Zac smiled and hummed happily as he walked down the quiet hallway. It was always quiet here. Making it easier for those without eyes to use their ears.
Stepping into his classroom, his hum turned into a soft whistle. Shuffling papers around while sitting at his desk he smiled to himself as he thought of his tired brother's.
He smiled ruefully, It better be a good song, or they're really gonna be pissed. His mind sang.
"Zac?" A quiet unsure voice asked from the doorway.
His head snapping up quickly, Zac smiled at his visitor. "Mechelle." He said happily, "Come in, come in."
When she hesitated he remarked, "This is a classroom and it wouldn't be the same without students."
A delicate flush rose on her cheeks, turning them a light rose color. "Okay." She murmured softly before stepping inside the room.
Allowing Zac to usher her to a seat she took her time and fidgeted with her clasped hands, "So how can I help you?" He asked kindly, trying to help her out of her nervousness.
"I was just making sure I could still do the piano lessons."
Zac smiled, "Sure is. Want to start it today? One family member can bring you back here. It's not a problem." He smirked, "There's a lot of us. Many chauffeurs."
Mechelle smiled and laughed lightly, "Okay, and yeah. Today would work." She stood up when the loud bell rang for five seconds. "I need to get to my other classes."
Turning towards him she stretched her hand out, "Thanks." She said, murmuring again, "You don't know how much this means to me."
Standing, Zac grasped her hand gently in his own for a second before letting go. "It's my pleasure."
She smiled again, and then left quietly. Her head down, focused intently on counting her steps, with her hands outstretched.
The intercom above the doorway beeped before Doreen's voice flooded his room. Zac? There's a call for you.
Confusion and panic gripped him instantly, "Be right there!" He yelled before taking off.
Carefully, he made sure that there were no students in the hallway that he could scare, trip, or run over.
"Hey." He said slinging himself into the office, panting slightly.
Doreen looked up from her desk, and held the phone out to him. Her face tight with worry.
"Hello?" Zac asked cautiously, his back turning on the lady.
Getting the idea, Doreen stood and left the office.
"Zac?" His brother's voice on the other end calmed him down slightly.
"Hey, Tay. What's up?"
But when he paused for a moment, he was back on edge.
"Ike's had an accident, Zac."
Zac closed his eyes and forced a weak nervous laugh, "Did he get hit by a truck?" He questioned shakily, his eyes opening. "You know, that was supposed to be me, not him. I'll have to tell him that. That boy never listens."
Taylor barely made a chuckle, "No, Zac." He paused again, making the wait an agonizing one for Zac. "He tripped on the stairs.
Zac closed his eyes again and stopped breathing. Memories started to crash over him.
"Zac?" Taylor asked worriedly. "Zac!"
"Is he okay?" He choked out.
"He's had a major headache all day. I'm at the hospital with mom and dad now. They don't know anything about what's going on yet, and I was told to call you and tell you I'd be picking you up in a few." Taylor's voice trailed off, his voice thick.
"Zac?" He called again.
"I'll be ready, Tay." He whispered softly before hanging up without waiting for a response.
Once the phone hit the cradle, Zac slid onto the floor. His knees pressed up against his chest, and his arms around his legs. Slowly, he started to shake with tears and fear.
Memories started coursing over him, forcing him back in time where all he knew was darkness and frustration. God, please no. He prayed weakly. Not my brother. Not Ike.
