The Ghosts in You (A Zak Bagans Fanfic)

Chapter 62

Wow, Zak thought to himself. Things just made sense to Sara. She didn't seem compelled to question things incessantly the way he did. Why is that? Does she already have the answers?

Zak's phone rang, derailing his train of thought. Billy. "What's up, bro?"

"I saw the news, man. Are you all right? Is Sara okay?"

"For now, yes. We're home. I'm okay, she's okay. It was a hit and run, but they caught the guy."

"You're sure you guys are okay?" Billy pressed.

"Hundred and ten percent," Zak said.

"Okay, cool. Call if you need anything."

"For sure, thanks, bro. Talk to you soon." Zak ended the call.

And then Aaron called. Followed by Jay. Zak explained to each what had happened and assured them that he and Sara were both okay.

Zak's mom, Nancy, called, more than a little frantic. Meredith had filled her in on everything and assured her that Zak was all right. "How's Sara? Is she okay?"

"She's okay, mom. A little black and blue. She just needs some rest now to give her body a chance to heal."

"That's good, Zak. Call me if you need anything, please. I love you so much."

"I love you, too, mom." Zak closed his phone.

Shanna, Jolie and Melissa all reached out to Sara, asking the same things. Sara promised all of them that she and Zak were both very much alive and very much okay.

Sara shook her head. Fucking TMZ. Despite having more than two million followers online through social media, Sara had always managed to keep a low profile in the real world. People recognized her here and there, but she had never been featured on any of the news shows, like TMZ. This is going to be a pain in the ass! She tried but failed to stifle her own laughter.

"What's so funny?" Zak asked her as he made his way over to the sofa.

"Life." Sara sidestepped the question, then switched topics. "You know Zak, I'm not tired. If you are, why don't you sleep?"

"I have to make sure you stay awake, Sara, or at least wake up every hour," he said, his tone serious.

"I'm not tired, Zak, but I may be tonight. Why don't you get some sleep now, while I'm watching The Twilight Zone? That way, if I want to sleep tonight, you may not be so tired."

He acquiesced and stretched out on the couch next to Sara.

While Zak caught a few winks, Sara's thoughts drifted toward her parents. I was so close! If only I could have taken one more step into the house! It's bad enough they were keeping me at a distance, but that Zak was pulling me back, preventing me from staying with them... The thought drew a frown across Sara's face. I can't hold that against Zak – he was only looking out for me.

Zak startled awake. He was afraid Sara might not be there when he opened his eyes, but she was bright eyed and watching her Twilight Zone. "How did you sleep?" she asked, smiling softly at him.

"I slept okay," he said, staring at her in a daze.

"I'm sure you needed it."

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

"I'm okay. But now that you're awake, I'm going to head upstairs and have a soak in the tub. After tonight, I probably won't be able to maneuver myself into the bath. Hopefully, I can get ahead of the soreness and stiffness headed my way," Sara said as she sat up carefully and stood up.

Zak stood up alongside her. "Easy."

Sara replied with a simple smile and slowly made her way over to the stairs.