Don't You Do That Again (Zack Merrick All Time Low)

Chapter 8

*Larken's Point of View*

I woke up with a stinging pain in my right arm. I look down to see the cuts deeper than normal. I hurry to the first aid kit. I wrap them up quickly. I don't even want to look at them. I'm lucky they won't need stitches. I don't want them to get worse either. 

Well, since I'm up I should plan my outfit for my date tonight. I'm also bored so why not? I take a glance at the clock. Its ONE! Holy shit. I didn't think I slept in that late. I have five hours until the date so that means three hours until I get ready. I have no clue what to wear or where we're going. I guess I'll text him.

L: Hey, sorry to bother you but where are we going on our date? I don't know what to wear.

I throw my phone on my bed, only having it bounce off onto the floor. I just leave it, going over to my cds. What shall I listen to? Green Day, obviously. I'll do Kerplunk! Its one of their best. 2,000 Light Years Away comes on. I absolutely love this song. I, being me, sing and dance to the whole song.

I go back to my phone. Zack texted me back.

Z: You're not bothering me. Don't worry where we are going. Just don't wear high heels and dress nicely casually. If that makes sense.

L: Why no heels?

Z: I just don't like them. Also why are you getting ready now? We have like five hours until our date.

L: I just like to plan ahead. I have to go. See you tonight :)

Z: See you at 6.

I wasn't going to wear heels anyway. So, I could just wear a tank top with a cardigan with jeans, a sweater dress (again), or a sweater with a jeans. I still can't decide. I just hope it doesn't get to hot. It probably won't though.  

*Zack's Point of View*

I got a text from Lark asking where we are going and what she should wear. We have a while. I guess girls plan differently. 

I wanted our second date to be a surprise, although it is basically our third because of when I walked into the café. Is it too romantic to be a surprise? I found a little place in a park where it isn't crowded. I thought we could have a picnic. I also heard there is a moving playing in the park. I don't know what yet. Maybe it is too romantic? I'll ask Alex.

Z: Hey, I was wondering if I could get your opinion about my date with Lark. I was going to take her on a night picnic but is that too romantic for a second date? 

A: I don't think so. It sounds cool and fun. Let me ask Lisa. Hold on.

I didn't expect him to reply so fast. I thought it was going to take a while. My phone buzzes.

A: Lisa doesn't think so either. So I guess its all good. Good luck!

At least Lisa doesn't. That's good, to have a girl's perspective. I still can't help but think its a little much. Hopefully, I'm just over thinking it. 

I think I need to go to the store. I need a big soft blanket and a basket. I don't have a basket at all. I really hope this works out. I really like Lark.

Walking to my car, I spot a little girl crying. I'm not just going to ignore her. I gently walk over to her. I don't want to scare her. "Hey, sweetie. What's wrong?" I'm not sure what to ask.

"Daddy hit mommy." The little girl broke down even more. I don't know what to do.

"Hey sweetheart, what your name? I'm Zack." I help her stand up. She comes up to about the middle of my thigh. At least she is smart enough to run away.

She reaches her hands up to me. "Zack hold me. I'm Mackenzie." I pick her up. She wraps her legs around my stomach and lays her head on my shoulder. I'm still not sure on what to do. Mackenzie seems like the sweetest little girl.

"Mackenzie, that's a very pretty name. Can you tell me where you live? I'm sure your parents are worried about you." I don't want her parents to freak out, even if they are fighting. 

Mackenzie points down the street to a white house where two cars sit. I have heard screaming come from that  house before. I never thought anything of it. I start to walk towards her house. She cuddles her head in the crook of my neck, still crying. She starts to shake. I coo in her ear. "Its okay. No one will hurt you. You will be just fine."

I walk up the steps to the blue door. I gently knock, not wanting to scare Mackenzie. The door swings open to reveal a tall man with bloodshot eyes. He looks drunk. He slurs, "What the fuck are you doing with my daughter?" He tries to take Mackenzie from my arms, but her grip tightens around my neck.

I speak calmly. "Don't be mad. I found her bawling her eyes out under a tree. I'm just trying to help. Is her mother here?" I take a step back, shielding Mackenzie from him. I hear shouts from inside the house. I can't make out the words. 

"Mommy! Mommy! I'm here!" Mackenzie cries out. I don't know what to do. I slip my phone out, dialing 911. This must be abuse. The way Mackenzie was talking and how drunk her father is. I let the operator know our location and what is going on. She lets me know the cops are on their way. 

"You have no fucking right to touch my fucking daughter! Give her to me now. Let go!" He takes another step towards me. I take another step backwards, almost tripping over the steps. He starts to raise his fist. He starts throwing punches at Mackenzie and I. I block everyone with my back, not letting Mackenzie get hurt. 

At the perfect moment, I see two cop cars coming down the street. He gets his fist around my should, which hits Mackenzie in the back. She lets out a whimper and starts to sob into my neck again. I hope there isn't a bruise. Is her mother alright? I didn't even think about that. 

The police men run up to us, taking ahold of her father. Another police officer goes into the house to retrieve her mother. She runs out taking Mackenzie from my grip. I notice red hand marks around her neck. 

"Thank you for saving my baby girl. I owe you so much." Even more tears come down from her eyes.

"You don't owe me anything. I saw an adorable little girl crying. I couldn't just ignore her. Well, I have to go. I hope everything is okay." I give the mother a warm smile. Mackenzie hopes down from her arms and runs up to me. She gives me a hug around my legs. I bend down to give her a proper hug. 

She lets go. She gives me the cutest smile. This might sound crazy but I can't wait to have kids. I have always loved them. I hope I can have my own one day. I walk back towards my car to go to the store.

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WOW! That was insane. I don't know why I thought to write that. I hope you are enjoying the story.

- Liv