The Ghosts in You (A Zak Bagans Fanfic)

Chapter 88

"Hi, Mom!" Sara exclaimed as she opened her front door.

"Mi'ja!" She wrapped Sara in her arms. Victoria was a little emotional seeing Sara after Sara's twin vehicular incidents. The two women had created a strong bond; they were the best of friends but also thought of each other as family.

"I'm okay, Mom. Really." Sara tried assuring her, succeeding for the most part. "Come in, come in. I want you to meet someone."

Zak stood up as Victoria walked into the living room. "Zak, this is my 'adopted mom', Victoria. Mom, this is Zak."

Victoria gave Zak a hug.

"Mom, you don't have to cook – we can order something. Why don't you just relax and visit?" Sara offered.

"I'm in the mood for my enchiladas. Besides, you know I love to cook for you," Victoria declared, and that was that.

Alicia, Dave, and tiny Liam joined them for the evening, making it a true full house. Ever a great comedian, Victoria kept everyone amused with her stories. Zak became intoxicated by Sara's laughter – he loved how happy she was, here at home with her family, one and all. He felt he was finally getting to see her in her truest form. It excited him.

"Mom, these are the best enchiladas you've ever made!"

"I'm happy you like them, mi'ja," Victoria replied, taking two sips from her beer.

"Sooo good!" Alicia said. Dave muttered a glowing compliment with his mouth full.

Sara looked at Zak. "She spoils us with her cooking."

"This was perfect, Victoria. Best enchiladas I've ever had, in fact. Thanks very much!" Zak patted his stomach with both hands.

"I'm very happy you liked them, Zak." Victoria smiled with pride. And to Liam, she added, "I'm sorry, little Liam. You're not quite old enough for enchiladas." Liam, however, was blissfully munching a fistful of Cheerios.

"We've got the cleanup, Mom. Just relax." Sara and Alicia began clearing the table.

Dave, Zak, and Victoria made light conversation as Sara and Alicia worked away in the kitchen. Once the dishes were rinsed and stacked neatly in the dishwasher, ready to go, Sara excused herself.

"I have a conference call in a few minutes. I'll probably be twenty minutes or so. Are you guys okay? Can I get anyone anything? Another beer, Mom?"

"Yes please, mi'ja," Victoria replied.

"Zak?"

"I'll take a water, thanks."

"Dave? Alicia?"

Alicia consulted with her hubby briefly. "We're good, thanks."

Sara pulled the drinks from the refrigerator and handed a beer to Victoria and a bottle of water to Zak. "I'll be back shortly."

"We're going to say good night as well," Dave said.

"Goodnight guys, thanks for joining us," Sara said to her cousins before leaving the room.

"You bet, Sara. I'll see you in the morning," Alicia replied. She and Dave each gave Victoria a hug and thanked her again for dinner.

Now alone with Victoria, Zak kicked off a new topic of conversation. "So, how did you and Sara meet?"

Victoria brightened again. "She lived across the street from me, once upon a time. And how did you meet my Sara?"

"We met on our flight a few weeks ago. Haven't spent a night apart since." Zak replied with equal delight.