The drive back home passed swiftly as I left the secluded woods behind, turning onto the road that led to the house Zee and I shared. Pulling into the driveway, I spotted her standing at the window, a mixture of worry and relief etched on her face. I knew what awaited me—an epic lecture on the perils of associating with questionable individuals.
As I stepped through the front door, Zee stood there, arms crossed and a stern expression plastered on her face. I braced myself, already rolling my eyes in anticipation.
"Are you alright? What happened? Why didn't you call? I was so worried," Zee fired off a barrage of questions.
"I'm fine, Zee. My phone died, and... well, yeah," I replied, my voice laced with exhaustion.
"E called me last night, can you believe it? I didn't even know he had my number. He said you were spending the night. Do you have any idea how dangerous that guy is? Why didn't you call me? Were you kidnapped? Did he hold you against your will? Did... anything happen between you two?" Zee's concern morphed into an overprotective rage.
"Zee, no, I don't remember much from last night. It's been a long day, can you please tone it down? I have a pounding headache," I pleaded, hoping to quell her escalating anger.
"So, he drugged you? We need to call the police right now. That mother... I'm going to make him pay for whatever he did to you. I'll hunt him down and... you don't want to know," Zee's voice dripped with fury, ready to unleash her wrath.
"Zee, really, I'm fine," I reassured her. "I woke up on his couch, perfectly fine. He wasn't even around."
Zee's expression softened, concern and relief mingling on her face. "Alright, but if anything else comes up, promise me you'll tell me, okay? We'll figure this out together."
I nodded, appreciating her unwavering support. "I promise, Zee. For now, let's focus on getting rid of this killer headache."
Zee sighed, her protective instincts still on high alert. "Fine, but tomorrow we're going to have a serious conversation about your life choices. And no more disappearing acts, got it?"
I managed a weak smile. "Got it, Zee. No more disappearing acts. Just let me survive this headache first."
Together, we retreated into the house, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with friendship and the determination to uncover the truth of that fateful night.