Zacky

I sigh heavily standing with Matt and Brian in the game room of my house. I rub a tired hand over my face and look at the two. “Isn’t Gena supposed to be on that goddamn tour?” Matt snarled hitting one of the pool balls into the pocket with his stick.

I nod my head, “She was. She told me in a text she came home early cause she felt sick.” I roll my eyes sighing.

“Did Zoe talk?” Brian asked, “This isn’t like her man.” He added.

“She did,” I pause. “She said the teacher and other girl were behind it. Mrs. Anderson and her niece, I believe Jamie Anderson.” I said.

“Ah fuck, Karen Anderson and Jamie Anderson.” Matt said shaking his head. “Jimmy had trouble with her. Aiden was doing like Zoe and Jamie lured him in and got him expelled last year. Jimmy just let him drop out.” Matt sighed.

“So this isn’t the first incident, huh?” I ask the two.

“According to Jim, nah.” Brian says taking his turn at pool.

I grab my cell phone from my pocket and text Jimmy to come over, that we needed to talk. I sigh heavily pushing my phone into my pocket as I hear a faint clearing of someone’s throat. I turn around to see Zoe in the doorway. Her eye black and her face depressed, “Dad.” She whispers.

“Yeah honey.” I say to her going over to her.

“Can you order me some Chinese or something? I’m hungry.” She whispers.

Matt and Brian come over and smile at her, “I’ll order, you guys go sit in the theater room.” Brian smiles at us gathering the sticks up and disappearing.

I walk over to Zoe and pick her up and hold her close, “Baby we’re going to the school Monday morning.” I tell her.

“Just let it go, don’t make my life no more worse than it already is.” She pleads to me.

I sigh putting her on the sofa and looking down at her, “Zoe how is your life bad?” I question her.

She shrugs as I sigh heavily. She buries her face into the pillow on the sofa and covers up with her throw. I sigh turning around to see Matt staring at me as we leave her alone. We go into the kitchen as I grab two beers from the fridge, “What are you gonna do?” He asks quietly.

“I’m not sure, man. But something has to give. I’ve not seen her this depressed since Gena left.” As it hits me. “Keep her occupied for a bit.” I tell Matt as he agrees.

I walk out of the kitchen and head upstairs and down to Zoe’s room. I walk inside and grab her phone from her bed and pull up her text messages. I read through them sighing heavily seeing the messages from Gena. I sigh heavily laying her phone down and shaking my head. Something had to give with Gena, before she caused Zoe to snap completely.