Free™

Chapter XIII

Zac's POV

I held Natalie's hands. They were so cold, so lifeless, so unlike her. Her eyes were closed shut, her beautiful face pale. God, how much do I miss her cheery smile, how her eyes radiates happiness every time she talks. I miss you so much Nat, wake up soon. 

Mom came in, she hugged me from behind and I cried like a baby. I didn't care what people thought or said, at that moment the only important thing was Nat, and she was lying there all because of me. Oh, if only I could've been a better and more responsible brother. 

"There there Zac, it's okay. She'll be okay. Don't cry, it's not your fault honey." Mom said while rubbing my back. And surprisingly I stopped crying. I blinked my eyes twice before wiping away the tears. 

I stood up, just one last glance at Nat, hoping she'll wake up and laugh at my horrified expression and tell me how it was all a joke. But sadly, it wasn't one, Nat was in coma. She might take years to wake up. Shaking those thoughts away and trying to be as optimistic as possible, I left. Without any words. Just like that. From my peripheral view I saw my mom sit where I was sitting previously. Isn't it weird how my mother hated Natalie ever since we found out she was my sister but right now, the same woman is sitting beside her praying for her to wake up. I guess difficult times change people.

Making my way through the crowded hospital, I successfully dodged both my best friends and their questioning gazes but they didn't question me thankfully. I just needed someone right now. A familiar warmth. I needed Zoe right now. 

Zoe's POV

The past few days were very tiresome. Things happened in a blur and nobody really knows what to do or say. The boys are always at the hospital and they should be. I tried to visit Natalie too, but they wouldn't let me. Stupid doctors. Mom was always busy with work and like before I was the lonely Zoe again. I was sitting on my bed, scrolling through my phone when I heard a horn. Instantly recognizing it, I rushed towards the door. Was something wrong? Is Nat okay? a thousand questions popping in. In record time, I was out and to my disbelief I saw Zac like I've never seen him before. He looked so pale, bags underneath his eyes, so fragile, so tired. I did the first thing that came to my mind and hugged him. As tightly as I could. He was breaking inside and I couldn't stand seeing him like this. He sniffed my hair. I stroked his back as gently as possible and time just stopped. We stayed there for what seemed like forever, just in each other's warm embrace. His manly scent warming my insides and sending sparks through out my body. He had an effect on me but I wasn't complaining. 

We went inside after I started sneezing, the weather was changing. As the days wane, nights closed in and the trees were so bare, I could've easily counted the leaves on each one. The once green leaves, now a crisp golden-yellow shade which turned red when the sun rays hit them, looking like they were burning. The air was getting cooler, not the bite of the wintry blusters but just a nip to let you know the new season was at hand. 

We went straight to the kitchen where I offered Zac a cup of my famous not so famous hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and whipped cream. He smiled but not the smile, he usually had on. A half-hearted, polite smile that never really reached his eyes. We just sat there, not really doing anything but gulping our hot chocolates enjoying the silence. I wanted to ask about Nat but decided against it. 

"Zoe?" Zac broke the silence, his voice so fragile, that if it wasn't for the silence I never would've heard it. 

I took his hand in mine, rubbing gentle circles. 

"Yeah?" We were looking straight at each other. His eyes hollow, emotionless. He was scaring me now. 

"Can I stay here tonight? please?" his expressions were so pleading, I just couldn't say no so I agreed. 

It was 10pm already. Zac was so tired that the moment he crashed on my bed he was fast asleep. I laid beside him, our sides touching sending my heart in a riot. And just like that, with my heart beating super fast I fell asleep, with a broken boy beside me. 
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I have no idea what happened next but the sound of Zac's phone woke me up. Our current position got me all red. We were hugging each other. The phone got me back to senses and I gently woke Zac up. What if it was important? He shifted a little before sitting up straight. He hands were shaking when he held the phone, like he was too afraid of what was going to happen next.  

"Hi- yeah? what? okay wait there i'm coming." he looked pissed. He got up and grabbed his jacket. 

"Is everything alright?" I asked genuinely worried. His eyes shone with anger which was so unlike him.

He looked at me calming down a bit.

"Look Chace called, Jason's at the hospital. I gotta go." He said running down the stairs.

"Wait, I'm coming with you." He looked at me for a brief second, judging me and when I didn't budge he sighed. 

"Look if you're coming then promise me something?" 

"Anything?" 

"Do not leave my side at all time, okay? Do not leave me." 

"Okay." 

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Authors Note: 

Hey lovelies as promised, I updated. Yay! I know it's short but it's meaningful. You'll see what I mean very soon. 

Until next time, Toodles.