My hands felt clammy, and my mind jittery. How could I let this happen? I found myself questioning every now and then. 

The line eventually cut off shortly after I dropped it. I didn't miss anything though. I could still hear her unstoppable sobs in my head. 

I wasn't sure how but I found myself staring up at the ceiling of my bedroom. I didn't know how I got there; I had no recollection of any memory of walking down to my house.

Events from the… past flashed before my eyes in a cinematic sequence. My subconscious taunted, not letting me wipe out those scenes playing in a loop. The only difference, the helpless girl in the loop was replaced by another powerless girl, Zoey; and that made it a million times worse. History felt like repeating; as if it wasn’t enough the first time, and the worst part? I was still the defenseless one, unable to do anything about it. 

It all felt like Karma was hitting me back for the mistakes I made; never confining it to anybody else, letting the wrongdoers still roam around freely who proudly wore their deeds as a goddamn crown, for not being brave enough. It felt like Karma’s way of unsparing me by repeating it all over again; with someone I loved.

A wave of defiant tears rolled out incessantly. I wasn’t crying, no. My body felt too exhausted and numb for it. My body felt weightless, my chest was heavy. I had no idea how to make it stop. I just wanted it to stop.

A sudden yanking and a voice pulled me back into full consciousness. A concerned voice surrounded my ears, a rather soothing voice that held the power to ease my troubled soul. I gazed into the lustrous gray eyes, a concern gleaming through them that reflected my teary ones.

“What’s wrong?” He didn’t need any hint or suggestion to figure out something that was enormously troubling me. I found myself instinctively leaning onto him, not sure of the reason why.

“Everything is my fault.” My voice was barely lucid. It wasn’t exactly my fault, I knew that, but it somehow felt like it was.

“Will you please tell me what happened, Maya? You are not giving me much here to understand.” I sat back, trying to form sensible sentences in my head first; so it wouldn’t come out like the mess my mind was.

I spent the next good thirty minutes narrating the situation. I had now nearly got out of the self-blame phase and as I kept going describing the incident, the angrier and agitated I grew.

A sudden rush of rage built up in every strand of my body. It wasn't like anything I ever felt. My body felt hot, hotter than I was capable of handling; my blood felt boiling at the highest temperature possible. It was unlike any emotion that I ever felt, and quite frankly, it scared me.

“I have to do something.” My hands quivered as I stood up, pacing around the room, “I can't let him get away with it. I need to do something Shawn, I need to do something!”

“Hey hey, calm down. Maya, please, look at me… and calm down. Take deep breaths.”

“I can't Shawn! I can't, I can't, I just… can't. You don't understand. I can't let Zoey become another Maya! I am not letting her do the same mistake again and let the scumbag get away so easily. Not this time.”

“You are angry now, Maya. You can't make irrational decisions out of anger.” He was starting to piss me off now.

“You don't understand, Shawn. I can't just sit around and watch her sway into the darkness. I have to do something!” I was yelling at this point. He, on the other hand, kept his calm and pursed his lips into a tight straight line.

“So what would you do then? Go there and then what?” He tepidly asked.

I instantly calmed down and thought it over for a while, whilst the room was surrounded with an agonizing silence that; if under any other circumstance, would have slain me piece by piece, but today, I didn't mind.

What would I do? If I said that the thought of storming in there and torturing that bastard until the point he died didn't cross my mind, even for a millisecond and I wasn't unserious, I would be lying. To think that I was capable of even imagining such vile actions and cruelty disgusted me and put me under shame.

Did I reach a serious conclusion? Absolutely not.

“I-I… I don't know.” I sighed in defeat. I've never felt more hopeless and powerless.

“Listen to me.” He gently took my hand, as if making sure not to hurt the fragile little thing that I looked like right now, and unhurriedly pulled me closer. 

“I have no idea how you must be feeling right now, how messy your mind might be. But I understand, Maya. I understand why you are feeling what you are feeling. And I want to help you, Maya. That's all I want to do.” He cupped my chin and lightly stroked my jaws. I didn't know how he held the power to magically calm me down; it was annoying at times.

“I am sorry for lashing out at you. You were just trying to help.” I hung my head low in disappointment. 

I always hated when I took out my anger and frustration on people who weren't at fault just because they came in my way or tried to talk to me. It was one of my worst traits.

“It's okay, Maya. I understand.” He smiled genuinely in my direction and that made me feel like a shittier person.

“I don't know how to help her, Shawn. And it is killing me.” My tears betrayed and flushed down, unable to hold back I continued, 

“I don't know what I could do to help her, get her out of it. I don't want the same cycle to occur with her as it did with me. Nothing is shittier than blaming yourself for years for the things that weren't your fault just because you were too weak against it. I don't know how I could help her… as I never knew how I could help myself. I still don't know. What was I supposed to do? What should I have done? It's all the same cycle and I am still here, still at a loss of a solution.”

“You ask for help, Maya.” Shawn's voice dragged me out of the endless questions that spiraled my head and my attention darted towards him.

“You ask for help when you are lost. Just like she asked for yours.” He took a pause, after making sure he had my undivided attention, he continued, 

“Tell me, what would your mother have done if you had asked for her help?”

The words escaped before I could phrase them as if I had known the answer all along, all my life, “She would… She would have told me it's all going to be fine… and it's-it's not my fault. She would have broken hell and confronted those bastards and… handed them over to the proper authority and… would have been there with me, helping me get through it.”

I was in amazement at the words that just escalated my lips. It lured me into deep thinking. I always knew somewhere at the back of my head that that's exactly what would have happened if I would have confided in her. She wouldn't have let me go through it alone. Irrespective of their bonds or how friendlier they were, a parent would never wish for something like that ever to happen to their children. I was most certain that my parents would never, and that I was so lucky to have them. If only I had been a little more braver… if only.

“And would you do the same for her?” He asked, his voice soft and tender.

“I would.”

“See, there you know.” He beamed a smile at me.

“I don't know how I ever get so lucky to have an incredible person like you by my side.” I meant every word I said.

“I wondered that too.” His lips curved into a sly smirk.

And the cockiness is back.

“I need to book tickets. I need to get there as soon as I can.” I announced and sprinted towards the table where my laptop was kept.

“Okay. I will go and start packing.” He said and was about to exit the room when I interrupted him.

“Pack what? Where do you think you are going?” I shot him a confused stare.

“Obviously with you.” He answered with a hint of sarcasm.

“Absolutely not.”

He surely didn't expect that and it took him by surprise. 

“Remember the reason why we came back here in the first place?”

He kept quiet, suddenly realizing it.

“You can't leave Chloe alone here. She would need you. And besides, I think I can handle myself alone. I did it before too. Also, Niall would be there so you don't need to worry.”

He took a momentary silence, weighing his options, and finally sighed.

“Fine, I wouldn't tag along.” He feigned annoyance but failed terribly, “But please keep me posted and call me if anything goes wrong.”

“I would. You need to stop worrying so much about me. I am not a baby.”  

“You are one for me. A precious one.” He winked and it was all it took to melt my heart into puddles.

~

Luckily, I had the mid-afternoon flight to Boston so I had enough time to pack the minimal necessary items. I didn't know how long was it going to take me to settle the situation. I silently prayed for Zoey to be okay, but I knew she most probably wouldn't.

Time seemed to pass by too slowly. All I wanted was to reach there as soon as I could, but that didn't seem to work in my favor.

Finally, I stood in front of Niall's apartment door after taking care of some… errands, and I took a very deep breath. I finally gathered the courage and knocked on the door thrice. Niall opened the door a few seconds later and pulled me into a hug. I instinctively hugged him back and squeezed my eyes shut.

“How is she?” I asked in a concerned voice and his eyes softened. He knew who I was talking about.

“I don't know, she still doesn't want to let anyone in the room. But the crying stopped, it's a good sign right?”

“I don't know, Niall.” I sighed.

“I-... I heard you two talking last night. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. But the walls are thin, you know so…” He paused to examine my reaction; which I kept neutral, and he continued, “So I went by her house this morning to talk to her mom.”

I flinched after hearing this, my attention all directing towards him, “What happened then?”

He sighed in exasperation, shaking his head, “I had a chat with her mom. She has no regard for her daughter whatsoever. She said Zoey is just exaggerating and trying to get a reaction out of it. She just wants attention. It was so sick listening to her talk like that so I just took off.” 

My blood began to boil. How could she think about her daughter that way? Aren't mothers supposed to be always loving and siding with their children's side? I felt terrible for Zoey for not having the love from the family that she deserved.

I clenched my teeth and scoffed. As much as I hated her mother right now, there wasn't much I could do to change the terrible mother she was.

“Where is she?” I asked and looked in the direction Niall pointed. I sighed heavily and walked towards the room.

I lightly knocked on the door. “I want to be left alone, Niall. Just leave me alone.” The voice from the other side howled.

“How about Maya? Can she come in and annoy you?” I sheepishly exclaimed, hoping for a different reaction.

There was a momentary silence and that made me wonder if she still refused to talk to anyone. Perhaps giving her a little more time to herself was the only option left.

As I was about to step aside, a strong force pulled me into the room and locked the door behind me. Zoey looked at me with a teary eye; she looked pale, weak even as if the incessant crying drained out all her strength. Her eyes were bigger and puffier and eye bags very prominent, implying her lack of sleep. Her eyes lost their twinkle, her demeanor exhausted. The girl in front of me didn't seem like the girl I knew, I loved and it killed me to see her that way.

Her small body crashed on me and broke down, slipping down on the floor taking me with her.

“It's okay… it's all gonna be okay. I'm here now.” I caressed her hair in an attempt to comfort her, and it seemed to work.

“I'm not sure if it would.” She spoke in a soft voice, her voice shaky and vulnerable.

“I know it's hard. Too. Damn. Hard. But you will get through it, I know you will. And there would be people who love you and will help you get through it.”

“How are you so sure about it?”

“Because… I've been there too,” I answered, my voice lacking any sort of sadness and disappointment like it once had, with a small smile.

“You did?” Her eyes widened and she pulled away to get a better look at me. 

“Mmhmm.” I nodded my head.

“I-... I don't know what to say. I didn't know that.” 

“It's not an easy topic to talk about. But, it gets better over time. We're survivors, brave goddamn survivors, and we should embrace that.”

She beamed a weak smile but I could see the relief and a sense of assurance flashing through her eyes like she knew she was going to be safe henceforth, and it was everything I wanted to see.

 “Want to see something badass?” I chirped, my eyes shining in mischief.

“Since when do you use the term badass?” Wrecked or not, she wouldn't miss a chance to tease me with anything she found, and that was the Zoey I loved and adored.

“Hmm… since a crazy head named Zoey started to rub on me.” I smiled mischievously and that gained a cheerful smile and a nudge from her elbow.

I checked the time and grabbed her hand, “Come with me.” 

I pulled her out of the bedroom and Niall's eyes flew and landed upon us as soon as he heard the clicking of the door open. I directed her out of the entrance door and stopped a few steps forward.

A group of male members clustered around Zoey's house, wearing their organization's special coats. Zoey looked in my direction, perplexed.

“Wait for it.” I smiled victoriously and seconds later, two men brought out a man handcuffed with their metal cuffs and guided him into the van.

“What is going on?” Zoey pulled my sleeves, pleading my attention. Before I could turn towards her, one of the officials walked in our direction.

“Thank you for your help, Miss. I assure you, there will be strict actions against him. He's not getting out anytime soon.” He smiled and stretched his arm for a handshake, and I reciprocated. He now turned towards Zoey and leaned down a little, “You're a strong kid, little one. You're in good hands now.” And with that, he stood up and turned on his heel, and left with his other men.

“Can someone finally tell me what's going on?” Zoey howled, running out of patience.

“He's getting what he deserves.” I turned towards her and sat down on my knees, “Before coming here, I might have visited an NGO that helps people like us and punish scumbags like him. He'll pay for what he did. He's not going to harm you anymore.”

Zoey seemed lost in thought and let out a heavy sigh.

“Does it make you feel a little better?” I asked, searching her face.

She looked at me and a small smile escaped her lips, “Hell yeah.” 

“Don't you two look cute together?” A voice grasped both our attention and we directed our sight towards the source.

Shawn was walking towards us with the sweetest smile that melted my heart every time. Seconds later after the excitment, I was surprised to see him.

“What are you doing here?” My voice came out like a squeal.

“You didn't think I was going to leave you alone while you have your heroic moment, did you?” She smirked down on me. That damn smirk.

“And I bought ice cream for everyone!” He beamed with excitement.

I think he thinks everything could be solved with ice creams. 

“Oh yes!” Zoey squealed, running towards Shawn and took one of the buckets from his hands, leaving a pouted Shawn. 

“Hey, that's my flavor! Give it back!” 

Apparently, it could.

I shook my head in amazement and smiled. Watching Zoey happy and chirpy and most of all, having the sense of assurance that I was going to be there for her to help her get through the tough phase, I never felt more meaningful and alive.

Hey, y'all! We're just one chapter away. It would be more like an epilogue and end things in a way that I just feel is right.

And you need not worry, it is a happy ending. XD

I hope you liked this chapter.

Feel free to vote and comment.

I'll see you guys soon.
Stay tuned♡.

~Loveya~( ˘ ³˘)