Carry On

"Hi," Zack said shyly over the phone. "I haven't heard from you, I'm guessing everythings.. back to normal?"

"Not, really. I'm gonna need a place to stay, I can't ask Matt because I'm not dragging him into anything. Mind two guests?" I sighed.

"Two? Gracie as well? Of course, stay as long as you need too" he assured.

"Thank you. I'll explain everything later"

"Alright, see you soon"

Me and Brian looked sadly as each other, he nodded and brushed his damp hair from his eyes.

"It's just for a few days, Brian. You need to understand the situation I'm in"

"I don't blame you really, Ren. But can I please see you both tomorrow?"

"Course, I'll bring Gray round. I do want to believe you, but I just don't see how mom could be so heartless. Maybe I am just kidding myself. When we told mom years ago about us, well, when she found out - she let us off pretty easy. I guess this could be the final consequence" I shook my head and pulled him in for a hug. "I do love you, Brian. You know I have to think about things"

"I know Ray. But, just promise me one thing..?"

"Anything"

"Sleep with Gray. Make sure she's ok, no bad dreams, and just - don't do anything with him, please"

"No, you've got my word on that. I'm gonna go get Grace" I kissed his cheek and went to wake her up. She was flat out on the bed, but I had to get her awake. "Sweetie" I shook her lightly and she rolled over rubbing her blue eyes.

"Hi momma"

"Want a sleepover?"

"Yes!! Where?! Is it at mammas again?"

"No, with Uncle Zacky!" I smiled brushing her hair from her forehead. "That sound good?"

"Wow!! I've never sleeped with Uncle Zacky before!!" she shot up and gave me a big cheesy smile.

"Can mommy come?"

"Mommy and Uncle Zacky?! Awesome!!"

"Alright then, go down to daddy and say bye bye. I'll get our stuff!"

...

When we got to Zacks, Gracie went back to sleep. I had her on my knee, and she just drifted off.

"Here," Zack warmed me with a cup of tea, and he also brought Gray a cup of juice. "You gonna tell me what's gone off again?"

"Uh, me and Brian were, alright I think. But I went to moms to confront her and she.. look, I don't think I need to tell you yet. It could all be a big lie"

"Sweetie.."

"No, Brian wouldn't want you to know. But basically mom accused Brian of doing something, and I just don't know what to believe" I sighed holding Gray tighter.

"Just tell me hun" Zack sat at the opposite end of the sofa, bringing my legs up to rest on his lap.

"Apparantly, he, uhm. Raped her"

"What the fuck?!" Zack yelled. Gray fidgeted around, and I gave Zack a 'shh'.

"Watch you're language when she's here" I nodded. "Yes. Do you really think Brians capable of doing that? To my mother especially. He used to adore her," I sighed. "He couldn't"

"No, I really doubt he would. No.." Zack seemed really shocked about it. "No, I know he couldn't"

"I know, but, would mom really lie about such a disgusting thing?"

"Well, I don't think she would either. One of them is lying" Zack bit his thumb and thought hard. "None of them could be capable of such thing"

"I was thinking about moms reaction to when we told her about me & Brians affair. And, she took it - calmly.. maybe this is some sort of, revenge" I thought hard too, I couldn't bring myself to admit either.

"I don't know what to say Ren" Zack sighed.

I suddenly remembered Brians idea of Zacky being 'devoted' to me. Now was the right time to bring it up, I guess.

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah"

"The other night, when we.. ya no" I blushed.

"Yes" he reddened too, with a small smirk.

"Well, I told Brian"

"What?! You crazy?!"

"No, no. He's kind of cool about it surprisingly" I chuckled. "Anyway, he said, he doesn't blame you for being.. devoted.. to me? What does he mean?"

"Devoted?" he frowned. "I wouldn't use that word"

"What do you mean? You just really what, care for me?"

"Yes, but, that again isn't a word I'd use"

"Will you please tell me what word?!" I laughed.

"It's more of a phrase" he sighed.

"Go on.."

"Remember that night we met, and we spent hours in you're room whilst you're mom and Brian was at the movies? You cheered me up after my break up with Imogen. I totally, forgot about her that night. Well, forgot about everything. You're smile just, made me happy" he blushed. "It really did. I thought you were beautiful, I know you were only 19 at the time but, I really liked you"

"So you just think I'm pretty?" I smiled hoping it wasn't anything more. If he did have stronger feelings for me, I wouldn't be mad or angry - because I fell for Brian and I shouldn't have. But I know Zack couldn't be open with me, our friendship would soon spiral out of control and finally end in crappy awkwardness.

"I think you're gorgeous Ren, but, that's not it" he laughed. "I just. Love you" he shrugged carelessly. "An' I'm sorry"

We stayed in silence for a while. I stared at Gray sleeping, and I could feel Zacks eyes glued to me.

"Hey, cmon. Don't be sorry" I smiled. "I guess you can't help it"

"Thank god you're not angry at me" he groaned in relief.

"No, I wouldn't be. I fell in love with Brian while he was dating my mom didn't I? I'm kind of glad you told me, I just hope we're gonna stay close"

"If you want to be" he offered.

"You're my best friend, what the hell would I do without you?" I reached over to his arm, and caressed it sweetly. "How about get some pizzas ordered huh? I bet Gray is starving, I know I am"

"Uh pizza" he moaned snatching a menu from the table. "Two nights in a row, and I don't even care"

"We don't have too, I just really can't be bothered to cook us something tonight" I yawned resting my head back on the sofa. "Tomorrow I promise"

"Lucky me"

Notes

COMMENTS

THIS MEANS WAR TOMORROW...... OH MAH FUUUUKIN JESUS