Worth It

(56) Aftermath

Cameron -- Now

Before me is Zara. Same emerald green eyes.

But everything else? Scarred.

From head to toe she is riddled with scars. Smoke, blood, dried up puke, cum juice is all over her body.

And if that isn't enough, her cast is burnt almost completely. She is out of breath and just when I get out she falls right into my arms.

The cop cars come. And before I know it, Jo is by my side as I hold Zara in my arms bridal style.

"I'll get help." She tells me. I don't look at her. Can't take my eyes off Zara. Not for a second, but I imagine Jo leaves my side to tell someone because the paramedics are talking to me.

Taking her from me.

"No!" I scream. "Don't take her away from me!"

One of the paramedics studies me as the one holding my girl puts her in a gurney and hooks her up to all the machines in the truck.

"Do you want to come with us?" I nod and she waves me in.

Jo

Dean's dead. Burned himself alive. He tried to do the same to Zara. Tied her to a chair.

The police aren't completely sure how she freed herself.

Said it isn't possible. She didn't have a chance.

If only they knew Zara.

Then, they would understand that Zara is a fighter.

Zara is gonna be okay. She's clearly a fighter.

Someone taps me on the shoulder, interrupting my reverie as I see the crime scene before me. Staring at the house where I was captured. Where Zara was almost killed.

I look back and I see Dylan looking right at me with tears in his eyes.

I know I should still be mad at him. I know that this doesn't change how much of an asshole he is, but right now I can't help it. I jump into the solace of his arms. I'm scared. I need someone and he's willing to be that someone for me.

Call me weak, but I'm gonna take it. It's all I have right now.