Chapter 14:
I wake up around noon the next day and scour the mall for my friends and family. I finally find them sitting at a large cluster of tables in the food court, talking and eating. I quietly make my way to an empty seat next to Sookie and across from Neyky.
"Well, good morning, sleepy-head," Neyky teases as she passes me a cinnamon bun from the Cinnabon, "or, afternoon."
"Good whatever to you guys too," I say pulling apart the cinnamon bun, "and thanks."
"Not a problem."
"So, what'd I miss this morning?"
"Well, Ryan and Stan got word that a 'cleanup crew' is going to be heading our way."
"That's good news." I say and take another bite of my brunch.
"Does that mean you are going to stay here?" Sookie asks me.
"Nah," Neyky replies for me, "Zoey's been looking for a reason to leave Georgia."
"Why?"
"I've never liked it here."
"Oh," Sookie says and takes another sip of her coffee.
I nod as I finish off the rest of my brunch and turn to Neyky, "You guys are going to come and visit me, right?"
"Of course, once we help things get back to normal here."
"I didn't think civilians could help clean up this sort of thing." Sookie says to Neyky.
"My friends and family aren't exactly normal civilians." I tell Sookie. "Which we should stop discussing for now and get things ready for your trip back," my brother says as he clasps his hands down on my shoulders.
-=-
"Geez, we are going back with ten times the stuff we originally had." I say as Sookie and I load the remaining boxes of items onto the bus.
"Well, that's what happens when you go places, like on vacation."
"Yeah, but this was definitely not a vacation by any means."
"That's for sure."
"But at least we got what we came here for."
"Yeah, but now that I'm thinking about going home, who's going to drive this thing? The other guy disappeared somehow."
"Don't worry, we have that covered," Stan's voice called from the side of the bus as he came into sight. "I'm driving it back."
"Well then, I guess that settles that mystery," I say to Sookie. "Thanks, Stan."
"No problem; your brother wants me to make sure you enroll in a local college."
"He has no faith in me." I mutter. "Of course I'm going to finish."
"What are you going to school for, Zoey?"
"A veterinarian; I can't read animals' minds and I love them."
"And she's going to give me free check-ups." Stan adds.
"Is that the only time when you come to visit?" I ask with a smile.
"I will always expect a free check-up when I come to visit," Stan teases.
"I'll remember that when I need to take your temperature; anally and without lube."
"Kidding, only kidding" Stan says tossing his hands in the air to show he surrenders. "But who says I'll be in my animal form when you examine me?"
"They have anal thermometers for humans too."
"You take after your mother in so many ways."
"Oh, I know." A rush of nostalgia passes over me and Sookie gives me a comforting pat on the shoulder.
I miss mine too.
"Sorry…" Stan mutters, obviously sensing our sadness.
"It's fine." Sookie replies and I nod in agreement.
-=-
Around four o'clock, Ryan tracks me down and we enter the same back room that Eric and I were in before.
"We need to talk." He states, shutting the door.
"I know; about the telekinesis, right?"
"Yes…Do you mind showing me?"
"Nope, not at all; but it drains my energy pretty quickly."
"I'm sure you'll build up a tolerance after a while, so you need to practice back in Bon Temps and update me on your progress."
"Yes Sir." I tease but he just gives me a look. "What do you want me to move?"
"How about…" he says as he looks around the room, "you open the cabinets."
I give a quick nod and focus on the first cabinet above the row of counters and it quickly opens. As I open each cabinet I feel my self growing a little more tired as my brother watches in amazement.
"That's amazing, Zoey. Now I need you to close them."
"I'll do what I can." I say slowly as I shut the cabinets. I feel my knees grow weak and I collapse in a chair.
"Zoey," Ryan says as he turns to face me again, "You did great." I give a slow nod showing my appreciation but feel as if I'm going to pass out in the next few seconds. "Are you okay?" His voice sounds a little worried as he crouches down to eye level.
"Just really…tired." I remain in a half conscious state as he carries me down the hallway to the bed I've been sleeping in. I hear the faint voices of everybody asking if I'm alright and my brother telling them that he was working with me and that I'll be fine.
-=-
It is pitch black and find myself unable to sit up. I frantically try to move my arms and legs but they seemed to be bound by some sort of metal restraint. I stop trying to wiggle free coming to the conclusion that it is a useless gesture to find myself suddenly blinded by a light.
"Good Morning, Natasha," A cold voice says as a shadowy figure blocks out the light over head. "We were beginning to think we lost you, but you've proven to be more resilient than the rest."
"Who are you?! Where am I?!" I cry, frantically trying to break free and listen to the thoughts of the man to figure out who he is and why he is using my old name. My attempts to read his mind are stunted with a sudden volt of electricity entering my temples and I cry out again.
"Now, now," He chides, "you know you're not allowed to do that unless we tell you to."
"What do you want from me?" I say through clenched teeth because of the residual pain from the shock.
"Information about your little abilities," he condescends as he applies something to my forehead. I instantly start shaking my head vehemently to remove it but am met with another more powerful shock to the temples, causing my back to arch and I scream out in pain.
With that, I am awakened. My head is throbbing as I roll out of the bed I was put in and to a trash can, expelling all contents in my stomach. I feel a cool hand pull my hair off the back of my neck and rub my back.
"Zoey…" Eric's usually calm voice is full with worry as he calls my name.
"I-I'm al-alright." I manage to sputter; still hovering and breathing heavily over the trash can, just in case something else decides to come up again.
"What's going on?" I heard my brother's voice say as he came running to my location.
"Nightmare," I breathe.
=-=
A/N: Okay, so it's been over three months since I last updated and I'm not sure if I have anymore readers, but I will go ahead and say sorry it took so long. I had writers block, shows to watch on TV, school work to focus on. I hope you can forgive me. And now you guys know that Zoey's real name is Natasha. I thought it would make sense since she was worried that someone from her past was after her. Anywayyy…I hope you like the chapter.