The Nobody Chronicals

Chapter 4: Zach's story

Zach walked through the halls as a normal student. Nobody looked at him for more than a second. He was the football player who took guitar lessons. Zach hates football. He hates sports. Zach would rather be playing his guitar than running for miles. Zach took private lessons with the music teacher. Zach had to take private lessons at school because of his story. Zach’s story only happens when he gets home. Everyday, his father-unless he has passed out- punched, kicked, and even cut Zach. Zach’s father was always drunk. And if he wasn’t, he hurt Zach for the sheer enjoyment of inflicting pain on others. Zach’s father especially hated music for an unknown reason. If he knew about Zach’s private lessons, Zach wouldn’t survive another day. The only thing keeping him alive is football. Zach is reminded of this everyday. Every time when Zach is weakest, his father picks his crumble form and tells him. Everyday, Zach is reminded he could be dead if he ever stopped playing that sport. So he endured it. And the only reason he endures his father as well is because of how much his mother loves him. Zach’s mother loves both of the men. Every night when the father has past out, the mother hugs Zach and cries for him. Zach loves his mother and hates his father. Once, the day after what his father called “knife play”, Zach got to school late because of his injuries. It was so bad, that while in the hall, he fell to the ground and coughed up blood. A girl with blonde hair and blue eyes rushed around a corner, eyes wide.

    “Oh my God!’ She shouted, dropping down next to him. “Are you okay?” Zach nodded and tried to get back up. He was too weak and fell back down. The girl caught him. The second they touched, the halls turned red and blood dripped around them. The girl screamed backed into a wall. Zach looked at her also frightened.

    “Did,” Zach tried but only coughed more. He wiped away the blood from away his mouth. “Did you see that?”

    “I… I did.” She froze. “What happened to you?” Zach froze. He didn’t know what to say.

    “It’s nothing.” He replied quietly. The girl stood.

    “Well it’s obviously something.” She held out her hand to Zach, who softly took it and leaned against a wall. After a moment of silence, Zach spoke softly.

    “My father beat me last night. Don’t tell anyone. It will only make things worse.”

    “What do you want me to do?” She said crossing her arms,

    “Help me wash off the blood. My teachers will get suspicious.” The girl went into the girls bathroom, obviously frustrated with Zach. She came back with a damp paper towel and handed it to him. After multiple failed attempts to get all of the blood off, the girl got her own to help. Zach watched her as she concentrated on getting it all off.

    “What’s your name?” She asked.

    “Zach. Yours?”

    “Grace. She stepped away from him. “There.

    “Thank you, Grace.”

    “Anytime, Zach”. Grace walked in the opposite direction, presumably her class. “Oh, and Grace,” She turned gracefully. “Thank you for being the best part of my day.” She smiled.

    “No problem.” she walked away, leaving Zach with a stupid smile. He shook it off and headed to his next class. After a few of his morning classes, Zach headed to lunch. He sat down next to James. James opened his brown paper bad and looked at Zach.

    “Hey dude. Where were you this morning?” He asked. “Mr. Winter as pissed.” Zach sat down.

    “Fucking dad beat the shit outta me last night.” Zach sighed. “Couldn’t get up in the morning so I came a little bit late. Where’s Kyle?”

“Bathroom.” James said grimly.

“Oh.” Zach looked across the cafeteria. On the opposite side sat Grace, and a girl with curly dark brown hair. “ saw a girl in the hall.” James handed Zach his sandwich. “She helped me wash the blood off my face.” Zach took a bite out of the sandwich.

    “It must have been bad.” James replied. “I have to meet someone after school today. If you meet me in the parking lot, you can stay at my place.” Zach shook his head.

    “It’ll only make the bastard angrier.” Zach took a finale bite out of his sandwich. “Plus, I have practice tonight.

    “Well I’ve gotta meet some theatre chick tonight. She wants me to babysit her brother.” After lunch, Zach finished the rest of his day normally, enduring all the pain that goes along with it.