Chapter 20: damage control

After dinner Zach and Rebecca sit down with their parents.

Thank you for saving me Ryan.

I should be the one thanking you.

What do you mean?

You got Rebecca out of that situation safely with no regard for you own safety, I'm grateful.

Suddenly the doorbell ring. Natasha goes to see who it is and returns with Lauren.

Good evening everybody. How are you doing Zach?

Not to bad, should be ready to go in a couple days.

That's good to hear. We have a bit of a situation though... there's a lot of speculation out there about the incident, it could have a negative impact on your future.

What do you think we should do?

We need to get the word out about what really happened, but I dont know how.

Natasha interjects.

Maybe Sam could help?

That's a good idea, I'll give him a call.

Zach dials Sam's number who picks up almost instantly.

How bad is it?!

So you already heard about what happened.

With the media you can never be sure about anything, all I know is that you were sent to the hospital.

A former student that me and my friends got expelled from ECU assaulted me.

That seems extreme.

We got him arrested because he raped a girl.

Wow... that's serious.

You can say that again. I'm here with coach Turner, my girlfriend Rebecca and our parents by the way.

Hello everyone.

We were brainstorming about how we could combat the negative narrative that might start circulating in the media, mom thought you might be able to help.

Let me think. You need to get your story out there and reach a lot of people in the process... oh, I know! I might be able to get you on one of the biggest sports talk shows in the country.

Are you serious?

Before I became the general manager of the Marauders I was a guest on the Devin Bullward show regularly. His studio is in L.A., it's live on tv and radio. Are you up for that?

I guess...

Don't be nervous, you'll do fine.

Rebecca nudges him.

What about class?

Miss Meyers likes me, I'll go talk to her tomorrow.

Then that settles it, I'll give Devin a call and send you the details as soon as I get them.

Thanks Sam, you're the best.

Happy to help, bye everyone!

Zach hangs up and lets out a sigh of relief.

Guess I'm going to L.A., I don't want to go alone... Rebecca?

I would love to go with you, but I have to go to class.

Coach?

I can't leave Caleb.

Natasha shrugs and shakes her head.

What about me?!

You have work.

Nonsense, I'll work something out.

Then all that's left is asking Miss Meyers for permission tomorrow.

Rebecca rolls her eyes.

Just flash your abs and she'll give you anything you want.

After saying goodnight to their parents Zach and Rebecca head upstairs. When Rebecca returns from removing her makeup, she finds Zach sitting on the edge of the bed with his elbows on his knees and his hands on his face.

Are you alright? Headache?

Without saying a word he pulls her in close and puts his arms around her waist.

You were acting tough all day, weren't you?

I was so scared of leaving my mom all alone... and never seeing you again.

Rebecca holds him and softly strokes his head as he lets his emotions out.

It's ok, it's over now.

Sorry about that... I don't know what came over me.

You always keep your emotions inside and when you were acting so nonchalant today, I was expecting something like this to happen eventually.

They hold each other for a couple more seconds until Rebecca breaks the silence.

Who told you that you could take the bandage off?

It was annoying me, and laying down on it was awkward.

It's not safe to sleep directly on those stitches, I'll put a lighter one on. Let me clean it up a bit first.

She quickly runs to the bathroom for a damp washcloth and starts cleaning up around the stitches.

I did a good job on these, even if I do say so myself.

Did your mentor allow you to help? Even though you were probably emotionally unstable at the time?

I was surprised too, she definitely shouldn't have let me anywhere near you. She said that it was good practice for when I get into an actual stressful emergency situation.

Actual emergency?!

When somebody's life is in danger, it's not a competition.

I was just teasing you, she realy trusts you a lot.

She does, it's nice to have somebody who believes in you. There you go, all done.

They lay down and cuddle up next to each other.

Thank you for always taking such good care of me, I love you.

And thank you for letting me practice on you.

The next day Zach heads to Miss Meyers office and knocks on the door.

Good morning Miss Meyers.

It's just us, you know you can call me Claudia.

Just being formal in case somebody was here.

How bad is your head?

I should be back to normal in a couple days.

That puts me at ease, what can I do for you?

He explains Sam's proposal.

I have no problem with it, two days should be no problem.

Thanks, I owe you one.

Do you now...? Just kidding, I owed you one for taking care of Ruby for me. She's been telling my sister about how much fun she's been having living with you all, so we're even.

That was easy, Rebecca joked about flashing you my abs to convince you.

Claudia laughs.

That would have worked, can't say she was wrong about that. Joking aside, could you put in a good word for ECU? That could be a big deal for the school considering it's on national television.

Of course, no problem at all.

Great, have a good trip!

Thanks, see you when I get back.

After saying goodbye to the girls and Rebecca's parents Zach and Natasha hop in their car and head towards Los Angeles.