Thanks to those who reviewed the last few chapters! *hands out cookies, brownies, and skittles*
Chapter 9:
Only a few days later the cast had decided to do something different and try going out to one of the malls that was a few towns away. Tawni was driving her silver convertible, Sonny riding in the passenger seat next to her. Zora was sitting in the middle seat in the back with Nico to her left and Grady to her right.
"How much longer till we're there?" Grady asked, getting anxious.
"Not long," Sonny said seeing a sign that read "Malibu Beach, 1 mile." Looking the way Sonny was, Zora read the same sign, and realized what her friends were up to.
"Wait, we're not going to the mall, we're going to the beach!"
Tawni caught Zora's eyes in the rear-view mirror. "What makes you say that?"
"We just passed a sign that says Malibu Beach is a mile away," Zora said. "I can't believe you guys are doing this to me!"
"Zora, we're trying to help you," Sonny said turning to face the back of the car.
"No! Go back! I don't want to go to the beach!"
"But Zora –"
Zora started reaching for her seatbelt. "I will jump out of the car!"
"Oh no you won't," Tawni said. "Nico, Grady, hold her in." She locked with Zora's eyes through the mirror once more. "You're not leaving this car, and I'm not turning around. You're going to get over this fear and enjoy the rest of your vacation."
Zora said nothing. She only struggled against Nico and Grady who had a tight hold on her. Only after a few minutes she grunted and gave up for the time being.
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Nico and Grady led the way down the beach while Sonny and Tawni followed, dragging Zora who was struggling against them.
"Let go! Don't make me do this!"
"It's for your own good Zora!" Sonny said. It pained her, but she wanted the old Zora back; the Zora who wasn't afraid of the water, and who barked whenever Dakota Condor threw an insult at her.
As they neared the water they got a good look at the waters Sonny realized that this may have not been a good idea at all. The ocean was taking no prisoners. People were yelling as they fell off their boards, boards were snapping in half. Not too far away there was a lifeguard attempting to revive a victim of the ocean.
Zora's eyes darted from one scene to another. Flashbacks of the ocean dragging her under and her similar nightmares raced through her mind. She stopped struggling against the older girls' grips on her arms and let her body go limp.
Not feeling the younger girl struggle, Tawni and Sonny let go of Zora's arms and turned to see her on the ground. She looked up at them, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Don't make me go in there… Please…"
Sonny and Tawni felt their stomachs drop. They had only wanted to help Zora, but rather, they pushed her to her breaking point. The older girls turned to Nico and Grady, who stood speechless looking from Zora to them.
Sonny broke the silence. "I think we should go back home."
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Tawni had let Nico drive home while she and Sonny sat on either side of Zora. The ride consisted of no noise other than sniffles that escaped Zora after she had fallen asleep, her head resting on the blonde who was not used to this sort of thing.
After arriving at the Monroe home, Nico had carried the sleeping 11-year old to the loveseat. Together, they decided to let Zora rest while they went up to Sonny's room to watch a movie. It was around 10pm when they heard a thud from the floor below. The four got up and ran downstairs, Nico grabbing a bat that was located near the stairs.
"Zora? Are you okay?" Sonny said as they entered the dark room. She flipped the lights on and located Zora sitting on the floor, looking distressed.
Nico dropped the bat and shrugged at Grady, who stood in his spot as Tawni and Sonny approached Zora.
"Nightmare?" was all Tawni said to Zora, who nodded her head. Tawni sat on the floor next to Zora and placed her arm around the Zora's shoulder, letting the girl she considered a younger sister rest her head on Tawni's shoulder as she had earlier in the car.
Sonny looked from Tawni and Zora to the boys. They shared a knowing look on their faces. They had not helped their friend at all by taking action, so they'd have to sit on the sidelines and just be ready to help when Zora was ready for it.
Honestly, you should know the deal by now.
For those who may not, review = cookies, brownies, and/or skittles.
I really appreciate the reviews!!! XD
