Author's Note:Kay first of all. Sorry for lack of updates. And I have a confession. I'm ridiculously lazy LOL. But yeah I wrote this the other night and just now got a chance to update it. So anywaaysss hopefully (I say this alot don't I?) this update'll come a whole ton faster as I'm feeling rather inspired. Just depends on how much time I have on my hands. Another thing I've decided to add titles to my chapters because well quite frankly I had an idea for this chapter's title and well yes it just stuck and I didn't wanna let it go unnoticed. Oh one more thing before I actually let you read this chapter (muhahahaha!): If you listen to the Jonas Brother's song Dear God it sounds absolutely amazing. If this were ever a movie I'd have this playing in the background but that's like a long shot. Here's Chapter 6:

Chapter 6: Dear God

That night Zack waited until Cody had fallen asleep, which was a good hour as Cody normally grew restless at night when his inner thoughts attacked, to slip out from beneath the covers and reverently kneel beside his bed, hands neatly folded in prayer. Zack didn't exactly have a specific religion- well he was a Christian and he believed in God and angels and all of that but he nor his mother or brother rarely attended Church services, except perhaps on Christmas and Easter. So he knew close to nothing where prayer was concerned. But he knew enough to know that if you closed your eyes and started talking, sometimes God answered. Sometimes God answered your prayers.

"Dear God…" He began, cautiously keeping his voice down so as not to wake Cody.

"Please help M-Martha." His voice was beginning to shake, "S-she's in the hospital. 'Cause she had a…a stroke."

It seemed the more he had to say that word, the harder it became.

"And…she's not doing so great." This was true. A nurse had called to give them an update shortly before dinner. Zack hadn't been hungry anyway.

"A-and she always prayed for me, w-when I was sick. So I guess it's my turn, right?" He glanced up and then back down at his folded hands.

"I-I dunno what I'll do if I lose her. S-she's one of my best friends. So you have to help her…y-you just have to!"

And then Zack broke down crying, for the third time in just two days. His head dropped into his arms as wracking sobs shook his body and tears made their way down his distraught face. He couldn't and didn't stop them. It felt good in a strange sort of way to get everything out, even if he still felt miserable on the inside.

He didn't realize just how hard, how loud, he'd been crying until he felt a soft, gentle hand on his shoulder and glanced up to find Carey looking down at him, worriedly.

"Honey…is everything alright?" She inquired gently. Zack didn't nod 'yes' or shake his head 'no.' In fact, he didn't say anything at all.

"Zack…" Carey whispered, pulling him to her. He was taking this awfully hard, perhaps harder than he really ought to. She wordlessly held him and listened to his muffled sobs as his tears soaked into her robe.

"Shhh…" She shushed him gently, "Everything's gunna be okay. Martha's going to be fine. You'll see."

"Promise?" Zack whimpered, looking up at her.

"I promise." Carey assured him thoughtfully as she cradled him, rocking him back and forth and back and forth. And when he had calmed, she tucked him back into bed and kissed him softly on the forehead.

"Goodnight, Zack. I love you." She whispered and left the room quietly, glancing over at Cody who was in such a deep sleep he hadn't heard a word anyone had said. She smiled small, she was glad. The door clicked shut.

Zack closed his eyes and turned over on his side, silently whispering one word, "Amen."

Reviews PLEASE!

Fig :)