Stricken - Chapter 4
Title: Stricken
Author: _superherogirl_ a.k.a Lucy
Pairing: Brian/Zacky
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Brian and Jimmy both need to get their community service hours done for graduation. So they decide to do their hours at this rehab center... that's when Brian meets a very disturbed boy along the way. Did I mention that he is obsessed with the weather?
POV: Third person
Chapters: 1-2 3
Authors Note: It took me this damn long for another chapter! I suck :( I hope you all find this chapter as entertaining as the others. If there are any questions for said nicknames in the story, the next installment will have all your answers! Well, hopefully anyway. ^-^; And thank you to whoever has read this story this far, I really appreciate it so much. ♥
Disclaimer: Don't know or own, sadly.
The rain poured down onto the pavement of the Sunnyberry building, as some of the younger patients jumped back and forth into puddles of water. They were allowed to walk outside for awhile as long as they were supervised. Brian looked over at Jimmy and smirked, “This is not so bad eh?”
Jimmy shrugged, “At least I’m not taking care of the old people today.”
Brian laughed and nodded, “Aww, come on you know you love those old people as much as they love you.”
“You try convincing this broad that can be my grandmother- or maybe even my great grandmother, that I am not going to move with her to Hawaii.”
“I didn’t know granny had that kind of money…”
He gave his friend a quick glare and once more focused on the younger kids jumping into the puddles.
Brian shrugged and looked around as he sighed, “You sourpuss.” He felt someone pass by him and he turned to see who it was. He smirked when he realized it was none other than the boy with the purple streaks from room 314. He had opened his mouth to call out to him but then thought twice.
As if the other boy read his mind, he turned to him with a smile.
“Hey Zacky…”
“Hi Brian.”
It was an awkward silence for the first couple of seconds until Jimmy burst out with his own greeting. “So you’re that dude…”
Zacky looked over at the lanky individual next to Brian and smirked, “What do you mean by ‘that dude’?”
Brian placed an arm around Zacky’s shoulders and chuckled, “I’ve told Jimmy about you and how much of a stubborn fat cat you are.”
Both Zacky and Jimmy blinked and stared at each other as they said in unison, “Fat cat?”
“What…? It was the first thing that popped into mind.”
“Alright so, hi fat cat. I’m Jimmy, Bri’s best friend,” he let a dry laugh escape him as he patted the other boy on the back.
Zacky smiled awkwardly and nodded, “Hey… and I’m Zacky, but you probably already know that.”
Jimmy just nodded as Brian rushed over to one of the puddles. He helped the all too familiar patient up and smiled at her. “Are you alright, Megan?”
She blushed and smiled back at Brian, “Yes. Thank you. I’m sorry I tripped…”
“No, no. Why are you sorry? It’s normal, everyone trips from time to time. You just have to be glad you didn’t get hurt.”
Megan giggled and smiled once more, “You are absolutely right.” She looked over then down when she spotted Zacky.
“Is there something wrong?” Brian noticed her unease immediately and looked back to where Jimmy and Zacky were.
“Nope, but either way thanks again Brian. You really are too nice of a guy. Well, I better go back inside.” She half ran back to the entrance of the center. Before Brian had a chance to say anything she had already disappeared. He mentally shrugged and made his way up to his friends again.
“I think someone has a little ol’ crush on Bri,” Jimmy said mockingly.
“You seriously have issues dude, she’s- I don’t- just stop it,” Brian spat out.
“Oh right, you still have your eye on that cotton candy haired chick, eh? Am I right?”
Zacky fidgeted and felt even more awkward. This was clearly best friend talk, and they both knew what each were referring to. He was completely and utterly lost in a sense. He decided it was probably best for him to go back inside as well. “Well, I’ll leave you two to talk-” He was cut off by none other than Brian, who was simply retaliating from the other’s comment.
“-Cotton candy haired? Where do you get these nicknames?”
“I would ask you the same question, I mean come on… fat cat?”
Zacky blinked and scratched the top of his head, “Uh…”. Since he didn’t have anything else to say, he walked back into the building.
But Brian nor Jimmy had even noticed. They were both still bickering about their lame choice of nicknames. After a good couple of minutes it was Brian who realized there was suddenly someone missing from the three. “Shit.”
“What?”
“Zack… uh that dude is so difficult.”
“Is he now?”
“I wanted all of us to get to know each other, and he just… left.”
“With good reason. Maybe we made him uncomfortable.”
Brian began to make his way back into Sunnyberry, but felt a tug on his arm causing him not to go any further. “What?”
“Dude, what are you doing?”
“You get the rest of the bunch and take them back inside. I’m going to go talk to Zacky.”
Jimmy stared at his best friend puzzled. He didn’t quite understand why Brian was so concerned about the boy. It was odd to think the least. But he simply nodded and with a lazy hand motion told him to go right ahead. He had everything under control. Or so he hoped. “Alright you guys, GET YOUR ASSES BACK INSIDE!”
One boy that couldn’t be any older than fifteen, looked up at the extremely loud taller person a couple of feet from him. “What will happen, if we don’t?”
“Oh, aren’t you cute,” he chuckled and turned to walk back inside.
The kid blinked, “Hey, aren’t you gonna come up with a smart ass come back of some sort?”
Jimmy turned to face the boy and shrugged, “I’ll give you one, if you get your ass inside.” He then smirked.
All of the patients that were jumping in the murky puddles soon changed their minds, and followed the older man’s orders. Which was more than a shock to Jimmy. The same boy that had questioned his authorities tugged on his shirt sleeve.
He arched a brow, “Uh, yeah?”
The boy simply responded with, “You’re cool.”
“Um,” Jimmy didn’t know what to say to that, but he did smile. Then the smile grew wider into a very cocky smirk. “Of course I am! Now come on everyone! This weather is just getting worse.” He snorted to himself at the mention of weather. He didn’t need a weather nerd like Brian to tell him that today’s weather was going to suck.
*****
The hallway of the third floor was completely deserted, which made it even more eerie. Brian was still far from getting accustomed to his surroundings. As cool and collected he came off being, he still felt weird. Even then, he didn’t understand why he was going after Zacky. Although he just didn’t want him to feel awkward around Jimmy, or any of his friends. There he is. He called out to him and grinned, “Zacky!”
Zacky hesitated turning to the familiar voice, but he eventually did. He replied in a mocking tone, “Don’t you mean fat cat?”
“Uh, Haha funny. No really, why did you leave so suddenly?”
The other boy shrugged, “I just wanted to go back in. Besides, you were talking to your best friend. I didn’t want to get in the way or anything.”
Brian shook his head, “Why would you?”
“It seemed you two were talking about something important. So, naturally I left you two to continue with your conversation.”
“But, no dude. It’s not important, Jimmy was just teasing me about this girl there.”
Zacky chuckled, “I gathered that much.”
The tension between the two seemed to grow as each minute passed. It just seemed to get worse with each sentence that left their lips, that continued on that same topic they were on. That’s the last thing Brian wanted, he liked Zack. He was an interesting guy, and he wanted to get to know him more. But at the same time he had to subtlety change the subject fast, before the other decided to retreat to his sanctuary of nothingness. Something inside Brian stirred, all he wanted was to be able to help his friend as best he could. And he knew the first thing he had to do was get him out of that rehab center. Even for a day. Zacky didn’t need to be there the whole time, he seemed perfectly fine now. Sunnyberry was probably making him more uneasy, and making it even more difficult to recuperate.
After the long pause Zacky looked down, “Well, back to my room I go. You have other things to do I’m sure-”
“-Nah don’t worry. Jimmy is taking care of it. How about we just hang out for a bit?”
“Will there be weather talk?”
“Most probably.”
“Okay then,” Zacky brushed some of the purple strands of hair away from his face. Which gave anyone in his general direction a better view of his green eyes.
Brian found himself slightly entranced, but shrugged it off soon after. Although he couldn’t help but stare, they were quite beautiful. For a guy… Guy. Dude. His mind went blank for a second, but his thoughts were soon interrupted.
“What are you standing there for? Come on.” Zacky smirked as he continued walking in the direction he had been on before Brian called out to him.
“Right, I’m going.” He wished he knew why he was suddenly feeling the way he was. He was so confused. He couldn’t even register what those thoughts that were going on inside his head meant. Or those feelings emerging from the pit of his stomach. Maybe he had to use the restroom…
*****
As Zacky made his way back into his room, he reached to switch the light on but it had already been on. He arched a brow and when he turned to look at his bed, there was an occupant on top of it. “Oh, if you’ll excuse me Brian. I apparently have a visitor. It’s been quite sometime since I’ve had a girl on my bed.”
The younger girl had dark hair just a little above her waist, her skin darker than Zacky’s but the natural tan suited her appearance. With the dark eyes to match, and the sweet looking dimples adorning on each of the corners of her cheeks. “Very funny, but I wouldn’t even be caught dead with you in bed Zackykins.”
“Well, ouch Ruth just ouch.”
“Oh you know I love you Zacky, but just eww no. Besides, what would Robbie say? He’s not very fond of you as it is.”
“You should’ve dumped him and gone with me ages ago. Just my opinion of course,” Zacky winked.
Brian stared at the scene before him, and leaned against the doorframe. He assumed this was someone close to Zacky, so he just let them continue their squabble.
“As cocky as ever I see,” She smiled at Brian from across the room. “So who’s he, you must introduce me.”
Zacky sighed and turned to the door, he had almost forgot that Brian was standing there. He smirked, “Ruthie, this is Brian. Brian, this is Ruthie. She’s basically the only one that comes to visit me here from time to time.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Brian said as he made his way into the room. He sat on the same chair that was closest to the window.
Ruthie nodded and grinned, “Likewise. How did you meet Zacky?”
“I’m a volunteer here.”
She snorted, “Gee, I would’ve never noticed with that name tag of yours on your shirt.”
“I can see how you two are best friends.”
Both Ruthie and Zacky laughed a little awkwardly. Zacky wasn’t sure, but he was sensing a bit of hostility between the two. He partially understood why, or so he thought. He had felt the same way when he had met Brian’s friend Jimmy. He didn’t mind meeting new people, but he just wasn’t the friendly sociable type. Although, Brian on the other hand was. He had done a complete 180 after meeting Ruthie. The reason, he was still very unsure.
Since Ruthie was not one to leave a room awkwardly quiet for long, she decided to turn to Zacky once more. “So how are you doing dude? Are you recovering? I mean it would be completely pointless if you’re here and just letting the weeks go by without any signs of-”
“-I get the point Ruthie,” Zacky smiled. “I know you’re worried, but I am doing better. They do take everything away from you.”
“I can see, it’s so weird to see you without your piercings.”
“I know, but piercings are not all what I’m about right? That would suck.”
“Of course not. It was just something that stood out.”
The room once more got uncomfortably quiet, and Brian was still sitting quite expressionless on the chair. He had nothing to contribute to the conversation, since he had only known Zacky the most a week. But then he heard the girl, Ruthie, speak up once more.
“Come over here, Zacky.”
He nodded and obliged, “What’s up?”
“Are you sure everything’s alright?”
“Why wouldn’t it?”
She smiled softly as she stood up from the bed, “Okay, good. I promise to come visit you again soon. I have to get some stuff done.”
Zacky returned the smile, yet he felt real uneasy. “Until then, Ruth.”
Ruthie waved back to the both of them, “See you around.” She walked out of the room and looked straight ahead as she made her way to the elevator. There was something about that Brian character that she just couldn’t put her finger on. The tension there was in that room could’ve been cut with a knife. Frankly, she didn’t like it one bit. She was not one to keep her mouth shut, like her best friend they both had a tendency of being very outspoken. What kept her from saying anything then, was a lot. But she knew from the moment they were introduced, that he was special to Zacky. He wasn’t the type to go introducing others to his best friend unless they meant something to him. What Brian meant to Zacky at that point was what confused her. She pushed open the door, and was then outside. It was still raining, but the rain was comforting at times like these. Ruthie needed time to analyze Brian, if he had any ulterior motives. She was not going to let anyone hurt Zacky, not again. He’s been hurt enough, so much that he ended up in a loony bin. She wasn’t closed minded oh no, but regardless that’s what a good portion of Sunnyberry was to her. It wasn’t a place of recovery, it was a prison. A place to keep people from ever going out into the real world again. She whispered softly to herself, “I’m thinking too much again, aren‘t I?”
*****
“She’s real nice…”
“Yeah, but um…”
Brian stared out the window and sighed at the ugly weather outside, “Yeah?”
Zacky walked over to the window and stared outside as well, “I felt that you didn’t like her very much. You were not even trying to get into our conversation, as you usually like to do with everyone else.” He managed to chuckle as he finished that last sentence.
But then something clicked, “Zack… Did she say Robbie? As in Rob?… The orderly?”
The boy’s smile faded as he walked over to his bed, sitting where Ruthie was earlier. “Yes, he’s the one that separated us when I attacked you.”
“He’s your best friend’s boyfriend?”
“Yeah.”
Brian was beginning to understand a bit more now, it made complete sense as to why that person was not fond of Zacky. He hadn’t even realized it, the way he treated him and with those harsh words. “Are you alright here? Does everyone treat you okay? Well, other than that dude of course.”
“And here I thought we were going to skip on the questions today. But if you insist, yes everyone treats me fine. It’s just sometimes if I don’t get the right vibe from someone, I don’t hesitate to bite back. So to speak of course.”
“I see…”
Zacky stared down at the floor and continued, “Although it does get lonely. I have to admit. Ruthie only comes around when she’s not working or at school. And on her free days she’s mostly with Rob, and as you’ve already noticed… He doesn’t seem to like me at all.”
“Don’t you have any other friends?”
“Everytime I had made one back at school, we would usually end up fighting a day or so later. That’s why it’s best that my closest friend is a chick. I kinda can’t pick a physical fight with her.”
Brian nodded and smiled, “I suppose you’re right. But, hey you now have me right? Or you don’t consider me a friend?”
“Ha, I’ve already picked a fight with you once and you’re still here. That’s a good sign, so I guess yeah… you’re my friend.”
“Good,” Brian’s smile widened and he stood up from his chair. It was about time to check up on Jimmy and the kiddies that he left in his care. He hoped they were alright. “Could patients leave the premises on certain days and such? It would be quite boring if everyone were to stay here until they’ve completely recovered.”
“I believe so, you just have to get permission from a supervisor. And naturally be in someone’s company. That’s not a patient, for obvious reasons. Why do you ask?”
Brian grinned and looked over at him, “I would like to take you out!”
Zacky flushed slightly and gulped, the way Brian said that so carefree made him worry slightly. “You what?”
“I want to take you out of here for a day or maybe even two, so it can keep your mind off this wretched depressing place! I would be insane too if I stayed here too long. It’s just a constant reminder of-” Brian stopped himself from babbling further. He did it again, just as the first time they met.
“A constant reminder of, what?”
He bit the inside of his cheek slightly and couldn’t find the right words to answer back.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll manage.”
Brian flinched, “No! I would like to take you someplace Zack. If you don’t want to then alright, but if you would like to let me know. I’ll ask if we can. I can then introduce you to the rest of my friends.”
“Oh joy, just what I wanted,” Zacky rolled his eyes.
“I promise it’ll be fun. They’re real great guys, just give them a chance.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to use the little boy’s room.” With that said, Zacky got off his bed and made his way into the bathroom. He sighed out of frustration and leaned against the sink. Brian has proven to be the most persistent person that Zacky has ever had the misfortune of meeting. He was set on making him happy. But it wasn’t as easy as Brian thought it would be. Zacky knew he was not the easiest person to deal with. Sooner or later Brian would give up on him and move on. It would always happen, others thought they could help Zacky. What those people never realized is that he just didn’t want the help. If what people considered to be help was either sympathy or pity, he didn’t want it. Two things he despised. That’s why he knew once Brian was told why he was placed in Sunnyberry- partially anyway- he was somehow going to feel sorry for him. He didn’t want that.
It amused him to no end that both Brian and Ruthie had a lot in common. They might not think anything of it now, but they did. Of course, no one was an exact replica of another person. Not even physically, but they had a lot of the same personality traits. The number one thing in common being, they both wanted to help Zacky as much as they could. Although Zacky knew, they were bound to clash in the near future. If not Ruthie with her sharp tongue, it would definitely be Brian with whatever he does best. Zacky thought that it would be a little odd but very comical if he bored Ruthie to death with his weather chit chat. He chuckled to himself as he splashed some water on his face. His reflection in the mirror startled him a little, it just wasn’t the Zacky he was a couple of months ago. He could never let his mind wonder about it enough.
He suddenly felt a small breeze across his shoulders, which caused Zacky to shiver. From where that sudden breeze came from, he was unsure but it creeped him out a little. He was more paranoid than everyone gave him credit for. He shook his head and tried to get his mind on something else. But then, he felt it again. It was somewhat like a soft carress above the shoulder, making it’s way down his back. Then there were more shivers. Zacky wasn’t sure what to make of it, he couldn’t remember something like that happening before. And if it did, he didn’t recall any of it. He looked up at the bathroom mirror once more and his eyes widened. There was someone there. Zacky screamed.
“Huh?” The purple notebook was dropped on top of the night table and Brian rushed over to the bathroom. Thankfully there were no locks. He opened the door and Zacky clung onto Brian desperately. He was even more pale than usual, and he shook him. “Hey buddy, calm down! What happened?!”
Zacky’s eyes were as wide as saucers, and he tried to regain his composure but to no avail. He wasn’t even sure what to tell Brian, without sounding even crazier than he supposedly was. He buried his head on his chest, and attempted his best not to look back at the bathroom mirror. That had to have been the cause of it, there was something there. He was sure of it! Was the center haunted?! Was it just his bathroom?! Anything to him was possible at this point. But first he needed to do exactly as his friend suggested. Overreacting was not going to solve anything.
“Zacky say something, please. Are you okay, could you even talk?”
He finally spoke, but stuttered horribly, “I-I’m s-s-sorry. I don’t k-know what came over m-me.”
Brian wrapped his arms around the shaking boy, “It’s okay. Just tell me what you saw. Maybe you’re just-”
“-I’m not just seeing things!” Zacky shoved him and stepped away from the embrace. He knew he was going to say that, that’s what everyone else would say as well. Why did he think Brian was going to be any different? Why did he believe it was ever going to be different? He shook his head and held back any tears fighting to make it to the surface. He was not going to cry, not in front of him.
“Zacky…”
“Stop looking at me like that!” Zacky continued backing up until he couldn’t anymore. His back was against the shower door, and he closed his eyes. He was fighting the tears back best he could.
“If you could just tell me what happened, I could help you!”
“NO!”
“Zacky, stop doing this to yourself…”
“I said to stop looking at me! Just, just go away!”
Brian didn’t know what to do in a situation like this at all. He could only bring to mind one time that he saw something that wasn’t there, and he was five. And the suspect was a supposed flying chicken in his bedroom. But one thing was for sure, he knew he had to stay calm. He made his way up to him regardless, and ignored Zacky’s demands, “I promised I would help you, and I meant it. What was it that happened to you just a couple of seconds-”
“-I told you to stay away! You cannot help me!” Zacky shoved him back once again. That time he had shoved him against the edge of the sink.
Brian winced and his lip twitched, he only had so much patience. And having the edge of the sink bang against the small of your back wasn’t really something to be smiling about. He didn’t have a chance to say anything else luckily as a couple of orderlies came into the room. When they saw the frantic Zacky, they knew that he was having apparently one of his regular fits.
“Get the sedative,” The tallest orderly told the other.
“Wait, why?! He doesn’t need it!” Brian shouted to one of the intruders.
“Are you trying to tell me he doesn’t? Look at him, he’s practically convulsing!”
“That’s not the way to solve this situation! Have you guys ever tried talking to your patients and calming them down that way?!”
“Kid, that is not our job. We’re not here to make friends with these people, we’re here to keep them under control!”
Zacky placed a hand over each ear and screamed. He was sick of hearing them all, the orderlies, Brian, everyone. He fell to his knees on the floor, and there went the tears.
“Zacky!” Brian kneeled in front of him and cupped his face with his hands.
The other orderly had come back into the room, “I’ve brought it.”
“Okay let’s get him to the bed, it’ll be easier. Hey, you!” The taller orderly had pointed to Brian.
But Brian didn’t answer him. He stared at Zacky as the tears were falling down his friend’s face. The scene had gotten even more drastic than he ever imagined. He only hoped that some camera man would pop up out of nowhere, and say it was a prank from said television show. But it was all real.
“I’m okay, just please leave me alone…”
The volunteer gave a low growl and looked at both the orderlies, “You heard him.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s not that simple. The patients requests are not what we’re supposed to listen to.”
Brian then let go of Zacky and stood up, “Oh? Then whose requests are you supposed to listen to if not the patients?”
“Whoever is in charge, and the patient is certainly not in charge.”
“Of course not,” Brian sighed and looked down at Zacky once again. He had stopped shaking thankfully and let a soft smile escape him.
It was silent for a good while until finally Zacky spoke, “I’m okay. You two can go now.”
The orderlies let a frustrated sigh escape them. They both began to walk out the room, but the taller one looked back at Zacky. “Next time this happens- no matter what your friend says- we‘re going for the sedative.”
Zacky rolled his eyes, “Whatever.”
They finally left the room and Brian sighed as well, “Better?”
“Yes. Listen, Brian I’m-”
“It’s okay,” He said as he rubbed the small of his back.
“More importantly, are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah… That was nothing really.”
Zacky smirked, “Nothing then?”
“At all.”
“I really wish I knew why that happened to me.”
“You’re not the only one.”
“I think you should go,” Zacky wiped his damp face with the back of his shirt sleeve.
Brian pretended not to have noticed he had cried and simply nodded. “Alright, but consider what I told you okay?” He waved and smiled at him as he walked out of the room as well. The more he saw how Sunnyberry was run, the more he wanted Zacky out of there. The more he got to know Zacky, the more he surprisingly thought he was completely fine and most importantly sane. He really didn’t comprehend why he thought so, but he did. After what had just happened, anyone would jump to conclusions and say the boy was more than off his rocker. But Brian knew there was more to Zacky, and he will figure it out in time.
“Thanks Brian.”
Zacky whispered mostly to himself, seeing as he was the only one in the room anymore. He was still inside the bathroom when he felt bile make it’s way up his throat. He bent over the sink and coughed it all up. He turned the faucet on and let it all go down the drain. There was nothing in his stomach because he hadn’t made the effort to eat anything that day. He took his toothpaste and put some on his toothbrush. He washed his mouth with some Listerine soon after, thankfully feeling a tad bit better. As much as he had pushed Brian away, and quite literally. He still wanted him around. He hated being alone surrounded by those dreaded four white walls. They laughed at him too, everything around him was laughing at him. He thought it was about time he called his mom, if she would pick up that is.
“I hope Brian comes tomorrow too…”
He finally walked out of the bathroom and noticed his purple notebook. It was inside his night table drawer… why was it now on top of the- “BRIAN!” He sighed and couldn’t help but laugh, “That nosey bastard.” He turned to the last page of the notebook, where he assumed Brian had not taken a peek at. There was a sketch of another Cheshire cat, but this time he was accompanied by the Mad Hatter. When he took a closer look at the Mad Hatter sketch, he had quite the uncanny resemblance to someone.
“Fool, you’re even in my sketches,” Zacky closed the notebook and placed it back into the drawer it was in prior. When for certain no one was around, he let a wide grin grace his face in a very devious cat like fashion.
******
Author: _superherogirl_ a.k.a Lucy
Pairing: Brian/Zacky
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Brian and Jimmy both need to get their community service hours done for graduation. So they decide to do their hours at this rehab center... that's when Brian meets a very disturbed boy along the way. Did I mention that he is obsessed with the weather?
POV: Third person
Chapters: 1-2 3
Authors Note: It took me this damn long for another chapter! I suck :( I hope you all find this chapter as entertaining as the others. If there are any questions for said nicknames in the story, the next installment will have all your answers! Well, hopefully anyway. ^-^; And thank you to whoever has read this story this far, I really appreciate it so much. ♥
Disclaimer: Don't know or own, sadly.
The rain poured down onto the pavement of the Sunnyberry building, as some of the younger patients jumped back and forth into puddles of water. They were allowed to walk outside for awhile as long as they were supervised. Brian looked over at Jimmy and smirked, “This is not so bad eh?”
Jimmy shrugged, “At least I’m not taking care of the old people today.”
Brian laughed and nodded, “Aww, come on you know you love those old people as much as they love you.”
“You try convincing this broad that can be my grandmother- or maybe even my great grandmother, that I am not going to move with her to Hawaii.”
“I didn’t know granny had that kind of money…”
He gave his friend a quick glare and once more focused on the younger kids jumping into the puddles.
Brian shrugged and looked around as he sighed, “You sourpuss.” He felt someone pass by him and he turned to see who it was. He smirked when he realized it was none other than the boy with the purple streaks from room 314. He had opened his mouth to call out to him but then thought twice.
As if the other boy read his mind, he turned to him with a smile.
“Hey Zacky…”
“Hi Brian.”
It was an awkward silence for the first couple of seconds until Jimmy burst out with his own greeting. “So you’re that dude…”
Zacky looked over at the lanky individual next to Brian and smirked, “What do you mean by ‘that dude’?”
Brian placed an arm around Zacky’s shoulders and chuckled, “I’ve told Jimmy about you and how much of a stubborn fat cat you are.”
Both Zacky and Jimmy blinked and stared at each other as they said in unison, “Fat cat?”
“What…? It was the first thing that popped into mind.”
“Alright so, hi fat cat. I’m Jimmy, Bri’s best friend,” he let a dry laugh escape him as he patted the other boy on the back.
Zacky smiled awkwardly and nodded, “Hey… and I’m Zacky, but you probably already know that.”
Jimmy just nodded as Brian rushed over to one of the puddles. He helped the all too familiar patient up and smiled at her. “Are you alright, Megan?”
She blushed and smiled back at Brian, “Yes. Thank you. I’m sorry I tripped…”
“No, no. Why are you sorry? It’s normal, everyone trips from time to time. You just have to be glad you didn’t get hurt.”
Megan giggled and smiled once more, “You are absolutely right.” She looked over then down when she spotted Zacky.
“Is there something wrong?” Brian noticed her unease immediately and looked back to where Jimmy and Zacky were.
“Nope, but either way thanks again Brian. You really are too nice of a guy. Well, I better go back inside.” She half ran back to the entrance of the center. Before Brian had a chance to say anything she had already disappeared. He mentally shrugged and made his way up to his friends again.
“I think someone has a little ol’ crush on Bri,” Jimmy said mockingly.
“You seriously have issues dude, she’s- I don’t- just stop it,” Brian spat out.
“Oh right, you still have your eye on that cotton candy haired chick, eh? Am I right?”
Zacky fidgeted and felt even more awkward. This was clearly best friend talk, and they both knew what each were referring to. He was completely and utterly lost in a sense. He decided it was probably best for him to go back inside as well. “Well, I’ll leave you two to talk-” He was cut off by none other than Brian, who was simply retaliating from the other’s comment.
“-Cotton candy haired? Where do you get these nicknames?”
“I would ask you the same question, I mean come on… fat cat?”
Zacky blinked and scratched the top of his head, “Uh…”. Since he didn’t have anything else to say, he walked back into the building.
But Brian nor Jimmy had even noticed. They were both still bickering about their lame choice of nicknames. After a good couple of minutes it was Brian who realized there was suddenly someone missing from the three. “Shit.”
“What?”
“Zack… uh that dude is so difficult.”
“Is he now?”
“I wanted all of us to get to know each other, and he just… left.”
“With good reason. Maybe we made him uncomfortable.”
Brian began to make his way back into Sunnyberry, but felt a tug on his arm causing him not to go any further. “What?”
“Dude, what are you doing?”
“You get the rest of the bunch and take them back inside. I’m going to go talk to Zacky.”
Jimmy stared at his best friend puzzled. He didn’t quite understand why Brian was so concerned about the boy. It was odd to think the least. But he simply nodded and with a lazy hand motion told him to go right ahead. He had everything under control. Or so he hoped. “Alright you guys, GET YOUR ASSES BACK INSIDE!”
One boy that couldn’t be any older than fifteen, looked up at the extremely loud taller person a couple of feet from him. “What will happen, if we don’t?”
“Oh, aren’t you cute,” he chuckled and turned to walk back inside.
The kid blinked, “Hey, aren’t you gonna come up with a smart ass come back of some sort?”
Jimmy turned to face the boy and shrugged, “I’ll give you one, if you get your ass inside.” He then smirked.
All of the patients that were jumping in the murky puddles soon changed their minds, and followed the older man’s orders. Which was more than a shock to Jimmy. The same boy that had questioned his authorities tugged on his shirt sleeve.
He arched a brow, “Uh, yeah?”
The boy simply responded with, “You’re cool.”
“Um,” Jimmy didn’t know what to say to that, but he did smile. Then the smile grew wider into a very cocky smirk. “Of course I am! Now come on everyone! This weather is just getting worse.” He snorted to himself at the mention of weather. He didn’t need a weather nerd like Brian to tell him that today’s weather was going to suck.
*****
The hallway of the third floor was completely deserted, which made it even more eerie. Brian was still far from getting accustomed to his surroundings. As cool and collected he came off being, he still felt weird. Even then, he didn’t understand why he was going after Zacky. Although he just didn’t want him to feel awkward around Jimmy, or any of his friends. There he is. He called out to him and grinned, “Zacky!”
Zacky hesitated turning to the familiar voice, but he eventually did. He replied in a mocking tone, “Don’t you mean fat cat?”
“Uh, Haha funny. No really, why did you leave so suddenly?”
The other boy shrugged, “I just wanted to go back in. Besides, you were talking to your best friend. I didn’t want to get in the way or anything.”
Brian shook his head, “Why would you?”
“It seemed you two were talking about something important. So, naturally I left you two to continue with your conversation.”
“But, no dude. It’s not important, Jimmy was just teasing me about this girl there.”
Zacky chuckled, “I gathered that much.”
The tension between the two seemed to grow as each minute passed. It just seemed to get worse with each sentence that left their lips, that continued on that same topic they were on. That’s the last thing Brian wanted, he liked Zack. He was an interesting guy, and he wanted to get to know him more. But at the same time he had to subtlety change the subject fast, before the other decided to retreat to his sanctuary of nothingness. Something inside Brian stirred, all he wanted was to be able to help his friend as best he could. And he knew the first thing he had to do was get him out of that rehab center. Even for a day. Zacky didn’t need to be there the whole time, he seemed perfectly fine now. Sunnyberry was probably making him more uneasy, and making it even more difficult to recuperate.
After the long pause Zacky looked down, “Well, back to my room I go. You have other things to do I’m sure-”
“-Nah don’t worry. Jimmy is taking care of it. How about we just hang out for a bit?”
“Will there be weather talk?”
“Most probably.”
“Okay then,” Zacky brushed some of the purple strands of hair away from his face. Which gave anyone in his general direction a better view of his green eyes.
Brian found himself slightly entranced, but shrugged it off soon after. Although he couldn’t help but stare, they were quite beautiful. For a guy… Guy. Dude. His mind went blank for a second, but his thoughts were soon interrupted.
“What are you standing there for? Come on.” Zacky smirked as he continued walking in the direction he had been on before Brian called out to him.
“Right, I’m going.” He wished he knew why he was suddenly feeling the way he was. He was so confused. He couldn’t even register what those thoughts that were going on inside his head meant. Or those feelings emerging from the pit of his stomach. Maybe he had to use the restroom…
*****
As Zacky made his way back into his room, he reached to switch the light on but it had already been on. He arched a brow and when he turned to look at his bed, there was an occupant on top of it. “Oh, if you’ll excuse me Brian. I apparently have a visitor. It’s been quite sometime since I’ve had a girl on my bed.”
The younger girl had dark hair just a little above her waist, her skin darker than Zacky’s but the natural tan suited her appearance. With the dark eyes to match, and the sweet looking dimples adorning on each of the corners of her cheeks. “Very funny, but I wouldn’t even be caught dead with you in bed Zackykins.”
“Well, ouch Ruth just ouch.”
“Oh you know I love you Zacky, but just eww no. Besides, what would Robbie say? He’s not very fond of you as it is.”
“You should’ve dumped him and gone with me ages ago. Just my opinion of course,” Zacky winked.
Brian stared at the scene before him, and leaned against the doorframe. He assumed this was someone close to Zacky, so he just let them continue their squabble.
“As cocky as ever I see,” She smiled at Brian from across the room. “So who’s he, you must introduce me.”
Zacky sighed and turned to the door, he had almost forgot that Brian was standing there. He smirked, “Ruthie, this is Brian. Brian, this is Ruthie. She’s basically the only one that comes to visit me here from time to time.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Brian said as he made his way into the room. He sat on the same chair that was closest to the window.
Ruthie nodded and grinned, “Likewise. How did you meet Zacky?”
“I’m a volunteer here.”
She snorted, “Gee, I would’ve never noticed with that name tag of yours on your shirt.”
“I can see how you two are best friends.”
Both Ruthie and Zacky laughed a little awkwardly. Zacky wasn’t sure, but he was sensing a bit of hostility between the two. He partially understood why, or so he thought. He had felt the same way when he had met Brian’s friend Jimmy. He didn’t mind meeting new people, but he just wasn’t the friendly sociable type. Although, Brian on the other hand was. He had done a complete 180 after meeting Ruthie. The reason, he was still very unsure.
Since Ruthie was not one to leave a room awkwardly quiet for long, she decided to turn to Zacky once more. “So how are you doing dude? Are you recovering? I mean it would be completely pointless if you’re here and just letting the weeks go by without any signs of-”
“-I get the point Ruthie,” Zacky smiled. “I know you’re worried, but I am doing better. They do take everything away from you.”
“I can see, it’s so weird to see you without your piercings.”
“I know, but piercings are not all what I’m about right? That would suck.”
“Of course not. It was just something that stood out.”
The room once more got uncomfortably quiet, and Brian was still sitting quite expressionless on the chair. He had nothing to contribute to the conversation, since he had only known Zacky the most a week. But then he heard the girl, Ruthie, speak up once more.
“Come over here, Zacky.”
He nodded and obliged, “What’s up?”
“Are you sure everything’s alright?”
“Why wouldn’t it?”
She smiled softly as she stood up from the bed, “Okay, good. I promise to come visit you again soon. I have to get some stuff done.”
Zacky returned the smile, yet he felt real uneasy. “Until then, Ruth.”
Ruthie waved back to the both of them, “See you around.” She walked out of the room and looked straight ahead as she made her way to the elevator. There was something about that Brian character that she just couldn’t put her finger on. The tension there was in that room could’ve been cut with a knife. Frankly, she didn’t like it one bit. She was not one to keep her mouth shut, like her best friend they both had a tendency of being very outspoken. What kept her from saying anything then, was a lot. But she knew from the moment they were introduced, that he was special to Zacky. He wasn’t the type to go introducing others to his best friend unless they meant something to him. What Brian meant to Zacky at that point was what confused her. She pushed open the door, and was then outside. It was still raining, but the rain was comforting at times like these. Ruthie needed time to analyze Brian, if he had any ulterior motives. She was not going to let anyone hurt Zacky, not again. He’s been hurt enough, so much that he ended up in a loony bin. She wasn’t closed minded oh no, but regardless that’s what a good portion of Sunnyberry was to her. It wasn’t a place of recovery, it was a prison. A place to keep people from ever going out into the real world again. She whispered softly to herself, “I’m thinking too much again, aren‘t I?”
*****
“She’s real nice…”
“Yeah, but um…”
Brian stared out the window and sighed at the ugly weather outside, “Yeah?”
Zacky walked over to the window and stared outside as well, “I felt that you didn’t like her very much. You were not even trying to get into our conversation, as you usually like to do with everyone else.” He managed to chuckle as he finished that last sentence.
But then something clicked, “Zack… Did she say Robbie? As in Rob?… The orderly?”
The boy’s smile faded as he walked over to his bed, sitting where Ruthie was earlier. “Yes, he’s the one that separated us when I attacked you.”
“He’s your best friend’s boyfriend?”
“Yeah.”
Brian was beginning to understand a bit more now, it made complete sense as to why that person was not fond of Zacky. He hadn’t even realized it, the way he treated him and with those harsh words. “Are you alright here? Does everyone treat you okay? Well, other than that dude of course.”
“And here I thought we were going to skip on the questions today. But if you insist, yes everyone treats me fine. It’s just sometimes if I don’t get the right vibe from someone, I don’t hesitate to bite back. So to speak of course.”
“I see…”
Zacky stared down at the floor and continued, “Although it does get lonely. I have to admit. Ruthie only comes around when she’s not working or at school. And on her free days she’s mostly with Rob, and as you’ve already noticed… He doesn’t seem to like me at all.”
“Don’t you have any other friends?”
“Everytime I had made one back at school, we would usually end up fighting a day or so later. That’s why it’s best that my closest friend is a chick. I kinda can’t pick a physical fight with her.”
Brian nodded and smiled, “I suppose you’re right. But, hey you now have me right? Or you don’t consider me a friend?”
“Ha, I’ve already picked a fight with you once and you’re still here. That’s a good sign, so I guess yeah… you’re my friend.”
“Good,” Brian’s smile widened and he stood up from his chair. It was about time to check up on Jimmy and the kiddies that he left in his care. He hoped they were alright. “Could patients leave the premises on certain days and such? It would be quite boring if everyone were to stay here until they’ve completely recovered.”
“I believe so, you just have to get permission from a supervisor. And naturally be in someone’s company. That’s not a patient, for obvious reasons. Why do you ask?”
Brian grinned and looked over at him, “I would like to take you out!”
Zacky flushed slightly and gulped, the way Brian said that so carefree made him worry slightly. “You what?”
“I want to take you out of here for a day or maybe even two, so it can keep your mind off this wretched depressing place! I would be insane too if I stayed here too long. It’s just a constant reminder of-” Brian stopped himself from babbling further. He did it again, just as the first time they met.
“A constant reminder of, what?”
He bit the inside of his cheek slightly and couldn’t find the right words to answer back.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll manage.”
Brian flinched, “No! I would like to take you someplace Zack. If you don’t want to then alright, but if you would like to let me know. I’ll ask if we can. I can then introduce you to the rest of my friends.”
“Oh joy, just what I wanted,” Zacky rolled his eyes.
“I promise it’ll be fun. They’re real great guys, just give them a chance.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to use the little boy’s room.” With that said, Zacky got off his bed and made his way into the bathroom. He sighed out of frustration and leaned against the sink. Brian has proven to be the most persistent person that Zacky has ever had the misfortune of meeting. He was set on making him happy. But it wasn’t as easy as Brian thought it would be. Zacky knew he was not the easiest person to deal with. Sooner or later Brian would give up on him and move on. It would always happen, others thought they could help Zacky. What those people never realized is that he just didn’t want the help. If what people considered to be help was either sympathy or pity, he didn’t want it. Two things he despised. That’s why he knew once Brian was told why he was placed in Sunnyberry- partially anyway- he was somehow going to feel sorry for him. He didn’t want that.
It amused him to no end that both Brian and Ruthie had a lot in common. They might not think anything of it now, but they did. Of course, no one was an exact replica of another person. Not even physically, but they had a lot of the same personality traits. The number one thing in common being, they both wanted to help Zacky as much as they could. Although Zacky knew, they were bound to clash in the near future. If not Ruthie with her sharp tongue, it would definitely be Brian with whatever he does best. Zacky thought that it would be a little odd but very comical if he bored Ruthie to death with his weather chit chat. He chuckled to himself as he splashed some water on his face. His reflection in the mirror startled him a little, it just wasn’t the Zacky he was a couple of months ago. He could never let his mind wonder about it enough.
He suddenly felt a small breeze across his shoulders, which caused Zacky to shiver. From where that sudden breeze came from, he was unsure but it creeped him out a little. He was more paranoid than everyone gave him credit for. He shook his head and tried to get his mind on something else. But then, he felt it again. It was somewhat like a soft carress above the shoulder, making it’s way down his back. Then there were more shivers. Zacky wasn’t sure what to make of it, he couldn’t remember something like that happening before. And if it did, he didn’t recall any of it. He looked up at the bathroom mirror once more and his eyes widened. There was someone there. Zacky screamed.
“Huh?” The purple notebook was dropped on top of the night table and Brian rushed over to the bathroom. Thankfully there were no locks. He opened the door and Zacky clung onto Brian desperately. He was even more pale than usual, and he shook him. “Hey buddy, calm down! What happened?!”
Zacky’s eyes were as wide as saucers, and he tried to regain his composure but to no avail. He wasn’t even sure what to tell Brian, without sounding even crazier than he supposedly was. He buried his head on his chest, and attempted his best not to look back at the bathroom mirror. That had to have been the cause of it, there was something there. He was sure of it! Was the center haunted?! Was it just his bathroom?! Anything to him was possible at this point. But first he needed to do exactly as his friend suggested. Overreacting was not going to solve anything.
“Zacky say something, please. Are you okay, could you even talk?”
He finally spoke, but stuttered horribly, “I-I’m s-s-sorry. I don’t k-know what came over m-me.”
Brian wrapped his arms around the shaking boy, “It’s okay. Just tell me what you saw. Maybe you’re just-”
“-I’m not just seeing things!” Zacky shoved him and stepped away from the embrace. He knew he was going to say that, that’s what everyone else would say as well. Why did he think Brian was going to be any different? Why did he believe it was ever going to be different? He shook his head and held back any tears fighting to make it to the surface. He was not going to cry, not in front of him.
“Zacky…”
“Stop looking at me like that!” Zacky continued backing up until he couldn’t anymore. His back was against the shower door, and he closed his eyes. He was fighting the tears back best he could.
“If you could just tell me what happened, I could help you!”
“NO!”
“Zacky, stop doing this to yourself…”
“I said to stop looking at me! Just, just go away!”
Brian didn’t know what to do in a situation like this at all. He could only bring to mind one time that he saw something that wasn’t there, and he was five. And the suspect was a supposed flying chicken in his bedroom. But one thing was for sure, he knew he had to stay calm. He made his way up to him regardless, and ignored Zacky’s demands, “I promised I would help you, and I meant it. What was it that happened to you just a couple of seconds-”
“-I told you to stay away! You cannot help me!” Zacky shoved him back once again. That time he had shoved him against the edge of the sink.
Brian winced and his lip twitched, he only had so much patience. And having the edge of the sink bang against the small of your back wasn’t really something to be smiling about. He didn’t have a chance to say anything else luckily as a couple of orderlies came into the room. When they saw the frantic Zacky, they knew that he was having apparently one of his regular fits.
“Get the sedative,” The tallest orderly told the other.
“Wait, why?! He doesn’t need it!” Brian shouted to one of the intruders.
“Are you trying to tell me he doesn’t? Look at him, he’s practically convulsing!”
“That’s not the way to solve this situation! Have you guys ever tried talking to your patients and calming them down that way?!”
“Kid, that is not our job. We’re not here to make friends with these people, we’re here to keep them under control!”
Zacky placed a hand over each ear and screamed. He was sick of hearing them all, the orderlies, Brian, everyone. He fell to his knees on the floor, and there went the tears.
“Zacky!” Brian kneeled in front of him and cupped his face with his hands.
The other orderly had come back into the room, “I’ve brought it.”
“Okay let’s get him to the bed, it’ll be easier. Hey, you!” The taller orderly had pointed to Brian.
But Brian didn’t answer him. He stared at Zacky as the tears were falling down his friend’s face. The scene had gotten even more drastic than he ever imagined. He only hoped that some camera man would pop up out of nowhere, and say it was a prank from said television show. But it was all real.
“I’m okay, just please leave me alone…”
The volunteer gave a low growl and looked at both the orderlies, “You heard him.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s not that simple. The patients requests are not what we’re supposed to listen to.”
Brian then let go of Zacky and stood up, “Oh? Then whose requests are you supposed to listen to if not the patients?”
“Whoever is in charge, and the patient is certainly not in charge.”
“Of course not,” Brian sighed and looked down at Zacky once again. He had stopped shaking thankfully and let a soft smile escape him.
It was silent for a good while until finally Zacky spoke, “I’m okay. You two can go now.”
The orderlies let a frustrated sigh escape them. They both began to walk out the room, but the taller one looked back at Zacky. “Next time this happens- no matter what your friend says- we‘re going for the sedative.”
Zacky rolled his eyes, “Whatever.”
They finally left the room and Brian sighed as well, “Better?”
“Yes. Listen, Brian I’m-”
“It’s okay,” He said as he rubbed the small of his back.
“More importantly, are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah… That was nothing really.”
Zacky smirked, “Nothing then?”
“At all.”
“I really wish I knew why that happened to me.”
“You’re not the only one.”
“I think you should go,” Zacky wiped his damp face with the back of his shirt sleeve.
Brian pretended not to have noticed he had cried and simply nodded. “Alright, but consider what I told you okay?” He waved and smiled at him as he walked out of the room as well. The more he saw how Sunnyberry was run, the more he wanted Zacky out of there. The more he got to know Zacky, the more he surprisingly thought he was completely fine and most importantly sane. He really didn’t comprehend why he thought so, but he did. After what had just happened, anyone would jump to conclusions and say the boy was more than off his rocker. But Brian knew there was more to Zacky, and he will figure it out in time.
“Thanks Brian.”
Zacky whispered mostly to himself, seeing as he was the only one in the room anymore. He was still inside the bathroom when he felt bile make it’s way up his throat. He bent over the sink and coughed it all up. He turned the faucet on and let it all go down the drain. There was nothing in his stomach because he hadn’t made the effort to eat anything that day. He took his toothpaste and put some on his toothbrush. He washed his mouth with some Listerine soon after, thankfully feeling a tad bit better. As much as he had pushed Brian away, and quite literally. He still wanted him around. He hated being alone surrounded by those dreaded four white walls. They laughed at him too, everything around him was laughing at him. He thought it was about time he called his mom, if she would pick up that is.
“I hope Brian comes tomorrow too…”
He finally walked out of the bathroom and noticed his purple notebook. It was inside his night table drawer… why was it now on top of the- “BRIAN!” He sighed and couldn’t help but laugh, “That nosey bastard.” He turned to the last page of the notebook, where he assumed Brian had not taken a peek at. There was a sketch of another Cheshire cat, but this time he was accompanied by the Mad Hatter. When he took a closer look at the Mad Hatter sketch, he had quite the uncanny resemblance to someone.
“Fool, you’re even in my sketches,” Zacky closed the notebook and placed it back into the drawer it was in prior. When for certain no one was around, he let a wide grin grace his face in a very devious cat like fashion.
******