Chapter 7

I looked around the dark cafeteria, then the small circle. I had been recommended for 'special' concealing with Dr. P. It didn't look fun, but Zig-Zag, X-Ray, and Stanley were in it with me, so it didn't look too boring.

"So," Dr. P said smiling. "Who wants to go first?"

I looked around as no one raised their hands.

Dr. P looked at me. "So how have you been adjusting Zella?"

I looked up at him from under my hair. "Fine."

He nodded slowly, probably looking for something more. "Anything you miss from back home?"

I frowned. "My music."

He smiled. "Like your CDs?"

I shook my head. "No. My guitar, my piano, my books. I miss my books especially. I only brought one that I finished a few days ago."

Was I really opening up to him?

He smiled. "Then read this."

He handed me a book.

"A Guide for Troubled Teens: A Biography." I looked up at Zig-Zag, who was trying not to laugh.

"No thanks." I said, putting the book on the floor.

Dr. P shrugged. "Suit yourself." He looked at Zig-Zag.

"So Ricky," Ziggy flinched at the sound of his real name. "I hear you and Zella are boyfriend/girlfriend."

Everyone burst out laughing as we both looked down embarrassed.

My cheeks were burning as I said, "No sir, just good friends."

Dr. P frowned. "Really? Hmm… ok then, sorry."

I peaked over at Ziggy who was smiling at me.

Dr. P jolted us back into reality. "Got anything to add, Ziggy? How's your dad?"

His hazel eyes saddened. "Uh. No, nothing to add."

When no one was looking, I took his hand and smiled.

Dr. P dismissed us and everyone scrambled outside.

Ziggy was folding up his chair when I looked at him.

"Zig-Zag?"

He didn't respond. He picked up his chair and put it against the wall, then walked over to the door. I ran over to him.

"Ricky?"

He looked at me, still sadness in his eyes and managed a smile. "I'm fine Zelly."

I could tell he was depressed as he walked off without me. I was left standing on the porch, looking at him longingly, wishing I could help him like he'd helped me.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I turned over in my cot and looked at sleeping Ziggy. He looked so at peace with everything, even though I knew I couldn't help him.

The next morning, I sat on the dining hall's porch drawing in the sand. I drew Ziggy, then X-Ray, then Stanley, then me. I think I looked the worst. Ziggy came up behind me and stared at my pictures.

"Are those supposed to be potatoes?"

I looked up and frowned. "No. This sand sucks for drawing. I had shelves of books and art supplies. I even had a little, tiny window that you could see a bird's nest through. God, I miss my house."

I brought my knees up to my chin.

Ziggy sat down next to me and took a deep breath. "I walked across an empty land. I knew the pathway like the back of my hand."

I smiled as he continued to 'sing'. "I felt the earth beneath my feet, sat by the river, and it made me complete."

I smiled a little broader, then sang in his place, "Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on."

I glanced over at him, blushing, as he sang again. "So tell me when you're gonna let me in. I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin."

He skipped through the song a little and smiled as he sang louder, "And if you have a minute, why don't we go. Talk about it somewhere only we know?"

He smiled at me, his hazel eyes glimmering. That was the moment. My hands got sweaty, and my cheeks were red and hot. I couldn't stop smiling.

"So why don't we go somewhere only we know?" He spoke. I looked up and bit my lip.

Just as Ziggy was about to lean in, X-Ray burst through the Dining Hall's door.

"Hey guys!" He said, chomping on an apple. "Gonna get some lunch?"

I looked back at Ziggy.

He was staring at me when he said, "Yeah, just a minute."

Zig-Zag helped me to my feet, then held the door open for me.

"Somewhere only we know…" He mumbled in the line.

I think it was just nice to know, that in these little moments of Zig-Zag sanity, he could take care of me, make me feel better, especially with his terrible singing.