was happy.. Matt and Britt were getting everyone donuts while Johnny and Ali played by the fountain, and Gwen and Syn sat in the metal chairs with Brie. 

It was like they were a puzzle that filled her heart and even with her mother sick she was still somehow together.. I couldn't make sense of that but I honestly didn't care as long as I didn't have to hear her gut wrenching cries..  they tore at my heart.. I shook the image of Stacy from my vision as tears threatened to escape my eyes. 

Daniel ran at me wrapping me in his arms as I sagged against his chest. "Daniel it was awful!" I cried as he held me in his arms. 

"Shh.. babe it's alright. I'm with you now." He whispered against my cheek and I knew it would be alright with him here. 

We made it back to Matt's house and everyone walked in the door all feeling the dread knowing Stacy was still..  "Mama!" Too everyone's suprise Steph broke free of Jimmy's hand and ran to Stacy who was sitting on the couch with her bruised face holding a smile. 

I felt the tears of happiness fill my eyes as I ran to her careful not to hurt her as I hugged her like Steph. "Chey!?" She said with a confused but happy voice. "What are you doing here?"

"They called me to come get Steph." I said breathless, her voice was scratchy.. "God how could he do this!" My words were muffled against her cheek as I held her gently. 

"It's over now. I'm going to be fine and we're both happy." She said smiling down at Steph. "We have a lot of catching up to do." I nodded as the rest left us alone to talk. Zacky hugged Steph carrying her from the room. 

"Want rings Steph?" He asked as she hugged his neck tightly.

"No!" She said excitedly as everyone laughed.

_____________ 

One week later..

I watched Steph swim to Jimmy as everyone enjoyed the cool water on the hot sunny day. I was wearing a long shirt over my swim suit because some of my bruises still hadn't faded completely. Chey and Dainel laughed from the other end of the pool.. it was nice having my friend back even if she had to leave in a week. 

"What are you thinking about?" Zacky asked from the chair beside me squeezing my hand gently. He was almost never out of my sight this last week which was both annoying and reassuring.. He even held me at night while I slept.. though we hadn't actually slept together.. 'I'll keep you safe'.. was what he whispered in my ear every night as I fell asleep..

"Just how happy I am." I said smiling at him. My heart beat kicked up a notch as he smirked with a knowing look in his eye.

He grinned wickedly. "You were thinking about me?" He said wiggling his eyebrows. I blushed giving him an eye roll that somehow wasn't as effective as I would have liked. 

"Zacky." I complained turning to watch Steph as she giggled. My baby was really a brave one and that made me very proud.

"You know we could sneak inside and you can have the real thing.." I punched him in the chest laughing softly.

"Shut up or-"

"Or you'll rip my clothes off and kiss me to death?" He asked straight faced.. his eyes held a false look of terror as he bit his lip. I looked at him with longing as I weighed the risks of going inside with him.. it would take our relationship to the next level.. but at the same time it could ruin everything we build as far as a friendship went.. 

But as he watched me quietly suddenly friendship wasn't that appealing.. "Okay." was all I said before he took my hand and pulled me from my seat and lead me into the house leaving everyone to wonder where we were going.. I felt my cheeks heat again but so what.. 

He was so gentle as he lead me to the bed and ran to lock the door.. my heart was racing as he looked at me with a mix of longing and appreciation.. His hands tugged at the base of my shirt pulling if free from under me and slid it over my head leaving me in my two piece. "Your so beautiful." He said kissing a trail up and down my neck.. oh god I could get used to this!