Zugzwang

Chapter 24

 

When I woke up, I was in Chris’ bed. The sun peeked its way through the blinds. What happened? How long have I been out? Why am I here? There’s so many questions I need answered.

I looked to my left to see Chris sleeping on a wooden fold out chair, sleeping. I sat up to be greeted by a headache. Chris’ eyes opened and a smile spread across his face. “I’m so glad you’re awake, baby girl.”

“What am I doing here?” I mumbled.

“You…Fell.” Chris helped me stand. “Do you want something for your head, baby girl?”

I nodded and muttered, “Where’s Nick?”

Chris’ face turned sour and he put go of me. “That murderer is gone for good.”

Then I remembered. We were on some weird dirt road off the highway. Nick killed somebody. He drugged me. But, where are the others? Are they all gone too?

An empty feeling fell upon me. Nick can’t just leave me after that. He needs to answer my questions.

I looked at Chris whose back was facing me as he got medicine. “Where is Gabriel?” I asked. I didn’t know if Chris knew who Gabriel was but I gave it a shot.

“Downstairs. He’s been worried about you. He told me that he had to talk to you when you woke.” Chris faced me with the pill. “Here.” He handed me the pill. “Do you need help going downstairs, baby girl?”

I looked at my shaking hands. “Yes please.”

Chris picked me up bridal style and carried me gently downstairs where he set me down near the couch in the living room.

Gabriel looked up and I saw his face change from tired to excitement. It felt so warming to see his face. His blue eyes seemed just as dead as everyone else’s. I really wondered what went on in PA…But, matching his dead eyes, his black hair wasn’t spiked. It laid oily and in front of his face.

Seeing him was like filling a part of my heart that had been missing. “Gabriel!” I yelled in excitement and wrapped my arms around his neck.

Gabriel’s excitement was equal to mine. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and whispered in my ear, “I missed you so much.” It was like a sister being reunited with her brother after he got back from battle.

Chris cleared his throat. I let go of Gabriel and turned towards Chris. “I’m going to get water then you’re both answering my questions.” I held up the pill in reminder to them of my headache. Without letting them say anything, I walked into the kitchen.

When I got back, both boys were sitting on the couch. I observed both of their appearances. Chris looked physically drained and uncomfortable. Gabriel on the other hand, looked like he hadn’t showered in a week although he didn’t smell like it. His eyes looked like they were no longer tired, but used to the lack of sleep.

“Okay, now answer my questions.” I sat on Chris’ coffee table so I could face them.

Chris opened his mouth to talk but Gabriel interrupted, “Before we start, you have to know something.” His face was serious and didn’t show much emotion. I stayed quiet. “Nick is gone. He won’t be returning. Before he got you from your house the other night, he asked me to tell you he wanted forgiveness. For everything.”

My heart dropped and I felt the worst feeling I’ve ever felt. Pure emptiness. He can’t be gone for good. He needs to come back. I don’t even know if I would be able to forgive him though. He killed a man and drugged me. I understand he did it to protect me but I’m just a useless girl.