Cough Syrup (Zach Dempsey)

Chapter 32

"What are you talking about Tyler?" Zach asked

"Look what Bryce did was way worse than anything we've done. We turn him in and we get off, the Bakers have someone to blame, and the school gets their scapegoat. Perri's right Bryce is a rapist so why are we protecting him?"

"We're not protecting him, we're protecting ourselves we all have things on the line."

"Not me I'm good to tell the truth." Alex said

"Me too." I added

"Look just because Hannah fucked up her like doesn't mean we have to fuck up ours." Zach said and I glared at him

"Are you serious?"

"Look somethings were out of her control, but somethings she brought on herself, but is it right for us to be punished for her decisions." He said

"It's only a matter of time, we need to get in front of this." Tyler said

"We were sacrificing Bryce?" Marcus asked

"That's not going to work." Courtney said

"Why not?" Tyler asked

"Because one of the victims is dead and Jess won't talk." She said

"But the tapes-"

"Can be considered hear say." Alex said

"Maybe Jess just needs a few days to process it all.' Zach said I looked up and made eye contact with Marcus who shook his head

"Well what if..." I started but stopped

"What Perri?" Zach asked

"W-what if another person came forward?" I said and they all looked at me

"What?" Zach asked turning to face me

"Perri what are talking about?" Tyler asked putting a hand on my shoulder, I just looked down, Zach cupped my chin making me look at him

"Perri did Bryce...did he?" He couldn't bring himself to say it

"Bryce raped me." I said admitting it out loud for the first time

"Fuck. "Alex said

"What happened?" I heard Tyler ask I looked him him then I turned back to Zach

"I don't remember much, he slipped something in my drink. I just remember waking up the next morning." I felt a few tears fall but I quickly wiped them away Zach pulled his hand away from me

"I'm sorry Perri." Alex said and Zach jumped to his feet

"I'm gonna kill him." He said then he was out the door, I froze and we looked at each other then ran after him

"Zach!"  We shouted after him Marcus caught him but Zach shoved him back,

"You were there why the fuck didn't you help her!?" He snapped at him

"I fucked up man but you can't dot this."

"Watch me.." He said then he opened his door and I ran in front of him

"Zach no." I said standing in between him and then open door

"Move Perri."

"Zach no please." He shook his head

"He's not getting away with this."

"He won't, but we can't hide behind him either." Alex said

"Fuck you man."

"We all fucked up, I did a fucked up thing to my friend because I wanted a rapist to think I'm cool. We all just need to tell the truth and we can send Bryce away." He said

"He's right Zach, I'll tell but I am scared and I need you." I said wrapping my arms around him

"I'm ready to go." He said

"You guys go I'll got him." I told them and they nodded Zach got in the driver side and I walked around but Tyler stopped me

"We'll talk later." I told him and he nodded

I got in the car and Zach started to drive, he was completely silent he pulled in front of my house he turned the car off and we just sat in silence

"Zach?"

"Hmm?" He said not looking at me

"Zach look at me please." He sighed then looked at me and he had tears in his eyes

"Zach." I went to touch him but he pushed me away

"I was so mad at you that night because you were with Monty.... You called me and I didn't answer, I should've been there for you."

"Zach don't do that, don't blame yourself." I said

"He's going to pay for this." He said then pulled me into his arms , I let my tears flow as he held me

"I'm so sorry Perri." He said then kissed my forehead I got over the first hurdle telling Zach but now I have to tell my parents and everyone else.

So it's out! What do you guys think?