*Kyle*

Well it’s been a few weeks now since everything happened with Alec and Troy. Troy’s surgery went really well and we got to take him home the next day. He picked a green colored cast and had all of the guys sign it for him. He was the talk of the fourth grade when he went back to school. Zacky on the other hand didn’t recover as quickly. He was stuck in bed for almost a week. He was in so much pain, he could hardly move. He was so hopped up on pain meds he slept mostly all day. I was starting to worry about him, but then he came out of his room and sat on the couch so I knew he would be alright.

Now, we’re getting ready for our court date with my mother to try and win custody of Troy.

We asked Val and Matt to watch Troy for us, since he didn’t have to be there. Zacky was calm and confident as he got ready for court. Me? I was a wreck.

I haven’t seen my mother since I left home almost four months ago so I was scared to see her. And I was scared to death that I was going to lose Troy. Barry seems to think we have a strong enough case against my mom but I’m not sure.

“Babe, are you ready?” Zacky asked me from the living room.

Oh did I mention that Zacky and I are together now? Yes I said it, I am dating Zacky Vengeance.

*Flashback*

“Hey, how are you feeling?” I asked Zacky.

He was lying in bed and he looked like he was in a lot of pain. I had just brought Troy home and he was resting comfortably in his room. Zacky just groaned and opened his eyes.

“I’ve been better.” He said.

He patted the bed beside him and I sat down. He reached over and took my hand in his and he smiled softly.

“How’s he doing?” He asked. I smiled.

“Good, he isn’t in pain at all. He can’t wait to show all the kids at school all of your signatures on his cast.” I said.

Zacky chuckled and looked up at me.

“Kyle, can I ask you something?” He said.

I nodded and shifted on the bed. He took a deep breath and looked out at the wall opposite him.

“Look, I want you to know that I really care about you and Troy. I wouldn’t have done what I did if I didn’t. I want you know that I would do it again in a heartbeat. If I had to, I probably would die for you.” He said.

I swallowed and gave his hand a slight squeeze.

“Zacky, what are you trying to tell me?” I said.

He sighed and turned his head to look at me.

“Kyle, I think I’m in love with you.” He said quietly.

I gasped and tilted my head.

“What?” I asked.

Did I just hear him right? Did he just say he loved me?

Zacky chuckled a little and touched my cheek.

“I said I think I love you.” He said with a smile.

“I haven’t had much luck with women, Kyle but I really feel something for you. I don’t know what it is but I feel like I need to be with you. I need you and Troy in my life. I don’t think that I would be the same without you.” He said.

I couldn’t say anything, not that I knew what to say anyway. So I did the only thing I could think of. I leaned in and kissed him softly. When we pulled away, I noticed some wet spots on his face.

“Why are you crying Kyle?” He asked me.

I brought my hand up and touched my face. I was crying.

“I’m happy. Good things don’t happen to me very often Zacky, so I’ve learned to cherish them. I think, I think I’m in love with you too.” I said with a smile.

Zacky grinned and kissed me again.

“So you’ll be my girlfriend?” He asked.

I rolled my eyes playfully and kissed him again.

“Duh.” I said with a laugh.

He laughed too and I crawled into bed with him.

*End Flashback*

“Babe?” Zacky asked he came into the bedroom.

I took a deep breath and put the last curl in my hair.

“I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.” I said.

He smiled softly and held out his hand to me.

“I’m right here for you, no matter what happens.” He said softly.

I smiled and kissed his cheek softly.

“I know.” I said.

He smiled and we left for the court house. The whole drive there I was chewing on my finger nails and tapping my foot loudly. Zacky reached over and took my hand.

“It’ll be fine.” He said as he kissed it.

I sighed and looked out the window. It had to be fine. If I lost Troy, I don’t know what I would do. When we got to the court house, I went straight for the room we were supposed to be in. Zacky caught my hand before I went in.

“I’ll be right out here.” He said.

I nodded and he kissed me again.

“Say a prayer.” I said. He nodded and I went inside.

Barry was sitting at the table and he was smiling.

“Good morning.” He said.

I nodded and sat down beside him. I looked at the defense table and saw my mother, who was visibly hung over, just glaring daggers at me. I gulped and looked away quickly.

“Don’t worry. Based on how she looks right now, we can’t lose.” Barry said confidently.

I nodded and took a deep breath. The judge came in and sat down.

“I’ve reviewed this case very thoroughly. Ms. Bower, I cannot in good conscious leave a child in your care. Even now you’re hung over, how can I trust you to take care of a young child? I can’t. After hearing testimony that Mr. Harris is an abusive alcoholic as well, I can’t trust him to take custody of the child either. The only option is to place the child in the care of Miss Bower.” The judge said after pounding the gavel.

My breath got caught in my throat. Oh God, is this true? I looked over at Barry and he was grinning.

“We won.” He said with a grin.

I smiled and let out my breath and put my arms around him.

“Thank you so much.” I said to him quietly.

He smiled at me and patted my back.

“It was my pleasure. I’m glad everything worked out for you.” He said. I smiled and practically ran out of the court room.

I couldn’t wait to jump into Zacky’s arms and tell him what happened. When I opened the door, Zacky wasn’t there. I looked all around the lobby but I couldn’t find him. I sighed in frustration and went outside.

“Please Zacky, just let me explain.” I heard a woman practically yelling.

I turned around and saw Zacky arguing with a short brunette. She looked like she hadn’t seen sunlight in awhile she was so pale. She also didn’t look very clean either. I watched as Zacky just groaned and walked away from her. When he turned around, he saw me and I saw his face go from anger, to panic.

It was then I realized who the woman was. It was Amber.