Chapter 6 - Part II

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“Spike?” Zach climbed the stairs, caught himself staring at her butt and looked at her art on the wall instead.

“My dog-man friend.” Lizzie dug through the piles on her floor.

Zach sat on her bed as she explained about the weird guy with the dog collar.

“Didn’t your mom warn you about strange men? He might be dangerous.”

“He seems pretty safe. Just hungry.” She found her block-heeled black Kiss boots, duct-taped together. Held them up for Zach to see. “Remember these?”

Zach grinned. “I remember you leaning on me when the heel broke. Hobbling around until we found duct tape in the Drama room.”

“Yeah. I was so insecure about being short.” She tossed them aside. “A-ha!” She raised her combat boots over her head. “Win!” She sat down on the floor and slipped her feet into them. “Second hand at Goodwill, they're actual combat boots, not some Hot Topic knock-off.”

“Cool.” Her energy always infected him.

“Sorry I fell asleep.” She finished tying her boots and turned toward him. “You're still sweet.” She placed her hands on his knees to stand up.

Her face dove in and startled Zach with her incredibly soft lips on his. Then they were gone.

He closed his eyes, trying to nail the memory into his head. “Damn, Lizzie.” He shook his head. “What the hell was that? You said you thought of me like a brother.”

“Yeah. Mostly.” She hopped up, boots laced. “You’re here. I don't feel so alone. Somebody I know on this side of the country.” Lizzie stopped and spun on her combat heel. “Shit!” She flew down the stairs.

By the time Zach caught up, she was at the computer. “What’s wrong?”

“Lizzie, you're the most self-centered bitch alive.” She pounded on the keyboard, ignoring him. "You don't deserve friends."

Zach put his hand on her back, trying to soothe her.

She shoved his hand away with fresh tears in her eyes. "It’s Jess! I can't believe I forgot her. She was going to kill herself if I did it!"

Zach watched as Lizzie spun back to the computer.

“I need to post something or Jess is gonna think I killed myself.” She flipped the mouse back and forth like it might help. “My phone’s in Mama’s bedroom.”

“You want me to get it?” Zach hustled for the phone.

“Yes.” The screen came alive. “Damn. She hasn't answered me.”

“Got it.” Zach yelled. “No missed calls.”

When he returned, Lizzie stood running her hands through her hair. She stood and whirled around.

“What're you looking for?” Zach put a hand on her shoulder.

“Don't know.” She jerked out from under his touch. “Shit. I was so happy. Didn't even think.”

“Hey. Chill. I’m sure she’s fine.” Zach reached out to pull her into a hug. She pushed him away.

“No, dammit. Give me the phone.” Lizzie yanked it out of his hand and spun away.

Her fingers twisted like they had a mind but no eyes and were trying to grab something out of the air.

“Jess, answer, dammit.” She stuck her thumb in her mouth and chewed at the nail.

Zach stared at Lizzie. Nev had told him she'd been medicated, but he hadn't ever seen her this freaked out. “Lizzie.”

“Answer the phone!” Her free hand tugged at her hair. “Jess. It’s Lizzie. Call me now. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to kill myself without you. Call me, please. Now. Please. I didn’t— I’m still here.” She tossed the phone at the couch.

“Careful.” Zach kept his voice low and calm. “She can't call you back if your phone's broke.”

“That's why I aimed it at the couch, stupid.”

“Fine.” Zach felt his anger rising. “I'm going outside. When you want my help or want to treat me some other way than shitty, come find me.” He took the other Pop Tart and headed for the door.

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