His Only Drug

Chapter 14

Dedicated to BackInRedAndBlack

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"I know it's difficult but you have to stay strong Zee-Bear." He squeezed my shoulder as he spoke.

"I still can't believe they died!" Tears flowed down my cheeks.

As soon as my statement came to an end, he pulled me into his arms as I cried. The harder I cried, the tighter his hug became.

"I'm here and I'll be there for you." A tear escaped my eyes as he placed a kiss on top of my head.

I knew he'll always be there.

My safe haven.

I cried harder remembering the memory. It's my one of those weakest moments where I just couldn't stop myself from crying, where I need someone to hold me and tell that everything's gonna be fine.

And today that someone is Zach.

As much as it sounds weird, it actually feels good staying in his arms. My tiny self fits perfectly inside his broad frame. It is so relaxing staying this way.

Been wondering why haven't I kicked or slapped him for kissing my forehead? That's because Ethan would've done the same. No wait, scratch that- Ethan used to do the same. It's funny how someone can remind you about the person you've lost. Everytime, Zach does something, it makes me reminisce my memories with Ethan.

Cutting the silence, my cellphone blared which  brought me back to reality. I got out of Zach's arms without making an eye contact and received the call.

"Where are you, girl?" Bella chirped.

I cleared my throat before saying, "I'll meet you at the mall, in twenty minutes."

"Okay, I'll be waiting." With that she hung up and sat there in awkward silence.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, sort of." I finally found the courage to speak to him, though I ignored the eye contact.

I rose up from spot and so did Zach. I turned around and walked out of the room with Zach on my tail. I stopped outside my room when Zach grabbed my wrist causing me to turn around. His index finger slid under my chin and he slightly pushed my face to meet his eyes. As soon as our eyes met I swear, I saw concern, hurt, pain and guilt- all these emotions at the same time; in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Zelsa." He whispered.

"It's okay. I'm fine. Its just that, I... I have emotional breakdown and..." I feared that tears might escape, "...it won't happen again."

Turning on heels quickly I entered my room and shut the door behind. I sat on the floor and let the tears flow freely.

I miss you, Ethan.

I miss you so fucking much.

After crying for a few more minutes, I decided to get ready. I changed into a pair of blue jeans and a plain white tee. I applied light makeup to hide my under eye and puffy nose. I stuffed some cash in my purse and wore my favourite sneakers. On opening the door I found Zach standing beside my door frame with his head hanging low. 

Was he standing here all this time?

"Hey." I spoke.

His head snapped in my direction while his eyes lit up when they met mine. A small smile made its way to his lips.

"Hi." His smile was infectious and I caught it too.

"Shopping?"

"Yeah. I'll be back soon." I assured him.

"Go safely. I'll be waiting right here for you." I smiled like an idiot.

What has gotten into him?

Why is he being so nice?

Grabbing my keys from the counter, I walked out of the house with a smile. I drove my car while my mind kept thinking about Zach. How in one moment he's all sweet and in the next one he turns into an asshole, and then again into a sweetheart.

It's the heroin, Zee. Why do you keep forgetting? My heart defended.

At the mention of the drug, I fumed. I knew Zach must've injected or snorted it which is why he passed out in the cafe.

And he has the guts to yell at you? My brain fired back.

The car came to halt when I reached my destination. I took a deep breath before getting out of the car, as I don't want to spoil the mood and piss Bella off. I quickly dialed Bella's number and asked her location, she said she's waiting for me near the food court. Muttering 'alright', I hung up and I headed to where she instructed me to meet her.

"I thought you won't come." Bella said in a low voice when I saw her.

"And why would I do that?" I enquired.

She just shrugged and so did I. Apparently, Ryan asked her out and she wanted to look pretty for him. I chuckled at her childish behaviour and made our ways to H&M. We scanned almost every shop but couldn't find her the right dress. This is why I hate shopping. You go to ten different shops annoy the sales person only to buy one goddamn dress. And what happens to the dress once you wore it? It's throw somewhere at the far end of the wardrobe. Urgh!

I took hours by the time we did found something decent for Bella. It was a sea green long sleeve dress with a low neckline, that stopped right about her knees. The fabric hugged her curves perfectly. We also brought matching stilettos for her and some accessories.

Once we knew we bought everything, we went straight to the food court and ordered pizza for ourselves. We were munching our food when Bella asked me about Zach. "So, what's you and him?"

"Nothing, I'm just helping him." I shrugged dismissing the topic.

Our conversation then moved on to her budding relationship with Ryan. She kept telling about how different he is when he's with her. How sweet and romantic he is. I smiled at my friend knowing that she's happy. I'm happy for her.

After filling our bellies, we parted our ways before she hugged me and thanked me for today. I got in my car and drove back to my apartment. My mind wandered back to the moment I was in Zach's arms, the feeling was so unusual. Ofcourse I did like it but it was still foreign to me as I've never felt it before.

Making my way to apartment, I was surprised to see a guy opening the door and then yelling at me saying, I'm trespassing. I blinked several times before processing his words.

What the fuck, dude?

"You better get your ass out of my house!" My patience level was degrading as seconds passed.

"This is my friend's apartment! You get your ass from here!" He barked.

Who the hell is he?

"Ralph, who the fuck are you yelling at?" I heard Zach shouting at the dude infront of me.

Ralph? Does that mean he...

And it dawned me.

He invited someone I don't even know to my place!

And here you were thinking he was a sweetheart? My brain smirked.

Zach you are so dead now. I thought as I gritted my teeth.