The Aftermath

Ruby

We heard about Zu's Dad. I was absolutely shocked. "What! Is she ok?" I asked. Liam laid a hand on my arm. "She's stronger than she looks darlin'" But I could tell he was concerned. "We should go see her." I said softly. He nodded, kissing my cheek. "Good call."

We left Lisa, Jacob and Miguel in charge. We'd found a temporary place for Haven since it burned down a few months ago. Roman's little sister was staying with us too. I'd tried going into her mind, but she didn't seem mentally stable. I didn't want to hurt her. "You ok?" Liam asked, looking at me. We were almost at the safe house Zu was staying in. "Yeah. Just thinking about Lana." Liam shook his head. "Poor kid." When we pulled up, Vida was just getting out of Chub's car. "Hey boo." She waved me over.

 "You heard?" I nodded. "Poor Zu." Chubs commented, stepping out of the passenger seat. I raised my eyebrows at Vi. Normally Chubs drove. "Yeah. I didn't trust him not to crash." Vida smirked. The front door opened and Zu's friend Priyanka smiled at us. "Hi guys. They're in the sitting room." She led the way through the house. Plaster was peeling off the wall and the sitting room door was chipped. Inside was a small couch and a coffee table. Zu and Roman were squished onto the couch.

 "Ruby! Chubs! Lee! Vi!" Zu jumped up. Her eyes were bloodshot and it was obvious she had been crying. Lee gave Roman a nod, before hugging Zu. "Hey Zuzu." He tried to make his voice sound light, but her sad face wasn't making it easier. Chubs patted her awkwardly on the head and Vi gave her an extra tight hug. Sympathy without having to say anything. Zu broke from Vida's embtace, then looked at me. I opened my arms and she ran into them. In some ways, Zu had changed. She was older, stronger, more independent and even more beautiful. But in moments like these, she reminded me of the small girl in Black Betty. "Ruby." She whispered, hugging me tight. "It's ok. I'm here." I soothed. She pulled away and I smoothed back her hair from her face. "I think we could all do with some tea." Chubs said, trying to be cheerful. "We don't have any tea bags." Roman mumbled, looking at Priyanka who stood in the doorway. 

"I brought some with me." Chubs reached into his jumper pocket, taking out a ziplock bag with small white bags inside. "Of course you did Grannie." Vida muttered. She followed him into the kitchen. Zu mumbled something about going to help them. Roman watched her leave the room, before asking, "I know this isn't the right time, but how is Lana?" He looked so worried. It reminded me of the way Chubs sometimes looked at me. Concerned for someone he cares about. "She's ok." I said carefully. "Have you....like...gone inside her head? Like...done your...brain voodoo stuff?" Priyanka asked, awkwardly stepping forward into the room. "Hey." warned Liam. "No, it's fine. And no I haven't been able to do my 'brain voodoo'." I apologised. Roman deflated. "But...will she be ok?" I didn't know how to answer, because honestly I didn't know. "I think for the moment, Zu needs you." Liam said gently. Roman nodded sadly. I felt terrible. What if Lana never recovered. She was pretty traumatised. She reminded me of how Mason had been, six years back. I hadn't been able to help him, but I promised myself I would help Lana. But sometimes, a promise isn't enough.