Chapter 24: Chapter Twenty-Four: Pattie
No words could describe the sorrows that Zeke felt then. Or how he was feeling now. The massive weight of being left in the dark about a huge lie. That night where Zeke met Rocky was a good one. Shortly after that night was when things led to a dark turn.
Zeke fell limp in my arms. Going numb from the information he had revealed after so long of keeping it locked away. He went into further detail about what happened between him and Charlie too. The types of physical abuse Charlie Love put Zeke through. Aiden broke down himself, as the guilt of his best friend being put through all of this.
"It's true I almost died from my suicide attempt. Zeke, you never drove me away, I saw how Rocky could make you happy without the baggage I had of being depressed. I slowly distanced myself so you could slowly forget about my existence. I was being selfish and so clouded by my thoughts. Never thinking about how it would affect other people." Aiden paused so he could get a better grip on himself.
"What happened in that car crash with our friends wasn't your fault. Wallace and Alexa abandoning you wasn't your fault. They were fucking weak. Julia's drug addiction wasn't your fault. My attempt wasn't your fault. Nothing you've done is your fault. I helped drive you to lie and push away someone that you loved! Hell, maybe still love in some ways." Aiden cried.
Aiden was holding his face as he began explaining his side. "You were anything but, a large reason for me to stay alive at the time. After surviving my attempt, I meant metaphorically that I had died. I assumed the friendship died and you didn't need to be friends with someone who was driven to that point again. I almost succeeded. It was suggested that I move and start over and change my last name."
Zeke glanced up at Aiden, he could see that he trembled. Aiden was hurting just as bad as Zeke was to a certain extent. Both of them have been lied to. The broken boy in my arms nodded, coming to terms that what happened to the people in his life wasn't his fault. What happened between Rocky and him was his fault, but Zeke only did it in fear that he would ruin him too. That was an entire situation on its own that I hoped to see resolved too. By the sounds of Rocky, I think he would be able to forgive Zeke. That would bring a peace of mind to both of them,
"I thought that leaving your life wouldn't be an issue and would better you. However, thinking I actually died is not. I'd never have that mindset to lie about my death. I came back to town. So I could apologize and confront the many questions you would have lingering. I knew you would be hurt. Never would have imagined this severity of this. After the day at the mall, thinking I was a fake really had my blood boiling. Something twisted had happened for you to think that. Hence why I am here today."
Aiden had removed his glasses and his nose became a dripping mess. "I am so sorry for what happened to you Zeke. I'm forever going to be sorry for what that bastard has done to you. Is there anything else he's done to you?" Aiden pushed. Needing to know every detail about the harm his brother caused Zeke.
"Besides beating me black and blue on a daily basis. Or degrading me mentally in any way possible. No, nothing worse has happened. He was targeting Pattie though, and I made him an offer to use me as an errand boy if he left her alone. Beat me off school grounds and used whatever he had as a weapon. His mutts helped too." Zeke mumbled in my sweater. As he hid away from the dark world he faced. Aiden held his hand up to his mouth. Continuing to ball his eyes out.
"Zeke, what types of methods did they use to hurt you? We need to know." I whispered gently. Holding him dearly as he was brought to his weakest moment yet.
"Sticks, metal bars, shoving me down stairs. Anything really. Been choked before and passed out. Being purposely cut and stabbed hasn't occurred though.." Zeke revealed.
"I'm going to kill that mother fucker! I may not have known you for long Zeke but, I'd kill him if you asked. I'm sorry that you, Aiden, are related to that creature. I'd kill for both of you. You too Pattie." Lani declared. Yelling in anger at the things she's just heard.
I swallowed hard, taking all this sudden information in. Becoming hard to digest it all. It was a serious matter and trying to think clearly about everything that occured in a small shortage of time was difficult. While staying strong for Zeke on top of that.
"We've all been affected by Charlie. Who knows what other lies he's created. Someone should have been able to tell Zeke the truth, but it never happened. Meaning the entire school is to blame as well for both these young men's suffering. Including Rocky Allan too." Lani and Aiden agreed with what I pointed out.
"Zeke, you'll never go through this alone. Alright? You need to tell your parents what has happened to you. The authorities and school need to know that you are a survivor of abuse and have been a victim of a crime. I know it's going to be really scary and become a large attention grabber towards you. You can't sit here any longer, letting Charlie win. Get the justice you deserve." I begged Zeke. My own voice cracking.
"Please don't carry this out any longer. Especially when you're not alone. So many people do love you. I love you so much too. I truly hope you know that you mean everything to me. You've helped save me in many ways too. If something happened to you, I don't know what I'd do." I weep into the figure that I was cradling.
Zeke moved from his hunched up form to hold me as well. "After knowing what I know now, I could never hurt you in that way. Same with Lani and Aiden. I promised you and will keep that promise. I promised myself after dinner with your family that I'd never push you away. No matter how twisted my story was. I wasn't going to repeat my past twice." Zeke revealed.
He grabbed my hand and brought it to his cheek. Leaning into it affectionately. "You're one of the most precious people in my life. I cherish and adore you in so many ways. Not just because you've come in to sweep me off my depressed ass. Some of it I did on my own too, but, you've played a large role in that. Teaching me many things..." He pushed.
"...I love you, and fell for you not because you tried to save me. You saw me for me. Despite seeing how gloomy and troubled I am. I'm not expecting you to return my feelings because you helped the depressed boy. You're not forced and don't expect you too. I'm just being more honest with you because you deserve the truth. I told all my truths today, so I needed to tell this one too. As well as I've been afraid of ruining this friendship. If you can handle everything that's been thrown so far, I hope you can tolerate this last confession too." Zeke confessed.
He kissed my hand gently and just held it between his hands. Leaning his forehead against his enclosed hands. Signing. "I'm also thankful for the new friend I've met. As well as having another extremely special friend return. Despite the horrid circumstances, I couldn't be more appreciative that I got you back Aiden." Zeke added with a small, sarcastic laugh.
Zeke released my hand from his soft, bigger ones that entrapped it. Positioning it back on my lap. "I'm not asking you to respond right now. We can talk about that later if you wish, to tell me your thoughts. Or just forget it never happened., but it needed to be done as I revealed all of my secrets today.. Keeping my promise to you. Those who have faith in me. The first time I had that real sense of security in a long time. I love you guys. I promise to never let you out of my life again Aiden." Zeke began rambling his words himself.
"The only thing is Zeke, we're missing one partial person in your life. Rocky Allan needs to be a part of it too. He needs to know what's happened. I know a part of you is always going to have him in your heart. There's nothing wrong with that, and I'll never have an issue with it. Clarity for the both of you is needed."
Zeke didn't say anything, looking to the ground. All he did was nod subtly. Facing Rocky Allan was another fear he would have to conquer. Lani and Aiden rushed over to pile Zeke into a group hug once more. This time, the air was a little lighter for everyone. For the first time, Zeke could breath without feeling like he was drowning. He knew that we wouldn't let him go through this alone.
Aiden and Lani sat on the bench beside us. Sandwiching Zeke and I in the center. "Pattie, would you mind being there when I tell my parents what happened? You two as well if you wish?" Zeke asked in murmur.
"If you hadn't just heard yourself say it a few minutes ago, you're stuck with us bitch. If you wish for our presence for support, we'll be there." Lani reminded Zeke.
He chuckled lightly as he wiped his remaining tears away. Those weren't going to be the last of his tears, knowing Zeke would have to relive his last few years a few more times. With his family, the school and potentially law enforcement. As well as an ex he was still heartbroken about, It was about to get messier going forward. Everyone here was about willingly about to join Zeke for this one hell of a ride. Nothing could ever break us apart either. With all that we've endured, it would be nearly impossible to tear us down.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone