My New Dad Hunts Ghost

Zak’s POV

The guys and I all just stayed in my living room just sitting. We hardly spoke, didn’t watch TV, barely looking at each other; we have just been sitting here.

Ever since court ended we came here and have been in these spots ever since; Kris and Nick sat on one end of the couch holding onto each other, Aaron sat in a chair staring into space; first time I’ve ever seen him quiet, and Tracy sat pulled up against my side; face in my chest and my chin on her head.

We all are just enjoying her presence; happy she’s here.

“I’m hungry,” I looked down at Tracy who just stared into space.

“What do you want?” I asked, it was the first time in about an hour since I spoke.

She just shrugged. I don’t think anyone felt like cooking and no one wanted to go anywhere; we wanted private time with her.

“How about we order a pizza and watch a horror movie?” Aaron suggested and we agreed.

I pulled out my phone and called the pizza place up.

‘What do you guys want?’ I mouthed.

“Pepperoni,” Tracy answered and everyone agreed.

Tracy’s POV

We all sat around eating pizza and watching Candyman 2; I love old horror movies.

“Dude, I don’t get it…” Aaron trailed off and I giggled.

“What don’t you get?” Zak sighed.

“So… is she like his daughter or something?”

“That’s impossible.” Zak said.

“Her mom was his great granddaughter…” I explained.

“Oh! I get it now!” He explained and I smiled again.

Zak shook his head and chuckled softly to himself.

“So Tracy?” I looked over at Nick.

“What was it like in Juvie?” He asked.

“Yeah, what was it like in the joint?” Aaron joked and I chuckled.

I smiled before looking down.

“It was horrible, I seen a lot of stuff that I can’t un-see…” I joked shaking my head and everyone except Zak laughed.

I looked over at him with a questioning look as if to silent ask ‘what’s wrong’, he just shook his head and kissed my forehead. I know it bothered him that I was in there and he didn’t find it funny but when things bother me I make fun of them to feel better. He gave me a sad smile and I rested my head on his shoulder leaning into him.

I felt bad; I was putting someone I love, my dad, through so much pain.

“What did you do in there?” Aaron asked.

“Nothing, all there is to do is play cards or sit in your room. I talked to girls sometimes but mainly kept to myself.” They all nodded understandingly.

“You know, I think it’s time for bed.” Kris said and everyone agreed.

“Yeah, we’ll be here tomorrow though.” Nick agreed and I nodded at them.

“Yeah, see you guys.” Aaron said getting up.

I stood up and gave them hugs before Zak walked them to the door. Looking over at the clock I noticed it was 9, still early but I was tired.

“Ready for bed?” Zak asked standing I front of me.

Instead of telling the truth I just shook my head.

“Really?” As if on cue a yawn escaped my lips before I could stop it and Zak chuckled.

“I don’t want to go to bed,” I pouted and Zak chuckled again.

“Why?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Because,” I looked down suddenly finding my sweats very interesting. “If I only have a week left with you I don’t wanna waste it…” I explained looking up again.

Zak gave me a sad smile before sitting down and pulling me against him.

“Even if they don’t let me keep you I will stay in your life.” He rested his chin on my head and I could feel the vibrations in his throat against my cheek, it was oddly comforting.

“But what if they make me go back? I don’t want to be at the orphanage again! What if someone tries to adopt me?” All these thoughts ran through my head and I got fearful; afraid to be stuck in another abusive home.

“Fine, if they take you back then I’m kidnapping you; I have enough money for us to live well. We’ll go to Canada and hide in the forest until your 18, they can’t do anything when your 18.” I giggled at his plan.

“This sounds well thought out…” Zak chest rumbled underneath me as he chuckled softly.

“It is…” I giggled again and then yawned.

“Time for bed,” he repeated.

“No…” I whined. “Please, I just want to stay up. Just for tonight.” I pulled away and looked at him; pouting with my eyes wide.

After a moment he sighed and I smiled knowing he had agreed.

“Fine, what do you want to do?” He asked.

“Oh crap!” I cursed.

“What?”

“I have a bunch of schoolwork I didn’t do because… well, you know.” He nodded and motioned for me to get my books.

I went to my room and grabbed my English book before returning next to Zak on the couch; my back leaned on his side and my book in my lap while his arm rested across my torso and he watched TV while I read.

That’s how we stayed the rest of the night, enjoying each other’s presence while I caught up with school and he watched TV.