Surviving Long Distance (ON HOLD)

Chapter 27

***Jenis's POV***

Without thinking for a moment, I ran down to Aaron. Seeing Zave in that condition was hideous. Sometimes I wanted to punch Claudia in the face for making Zave drink again.

I knocked the car window and gestured Aaron to come out. He stepped out worriedly and asked me what's wrong.

"Zave," I replied. "He is... He's odious. Uh.. I--"

"Shh," he hold my hand. "Let's go."

As we entered his room, we saw him laying on his bed, shirtless. His chest and abdomen portion covered with snotty blood like thing. It looked like he was sleeping. But the frown on his forehead said the wounds must hurt.

"Zavier," Aaron shook him, "Zavier. Buddy, wake up."

No response. I took a glass of water and sprinkled it on his face. That made him wake up and he sat down straight up.

"Okay?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied sounding sober. "Why are you guys here?"

"Why are you hurt? And drunk?"

"Nothing. You carry on."

"Zave," Aaron said. "I'm sorry for last time. I was-"

"Hey, don't be. It's okay. And please continue with your night."

I couldn't help but notice that tattoo on his chest. It looked like skin ripped off from the heart portion revealing the gears inside. That denoted his heart is nothing but a machine.

"Jen?" I felt Zave shaking me. "Hey, lost one?"

"Sorry. But what's wrong with you?"

God, I was so distracted by that tattoo.

"It's nothing seriously."

Me and Aaron looked at each other and pouted.

"Right." We said in unison.

"Then explain this cut on your cheek," Aaron started.

"And that bruise on your feet?" I continued.

"This wound on your chest,"

"And all of the rest?"

"Christ!" Zave clasped his hand. "Stop! Stop, William Wordswoth-ing!"

We laughed. "Jokes apart. What happened?" I asked.

He sighed heavily and whispered, "I need money."

Well, that didn't justify that wounds. And how are bruises and money connected anyway.

"What? How do you rationalise money and..?" Aaron asked.

"That's the point you guys won't understand."

"Then make us understand." I pumped.

"I do street fights." He whispered.

"You what!" Me and Aaron said as one.

"I need money." He mumbled again. His voice needy. For a moment I felt immense sadness for him. That tattooed guy didn't deserved this.

"Was this the only way?" I asked.

Aaron's phone rang. His father probably. We're so late already. Their son-daddy relationship is not that good, that made me worry too. He gestured me with his eyes, he'll be back. I nodded.

"Is this the only way?" I asked again after Aaron left.

"Yeah. I guess?"

"Of course there are other ways, Zave."